Best Trading Platforms in Singapore: Top Picks

Singapore’s financial market offers a wide range of options for investors. Over 15 brokerage firms are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring secure and reliable services. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, finding the right brokerage account can make a big difference.

In 2025, several providers stand out, including Longbridge, Moomoo, FSMOne, and POEMS. Each excels in different areas—Longbridge for local stocks, Moomoo for ease of use, and FSMOne for ETF enthusiasts. Recent MAS updates have also strengthened security requirements, making it safer to invest online.

Choosing the best online service depends on your goals. Consider factors like fees, market access, and sign-up perks. Some platforms even offer incentives, such as Longbridge’s S$50 Fairprice voucher. This guide helps you match features to your financial needs.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore has over 15 MAS-regulated brokers to choose from.
• Top performers include Longbridge, Moomoo, and FSMOne.
• Check fees, market access, and security before signing up.
• Some platforms offer bonuses like cash vouchers.
• Match your financial goals with the right provider.

What Makes the Best Trading Platform in Singapore?

Investing in Singapore requires a careful look at security and fees. A 2025 MAS survey found that 92% of investors prioritize safety over costs. Providers must meet strict rules, like maintaining S$1 million in capital, to protect your assets.

Key Factors Singaporean Investors Should Consider

Start by checking if the broker holds a CMS license from MAS. This ensures they follow capital adequacy rules. Your money stays safer with mandatory compensation schemes covering up to S$75,000 per account.

Security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) are now standard. Compare custodial and CDP accounts—custodial pools assets, while CDP gives direct ownership of stocks.

MAS Regulation and Security Standards

All licensed platforms must segregate client funds from company assets. This prevents misuse if the firm faces financial trouble. Look for providers that disclose audit results publicly.

Fees vary widely. For example:

• Webull charges 0.025% for US stocks, while Saxo costs 0.08%.
• FSMOne offers flat S$8.80 fees for large ETF trades.

Watch for hidden costs like inactivity penalties or withdrawal charges. A low-fee account can save thousands over time.

Best Overall Trading Platform: Longbridge Singapore

Zero commissions on US and Hong Kong stocks make Longbridge a top contender. Its unique lifetime fee structure appeals to active investors, while promotions sweeten the deal for newcomers.

Lifetime Zero Commission Trading Benefits

Longbridge eliminates brokerage fees for US and HK equities permanently—no expiry dates. Here’s the fine print:

• SGX trades cost 0.03%, with a S$0.99 minimum waived for 90 days.
• No hidden charges for dividends or corporate actions.
• Bond trades start at 0.1%, undercutting Tiger Brokers by 0.05%.

“Longbridge’s model proves that low costs don’t mean sacrificing reliability.”

Market Access and Product Offerings

Unlike Moomoo or Webull, Longbridge provides direct HKEX access—ideal for Asian market enthusiasts. However, it lacks LSE listings and CPF/SRS integration. Key comparisons:

• Stocks: 10,000+ US/HK/SG equities.
• ETFs: 500+ options, though FSMOne has broader ETF plans.
• Funds: Limited to 40+ mutual funds vs. POEMS’ 200+.

Current Promotions and Sign-Up Bonuses

New users get a S$50 Fairprice voucher after depositing S$500. Follow these steps:

1. Register via the mobile app (5-minute process).
2. Link your CDP account for SGX trades.
3. Fund your account to unlock the voucher within 7 days.

Note: Withdrawals below S$1,000 incur a S$10 fee—plan transfers accordingly.

Top Platform for Beginners: Moomoo Singapore

New investors often struggle with complex interfaces—Moomoo simplifies the process. Its clean layout and step-by-step guides help users start confidently. A 2025 report shows a 78% success rate for first-time investors using the app.

User-Friendly Interface and Mobile Experience

Moomoo’s onboarding takes under 10 minutes. The app auto-syncs with CDP accounts and offers paper trading with S$100k virtual funds. Real-time alerts and one-tap orders streamline decisions.

Compared to Saxo or IG, Moomoo’s charts adapt to user behavior. Drawing tools and technical indicators appear contextually. iOS and Android versions share identical features.

Educational Resources for New Investors

Free live webinars and a community forum foster learning. Courses cover basics like stocks and ETFs, plus advanced strategies. Key differences vs. competitors:

• Saxo offers deeper research but lacks interactive quizzes.
• IG provides more videos, but Moomoo’s content updates weekly.

“Paper trading built my confidence before risking real money.”

First-Year Commission-Free Trading

New users get a 1-year waiver on SGX commission fees. After the promo, costs are competitive:

• 0.03% per trade (min S$1.88).
• No custody fees for balances under S$20k.

Fund your account with S$500 to unlock bonus stocks. Auto-invest tools help beginners build portfolios gradually.

Best for Regular Savings Plans: FSMOne by iFast

Building wealth through disciplined investing is easier with FSMOne’s structured plans. Its focus on low-cost ETFs and automated contributions makes it ideal for passive investors. Over 200 funds are available, including popular indices like the STI and S&P 500.

Zero-Fee ETF Investment Plans

FSMOne eliminates buy-side fees for Regular Savings Plans (RSP). Investors only pay S$3.80 per sell order, significantly cheaper than competitors. Here’s how it compares:

A S$500/month RSP in an S&P 500 ETF could grow to ~S$38,000 in 5 years (assuming 7% returns). Reinvested dividends compound tax-efficiently.

CPF/SRS Integration Capabilities

FSMOne supports CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) accounts. Approval takes 3–5 business days. Key benefits:

• Tax relief: SRS contributions reduce taxable income.
• CPFIS limits: Up to 35% of OA savings for stocks.
• No extra fees for using CPF/SRS funds.

“FSMOne’s RSP helped me invest consistently without market timing stress.”

Long-Term Investment Advantages

Custody fees (0.087% annually) apply, but waived for balances under S$1,000. For hands-off investors, FSMOne’s auto-rebalancing tools optimize portfolio allocations. Compared to active trading, RSPs reduce emotional decisions.

Withdrawals are processed in 2–3 days. Keep at least S$100 in your account to avoid inactivity penalties. For those prioritizing steady growth over quick cash gains, FSMOne delivers reliability.

Most Cost-Effective for CPF Investing: POEMS

For investors using CPF savings, POEMS stands out with specialized features. Its integration with CPFIS and SRS accounts simplifies long-term wealth building. Competitive fees and diverse funds make it a top pick for passive strategies.

Tailored CPF and SRS Account Features

POEMS supports CPF Ordinary (OA) and Special (SA) accounts, each with unique rules. OA funds can invest in stocks like DBS or Singtel, while SA is better for stable investments. Key perks:

• 0% sales charge on unit trusts—unlike competitors charging 1–3%.
• Dividends auto-credited to your CPF account.
• Corporate actions (splits, mergers) handled seamlessly.

Unit Trusts vs. ETFs: Performance and Fees

POEMS offers 150+ unit trusts with no upfront fee. These often outperform ETFs for small, regular contributions. For example:

Breakeven point: Unit trusts win for transactions below S$11k due to zero entry cost.

Transparent Fee Structure

POEMS’ Share Builders Plan charges just 0.08% for SGX trades via CPF—half the industry average. Watch for:

• S$10 quarterly custody fee (waived if balance >S$20k).
• No hidden charges for SRS withdrawals.

“POEMS’ CPF tools helped me grow retirement savings without active management.”

Compared to other brokers, POEMS balances affordability with robust support for CPF investors.

Singapore Stock Trading: CDP vs Custodian Accounts

Understanding how your shares are held impacts your rights and costs as an investor. In Singapore, you can hold stocks via a Central Depository (CDP) account or a custodian account. Each has distinct advantages for voting, fees, and dividend access.

Legal Ownership Differences Explained

A CDP account means you own shares directly. Benefits include:

• Voting rights in AGMs (you’re the registered owner).
• Dividends credited straight to your cash account.
• Direct notifications for corporate actions (splits, mergers).

Custodian accounts pool shares under the broker’s name. You:

• Relay voting preferences through the brokers.
• Receive dividends later (processed by the broker first).

2025 Fee Comparison Tables

Costs vary significantly. Below are averages from 15 brokers:

SGX 2025 data shows 63% of retail investors use custodian accounts for lower fees.

When to Choose Each Account Type

Pick a CDP account if you:

• Hold long-term stocks (direct ownership matters).
• Want faster dividend access.

Custodian suits:

• Active trading (lower costs).
• Portfolios under S$10k (fee savings outweigh benefits).

For a step-by-step guide to opening a CDP account, check eligibility and required documents.

“CDP’s direct crediting saved me days of waiting for dividends.”

CDP-linked brokers include DBS Vickers and UOB KH. Custodian options are wider but compare fee structures carefully.

Lowest Cost Platforms for US Market Access

Accessing US markets from Singapore requires navigating fees and exchange rates. While American stocks offer growth potential, costs vary widely across brokers. Savvy investors compare commission models and currency spreads to maximize returns.

Commission Structures Compared

Brokers use different pricing models for US markets. Some charge percentage-based fees, while others use per-share rates. Here’s how top platforms compare for a S$10,000 Nvidia trade:

Note: Costs include SEC fee pass-through (0.00051% of trade value). Fractional share availability varies by platform.

Currency Conversion Considerations

FX spreads significantly impact returns when converting SGD to USD. Key findings from 10 brokers:

• Tiger Brokers: 0.4% spread (best for small trades)
• IBKR: 0.2% + $2 fee (best for large amounts)
• DBS Multi-Currency: 1% spread + tiered rates

“Choosing IBKR saved me S$120/year on currency conversions for my monthly US stock purchases.”

Extended Trading Hours Availability

Pre-market access times vary:

• Early access (4am SGT): Webull, Moomoo
• Standard (9:30am SGT): Most SG-based brokers

After-hours trading typically ends at 5pm EST (6am SGT). Check platform rules for order types allowed during extended sessions.

Specialized Trading Features Worth Considering

Modern investments go beyond basic buying and selling. Advanced tools can enhance your strategy, whether you’re building a portfolio or managing risk. From fractional shares to AI-driven research, these features help optimize your money.

Fractional Shares Availability

Not all investors can afford full-priced stocks like Amazon or Tesla. Fractional shares let you buy portions of expensive equities. Compare leading providers:

Syfe’s robo-advisor charges just 0.4% p.a. for automated fractional investments. This suits beginners with limited capital.

Automated Investing Tools

Set-and-forget strategies reduce emotional decisions. Key automation options:

• Dollar-cost averaging: Schedule recurring buys (e.g., S$500/month into Apple)
• Rebalancing: Adjust allocations when markets shift
• Dividend reinvestment: Compound returns automatically

“Automation helped me stay disciplined during market dips.”

Platforms like Interactive Brokers offer API trading for custom algorithms.

Research and Analytics Offerings

Quality analysis separates guesswork from strategy. Compare resources:

• Tiger’s AI screener analyzes 10k+ equities
• Morningstar reports (FSMOne) vs. proprietary research (Saxo)
• Real-time options chains (POEMS vs. Saxo)

Margin trading rates range 3.8%–5.6% p.a. Always check CFD rollover fees—some brokers charge overnight financing costs.

Mobile Trading Experience Compared

Mobile apps have transformed how investors interact with financial markets. Over 80% of users now execute trades via smartphones, prioritizing speed and intuitive interfaces. Top-rated platforms differentiate themselves through specialized features.

App Functionality Rankings

Moomoo leads with a 4.8/5 App Store rating, edging out IG’s 4.6. Key differentiators:

Saxo’s advanced charting suits experienced traders, while Moomoo’s simplified layout appeals to beginners. Both platforms support Apple Watch integration for real-time quotes.

Real-Time Alert Systems

Customizable push notifications help users react instantly:

• Price triggers (e.g., Tesla below $200)
• Volume spikes (50% above average)
• Dividend declarations

“IG’s alerts saved me from missing a 12% gap down in my holdings.”

Portfolio Management Features

Tax lot tracking and auto-rebalancing tools vary significantly:

• Account aggregation: Syncs with CDP and custodian accounts
• Performance attribution: Shows sector/country exposure
• Risk metrics: Calculates beta and volatility

App-only trading platforms often lack desktop features. User reviews highlight Webull’s weak tax reporting compared to IBKR’s comprehensive tools.

Understanding the True Cost of Trading

Many investors focus only on headline commission rates, but the real expenses often hide in fine print. A 2025 MAS study found that 68% of retail traders underestimated their total costs by over 30%. Knowing where fees lurk helps protect your money.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Beyond the obvious trade commissions, watch for these charges:

• Forex markups: Currency conversions often add 0.2%-0.8% silently
• Corporate action fees: S$15-S$50 for dividend reinvestments or stock splits
• Data packages: Real-time quotes cost S$15-$75/month at most brokers

Withdrawal fees vary wildly:

Minimum Balance Requirements

Some accounts penalize small balances:

• Custody fees: 0.02%-0.15% annually on assets under S$20k
• Waivers: FSMOne exempts balances below S$1k, while POEMS requires S$20k

“My S$8,000 portfolio lost S$96/year to custody fees I didn’t notice initially.”

Inactivity Fee Policies

Brokers charge S$10-S$50/month if your account stays dormant for 12 months. Key exceptions:

• Webull: No penalties regardless of activity
• Moomoo: Waived if you hold any positions
• Saxo: S$25/month after 6 inactive months

For CDP-linked accounts, remember ACRA filing fees (S$40/year) apply separately. Always calculate the breakeven point—sometimes paying small fees beats maintaining artificial minimums.

Our Expert Recommendations by Investor Type

Different investment goals call for tailored brokerage solutions. Whether you’re executing daily trades or building long-term wealth, matching your strategy with the right features maximizes returns. We’ve analyzed 15 providers to highlight ideal matches for three common profiles.

Best for Active Traders

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) dominates for frequent trading with its 0.08% fee structure. The Trader Workstation (TWS) platform offers:

• Advanced charting with 120+ technical indicators
• Algorithmic trading via API integration
• Low 1.5% margin rates for positions over $100k

Compared to Saxo’s 0.08% fees, IBKR provides better currency conversion rates. A $50,000 trade saves $30 in FX costs. Real-time data packages start at $10/month.

“IBKR’s hotkeys let me execute 10+ trades/minute during volatility.”

Best for Passive Investors

FSMOne’s Regular Savings Plan (RSP) shines for hands-off investment. Key advantages:

The Syfe REIT+ portfolio offers 4.8% dividend yields with 0.4% management fees. This beats POEMS’ 0.8% REIT funds for passive income seekers.

Best for Retirement Planning

OCBC’s Blue Chip Investment Plan (BCIP) integrates seamlessly with CPF/SRS accounts. Retirement-specific benefits:

• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) at 0% fees
• 15 Singapore blue-chip stocks available
• $100/month minimum via CPF OA funds

A balanced portfolio template for retirees:

1. 40% STI ETFs (FSMOne)
2. 30% Dividend stocks (POEMS DRIP)
3. 20% Bonds (IBKR)
4. 10% Cash buffer

Warning: Over-diversification with 50+ holdings often reduces returns by 0.5% annually due to fragmented positions.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Trading Platform

Your ideal broker aligns with both goals and risk tolerance. Start by verifying MAS licensing—this ensures your account meets strict security standards.

For beginners, simplified interfaces like Moomoo’s ease the learning curve. Combine CDP and custodial accounts to balance ownership rights with cost efficiency.

Compare tools like Beansprout’s updated analyzer to match features with your strategy. Prioritize long-term fit over short-term perks.

Ready to begin? Set up your CDP, assess risk appetite, and share discoveries in the comments below.