For investors looking to build wealth in the financial markets, St. George Bank offers a robust online share trading platform known as Directshares. Powered through a strategic partnership with CMC Markets Stockbroking, this platform provides everyday Australians and self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees with direct access to a wide range of investment vehicles, including domestic shares, international equities, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
Directshares integrates seamlessly with your everyday St. George banking profile. By linking an eligible St. George, BankSA, or Bank of Melbourne transaction account, users can fund trades more efficiently and manage their investments alongside everyday banking. Whether you are an active trader looking for advanced charting tools or a long-term investor securing blue-chip stocks, the platform scales to meet varying levels of financial sophistication.
Directshares Platform Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Name | Directshares (Service provided through CMC Markets Stockbroking). |
| Available Markets | Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and a range of international markets. |
| Investment Types | Shares, ETFs, Options, Warrants, and mFunds. |
| Brokerage Fees | Brokerage fees typically start from around $19.95 for standard Australian online trades (subject to change). |
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Directshares
To open a St.George Directshares account online, you must have an existing eligible St.George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne transaction account that permits direct debits.
To apply, follow the link: https://www.stgeorge.com.au/personal/investments/directshares-online-broking/new-account
Efficiency Hack for Faster Settlement
Pro-Tip: To avoid the standard 2-day waiting period (T+2) for transferring funds from external banks, link your Directshares account to an eligible St. George transaction account or margin loan facility. This allows the platform to direct debit your settlement funds instantly the moment your trade is executed on the market.
Troubleshooting Common Trading Portal Issues
- MFA Delays: When logging into the Directshares platform during volatile market openings, high network traffic can sometimes delay your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) SMS. If the code takes longer than a minute, request a new one, or or use an authenticator method if you have it enabled.
- Browser Errors: The advanced pro-trading charts require stable scripts to run continuously. If your market depth screens freeze or display a timeout error, disable any aggressive ad-blocking extensions and clear your browser cache, as these can interfere with real-time data feeds.
- Locked ID: Entering your Directshares trading password incorrectly multiple times will automatically lock your account to prevent unauthorized stock liquidations. Because this platform runs through CMC Markets, you may need to use the specific Directshares Forgot Password link or contact the Directshares support desk (e.g., 1300 133 500) or check the official website for the current number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the brokerage fees for trading shares with St. George?
For standard online trades on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), brokerage fees generally start at $19.95 or 0.11% of the total trade value, whichever amount is higher. Phone-assisted trades incur a higher premium.
Can I trade international shares using my Directshares account?
Yes. The St. George Directshares platform provides clients with direct access to major international markets, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, and the London Stock Exchange, all from within your single trading account profile.
