Get in and out easily
Fixed income securities like government bonds, Exchange Traded Bonds (XTBs) and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can be bought and sold on the market like an ordinary share if you want to free up your funds.
Generate a regular income stream
Make your money work for you by investing in fixed income securities, government bonds, and more.
Diversify your portfolio
Fixed income securities could help you diversify your portfolio by exposing you to cash-type investments.
Access another income stream
Fixed income securities provide investors with regular income compared to ordinary shares, providing them with the opportunity to profit from interest rate movements.
Market-leading research
Free access to the latest market news, expert insights and research from Morningstar.
The low-down on fixed income securities
Fixed income securities are debt investments that pay a fixed or floating rate of return. Here’s how it works:
Investors lend money to the issuer of the security. In return, the issuer pays investors interest and promises to repay the issue price at a specific time.
Fixed income securities are traded in the same way as regular shares and are listed on the ASX.
Exchange Traded Bonds are securities backed by an underlying bond. Coupon and principal payments from the bond usually flow through to the investor.
- Exchange Traded Funds provide exposure to a professionally managed portfolio of investment grade bonds and aim to track a particular bond or index. Learn more about ETFs.
- Australian government bonds can generally make fixed interest payments (known as coupons), biannual or quarterly and return the face value (or face value plus CPI adjustment for indexed bonds) at the maturity date.
CommSec has partnered with CommBank Investor Sales to provide unlisted or over-the-counter (OTC) bond investments to Sophisticated and Wholesale clients with investible assets greater than AUD $10m available to invest in $500,000 minimum parcels. To be eligible, you must register your Sophisticated Investor status with CommSec through the provision of a Certified Accountants certificate. Please speak to your CommSec One relationship manager for further details.
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Our rates and fees
Opening a CommSec account is free and there are no ongoing account-keeping fees.
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Trade amount |
Cost1 |
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Up to $1,000 (inclusive) |
$5 |
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Over $1,000 up to $3,000 (inclusive) |
$10 |
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Over $3,000 up to $10,000 (inclusive) |
$19.95 |
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Over $10,000 up to $25,000 (inclusive) |
$29.95 |
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Over $25,000 |
0.12% |
Fund managers and issuers charge a fee for their professional management of ETFs and XTBs. You can find the Management Expense Ratio in the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Signing up is easy
Here’s what you need to get started.
✔ Your personal details
You’ll need your full name, residential and postal address to verify your identity.
✔ Your contact details
You’ll need your mobile number and email address to receive notifications and application updates.
✔ Your tax residency details
You’ll need to supply your tax residency to complete your account application.
Joining CommSec is free - sign up for instant access to our full range of trading tools, news and stock data.
If you’re not already a CommSec customer, you can get $0 brokerage on your first 10 Aussie trades up to $1,000.
Your questions, answered
Find the answers to your questions about investing with CommSec.
Like anything, investing comes with some risks that, when managed, can be mitigated. These risks, such as the decrease in an asset’s value, market fluctuations and liquidity risk (the inability to sell an asset quickly) are all manageable by using investment strategies like diversification. Some key risks of investing in fixed income securities include:
- Liquidity: The ability to sell some fixed income securities quickly may be lower than the other ASX listed securities, such as equities.
- Interest rate risk: For certain fixed income securities that pay a fixed return, there is a possibility that the rate of interest you receive might not align with the market rate at the time. Changes in interest rates and the accrual of interest since the last coupon payment may also impact the price of your fixed income investment.
- Credit risk: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer may not be able to repay the promised return or the principal amount at the maturity date. This is partially reflected by the different rates of interest paid.
When investing in XTBs, ensure you:
- Select how often to receive income – coupon frequency varies with each XTB
- Choose your level of income – choose an XTB to suit your income requirements and risk appetite
- Control how long you wish to invest - Different XTBs also have different maturities
Help when it matters
Find the support you need, when you need it.
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Send us your question Fill in our online form and hear from one of our experts within two business days |
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Call us 13 15 19 for calls within Australia |
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Reach out to us on X Tag @CommSec in your question on X |
Stay one step ahead
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1Cost is based on trades placed online via the CommSec website, mobile app or other CommSec platforms. Cost is based on trades that settle in a CDIA. Trades linked to a settlement account from another financial institution and trades placed over the phone incur additional fees. See our rates and fees for more information.
You can view the Share Trading Terms and Conditions, Best Execution Statement and Financial Services Guide (FSG), and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.
"$0 brokerage on your first 10 trades" offer only available to new CommSec customers opening a new individual Australian Share Trading Account & Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) between 1st May 2025 and 31st July 2025 via the ‘Join now’ link at www.commsec.com.au/offer or through the CommBank App. Offer applies if you trade online, are CHESS-sponsored by CommSec and settle your trade through your CDIA. This offer does not apply to CommSec Pocket trades, International Share trades, Exchange Traded Options or Margin Lending. You are not eligible for this offer if you have closed an Australian Share Trading Account on or after 1st May 2025. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer and not open to existing CommSec customers. As part of the offer, you will receive $0 brokerage on your first 10 Australian share trades, up to a maximum trade value of $50,000 each for orders placed on or before 31st October 2025. Standard CommSec brokerage charges apply for orders placed or amended after 31st October 2025. Trades above $50,000 will incur brokerage charges. For CommSec standard brokerage charges, see the CommSec Financial Service Guide. No brokerage fee will be shown on the CommSec Confirmation Contract Note issued in respect of applicable trades under this offer. This offer is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable. CommSec Share Trading Terms and Conditions apply unless otherwise specified here. Applicants must be 18 years or over. We reserve the right to terminate this offer or amend these terms and conditions at any time without notice. For any queries on this offer, please contact us on 13 15 19.
