What affects Thai broker commissions and how to choose for maximum benefit 2025

Trading Fees are the real cost that eats into investors’ profits. Lower fees → higher profits; higher fees → reduced gains. Often, new investors don’t intentionally study the commissions charged by different brokers, leading to unexpectedly high costs. Today, we analyze in detail how broker commissions charged by Thai brokers in 2025 are determined and which type of investor should choose which broker.

Why Are There Broker Commissions and How Are They Calculated?

First, it’s important to understand why brokers charge fees. Investors cannot buy stocks directly from sellers because they don’t know the price rates, the true nature of the products, or have estimates of whether the transaction will go smoothly. Therefore, an intermediary called a “broker” is needed to coordinate, gather buy orders, and ensure the transaction is safe and trustworthy.

This intermediary needs to earn income, right? They charge a commission based on the trading volume. Different brokers set different rates—some low, some high, some impose minimum fees per day—resulting in small-volume traders paying more relative to their trades.

Broker Commissions in 2025 by Account Type

Type 1: Cash Balance Account
This account requires full deposit before buying stocks. The trading amount equals the funds in the account. The commission is the lowest due to minimal risk. For self-placed orders via online trading, the rate is approximately 0.15% of the daily trading value.

Type 2: Cash Account
This account allows same-day trading and payment the next day, similar to using a credit card. Investors can buy more than their available funds. Consequently, the commission is higher, around 0.20% of the daily trading value.

Comparing Broker Commissions from Leading Brokers in 2025

1. Bualuang (BLS)

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, no minimum fee
• Cash Account: 0.20%, no minimum fee
• Highlight: Part of Bangkok Bank, no minimum fee, small trades cost less

2. Innovest X (SCBS)

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, except if using E-Confirmation
• Cash Account: 0.20%, except if using E-Confirmation
• Highlight: Part of SCBX, well-managed and organized

3. SBI Thai Online (SBITO)

• Cash Balance: 0.075%, no minimum fee
• Cash Account: 0.10%, minimum 50 THB
• Highlight: Lower-than-average commissions, suitable for active traders

4. Kasikornbank Public (MK)

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, minimum 50 THB
• Cash Account: 0.20%, minimum 50 THB
• Highlight: Full service, good analysis, ideal for investors seeking advice

5. Liberator (Krungsri)

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, decreasing to 0.11% for over 5 million THB, and below 0.11% for over 20 million THB
• Cash Account: Same tiered rate
• Highlight: The more you buy, the lower the commission, suitable for large-scale traders

6. TISCO Limited

• Cash Balance: 0.15%
• Cash Account: 0.20%
• Highlight: Smooth service for TISCO clients

7. Thanachart Limited

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, minimum 50 THB
• Cash Account: 0.20%, minimum 50 THB
• Highlight: Offers deposit accounts with 1% annual interest (special incentives)

8. Krungthai XSpring

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, no minimum fee
• Cash Account: 0.20%, no minimum fee
• Highlight: No minimum fee, suitable for beginners

9. UOB Kay Hian

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, minimum 50 THB
• Cash Account: 0.20%, minimum 50 THB
• Highlight: International services, extensive assets

10. Philip Capital

• Cash Balance: 0.15%, minimum 30 THB
• Cash Account: 0.20%, minimum 30 THB
• Highlight: Fast account opening, good analysis system

For Small-Volume Investors: Which Broker to Choose?

If investors buy stocks in small amounts, e.g., less than 10,000 THB per transaction, minimum fees are crucial. Brokers with no minimum fee include Bualuang, Innovest X, SBI Thai Online (Cash Balance only), and Krungthai XSpring.

Example: If buying only 5,000 THB

• No minimum fee: fee = 5,000 × 0.15% = 7.5 THB
• With minimum 50 THB fee: pay 50 THB (which is 6-7 times more expensive)

For Large-Volume Traders: Which Broker to Choose?

If traders buy and sell large amounts, e.g., 100,000–500,000 THB daily, low commission rates and tiered systems are critical. Saving just 0.01% can mean thousands of THB difference.

Liberator is a good choice because it uses a tiered system—buy more, pay less. Also, SBI Thai Online is cheaper at 0.075% for Cash Balance accounts.

Other Fees Investors Should Know

The above commissions do not include:

• Stock Exchange fee: approximately 0.007% of trading value
• 7% VAT on all fees
• Clearing fee for securities settlement via ATS system: about 15 THB per transaction (for Cash Account)

Therefore, the total actual cost is higher than the announced broker commission.

Stock CFDs: An Alternative You Should Know

Besides spot stocks, investors can profit from stock price movements via CFDs (Contract for Difference), a derivative instrument with features:

• Mostly no trading fees, but brokers earn from the spread (the difference between buy and sell prices)
• High leverage available (up to 1:200), allowing small capital to generate significant profits
• Suitable for short-term trading or efficient capital use
• Higher risk than buying stocks directly due to automatic Stop Loss systems

Important: Choose CFD brokers regulated by authorities like ASIC, CySEC, or FSA to avoid risks.

Tips: How to Choose a Broker

1. For small trades: Focus on minimum fees; choose brokers with no or low minimums
2. For large trades: Opt for low commission rates and tiered systems
3. For advisory services: Select brokers offering analysis, even if fees are higher
4. For active traders: Prioritize low commissions and additional options like deposit interest
5. Test and experience: Don’t rely on just one factor; open accounts with 2-3 brokers and choose the best fit

In 2025, broker commissions are not just about reducing costs—they also reflect service quality and trustworthiness. Trade wisely, choose the right broker, and your profits will be more sustainable!