What Is Sharesies?
Sharesies is a NZ-based investment platform that lets Kiwis invest in shares listed on the NZX (NZ stock exchange), ASX (Australian), and major US exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ), as well as ETFs and managed funds. It is licensed as a Financial Services Provider (FSP) in New Zealand and is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Sharesies is not a bank and your investments are not covered by the depositor protection scheme — you take on the investment risk of the underlying assets. However, client assets are held in trust and are protected from Sharesies' creditors in the event the company were to fail.
Sharesies Fees: What You Actually Pay
Sharesies' fee structure was significantly revised in 2022 and again updated in 2024. The current model is:
- Transaction fee: 1.9% on buy/sell transactions up to $3,000; 0.5% on amounts over $3,000 (with a minimum fee of $0.50)
- NZX transaction fee: 0.5% regardless of amount (minimum $0.50)
Currency conversion fee: 0.4% on all foreign currency transactions (USD, AUD)
- Monthly plan (Sharesies Plus): $3/month for unlimited $0 transactions on NZX-listed investments
For small, frequent investments in US or Australian shares, the 1.9% transaction fee adds up quickly. For example, investing $100 per month in US ETFs costs $1.90 in fees per transaction — 1.9% may not sound like much but is higher than many competitors for regular investors. The Sharesies Plus plan at $3/month is excellent value if you invest regularly in NZ shares.
Sharesies Investments Available in 2026
| Investment TypeExchanges/MarketsNumber of OptionsFractional Shares?Min. Investment |
NZ SharesNZX180+Yes$0.01
Australian SharesASX200+Yes$0.01
US SharesNYSE/NASDAQ3,000+Yes$0.01
NZ ETFsNZX30+Yes$0.01
US ETFsNYSE/NASDAQ500+Yes$0.01
Managed FundsNZ-based50+Yes$0.01
| Bonds (via ETFs)VariousVia ETFsYes$0.01 |
Sharesies vs Alternatives: How It Compares
Sharesies' main competitors in NZ are Hatch Invest (for US shares), InvestNow (for managed funds and ETFs), and Tiger Brokers and Stake (for US shares). For NZ-only investing, the NZX's own ShareTrader platform and some brokers like Forsyth Barr and Craigs Investment Partners are options. Sharesies wins on breadth of market access, ease of use, and fractional share capability. Hatch has lower fees for US shares (0.5% FX fee vs Sharesies' 0.4% + transaction fee). InvestNow has zero transaction fees for managed funds. For most NZ retail investors starting out, Sharesies' combination of simplicity, accessibility, and investment range makes it the default first choice.
Tax Obligations for Sharesies Investors
Investing through Sharesies has tax implications that new investors must understand. NZ tax rules for share investors are complex:
- Dividends: Dividends from NZ and Australian companies are taxable income, subject to withholding tax. Sharesies provides tax reports to help.
- PIE (Portfolio Investment Entity) funds: Some managed funds on Sharesies are PIE funds, taxed at your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) — often more tax-efficient.
- FIF (Foreign Investment Fund) rules: If your total investment in offshore shares exceeds $50,000 cost base, IRD's FIF rules apply, which can result in tax on unrealised gains. This is one of the more complex aspects of NZ investment taxation.
- Capital gains: NZ does not have a general capital gains tax, but frequent traders may be treated as being "in the business of trading" and taxed accordingly.
Is Sharesies Safe?
Sharesies is a licensed and regulated NZ financial service provider, overseen by the FMA. Client assets are held in a custodial trust structure, meaning your investments are legally separate from Sharesies' own business assets and would be protected in the event of Sharesies' insolvency. Sharesies is not a deposit-taking institution and your returns depend on the performance of the underlying investments — there is no capital guarantee. For most retail investors, Sharesies is as safe as any regulated NZ investment platform.
Getting Started with Sharesies
Opening a Sharesies account takes about 10 minutes online. You'll need your IRD number, a NZ bank account, and proof of identity. Once verified, you can top up your Sharesies Wallet via bank transfer or credit/debit card and start investing immediately. Sharesies offers a solid educational platform including "Money School" content and a Kids Accounts feature that lets parents set up investing accounts for children aged under 18.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharesies good for beginners in NZ?
Yes — Sharesies is widely considered the best platform for beginner investors in NZ. The interface is simple and friendly, you can start with as little as $0.01, and fractional shares mean you can invest in expensive stocks like Berkshire Hathaway or Apple without buying a whole share. The educational content on the platform covers investing basics well. The main caveat for beginners is to understand the fee structure fully before investing small amounts frequently in US shares, where the 1.9% transaction fee plus currency conversion can erode returns. For beginners, starting with NZ ETFs or a Sharesies Plus plan for NZX investing offers the best fee efficiency.
What are Sharesies' fees in NZ?
Sharesies charges a transaction fee of 1.9% on orders up to $3,000 and 0.5% on amounts over $3,000 (with a $0.50 minimum). NZX orders are charged at 0.5% at all amounts. A currency conversion fee of 0.4% applies to all AUD and USD transactions. There are no account keeping fees on the basic plan. The Sharesies Plus plan at $3/month removes transaction fees on NZX orders and includes additional features. There are no withdrawal fees for moving money back to your bank account. The fee structure is transparent and visible in the app before confirming each transaction.
How do I withdraw money from Sharesies?
To withdraw money from Sharesies, you first sell your investments (which takes 2–3 business days to settle), then transfer the cash from your Sharesies Wallet to your NZ bank account. Bank transfers from Sharesies to your linked bank account are free and typically arrive in 1–2 business days. You cannot withdraw directly from your investment holdings — you must sell first. There is no fee for withdrawals. If you have an auto-invest plan running, pause it before withdrawing to avoid new purchases being made with funds you intend to withdraw.
Does Sharesies offer KiwiSaver?
No — Sharesies does not offer KiwiSaver. Sharesies is an investment platform for general investing outside of KiwiSaver. If you're looking to invest via KiwiSaver, you need a separate KiwiSaver provider. Some Kiwis use both — a KiwiSaver scheme for their retirement savings and Sharesies for additional general investment. Sharesies does offer PIE funds and managed funds that overlap with some KiwiSaver fund strategies, but these are not KiwiSaver-registered products and do not attract employer contributions or the government member tax credit.
Can I invest in US shares through Sharesies from NZ?
Yes. Sharesies offers access to over 3,000 US-listed shares and ETFs on the NYSE and NASDAQ. To invest in US shares, your NZD is converted to USD at Sharesies' currency conversion rate (spot rate + 0.4% fee). You can invest in popular US stocks and ETFs including Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, the S&P 500 (via SPY or VOO ETFs), and thousands of others. Note that US share investments over NZD $50,000 cost base may trigger IRD's Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) tax rules, which can result in tax on unrealised gains. Seek tax advice if your foreign portfolio is approaching or exceeds this threshold.
What happens to my Sharesies account if the company closes?
Your investments are held in a custodial trust structure that is legally separate from Sharesies' own assets. This means that if Sharesies were to become insolvent, your investments would not be available to Sharesies' creditors — they belong to you. A trustee or administrator would be appointed to either transfer your holdings to another provider or liquidate them and return proceeds to you. This structure is mandated by NZ financial services law. While the regulatory protection doesn't guarantee investment returns (markets can still fall), it does protect your ownership of the underlying assets.
Is there a Sharesies app for New Zealanders?
Yes. Sharesies has apps for both iOS and Android, consistently rated 4.5+ stars in the NZ App Store and Google Play Store. The app provides full account functionality including buying and selling investments, viewing portfolio performance, managing your Wallet, setting up auto-invest, and accessing educational content. The app experience is considered one of the best in the NZ retail investing space. Updates are frequent and the interface has become increasingly polished since launch. Desktop access via browser is also available for users who prefer a larger screen experience.
