Can you buy ETFs on Hello Stake?

Yes. Hello Stake supports trading in ASX-listed ETFs through its ASX account. ETFs trade exactly like shares — A$3 flat per trade for orders up to A$30,000. Popular ASX ETFs like VAS, VGS, NDQ, IVV, and A200 are all available. ASX ETF purchases are CHESS-sponsored.

What is the best ETF for beginners on Stake Australia?

For most beginners, a broad diversified ETF is the starting point. VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares) for Australian exposure, VGS (Vanguard International Shares) for global developed market exposure, or VDHG (Vanguard Diversified High Growth) for a ready-made diversified portfolio in a single ETF. These are not recommendations — do your own research and consider your investment goals.

Are ETFs CHESS-sponsored on Stake?

Yes. ASX-listed ETFs purchased through Stake's ASX account are CHESS-sponsored, just like individual ASX shares. Your ETF units are registered under your Holder Identification Number (HIN) on the CHESS registry.

How are ETF distributions taxed in Australia?

ETF distributions are taxed as ordinary income in the year you receive them. The tax treatment depends on the composition of the distribution — Australian dividends may carry franking credits, while foreign income and capital gains are taxed at your marginal rate. ETF providers issue an annual tax statement detailing the components. Consult a tax adviser for your specific situation.

Is there an FX fee when buying ASX-listed ETFs on Stake?

No. ASX-listed ETFs trade in Australian dollars, so there is no FX conversion fee. The 0.55% FX fee on Stake only applies when converting AUD to USD for the Wall Street (US stocks) product. Buying VAS, VGS, NDQ, IVV, or any other ASX-listed ETF incurs only the A$3 brokerage fee.

Updated June 2026 · Written by Jayme

Best ETFs to Buy on Stake Australia 2026

Hello Stake supports all ASX-listed ETFs at A$3 flat per trade — the same brokerage as individual stocks, CHESS-sponsored, no FX fee. Here's a category-by-category breakdown of the most popular ETFs Australians buy on Stake.

Key takeaways

·All ASX-listed ETFs (VAS, VGS, NDQ, IVV, A200 etc.) trade on Stake at A$3 per trade — the same flat rate as individual ASX stocks.
·No FX fee on ASX ETFs — they trade in AUD. The 0.55% FX fee only applies to the Wall Street (US stocks) product.
·ASX ETF purchases on Stake are CHESS-sponsored — your units are registered under your HIN.
·For US market exposure via the ASX: NDQ (NASDAQ 100), IVV (S&P 500), and VTS (total US market) are the most popular options.
·Not financial advice. ETF selection should match your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

Why buy ETFs on Stake?

A$3 flat brokerage on all ASX ETFs

Stake's flat $3 fee applies to ETFs the same as individual stocks. At $5,000 per purchase, that's 0.06% brokerage — very competitive.

No FX fee on ASX-listed ETFs

NDQ, IVV, VGS, and other ASX-listed ETFs trade in AUD. No currency conversion is needed — unlike buying US stocks directly on the Wall Street product.

CHESS-sponsored ownership

Your ASX ETF units are held under your HIN, giving you direct registered ownership — not just beneficial interest in a custodian account.

Access to ASX and US stocks in one account

Stake lets you hold ASX ETFs alongside individual US stocks in one app — useful for investors building a diversified portfolio across both markets.

Australian shares ETFs

For exposure to the ASX 200 or ASX 300 — banks, miners, and Australian consumer companies.

Ticker	ETF name	MER p.a.	Notes
VAS	Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF	0.07%	Australia's largest ETF by AUM. Broad ASX 300 exposure.
A200	BetaShares Australia 200 ETF	0.04%	Lowest MER for ASX 200 exposure.
VHY	Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF	0.25%	Focuses on higher-dividend ASX stocks. Income-oriented.

Global / international shares ETFs

For broad exposure to developed-market companies outside Australia — US, Europe, Japan and more.

Ticker	ETF name	MER p.a.	Notes
VGS	Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF	0.18%	Popular choice for unhedged global developed market exposure.
QUAL	VanEck MSCI World ex Australia Quality ETF	0.40%	Tilts toward high-quality global companies (high ROE, low debt).
VDHG	Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF	0.27%	All-in-one portfolio in a single ETF: ~90% growth assets, ~10% bonds. Good for beginners.

US market exposure ETFs

For concentrated exposure to the US market — S&P 500, total market, or NASDAQ 100. All ASX-listed, so A$3 brokerage, no FX fee.

Ticker	ETF name	MER p.a.	Notes
IVV	iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX-listed)	0.03%	S&P 500 exposure via ASX listing. Extremely low MER. US dollar movements unhedged.
NDQ	BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.48%	Top 100 NASDAQ stocks — heavy technology weighting (Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet).
VTS	Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF	0.03%	Broadest US market exposure — over 3,500 US companies, including small and mid caps.

Sector & thematic ETFs

For targeted exposure to specific industries or investment themes.

Ticker	ETF name	MER p.a.	Notes
HACK	BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF	0.67%	Global cybersecurity companies — a growing sector as digital threats increase.
ETHI	BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF	0.59%	Large global companies with strong ESG credentials, excludes fossil fuels.

How to buy ETFs on Stake

Open a Stake account

Sign up at hellostake.com with referral code jaymem884 (free US stock + $10 credit). Complete identity verification with your driver's licence or passport.

Deposit AUD

Transfer AUD from your bank via PayID, BPAY, or bank transfer. For ASX ETFs, no USD conversion is needed — your AUD deposits directly fund the ASX wallet.

Search for your ETF ticker

In the Stake app, go to the ASX section and search by ticker (e.g. 'VAS', 'NDQ', 'IVV'). ETFs appear alongside individual stocks.

Place your order

Choose market order (fills at current market price) or limit order (fills at your target price). Brokerage is A$3 flat per trade up to A$30,000. Confirm and your units settle within T+2 business days.

ETF tax note: ETF distributions are taxed as ordinary income in the year you receive them. Australian dividend components may carry franking credits — a tax offset that can reduce or eliminate your tax on those distributions. Foreign income is taxed at your marginal rate. Capital gains distributed by the ETF are also included in your assessable income. Your ETF provider issues an annual tax statement. For personal tax advice, consult a registered tax agent.How do franking credits work? See the full guide →

Start buying ETFs on Stake today

Open a free account with referral code jaymem884 — get a free US stock + $10 credit at sign-up. A$3 per ETF trade, CHESS-sponsored.

Open Stake Free — Code jaymem884

Not financial advice. ETF MERs and availability can change — verify at each provider's website before investing.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Stake supports all ASX-listed ETFs at A$3 flat per trade. ETFs trade exactly like shares — buy and sell during market hours, CHESS-sponsored. Popular ETFs like VAS, VGS, NDQ, IVV, and A200 are all available.