Sharesies Review NZ

9 hours ago

This comprehensive 2026 guide provides an in-depth Sharesies Review NZ, evaluating New Zealand’s most popular micro-investing platform in the context of the current financial year. We examine the platform's core offerings, including its expanded access to the NZX, ASX, and leading US exchanges like the NYSE and NASDAQ, alongside its newer additions like Bitcoin trading and a self-select KiwiSaver scheme. Whether you are a beginner looking to invest your first $5 or a seasoned investor weighing Sharesies’ monthly subscription plans against competitors like Hatch or Stake, this article delivers actionable insights on fee structures, tax management, and security. You will find practical advice on navigating the 1.9% transaction fee cap, understanding how the "bare trust" custodial model protects your assets, and leveraging the platform's automated tools to build a robust, long-term portfolio.

Understanding the Sharesies Platform in 2026

The Sharesies platform has evolved significantly since its inception, now serving over 500,000 users in New Zealand alone and maintaining a total of more than 930,000 customers across Australasia as of early 2026. Originally launched to "democratise" investing, it remains the primary entry point for Kiwis due to its zero-minimum investment requirement, allowing individuals to purchase fractional shares for as little as 1 cent. In 2026, the platform functions as a comprehensive broker rather than a fund manager, providing a digital interface for users to buy and sell individual stocks, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and managed funds across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Investor confidence reached new peaks at the end of 2025, driven by a surge in US market trading volumes, which now account for nearly 80% of total activity on the platform.

Market Access: Provides direct access to the NZX (New Zealand), ASX (Australia), and major US exchanges including the NYSE, NASDAQ, and CBOE.
Investment Minimums: Offers a strict $0.01 minimum buy-in for any listed company or fund, facilitating micro-investing and dollar-cost averaging.
User Demographics: Particularly popular among novice investors and those with smaller capital, though more experienced traders are increasingly utilizing its advanced order types like stop-losses.
Product Range: Beyond shares, the 2026 ecosystem includes "Sharesies Save" (an on-call savings account), a self-select KiwiSaver scheme, and direct cryptocurrency access.

Market Access: Provides direct access to the NZX (New Zealand), ASX (Australia), and major US exchanges including the NYSE, NASDAQ, and CBOE.

Investment Minimums: Offers a strict $0.01 minimum buy-in for any listed company or fund, facilitating micro-investing and dollar-cost averaging.

User Demographics: Particularly popular among novice investors and those with smaller capital, though more experienced traders are increasingly utilizing its advanced order types like stop-losses.

Product Range: Beyond shares, the 2026 ecosystem includes "Sharesies Save" (an on-call savings account), a self-select KiwiSaver scheme, and direct cryptocurrency access.

The Growth of US Market Dominance

A defining trend for Sharesies in 2026 is the overwhelming preference for American equities among New Zealand investors. While traditional "blue-chip" NZX companies like Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Meridian Energy remain staples, they have struggled to keep pace with the massive trading volumes seen in US tech stocks and indices. Sharesies has responded to this by refining its US trading experience, although it maintains its unique position as one of the few platforms offering low-cost, fractionalized access to individual NZX listings, which remain a "play money" favorite for local investors.

Detailed Sharesies Fee Structure Analysis

One of the most critical aspects of this Sharesies Review NZ is understanding the "Pay As You Go" (PAYG) fee model versus the newer monthly subscription plans. As of 2026, the standard transaction fee is 1.9% of the trade value, which is capped to protect larger investors. For example, NZ shares have a fee cap of $25 NZD, while US shares are capped at $5 USD per trade. For frequent investors, Sharesies offers tiered monthly plans (e.g., $5, $10, or $20) that cover a certain dollar amount of transaction fees, effectively reducing the per-trade cost for those who invest regularly.

Market	Transaction Fee	Fee Cap (Per Order)	Currency Exchange Fee
New Zealand (NZX)	1.90%	$25.00 NZD	N/A (Local Currency)
Australia (ASX)	1.90%	$15.00 AUD	0.60%
United States (US)	1.90%	$5.00 USD	0.50%
Managed Funds	0% Brokerage	N/A	N/A (Typically NZD)

Impact of Currency Conversion and Hidden Costs

While the headline brokerage fees are competitive for small trades, investors must be mindful of currency exchange (FX) fees when venturing outside the NZX. Sharesies charges an FX fee of 0.50% to 0.60% depending on the market and direction of the trade. Unlike some competitors that charge a minimum FX fee, Sharesies calculates this as a straight percentage, which is beneficial for very small amounts but can become costly for larger five-figure transfers. Additionally, for those using "Sharesies Save," the platform typically retains a small portion of the interest (often 0.25% to 0.65% less than the central bank rates) as a service fee.

Sharesies KiwiSaver: Self-Selection and Control

The Sharesies KiwiSaver scheme, fully operational in 2026, represents a significant shift for New Zealanders who want more control over their retirement savings. The scheme allows members to pick from "Base Funds"—managed by reputable providers like Milford, Pathfinder, Pie Funds, and SuperLife—which must comprise at least 50% of their portfolio. The remaining 50% can be "self-selected" from a curated list of around 100 NZX-listed companies and ETFs. This "Self-Select Fund" allows for a customized retirement strategy but introduces a different fee layer, including a 0.15% annual administration fee on the value of individual picks and transaction fees for any trades within the KiwiSaver wallet.

Base Fund Allocation: Minimum 50% of total balance must be in one of seven pre-selected base funds.
Individual Picks: Maximum 5% of your total KiwiSaver balance can be invested in any single self-selected stock.
KiwiSaver Fees: Base funds have standard annual charges (e.g., 0.51% for the Smartshares Growth option), while self-select picks add a 0.15% admin fee.
Portfolio Rebalancing: If a self-selected stock grows to exceed 10% of your total balance for more than 90 days, Sharesies requires you to sell a portion to bring it back within the threshold.

Base Fund Allocation: Minimum 50% of total balance must be in one of seven pre-selected base funds.

Individual Picks: Maximum 5% of your total KiwiSaver balance can be invested in any single self-selected stock.

KiwiSaver Fees: Base funds have standard annual charges (e.g., 0.51% for the Smartshares Growth option), while self-select picks add a 0.15% admin fee.

Portfolio Rebalancing: If a self-selected stock grows to exceed 10% of your total balance for more than 90 days, Sharesies requires you to sell a portion to bring it back within the threshold.

Performance and Long-Term Viability

For many users, the primary draw of Sharesies KiwiSaver is the ability to invest in specific companies they believe in, such as Mainfreight or Spark, alongside a diversified base. However, financial experts often warn that frequent trading within a KiwiSaver account can lead to fee erosion. As of early 2026, growth-focused funds within the scheme, like the Smartshares Growth Fund, have shown competitive returns (averaging 7.34% over recent periods), but the success of a self-selected portfolio depends heavily on the individual's picking skills and the impact of the 1% transaction fees for trades under $1,000.

Security and the "Bare Trust" Model

A common concern for users is the safety of their capital, which this Sharesies Review NZ addresses via the platform's custodial structure. Sharesies uses a "bare trust" model, where your money and investments are held by a separate entity, Sharesies Nominee Limited, on your behalf. This company is legally distinct from Sharesies Limited (the platform operator), meaning your assets are not mixed with the company’s operational funds. If the platform itself were to face financial difficulty or insolvency, the investments held in the nominee company remain protected and belong solely to the individual investors.

Separation of Assets: Operational money is kept strictly separate from customer investment capital.
NZX Depository: New Zealand investments are held through the NZX Depository, providing an extra layer of domestic oversight.
Industry Security: Employs industry-standard measures, including bcrypt password hashing and mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security.
Continuous Monitoring: Sharesies utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) for secure hosting and maintains 24/7 monitoring for suspicious account activity.

Separation of Assets: Operational money is kept strictly separate from customer investment capital.

NZX Depository: New Zealand investments are held through the NZX Depository, providing an extra layer of domestic oversight.

Industry Security: Employs industry-standard measures, including bcrypt password hashing and mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security.

Continuous Monitoring: Sharesies utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) for secure hosting and maintains 24/7 monitoring for suspicious account activity.

Protecting Against Impersonators and Scams

In 2026, digital security extends beyond the platform's architecture to user education. Sharesies frequently warns its 930,000+ members about social media impersonators who may ask for passwords or personal details. The platform’s policy is strict: staff will never ask for your password or 2FA codes. For mobile users, the app supports biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), which is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized access if a physical device is lost or stolen. Read more on the Wikipedia page for investing in New Zealand.

Sharesies vs. Hatch vs. Stake: The 2026 Comparison

When Kiwis look for a platform, they often compare Sharesies against US-focused rivals like Hatch and Stake. Sharesies is widely considered the best "all-rounder" because it is the only major DIY platform offering seamless access to the NZX, ASX, and US markets from a single wallet. However, for those exclusively trading high volumes in the US, Hatch and Stake often offer a lower total cost of ownership. Hatch, for instance, has a lower FX fee of 0.35% compared to Sharesies' 0.50%, which can result in significant savings on large currency transfers.

Platform	Best For	Market Access	US Trading Fee
Sharesies	Beginners / NZX Access	NZX, ASX, US	1.9% (Capped at $5 USD)
Hatch	Long-term US Investors	US Only	$3.00 USD Flat Fee
Stake	Active Traders / Day Trading	US, ASX (No NZX)	$3.00 USD Flat Fee
Tiger Brokers	Advanced Technical Analysis	US, ASX, HK, NZX	0.10% + $2 minimum

Why Some Investors Leave Sharesies

While Sharesies is the "supermarket" for shares, some "serious" investors eventually migrate to other platforms like Interactive Brokers (IBKR) or Tiger Brokers as their portfolios grow. The 1.9% transaction fee, while capped, can still feel expensive for those making five-figure trades. Furthermore, Sharesies does not currently support the direct transfer of existing US shares into the platform without a complex manual process that often incurs fees from the original broker. For those wanting to trade complex instruments like options or access 24-hour market data and advanced charting, professional-grade brokers are generally preferred over the "fun" and simplified Sharesies interface.

Cryptocurrency in Sharesies: Bitcoin and Beyond

A major addition to the Sharesies ecosystem leading into 2026 is the direct integration of cryptocurrency trading. Users can now buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly within the app, removing the need to manage private keys or set up external digital wallets. This "simplified" approach to crypto is designed for retail investors who want exposure to the asset class without the technical hurdles of decentralized exchanges. However, the platform is transparent about the risks, noting that cryptocurrency is highly volatile and lacks the same protections as traditional financial products.

No Wallet Required: Sharesies manages the storage of your digital assets, making it accessible for non-technical users.
High Volatility: The platform warns that crypto prices can move rapidly, potentially leading to the loss of all invested capital.
Exposure Options: Besides direct coins, users can buy crypto-related ETFs that track the performance of the wider blockchain sector.
Tax Obligations: Unlike NZX dividends, crypto tax is not handled automatically; users are responsible for reporting capital gains and income to Inland Revenue.

No Wallet Required: Sharesies manages the storage of your digital assets, making it accessible for non-technical users.

High Volatility: The platform warns that crypto prices can move rapidly, potentially leading to the loss of all invested capital.

Exposure Options: Besides direct coins, users can buy crypto-related ETFs that track the performance of the wider blockchain sector.

Tax Obligations: Unlike NZX dividends, crypto tax is not handled automatically; users are responsible for reporting capital gains and income to Inland Revenue.

The Role of Crypto in a Diversified Portfolio

In the "2026 Investor's Survival Guide," Sharesies analysts discuss the role of Bitcoin as a potential hedge against traditional market volatility, particularly in a world influenced by global geopolitical shifts. While still a niche part of the platform compared to US shares, crypto trading saw steady growth through 2025, particularly among younger demographics who use the "auto-invest" feature to slowly accumulate small amounts of Bitcoin over time.

Auto-Invest and Habit Building

A core philosophy discussed in this Sharesies Review NZ is the platform's emphasis on "habit-based" investing. The "Auto-Invest" feature allows users to set up recurring transfers from their bank account (e.g., $20 every payday) and have Sharesies automatically buy into a selection of funds or a custom "DIY" order. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps investors build wealth over time by ignoring short-term market noise and consistently buying more shares when prices are low and fewer when they are high.

Global Order: A pre-made basket of funds covering top international companies.
Responsible Order: Focuses on companies with high Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.
DIY Orders: Allows you to build your own recurring basket of up to 50 different companies or funds.
Psychological Benefit: By automating the process, users are less likely to "panic sell" during market dips, a common trap for new investors.

Global Order: A pre-made basket of funds covering top international companies.

Responsible Order: Focuses on companies with high Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.

DIY Orders: Allows you to build your own recurring basket of up to 50 different companies or funds.

Psychological Benefit: By automating the process, users are less likely to "panic sell" during market dips, a common trap for new investors.

Dividend Reinvestment (DRP) in 2026

Sharesies has also refined its dividend reinvestment capabilities. When an NZX company pays a dividend, users can choose to have that cash automatically used to buy more shares in that same company, rather than having it sit as idle cash in their wallet. This further automates the compounding process, ensuring that every dollar earned from your investments is immediately put back to work to generate more future earnings.

Sharesies "Save" and Cash Management

For users who want to keep some "dry powder" ready for market opportunities, "Sharesies Save" is an integrated on-call savings account. In 2026, this product remains popular as it allows for instant transfers between your savings and your investment wallet, ensuring you don't miss a buying opportunity while waiting for a bank transfer. Sharesies doesn't manage this money itself; it is held with major NZ banks, and Sharesies passes on a high-interest rate while retaining a small margin.

Wallet Currency	Interest Rate Basis	Typical Margin Retained
NZD Save	NZ Official Cash Rate (OCR)	0.25% – 0.50%
AUD Wallet	RBA Target Cash Rate	0.25%
USD Wallet	Fed Funds Rate (lower bound)	0.65%

Liquidity and Convenience

The primary advantage of Sharesies Save is its "on-call" nature. Unlike term deposits, there are no penalties for withdrawing your money, and there is no minimum balance required to earn interest. In late 2025 and early 2026, Sharesies saw a notable uptick in deposits into these savings accounts as investors positioned themselves cautiously amidst global market volatility, doubling their deposit-to-withdrawal ratio in some weeks.

Tax Management: Dividends and PIR Rates

One of the most praised features in any Sharesies Review NZ is its automated tax handling. For the vast majority of local investments, Sharesies automatically deducts the required tax before it reaches your wallet. For NZX listed companies and ASX shares, dividends are typically taxed at the top resident withholding tax (RWT) rate of 33%. For managed funds (PIEs), the platform uses your individual Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR), ensuring you are taxed correctly based on your total income.

Listed PIEs: Automatically taxed at 28%.
Unlisted Managed Funds: Taxed at your personal PIR (10.5%, 17.5%, or 28%).
Foreign Withholding Tax: For US shares, Sharesies manages the required US tax filings, though users are responsible for their own NZ tax obligations on US dividends if they exceed certain thresholds.
End-of-Year Reports: Provides a comprehensive tax summary at the end of the financial year (March 31st), which can be easily provided to an accountant or used for an IRD return.

Listed PIEs: Automatically taxed at 28%.

Unlisted Managed Funds: Taxed at your personal PIR (10.5%, 17.5%, or 28%).

Foreign Withholding Tax: For US shares, Sharesies manages the required US tax filings, though users are responsible for their own NZ tax obligations on US dividends if they exceed certain thresholds.

End-of-Year Reports: Provides a comprehensive tax summary at the end of the financial year (March 31st), which can be easily provided to an accountant or used for an IRD return.

Navigating the US Dividend Tax

When Kiwis invest in the US, they are typically subject to a 30% US withholding tax on dividends. However, because of the tax treaty between New Zealand and the US, this can be reduced to 15% if the correct forms (W-8BEN) are filed. Sharesies facilitates this process as part of the account sign-up, significantly simplifying what would otherwise be a complex international tax hurdle for a micro-investor.

Educational Resources and Customer Care

In 2026, Sharesies continues to invest heavily in investor education through its "Shared Lunch" podcast and "Learn" articles. The platform is designed to be jargon-free, using bright colors and a "fun" interface to make the stock market feel less intimidating for novices. If users run into trouble, the "Investor Care" team is available via email ([email protected]), and the platform maintains a massive online help center with guides on everything from buying your first share to understanding KiwiSaver government contributions.

Shared Lunch: A weekly series featuring economic experts like Shamubeel Eaqub to review market trends.
Survival Guides: Timely articles such as the "2026 Investor's Survival Guide" help users navigate the "Trump effect" and global economic shifts.
Kids Accounts: Allows parents to set up sub-accounts for children to teach them about saving and compounding early in life.
Gift Cards: Facilitates the gifting of investment credit to friends and family, encouraging social investing.

Shared Lunch: A weekly series featuring economic experts like Shamubeel Eaqub to review market trends.

Survival Guides: Timely articles such as the "2026 Investor's Survival Guide" help users navigate the "Trump effect" and global economic shifts.

Kids Accounts: Allows parents to set up sub-accounts for children to teach them about saving and compounding early in life.

Gift Cards: Facilitates the gifting of investment credit to friends and family, encouraging social investing.

Evaluating Customer Sentiment

Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot for 2025 and early 2026 show a mix of high praise for the app's ease of use and some frustration regarding the fee caps and customer service response times. While some users have reported difficulties with password resets or found the fees "crazy expensive" compared to professional brokers, the general consensus remains that Sharesies is the best "beginner" platform in the New Zealand market. For those with over $15,000 to invest, the sentiment shifts toward exploring cheaper, more data-rich alternatives.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude this Sharesies Review NZ, it is clear that the platform remains the dominant force in New Zealand’s DIY investment market through early 2026. Its ability to provide fractionalized access to the NZX, ASX, and US markets under a single roof—while automating tax and offering a self-select KiwiSaver—is currently unmatched by any other single provider. While advanced traders may find the 1.9% fee and simplified charting tools restrictive, the platform’s focus on habit-building and accessibility makes it an exceptional tool for the 500,000+ Kiwis currently using it. As long as investors remain mindful of the transaction fee caps and utilize the tiered monthly plans for frequent trading, Sharesies remains an essential part of the modern New Zealand financial landscape.

FAQ

Is Sharesies a safe place for my money in 2026? Yes, Sharesies uses a "bare trust" custodial model through Sharesies Nominee Limited, ensuring your investments are held separately from the platform's operational business.

What is the minimum amount I can invest? You can start with as little as 1 cent ($0.01 NZD) for any fund or listed company on the platform.

How much does Sharesies charge per trade? The standard transaction fee is 1.90%, which is capped at $25 NZD for New Zealand shares and $5 USD for US shares.

Can I use Sharesies for my KiwiSaver? Yes, Sharesies offers a self-select KiwiSaver scheme where you pick "Base Funds" and can choose individual NZX stocks for up to 50% of your portfolio.

Does Sharesies automatically pay my tax? For most NZ and Australian shares and managed funds, Sharesies automatically deducts the required tax (RWT or PIR).

Can I buy Bitcoin on Sharesies? Yes, the platform now offers direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading within the app, with no need for a separate digital wallet.

What are Sharesies monthly plans? These are tiered subscription plans (e.g., $5, $10) that cover a set amount of transaction fees per month, reducing costs for frequent investors.

Which markets can I access through Sharesies? You can trade on the NZX (New Zealand), ASX (Australia), and major US exchanges like the NYSE and NASDAQ.

Is there a fee for "Sharesies Save"? There is no direct fee to use the savings account, but Sharesies retains a small margin from the total interest earned.

How do I get my money out? You can sell your investments and withdraw the cash to a verified New Zealand bank account, though selling will incur standard transaction fees.