Understanding Brokerage Accounts in Singapore
Plus, investors in Singapore can also choose between CDP-linked brokers and custodian brokers, depending on their preferences for cost, convenience, and ownership structure.
In this guide, we'll compare brokerage accounts in Singapore so you can make smarter and more cost-effective investment decisions. Let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only, and not serve as professional financial advice. Please exercise due discretion and consult a licensed professional.

Who Should Use This Guide? (Investor Types & Needs)
| Investor type | Investor profile | Broker account fit |
|---|---|---|
| Investor typeBeginner investors | Investor profilePrefers simplicity and low-cost; adjusting to the trading learning curve | Broker account fitMobile-first online brokerage platforms (e.g. Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, Syfe) |
| Investor typeActive trader | Investor profileTrades frequently, values data speed | Broker account fitSaxo, Interactive Brokers |
| Investor typeGlobal investor | Investor profileSeeks foreign market access | Broker account fitIBKR, Saxo, Moomoo |
What is a Brokerage Account?
A brokerage account acts as a bridge between you and the stock market. When you open one, you gain access to trading tools, market data, and settlement services for buying or selling securities. Funds deposited into your account can be used to invest across various markets like SGX, NASDAQ, or HKEX.
CDP-linked brokers (like DBS Vickers, POEMS, and OCBC Securities) credit purchased shares directly to your Central Depository (CDP) account. This means you own the shares in your name. Custodian brokers (like Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, or Saxo) hold the shares under their custody but offer lower fees and wider global access.
Types of Brokerage Accounts in Singapore
The right choice depends on your investment style and goals:
Key differences between brokerage accounts
| Feature | CDP-Linked | Custodian | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Direct; shares are held in your name | Beneficial owner; shares are held by broker on your behalf | Mix of both |
| Market Access | SGX stocks only | Global stocks | Both |
| Fees | Higher trading costs (from S$25+ per trade) | Lower trading costs (often 0–0.1%) | Moderate |
| Transferability | Yes (via CDP) | No | Partial |
| Best For | Long-term investors | Active / global investors | Balanced investors |
Why Open a Brokerage Account in Singapore?
Access to Singapore and global markets
| Broker Type | Online Brokerage Platforms | Market Access | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDP-Linked | DBS Vickers, POEMS, OCBC Securities | SGX-listed stocks | Direct ownership via CDP account |
| Custodian (Digital) | Moomoo, Syfe, Tiger Brokers, Saxo Markets, Webull, Longbridge | Global markets (US, HK, CN, SG) | Wider access and lower fees overall |
Low barriers to entry
Access to smart tools & data
These tools make investing data-driven, helping users track performance and adjust strategies effectively.
Straightforward eligibility
Security & regulation

Comparison: Best Brokerage Accounts in Singapore
🏦 Local brokers (CDP-linked)
| Broker | Minimum Commission Fee (per trade) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBS Vickers | S$25 (SG stock) US$25 (US stock) |
CDP-linked, DBS integration | Traditional investors; existing POSB/DBS customers |
| OCBC Securities | S$25 (SG stock) US$20 (US stock) |
CDP-linked; integrated with OCBC Bank for strong customer support | Local SGX investors; existing OCBC customers |
| DBS digiPortfolio | — | Digital managed portfolio; linked with DBS banking ecosystem | Passive investors; DBS clients seeking automated portfolios |
📱Online & mobile brokers (Custodian model)
| Broker | Minimum Commission Fee (per trade) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | $0 | Zero-commission promo; real-time data; global market access | Beginner & mobile-first traders |
| Tiger Brokers | 0.06% (SG stocks); US$1.99 (US stocks) | Low-cost global trading; fast mobile execution | Frequent retail traders |
| Webull | 0.025% (min. US$0.50 / S$0.80) | Feature-rich app with advanced charting tools | New investors and DIY traders |
| Syfe | 0.06% (SG stocks); from US$0.99+ (US stocks) | Low-fee investing in stocks and ETFs via a simple app | Long-term investors and ETF traders |
| Endowus | 0.05%–0.60% p.a. (funds) | Advised and self-directed portfolios; supports CPF-IS & SRS investing | Long-term investors and retirement planners |
| Longbridge Securities | $0 commission + platform fee (min. S$0.99 / US$0.99) | Community-driven platform with learning resources | Social and beginner traders |
| uSMART SG | 0.02% (SG stocks); $0 (US stocks) | AI-driven tools; easy funding via FAST & PayNow | Beginner traders and students |
| CMC Invest | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
Strong mobile app; advanced charting and price alerts | Experienced retail traders |
| Phillip MetaTrader 5 | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
FX and CFD trading via MT5 platform | Active FX and CFD traders |
| Phillip Nova | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
CFD trading and multi-market access | Traders seeking diversified instruments |
🌍 Global Market Brokers
| Broker | Minimum Deposit Amount | Minimum Commission Fee (per trade) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOREX.com | S$100 | $0 | MAS-regulated CFD broker; tight spreads; MT4 support | FX traders and professionals |
| IG Singapore | S$450 | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
To trade CFDs, options, and shares | Experienced CFD and options traders |
| OANDA | $0 | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
Transparent pricing; no requotes | FX and CFD investors |
| eToro | S$50 | $0 | Social trading; multi-asset platforms | New and social investors |
| Maybank Securities Singapore (MSSG) | $0 | S$25 (SG stock) US$20 (US stock) |
CDP-linked via Maybank Trade Online | Bank-linked traders & investors |
| Plus500 | S$100 | $0 | CFD broker; simple interface | CFD and leverage traders |
| Saxo Markets | $0 (Classic tier) | S$3 (SG stocks); US$1 (US stocks) | Institutional-grade analytics; multi-currency wallet | Experienced multi-market investors |
| Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | $0 | S$2 (SG stock) US$1 (US stock) |
Tiered pricing; lowest FX spreads | Professional & frequent global traders |
| CMC Markets | $0 | S$10 (SG stock) US$10 (US stock) |
Global CFD trading; advanced platform tools | CFD traders and professionals |
| Phillip Capital (POEMS) | $0 | S$10.90 (SG stock) US$15 (US stock) |
Comprehensive brokerage and research tools | Long-term SGX investors |
Disclaimer: The information in the above tables is accurate as of January 2026 and provided for educational purposes only, not professional financial advice. Fees and eligibility criteria may change without notice. Please verify the latest terms directly with each broker before opening an account.
Balancing the brokerage fees with the platform’s features and user experience are key considerations before creating a brokerage account. Do ensure that your selected platform is MAS-regulated to safeguard your investments.
Top Brokerage Accounts in Singapore
Tiger Brokers
- Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
- US$0.99*
- Min. Commission Fee SG Stocks
- 0.03% of Trade Value*
- Min. Funding
- $0
Invest and get REWARDED with:
• S$160 Cash via PayNow
• OR Apple AirPods 4 (worth S$199)
• OR Sennheiser Accenum True Wireless Earbuds (worth S$299)
when you open, fund a min. of S$3,000 within the initial deposit and complete 1 new BUY trade with Tiger Brokers.
T&Cs apply.

moomoo Singapore
- Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
- US$0
- Min. Commission Fee SG Stocks
- S$0*
- Min. Funding
- $0
[MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get S$100 Cash via PayNow OR Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones (worth S$269) OR S$130 GrabGift Vouchers when you meet the eligibility criteria with Moomoo SG. T&Cs apply. Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.
[Moomoo Welcome Rewards]
Get S$30 SpaceX share* when deposit S$3,000. Plus S$1,100* rewards, including up to S$530* NVDA share + S$570* Trading cash coupons when you meet the criteria.. Valid till 24 June 2026. T&Cs apply.

Saxo
- Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
- US$1
- Min. Commission Fee SG Stocks
- S$3
- Min. Funding
- S$0
[SmartRewards | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get S$180 Cash via PayNow
• OR Apple AirPods 4 (worth S$199)
• OR Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless Headphones (worth S$349)
• OR TT Racing Swift X Pro Chair (worth S$429)
OR choose from many more rewards when you deposit a min. of S$3,000, maintain the funds for 30 days, and execute 1 trade within 14 days of account opening.
T&Cs apply.
Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.

Interactive Brokers
- Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
- US$1
- Min. Commission Fee SG Stocks
- $2.50
- Min. Funding
- $0
FOREX.com
- Min. Commission Fee US Stocks
- US$8
- Min. Commission Fee SG Stocks
- S$10
- Min. Funding
- S$150
[SmartRewards | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get S$290 Cash via PayNow OR Apple Airpods Pro 3 (worth S$349) OR Apple Watch SE (worth S$349) OR S$300 worth of GrabGift Vouchers when you open, fund a min. of S$1,000 within 1 deposit and execute 3 trades with FOREX.com. T&Cs apply.
Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.


Longbridge Securities
- Lifetime 0 Commission for SG, US & HK stocks
- S$0 Commission Fee
- World's First Brokerage with US Pre-Market Options
- US Pre-Market Options
- Your Financial Strategist Powers by GPT
- Longbridge AI
[FLASH DEAL | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Receive rewards up to 10% of your deposit amount including:
• Up to S$388 Cash via PayNow
• OR an Apple iPad A16 (worth S$499)
• OR Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones (worth S$589)
or many more rewards when you open, fund & trade with Longbridge Securities*. T&Cs apply.

uSMART SG
- Commission Fee for US Stocks & Options
- S$0
- Min. Commission Fee for SG Stocks
- 0.02% of Trade Value
- Min. Funding
- S$0
How to Choose the Right Broker for Your Needs
Match your broker to your trading goals
| Investor Type | Recommended Brokers | Account Type | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Investor | DBS Vickers, POEMS | CDP-linked | Direct share ownership via CDP; strong local research |
| Active Trader | Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, Saxo Markets | Custodian | Low commissions, advanced tools, fast order execution |
| Global Investor | Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Saxo Markets, FSMOne | Custodian / Hybrid | Multi-market access, FX efficiency, low-cost trading |
💡MoneySmart Tip: If you invest in both SGX and overseas markets, consider a hybrid broker such as FSMOne that combines both CDP and custodian access in one platform. Alternatively, for those focused in long-term local investments, Endowus also facilitates CPF-IS and SRS investing.
Markets of Interest
The best online broker for global market access should offer access to a wide range of global markets including forex and crypto which help diversify your portfolio.
Frequency and volume
For frequent traders, platforms with a tiered pricing model such as Moomoo offer lower fees for higher trade volumes.
On the other hand, a flat-fee model could be more beneficial for investors who trade less often to keep costs per transaction predictable.
Compare fees and hidden costs
By choosing a transparent broker, you maximise every dollar you invest.
Evaluate platform tools and experience
If you’re a beginner, choose a simple interface with built-in learning guides. Experienced investors may prefer powerful tools for analytics and strategy testing.
Assess funding, withdrawal, and currency convenience
| Broker | SGD Deposit | FX Wallet | Average Withdrawal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo, Tiger, Webull, Longbridge | ✅ Instant | ✅ Multi-currency | Same day |
| Saxo Markets, IBKR | ✅ FAST / TT | ✅ Multi-currency | 1–2 business days |
| DBS Vickers, POEMS | ✅ Bank-linked | ❌ SGD-only | 1–2 business days |
Verify regulation and safety

Eligibility and How to Apply for an Online Brokerage Account in Singapore
Eligibility criteria
To open a brokerage account in Singapore, applicants must meet the following general conditions:⭐ Always verify that your chosen broker is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to ensure investor protection.
Compare online brokerage options via MoneySmart
Once you’ve identified and chosen an online broker, click on its “Apply Now” button to be led to its application form.
If applicable, you’ll be redirected to an exclusive MoneySmart promo form to fill up your particulars to enjoy sign-up discounts (e.g. $20 off Endowus Fee) and more!
Register and verify your identity
Others like Phillip SMART Portfolio and OCBC RoboInvest may require direct document uploads or bank-linked verification.
Most sign-ups can be completed in less than 10 minutes. Foreigners can typically verify identity using a valid passport and proof of residence (e.g., a bank statement).
Complete a risk profile questionnaire
Link and fund your account
Most platforms have no funding or withdrawal fees, and transfers are generally completed the same day. Minimum investment amounts vary from $0 (Syfe, StashAway) to $1,000 (Endowus, DBS digiPortfolio).
Review and confirm your portfolio
Monitor progress and automate contributions
All major robo advisors offer performance tracking, asset breakdowns, and portfolio insights in real time.
For CPF or SRS investors through Endowus or Phillip SMART Portfolio, contributions and withdrawals follow MAS and CPF-IS regulations.
For cash investors, recurring deposits can be automated to build discipline and smooth out market volatility.
Ready to Level Up Your Investment Game?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest trading platform in Singapore?
- Platforms like Moomoo offer $0 commission trades. For long-term investors, Tiger Brokers and Saxo Markets offer tiered pricing models.
Compare the brokerage fees, spreads, and execution speeds to find the cheapest brokerage for your needs. Are $0 commission brokers legit and safe?
- Yes, zero commission brokers like Moomoo can be safe if they are MAS-regulated. They make money via order flow payments and spreads. As long as they are licensed by MAS, your investment account is protected. Regulation protects the account and the deposited money.
The investment itself is not protected or guaranteed. What trading platforms are MAS regulated?
- MAS-regulated trading platforms in Singapore include OCBC Securities, Saxo Markets, and DBS Vickers. These brokers comply with local regulations, ensuring the safety of your investment accounts. Regulation protects the account and the deposited money. Do note that the investment itself is not protected for guaranteed. Always check for MAS licensing before opening a brokerage account.
Which broker has the best mobile trading app?
- Moomoo is one of the top-rated mobile trading apps in Singapore. The app offers real-time data, zero-commission trading, and advanced charting tools, making it ideal for both beginners and active traders.
Can I use MediSave for investments?
- No, MediSave cannot be used for trading or investing in stocks. It's strictly for healthcare expenses. However, you can use your CPF for approved investment products.
What is the best trading platform for beginners in Singapore?
- Moomoo is excellent for beginners. They offer user-friendly interfaces, educational resources, and low-cost trading. Moomoo also provides zero-commission trades and access to global markets, making it easy for new investors to get started.
How do online brokers in Singapore make money?
- Online brokers make money through order flow payments, spreads, platform fees, and interest on uninvested funds. For commission-free brokers, the spread or order flow can offset commission savings.
Do I need a broker to invest in US stocks from Singapore?
- Yes, you need a MAS-regulated broker like Interactive Brokers or Saxo Markets to invest in US stocks from Singapore. These platforms provide access to international markets with competitive fees and advanced tools.
Can I open an overseas brokerage account from Singapore?
- Yes. Singaporeans, PRs, and eligible expats can open global brokerage accounts for access to US or HK markets. Major MAS-regulated digital brokers such as Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, and Interactive Brokers allow Singapore-based users to apply online.
Eligibility: Singapore citizens, PRs, or foreigners with local address proof.
Process: Digital onboarding via SingPass/MyInfo for locals; passport upload for expats. Can PRs in Singapore buy US stocks?
- Yes. All major brokers like Moomoo, Webull, Longbridge, Saxo Markets, and Interactive Brokers, accept PRs and expats for US stock trading. A US tax form (W-8BEN) is required during onboarding.
Which broker is fastest for mobile onboarding?
- Digital-first brokers like Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, Webull, and Longbridge offer instant SingPass/MyInfo onboarding. Approval takes minutes for locals; expats can upload documents directly.
What are the benefits of trading via app vs. traditional brokers?
- App-based brokers like Moomoo, Webull, and Longbridge offer
- Convenience: Trade, fund, and monitor on your phone.
- Fast onboarding using Singpass MyInfo, PayNow, and FAST deposits
- Smart tools featuring real-time analytics, charts, learning modules, and 24/7 chat support
- Instant alerts for price drops/hikes, news, and other corporate action notifications
All in all, while traditional brokers may have higher fees and require branch visits, app-first brokers provide flexibility and automation. Which broker has the lowest minimum deposit for trading foreign assets?
- Most digital brokers now offer S$0 minimum deposits for basic accounts.
- Moomoo, Webull, Longbridge: S$0 minimum funding.
- Tiger Brokers: S$1 minimum.
- Saxo Markets: S$0 for Classic tier (higher for Platinum/VIP).
- Interactive Brokers: No minimum for basic cash accounts; higher for margin accounts.
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