We’ve tried a few different investing platforms over the years — some more than others.
Rather than tell you which one you should use, we’ve put together the platforms we’ve personally tried, what they offer, and some things worth knowing before signing up.
This is general information based on our own experience, not personalised financial advice. Investing involves risk and you can lose money. Always do your own research before investing.
Shares & ETFs
Sharesies
What it is
A New Zealand investing platform offering access to NZ, Australian and US investments.
Our take
I mainly used Sharesies for the NZ share market, but the platform has grown considerably since then. It now gives access to NZ, Australian and US investments. I don’t actively use it much anymore, although I still have a few small positions there. I think its simple, user-friendly approach makes it particularly approachable for beginners.
Good to know
Access NZ, US and Australian shares and ETFs.
Kids Accounts and auto-invest are available.
Sharesies also offers KiwiSaver and other money products.
Fees apply, so check current pricing before investing.
Referral link — we may receive a reward if you sign up.
Hatch
What it is
A New Zealand investing platform focused on US shares and ETFs.
Our take
Hatch was the platform I used most heavily for investing in US shares and ETFs. I eventually had to withdraw most of my investments to help pay for a new roof — unfortunately at a pretty terrible time in the market! That’s also a good reminder that life happens, and having an emergency plan matters. I still like Hatch for straightforward access to the US market.
Good to know
Focused on US shares and ETFs.
Auto-invest is available.
Kids Accounts are available.
Currency exchange and transaction fees apply, so check current pricing.
Referral link — we may receive a reward if you sign up.
Tiger Trade
What it is
An investing and trading platform offering access to NZ and international markets.
Our take
I’d still consider using Tiger Trade if I became more active with investing again. For me, it feels better suited to more active or experienced investors because it offers tools and trading options that simpler platforms don’t. Alongside shares and ETFs, it offers things like US options trading, including calls and puts.
Good to know
Access multiple international markets as well as NZ shares.
Supports shares, ETFs, US options and futures.
Offers more advanced trading and market-analysis tools.
Options and leveraged products involve additional risk and complexity.
Current referral offer
Last checked: 1 October 2026
Invitation code
DHFVUN
Referral rewards change and depend on current campaign requirements. See the current Tiger Trade referral offer.
Referral link — we may receive a reward if you sign up.
What I wish I knew when I started investing
I’ve been investing for more than 10 years, and if I were starting again there are a few things I’d do differently.
Consistency beats trying to time everything
When I started, I’d invest large chunks of money at once. If the price dropped afterwards, I’d get frustrated because I’d already used the money I had available.
I prefer dollar-cost averaging now
If I were starting again with $10,000, I wouldn’t necessarily invest it all on day one. I’d decide what I wanted to invest in and consider investing smaller amounts consistently over time.
Down doesn’t always have to feel bad
Regular investing changed how I think about market movements. If prices fall, the next regular investment buys at a lower price. If prices rise, the investments I already own increase in value.
Keep investing money separate from emergency money
I’ve had to sell investments when life happened — including helping pay for a new roof. Having accessible emergency savings can reduce the chance that you’re forced to sell investments at a bad time.
Crypto
Binance
What it is
A cryptocurrency exchange for buying, selling and holding crypto assets.
Our take
I still hold some crypto in Binance, although I don’t actively use the platform much these days. My crypto investments are currently well below what I originally put in, so for now I’m holding rather than selling at a loss. If I were starting again, how easy it is to move money in and out would be much more important to me when choosing a platform.
Good to know
Offers a wide range of crypto assets and trading features.
Moving money in and out may involve different processes depending on the payment or withdrawal method.
Check Binance’s current NZ deposit and withdrawal options before using it.
Crypto assets can be highly volatile and involve significant risk. Make sure you understand what you’re buying before putting money in.
Current referral offer
Last checked: 1 October 2026
Referral ID
GRO_28502_56C11
View the current Binance referral offer for details. No reward is guaranteed.