Essential Pre-Investment Knowledge: Key Factors in Choosing a Broker
If you want to trade stocks, bonds, or futures in Taiwan, the first step is to find a securities firm that suits your needs. There are many brokers on the market, but not all are suitable for your investment style. Before diving into rankings and fee comparisons, understand what matters most to you so you can make the smartest decision.
When selecting a securities broker, four main factors should be considered: trading commission discounts, ease of use of trading software, availability of securities and margin interest rates, and diversity of trading products. These factors directly impact your trading costs and investment experience and should not be overlooked.
Taiwan Domestic Securities Market Rankings and Trading Capabilities
Top 10 Brokers by Market Position in 2025
Based on the total trading volume market share in 2024, the competitive landscape of Taiwan’s domestic securities firms is as follows. These established brokers have decades of operational experience and each has unique features in trading products and services:
Rank
Broker Name
Market Share
Main Trading Products
1
Yuanta Securities
12.89%
Taiwan stocks, ETFs, Hong Kong stocks, China stocks, US stocks, Japanese stocks, international futures, options, etc.
Data Source: Taiwan Stock Exchange, period from January 1 to December 31, 2024
Fee Comparison: Promotional Plans of Various Securities Firms
Understanding the Two Major Costs in Taiwan Stock Trading
In Taiwan, stock trading involves two types of costs. First is transaction commissions, officially priced at 0.1425%, paid by both buyer and seller, with a minimum of NT$20 per transaction. Second is transaction tax, which is 0.3% on sales, and this cannot be discounted.
Although the official commission rate is fixed, with the rise of online trading, decreasing operational costs, and fierce market competition, high-volume investors often negotiate for better discounts. However, the transaction tax is paid to the government and is fixed, so it cannot be negotiated.
Comparison Table of Electronic Order Fees Among Major Brokers
Code
Broker Name
Discounted Commission
Refund Method
Special Offers
8560
Yuanta Securities
60%
Daily refund
New account holders with Taiwan stock regular fixed deductions for 3 months get NT$300 voucher; for every NT$100,000 in Taiwan ETF purchases, get NT$100 voucher
9200
KGI Securities
60% (2.5% for new users)
Monthly refund
-
9600
Fubon Financial
60% (less than 2% for new users, within NT$1 million monthly trading)
Monthly refund
-
9A00
E.SUN Securities
20% (monthly trading under NT$1 million)
Monthly refund
-
8880
Cathay Securities
28%
Daily refund
-
2856
Yuan Fu Securities
65%
Monthly refund
-
6005
Yuanta Securities
60%
Daily refund
-
2880
Hua Nan Yong Chang
65%
Monthly refund
-
2855
Union Securities
25% off within NT$100,000; 20% for NT$100,000–NT$500,000; 16.8% over NT$500,000
Monthly refund
-
000700
Mega Securities
50%
Monthly refund
-
Data Source: Official websites of major brokers, online research; actual conditions depend on account opening
Example Calculation of Actual Trading Costs
Taking TSMC (2330) as an example, assuming buying 5 lots at NT$430 and selling 5 lots at NT$450:
Item
Buy
Sell
Stock Price
NT$430
NT$450
Lots
5
5
Total Amount
NT$21,500,000
NT$22,500,000
Commission Rate
0.1425%
0.1425%
Discount (60%)
NT$1,838.25
NT$1,923.75
Transaction Tax Rate
-
0.3%
Transaction Tax
-
NT$67,500
Total Transaction Cost
NT$1,838.25
NT$8,673.75
Total for Both Sides
NT$10,512
-
This example shows that commission discounts can save a significant amount, but transaction tax remains the main cost during trading.
Practical Considerations When Choosing a Broker
1. Commission Discounts Are Not the Only Factor
While commission discounts are important, be aware that some small brokers lower fees to attract clients but may lack system stability, order speed, or quality customer service. When choosing a broker, evaluate comprehensively rather than focusing solely on commission discounts.
Also, pay attention to how refunds are processed. Some brokers refund the next day, others only on fixed business days each month, which affects your cash flow flexibility.
2. User Experience of Trading Software
All brokers offer free trading tools, such as Yuanta’s “Investment Mr.” app, KGI’s “Mobile e Strategy,” etc., with various features. Investors need more than basic buy/sell functions; real-time quotes, technical analysis tools, account management, etc., are also essential.
It’s recommended to download and try each platform to personally experience the interface design and responsiveness, helping you find the most user-friendly platform.
3. Securities Source Adequacy and Margin Interest Rates
Larger brokers usually provide more securities (stocks they can lend to investors), which is crucial for short selling or margin trading. Additionally, margin interest rates are an important cost factor.
For Taiwan stocks, margin ratio is 60% for listed stocks and 50% for OTC stocks. Most brokers’ margin interest rates range from 6% to 7%. Large brokers, with ample capital, often offer more favorable margin rates. If you frequently trade on margin, prioritize larger brokers.
4. Diversity of Trading Products
Some investors only trade Taiwan stocks, but many also want to explore Hong Kong, US, Japan, and other overseas markets. Domestic brokers do offer overseas stock trading, but most use “OMNIBUS” accounts, which tend to have higher fees. If overseas investing is your main goal, the overseas brokers introduced later may be more cost-effective.
Overseas Investment Options: Understanding International Broker Platforms
If you plan to invest in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, or other overseas markets, using Taiwan’s omnibus accounts via local brokers may not be the most economical choice. Here are three popular overseas investment platforms in Taiwan:
Mitrade—The First Choice for Small-Scale and Leverage Trading Enthusiasts
Mitrade is a global CFD( trading platform regulated by ASIC Australia. It offers trading in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more, with support for both long and short positions. Leverage can be adjusted from 1x to 200x.
With the increasing number of Taiwanese users, the platform has strengthened local services. Investors can deposit and withdraw directly in New Taiwan Dollars, no currency exchange needed; plus, 24-hour Taiwanese customer support, unaffected by time zone differences.
Platform Advantages:
Funds are secured with trust accounts
Very low minimum deposit (from US$50)
Zero commission, only spreads
Free demo account for practice
Supports TWD deposits and withdrawals
Ideal for:
Investors trading with small capital
Traders enthusiastic about leverage
Investors needing day trading or hedging
) Interactive Brokers—The Choice for Well-Funded Professional Investors
Since 1977, Interactive Brokers has served global investors for over forty years, with extensive users in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond. It offers US, UK, German, Japanese, Korean stocks, as well as bonds, funds, ETFs, futures, forex, and more, supporting diversified asset allocation.
Trading fees are calculated at $0.005 per share, capped at 1%, which is more favorable for large capital investors compared to other platforms. No minimum deposit required, with Chinese-language customer support.
Platform Advantages:
No minimum deposit to open an account
Fee structure more advantageous for large trades
Wide range of financial products
Best suited for:
Investors with substantial capital seeking lower trading costs
Professional investors needing complex asset allocation
Note: When trading on margin (margin trading), accounts must maintain a balance of over US$2,000.
Firstrade—A User-Friendly Platform for US Stocks and ETFs Beginners
Firstrade is a US-based online broker regulated by FINRA and SIPC. Its main trading products are US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, known for zero commissions, especially popular among Taiwanese long-term ETF investors. However, withdrawal fees are relatively high, so plan accordingly.
Platform Advantages:
Zero commission on stocks, ETFs, options
Intuitive interface, easy for beginners
Loss protection for unauthorized trades
Ideal for:
Long-term US stock and ETF investors
Small investors wanting low-cost regular US purchases
Note: Withdrawal fee is US$25 per transaction; reducing withdrawal frequency can save costs.
Quick Comparison of Three Major Overseas Broker Platforms
Platform Name
Main Advantages
Trading Fees
Withdrawal Fees
Suitable Products
Mitrade
Zero commissions, low deposit, 1-200x leverage, free demo
Zero commissions (spread-based)
1-2 free withdrawals per month, then US$5 each
US stocks, HK stocks, AU stocks, indices, forex, commodities, crypto CFDs
Interactive Brokers
Large capital discounts, 1% fee cap, comprehensive products
Zero commissions, beginner-friendly, loss protection
Zero commissions
US$25 per withdrawal
US stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, options
How to Open an Overseas Broker Account
$10 Step 1: Online Registration and Account Setup
Using Mitrade as an example, the registration process is very simple. Just fill in your email, set a password, choose your main currency, and basic info. After registration, you can immediately use the demo account to practice and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification and Deposit Funds
After KYC verification, you can open a real trading account. Funding methods include Skrill, Poli, credit cards###Visa/MasterCard(, or bank transfer. You can choose the most convenient method. For Mitrade, the minimum deposit is only US$50, very affordable.
) Step 3: Search for Products and Start Trading
Log into the trading platform, then use the search bar in the top left to enter stock names or codes to quickly find your target and start buying or selling.
Summary: Choosing the Most Suitable Investment Channel
For Taiwanese investors engaging in stocks, bonds, or derivatives trading, opening an account with a securities firm is essential. This article has detailed the top ten domestic brokers, fee comparisons, and trading features to help you quickly understand the local market.
The advantage of domestic brokers lies in strong compliance and competitive stock trading fees. However, if your investment focus shifts to overseas markets like US or Hong Kong stocks, seeking professional overseas brokers may offer better cost efficiency.
When choosing a broker, be sure to consider commission discounts, software usability, securities availability, margin interest rates, and product diversity. Each broker has its pros and cons; there is no absolute best choice. The key is to find a platform that best fits your investment style and needs, so you can maximize your market performance.
Wishing all investors to find their ideal trading partner and start their investment journey!
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Taiwan Securities Broker Rankings Guide | 2025 Latest Fees and Account Opening Options
Essential Pre-Investment Knowledge: Key Factors in Choosing a Broker
If you want to trade stocks, bonds, or futures in Taiwan, the first step is to find a securities firm that suits your needs. There are many brokers on the market, but not all are suitable for your investment style. Before diving into rankings and fee comparisons, understand what matters most to you so you can make the smartest decision.
When selecting a securities broker, four main factors should be considered: trading commission discounts, ease of use of trading software, availability of securities and margin interest rates, and diversity of trading products. These factors directly impact your trading costs and investment experience and should not be overlooked.
Taiwan Domestic Securities Market Rankings and Trading Capabilities
Top 10 Brokers by Market Position in 2025
Based on the total trading volume market share in 2024, the competitive landscape of Taiwan’s domestic securities firms is as follows. These established brokers have decades of operational experience and each has unique features in trading products and services:
Data Source: Taiwan Stock Exchange, period from January 1 to December 31, 2024
Fee Comparison: Promotional Plans of Various Securities Firms
Understanding the Two Major Costs in Taiwan Stock Trading
In Taiwan, stock trading involves two types of costs. First is transaction commissions, officially priced at 0.1425%, paid by both buyer and seller, with a minimum of NT$20 per transaction. Second is transaction tax, which is 0.3% on sales, and this cannot be discounted.
Although the official commission rate is fixed, with the rise of online trading, decreasing operational costs, and fierce market competition, high-volume investors often negotiate for better discounts. However, the transaction tax is paid to the government and is fixed, so it cannot be negotiated.
Comparison Table of Electronic Order Fees Among Major Brokers
Data Source: Official websites of major brokers, online research; actual conditions depend on account opening
Example Calculation of Actual Trading Costs
Taking TSMC (2330) as an example, assuming buying 5 lots at NT$430 and selling 5 lots at NT$450:
This example shows that commission discounts can save a significant amount, but transaction tax remains the main cost during trading.
Practical Considerations When Choosing a Broker
1. Commission Discounts Are Not the Only Factor
While commission discounts are important, be aware that some small brokers lower fees to attract clients but may lack system stability, order speed, or quality customer service. When choosing a broker, evaluate comprehensively rather than focusing solely on commission discounts.
Also, pay attention to how refunds are processed. Some brokers refund the next day, others only on fixed business days each month, which affects your cash flow flexibility.
2. User Experience of Trading Software
All brokers offer free trading tools, such as Yuanta’s “Investment Mr.” app, KGI’s “Mobile e Strategy,” etc., with various features. Investors need more than basic buy/sell functions; real-time quotes, technical analysis tools, account management, etc., are also essential.
It’s recommended to download and try each platform to personally experience the interface design and responsiveness, helping you find the most user-friendly platform.
3. Securities Source Adequacy and Margin Interest Rates
Larger brokers usually provide more securities (stocks they can lend to investors), which is crucial for short selling or margin trading. Additionally, margin interest rates are an important cost factor.
For Taiwan stocks, margin ratio is 60% for listed stocks and 50% for OTC stocks. Most brokers’ margin interest rates range from 6% to 7%. Large brokers, with ample capital, often offer more favorable margin rates. If you frequently trade on margin, prioritize larger brokers.
4. Diversity of Trading Products
Some investors only trade Taiwan stocks, but many also want to explore Hong Kong, US, Japan, and other overseas markets. Domestic brokers do offer overseas stock trading, but most use “OMNIBUS” accounts, which tend to have higher fees. If overseas investing is your main goal, the overseas brokers introduced later may be more cost-effective.
Overseas Investment Options: Understanding International Broker Platforms
If you plan to invest in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, or other overseas markets, using Taiwan’s omnibus accounts via local brokers may not be the most economical choice. Here are three popular overseas investment platforms in Taiwan:
Mitrade—The First Choice for Small-Scale and Leverage Trading Enthusiasts
Mitrade is a global CFD( trading platform regulated by ASIC Australia. It offers trading in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more, with support for both long and short positions. Leverage can be adjusted from 1x to 200x.
With the increasing number of Taiwanese users, the platform has strengthened local services. Investors can deposit and withdraw directly in New Taiwan Dollars, no currency exchange needed; plus, 24-hour Taiwanese customer support, unaffected by time zone differences.
Platform Advantages:
Ideal for:
) Interactive Brokers—The Choice for Well-Funded Professional Investors
Since 1977, Interactive Brokers has served global investors for over forty years, with extensive users in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond. It offers US, UK, German, Japanese, Korean stocks, as well as bonds, funds, ETFs, futures, forex, and more, supporting diversified asset allocation.
Trading fees are calculated at $0.005 per share, capped at 1%, which is more favorable for large capital investors compared to other platforms. No minimum deposit required, with Chinese-language customer support.
Platform Advantages:
Best suited for:
Note: When trading on margin (margin trading), accounts must maintain a balance of over US$2,000.
Firstrade—A User-Friendly Platform for US Stocks and ETFs Beginners
Firstrade is a US-based online broker regulated by FINRA and SIPC. Its main trading products are US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, known for zero commissions, especially popular among Taiwanese long-term ETF investors. However, withdrawal fees are relatively high, so plan accordingly.
Platform Advantages:
Ideal for:
Note: Withdrawal fee is US$25 per transaction; reducing withdrawal frequency can save costs.
Quick Comparison of Three Major Overseas Broker Platforms
How to Open an Overseas Broker Account
$10 Step 1: Online Registration and Account Setup
Using Mitrade as an example, the registration process is very simple. Just fill in your email, set a password, choose your main currency, and basic info. After registration, you can immediately use the demo account to practice and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification and Deposit Funds
After KYC verification, you can open a real trading account. Funding methods include Skrill, Poli, credit cards###Visa/MasterCard(, or bank transfer. You can choose the most convenient method. For Mitrade, the minimum deposit is only US$50, very affordable.
) Step 3: Search for Products and Start Trading
Log into the trading platform, then use the search bar in the top left to enter stock names or codes to quickly find your target and start buying or selling.
Summary: Choosing the Most Suitable Investment Channel
For Taiwanese investors engaging in stocks, bonds, or derivatives trading, opening an account with a securities firm is essential. This article has detailed the top ten domestic brokers, fee comparisons, and trading features to help you quickly understand the local market.
The advantage of domestic brokers lies in strong compliance and competitive stock trading fees. However, if your investment focus shifts to overseas markets like US or Hong Kong stocks, seeking professional overseas brokers may offer better cost efficiency.
When choosing a broker, be sure to consider commission discounts, software usability, securities availability, margin interest rates, and product diversity. Each broker has its pros and cons; there is no absolute best choice. The key is to find a platform that best fits your investment style and needs, so you can maximize your market performance.
Wishing all investors to find their ideal trading partner and start their investment journey!