How to choose a securities firm in Taiwan? 2025 latest rankings and stock trading fee comparison guide

Taiwan Investors Must Know: Why Choosing the Right Brokerage Matters

In recent years, more and more Taiwanese are investing in stocks, bonds, and options trading. However, retail investors cannot trade directly and must go through a securities firm to execute transactions. The choice of broker directly impacts your trading costs and investment experience. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences among Taiwan’s mainstream brokers, compare stock transaction fees in depth, and find the most suitable trading platform for both beginners and experienced investors.

Understanding Taiwan’s Stock Transaction Fee System: Official Pricing and Actual Discounts

In Taiwan’s stock market trading, two main costs are involved: commission fees and transaction taxes.

The official commission rate is 0.1425%, charged on both buy and sell sides, with a minimum of NT$20 per transaction. Transaction tax is only levied on sales, at a rate of 0.3%, with no discounts available.

Although the commission fee has an official rate, online orders have become mainstream, and brokers compete fiercely. High-volume investors can negotiate discounts with brokers. Each broker’s discount standards vary, usually adjusted flexibly based on trading volume and capital scale. It’s important to note that transaction tax is government revenue, and no investor can enjoy discounts on it.

TSMC Trading Example: Understanding Actual Cost Calculation

For example, buying 5 lots of TSMC at NT$430 (NT$2.15 million) and selling at NT$450 (NT$2.25 million):

As shown, the difference in commission discounts can be significant and directly affect your investment returns.

Top 10 Taiwan Brokers in 2025 and Stock Transaction Fee Comparison

Based on the total trading volume market share in 2024, here is a list of Taiwan’s mainstream local brokers. Many of these brokers have decades of operational experience, support both Taiwan and US stock trading, but note that overseas stocks are often traded via “cross-trading,” which tends to have higher fees.

Market Share Ranking Table

Broker Electronic Order Discount Overview

Important Note: Commission discounts are negotiable with brokers. The higher your trading volume and capital, the more favorable the discounts tend to be.

Four Key Metrics for Choosing a Taiwan Securities Firm

When faced with many options, these four dimensions can help you quickly identify the most suitable broker:

1. Discount Range and Refund Speed

Commission discounts vary significantly among brokers. Some adopt daily refunds, which are credited the next day; most use monthly refunds, settled on fixed trading days each month.

Be aware that while some small brokers lower commissions to attract clients, they may lack system stability, order execution speed, or quality customer service. When choosing a broker, commission fees are important, but should not be the sole factor.

2. Trading Platform and Order Software Experience

All brokers offer free trading tools. For example, Yuanta’s “Invest Mr.” app, KGI’s “Mobile eStrategy,” each has its features. Besides basic buy/sell functions, consider real-time quotes, market push notifications, technical analysis charts, and account management ease.

It’s recommended to try out demo accounts before opening a real account to experience the trading interface and find the most user-friendly platform.

3. Liquidity and Margin Costs

Larger brokers usually provide ample securities and lower financing interest rates. Liquidity affects your trading flexibility—sufficient securities make it easier to short sell (borrow stocks to sell, then buy back when prices fall).

Margin ratios for Taiwan stocks are 60% for listed stocks and 50% for OTC stocks. Margin interest rates among brokers range from about 6% to 7%. If you frequently use margin trading, choosing a large broker is more economical.

4. Service Locations and Customer Support

Traditional brokers have physical branches nationwide offering face-to-face consultation. Online brokers rely on online customer service. Choose based on your trading habits and support needs.

Alternative Options for US and Hong Kong Stocks: Overseas Broker Platforms

Local Taiwanese brokers mainly excel in Taiwan stock trading. For overseas stocks, most use cross-trading, which tends to be more expensive. The following three overseas brokers are popular among Taiwanese investors, each with its own features:

Mitrade—Ideal for Small Investments and Leverage Trading

Mitrade is a global CFD( trading platform regulated by ASIC in Australia. Supports US, Hong Kong, index, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with leverage adjustable from 1x to 200x, suitable for long and short trading.

Core Advantages:

• Very low capital requirement, starting at just US$50
• Zero commission, only spreads cost
• Supports direct deposit/withdrawal in New Taiwan Dollars, no currency exchange hassle
• 24-hour local support in Taiwan, Chinese language support without time difference
• Demo accounts available for risk-free practice

Best for: Small investors, traders seeking leverage to amplify gains, hedging investors

) Interactive Brokers—Professional Choice for Large Capital Investors

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers has served global investors for over 40 years. Supports US, UK, German, Japanese, Korean markets, and offers bonds, funds, ETFs, futures, forex, and more. No minimum deposit, with stock trading fees as low as US$0.005 per share, with Chinese customer support.

Core Advantages:

• No minimum deposit requirement
• Fee structure especially friendly for large-volume traders
• Covers major global markets and asset classes
• Supports margin accounts (minimum balance of US$2,000)

Best for: Investors with substantial capital, seeking lower trading costs, professional asset allocation

Firstrade—Great Starting Point for US Stock and ETF Beginners

Firstrade is a US online broker regulated by FINRA and SIPC. Focuses on discount brokerage, allowing trading of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, with zero commissions, popular among Taiwanese investors (especially dividend ETF investors). Note that withdrawal fees are relatively high.

Core Advantages:

• Zero commission on stocks, ETFs, options
• User-friendly interface, easy for beginners
• Protects against unauthorized trading losses
• Especially suitable for long-term US stock and ETF investors

Best for: Long-term dividend ETF investors, small investors regularly buying US stocks at low cost

Note: Withdrawal fee is US$25 per transaction. It’s recommended to minimize frequent withdrawals and opt for periodic bulk withdrawals.

Comparison of Three Major Overseas Brokers

How to Open an Overseas Broker Account: Three Quick Steps

) Step 1: Register an Account

Using Mitrade as an example, online registration takes only 3 minutes. Enter email, set password, choose main trading currency. You can immediately use a demo account to familiarize yourself with the platform, practicing risk-free order placement.

Step 2: Complete KYC Verification and Deposit Funds

After identity verification, enable real trading. Deposit methods include Skrill, Poli, credit cards###Visa/Master(, or international transfer. Minimum deposit is just US$50, suitable for small investors testing waters.

) Step 3: Search for Assets and Start Trading

Log into the trading page, enter stock name or code in the search bar to locate the target, then execute orders.

Final Advice: How to Find the Most Suitable Stock Transaction Fee Plan for You

Overall, if Taiwanese investors mainly trade Taiwan stocks, local brokers offer convenience and security, with fierce fee discount competition making actual costs relatively low. For overseas markets like US and Hong Kong stocks, choosing overseas brokers directly is usually more economical.

Decision checklist for choosing a broker:

• Compare stock transaction fees and discount policies
• Evaluate trading platform usability and features
• Confirm liquidity and margin interest rates
• Consider customer support quality and branch convenience
• Match your trading scale and style to the best option

Every broker has pros and cons; the key is to find the one that best fits your trading goals, capital, and habits. Wishing you a smooth and efficient investment journey!