Hatch Invest is a New Zealand online investment platform that specializes in direct share ownership, particularly US shares. Launched in 2013 and now serving hundreds of thousands of Kiwi investors, Hatch has made it simple and affordable for retail New Zealanders to build diversified portfolios of American companies. This review covers what Hatch offers, how it compares to alternatives like Sharesies, and whether it's the right platform for your US share investing in 2026.
What Is Hatch Invest?
Hatch is a regulated financial services provider in New Zealand that offers a brokerage platform for investing in shares — primarily US stocks but also NZX and some other markets. You open an account, fund it via NZ bank transfer, and buy shares directly. You own the shares in your own name; Hatch is simply the intermediary facilitating trading and safekeeping.
Hatch is not a robo-adviser or managed fund — you make investment decisions yourself. This appeals to do-it-yourself investors who want control over their portfolio but need a simple, Kiwi-friendly interface and reasonable fees.
Hatch Invest Fees
Hatch's fee structure is simple and transparent, which is one of its key strengths.
- Monthly account fee: NZ$1 (or $0 if you invest at least $1,000 per month)
- Trading fees: $0 per trade regardless of size (2024 change — previously charged per-trade fees)
Currency conversion: 0.5% markup on NZD to USD and vice versa
- Dividends: Received in USD in your account; subject to 15% US withholding tax on US dividends (standard)
Comparison to Sharesies and others: Sharesies charges 1.9% transaction fees on orders under $3,000 and 0.5% above. Hatch's $1/month fee with zero trading fees is significantly cheaper for active traders but similarly priced for passive investors making occasional purchases. Hatch's 0.5% FX fee is slightly better than Sharesies' 0.4%.
Available Investments on Hatch
- US stocks: Over 5,000 listed companies including all major index constituents and small-cap companies
NZX shares: All main board and alternative listed companies
ETFs: Limited selection of ETFs on US and NZX markets
US mutual funds: Some no-load mutual funds accessible
- No fractional shares: Unlike Sharesies, Hatch requires purchasing whole shares, meaning if an Apple share costs $250, you must have $250+ available
This whole-share requirement is a disadvantage for small investors or those wanting to invest small regular amounts — you might have cash sitting idle waiting to reach the cost of a whole share.
Hatch Invest Performance and Tools
Hatch provides a clean, intuitive interface for research and trading. Accessing company fundamentals, price charts, and market data is straightforward. Hatch integrates real-time data and offers educational content about investing. However, Hatch's research tools are simpler than institutional platforms — there is no sophisticated portfolio analytics or tax reporting tools built in.
For tax purposes, Hatch provides annual statements showing dividends and gains, which is useful for income tax returns and capital gains tracking for those monitoring FIF tax obligations.
Comparing Hatch to Sharesies
Hatch and Sharesies are the two main direct-investment platforms for Kiwis. Sharesies excels in fractional shares, low minimum investments ($0.01), and breadth of international markets (USD, AUD, GBP). Hatch offers better pricing for active traders, zero trading fees, and a more traditional stock-market feel (whole shares, real company ownership).
For buying a few shares of Apple or Tesla and holding long-term, Hatch's $1/month with zero trading fees is excellent value. For regular micro-investing (saving $50/week in small chunks), Sharesies' fractional shares are more practical despite higher per-trade fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hatch Invest safe?
Yes. Hatch is a licensed financial service provider regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Shares purchased through Hatch are held in custody with a NZ custodian and are separate from Hatch's company assets. If Hatch failed, your shares would be protected and transferred to another custodian. The risk is market risk (your shares' value changes), not custodial risk.
What is the minimum investment with Hatch?
There's no account minimum to open an account, but to invest you need enough to buy at least one whole share of your chosen company. This varies — a Google share might cost NZ$3,000+, while a cheaper stock might cost a few hundred NZD. This whole-share requirement is a key limitation for micro-investors.
Can I use Hatch for retirement investing?
Hatch is a direct investment account, not a KiwiSaver product or retirement-specific investment vehicle. Many Kiwis use Hatch as part of a broader retirement strategy (alongside KiwiSaver), but it has no special tax advantages or early withdrawal restrictions. Investment held in Hatch is accessible at any time.
Does Hatch charge for dividends?
Dividends received are automatically credited to your cash balance in USD. Hatch does not charge a fee for this, but US companies withhold 15% tax on dividends paid to foreign residents — this is a US IRS requirement, not a Hatch fee.
What is foreign investment fund (FIF) tax in New Zealand?
FIF rules apply to certain foreign investments if your total cost basis exceeds NZD $50,000. Broadly, you're taxed on deemed income (5% of your opening balance per year) rather than just actual gains. Hatch investments in US shares are potentially subject to FIF rules if you exceed the $50,000 threshold. This is complex tax territory — seek advice from an accountant if your Hatch portfolio approaches this threshold.
