How to choose a securities broker in Taiwan? The latest 2025 ranking and complete guide to fees

Why is choosing a broker so important?

If you want to trade stocks, bonds, or options and futures in the Taiwan stock market, retail investors must go through a Taiwanese securities broker to get started. However, there are many brokers on the market, each with different commission fees, trading tools, and service quality. Choosing the wrong one could lead to unnecessary costs. This article summarizes key information about local Taiwanese brokers to help you quickly find the most suitable trading partner.

Top Ten Securities Brokers in Taiwan and Their Market Positions

Based on the total trading volume for 2024, the following are the leading players in Taiwan’s securities market. These established Taiwanese brokers have decades of operational experience, offer a wide range of trading products, including Taiwan stocks, ETFs, futures, options, and overseas remittance services.

Market Share Ranking of Major Taiwanese Brokers

Four Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Taiwanese Securities Broker

1. Significant differences in commission discounts, so compare carefully

The official standard commission rate for Taiwan stock trading is 0.1425%, applicable to both buying and selling. If the calculated fee is less than NT$20, a minimum of NT$20 is charged. Transaction tax of 0.3% is paid when selling stocks and cannot be discounted.

Although there is an official pricing structure, online trading has become mainstream, significantly reducing broker costs. Under fierce competition, high-volume investors can negotiate discounts with brokers. Different brokers offer various promotional plans, usually based on your monthly trading volume.

For example, using TSMC (2330) as a case, with a 60% discount on commissions, the cost difference is as follows:

As shown, commission discounts significantly impact costs. However, choosing a broker isn’t just about fees; service quality and system stability are also crucial.

2. Ease of Trading Software Affects Trading Experience

All Taiwanese brokers offer free trading tools, such as Yuanta’s “Invest Mr.” and KGI’s “Mobile e Strategy.” Besides order placement, it’s important to check if real-time quotes, market analysis, technical indicators, and account management features are comprehensive.

Try downloading and testing the apps to experience the interface and operation smoothness, as this affects your daily trading experience. Some smaller brokers lower fees to compete but may have less stable or slower trading systems, which could cause issues during critical moments.

3. The Quantity of Securities Sources Affects Trading Flexibility

Larger Taiwanese brokers generally have more abundant securities sources (the amount of stocks available to borrow). Sufficient securities sources mean you can borrow stocks for short selling and have more trading strategy options. Margin interest rates are also an important consideration—currently, the margin ratio for listed stocks is 60%, and for OTC stocks, 50%. Margin interest rates among brokers typically range from 6% to 7%.

Investors with high margin trading needs should prioritize large Taiwanese brokers for better costs and convenience.

4. Branch Locations and Customer Service Accessibility

Although online trading is mainstream, some investors prefer visiting physical branches for inquiries or transactions. Large Taiwanese brokers have branches across Taiwan, making customer service more accessible. This is especially important for investors with complex needs.

Summary of Commission Discount Tables for Taiwanese Brokers

Note: Commission discounts are adjusted based on trading volume and quarterly policies. Actual discounts depend on broker announcements at account opening.

Overseas Stock Investment: Taiwan Brokers’ Remittance Services

For investing in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, or other overseas markets through Taiwanese brokers, you need to use “remittance” services. However, keep in mind that domestic brokers’ remittance handling fees are usually higher than international platforms, which is why many investors turn to other trading channels.

Beyond fees, consider settlement times, exchange rate costs, and available trading products when choosing a service. Some investors open multiple broker accounts to select the most cost-effective options based on their needs.

How to Choose When Opening a New Account?

Step 1: Clarify Investment Goals
Decide whether you mainly trade Taiwan stocks or overseas markets, your capital size, and trading frequency.

Step 2: Compare Fees and Discount Plans
Estimate your expected monthly trading volume, compare discount tiers among brokers, and calculate actual costs.

Step 3: Test Trading Software
Most brokers support demo accounts—try out the interface and features first.

Step 4: Confirm Customer Service and Branch Locations
Check if there are branches in your area and whether customer service hours meet your needs.

Conclusion

Each Taiwanese broker has its own strengths; there is no absolute “best” choice, only the “most suitable” one for you. Large brokers like Yuanta, KGI, and Fubon have high market share, stable systems, and comprehensive services, ideal for investors seeking peace of mind. Smaller brokers may offer more competitive discounts or services, suitable for experienced traders with clear trading needs.

When choosing, compare commission discounts, software usability, securities sources, margin interest rates, and other details. Base your decision on your trading frequency, capital, and risk tolerance. Remember, while saving on commissions is important, system stability, order execution speed, and customer service quality are equally vital. Balancing these factors is the smart way to select a Taiwanese securities broker.