How to Start Investing With $100 in Australia
You do not need thousands of dollars to start investing in Australia. Here is how to put $100 to work right now — and build from there.
The Myth of the High Minimum
Ten years ago, investing in Australia often required thousands of dollars just to get started — fund minimums, high brokerage fees, and intimidating paperwork. In 2025, that barrier is effectively gone.
You can buy a single share of a diversified ETF on the ASX for as little as $50-$200, with brokerage as low as $2-$9.50. A $100 investment is genuinely viable.
Option 1: Buy an ETF Directly (ASX)
The most straightforward way to invest $100 in Australia:
- Open a brokerage account (takes 10-15 minutes)
- Deposit $100 into the account
- Buy 1 share of a low-cost ETF
Beginner-friendly ETFs for small amounts:
- DHHF (Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF): ~$35-$45/share, MER 0.19%. 100% global equity exposure (AU + international) in one fund.
- VDHG (Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF): ~$55-$65/share, MER 0.27%. 90% growth/10% defensive — globally diversified in one fund.
- VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares ETF): ~$90-$100/share, 300 ASX companies in one fund.
- A200 (Betashares Australia 200 ETF): ~$110-$130/share, lowest MER on ASX at 0.04%.
With $100 you can afford 1-2 units of DHHF or VDHG. That is a real position in hundreds of global companies. It counts.
Option 2: Micro-Investing Apps
For amounts under $200 where brokerage would eat a significant percentage of returns, consider micro-investing apps:
Raiz: Invests your spare change (rounds up purchases) plus regular contributions. Pre-built portfolios including an ASX-focused option and an international option. Minimum $5. Fee: $3.50/month for balances under $20,000.
Spaceship Voyager: Invests into themed portfolios (Origin, Universe, Earth). $0 fees on first $5,000. After that, 0.10%/year. No minimum investment.
CommSec Pocket: Powered by CommBank. Minimum $50. 7 ETF options. $2 brokerage on trades under $1,000.
Caveat on micro-apps: Monthly flat fees can be high as a percentage of small balances. $3.50/month on $100 = 42%/year in fees. Once you reach $2,000-$3,000, switch to a standard brokerage account.
Option 3: Voluntary Super Contributions
If you already have a job and employer super, making a voluntary after-tax contribution to your super fund with $100 is a legitimate investment. The money is locked until preservation age, but it compounds at a low tax rate (15% on earnings).
For longer-term goals (retirement), super is the most tax-efficient place for Australian investors. For goals in the next 5-10 years, a brokerage account outside super gives more flexibility.
Setting Up Your First Brokerage Account
Best beginner platforms in Australia:
| Platform | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pearler | $9.50/trade (flat) | Built for long-term passive investors, AutoInvest feature |
| Selfwealth | $9.50/trade (flat) | Clean interface, CHESS sponsored (you own shares directly) |
| CommSec Pocket | $2/trade up to $1,000 | 7 ETF choices, easy to use, Commonwealth Bank backed |
| CMC Markets Invest | $0 first trade/month | CHESS sponsored, good for regular investors |
All reputable ASIC-regulated platforms. CHESS sponsorship means your shares are registered in your name (not the platform's). Strongly recommended over custodian-model platforms.
The More Important Decision: Consistency
Whether you start with $100 or $10,000, the most important variable in building wealth is regular, consistent investing.
The numbers:
- $100/month invested at 7% annually for 30 years = $121,997
- $200/month invested at 7% annually for 30 years = $243,994
- $500/month invested at 7% annually for 30 years = $609,985
Starting with $100 today and adding $100/month is infinitely better than waiting until you have $10,000 to invest "properly."
Your First 3 Steps
- Open a Selfwealth or Pearler account (CHESS-sponsored, competitive brokerage)
- Deposit $100-$150 and buy 1-2 units of VDHG or DHHF
- Set a monthly automatic transfer on pay day — even $50-$100 — to invest each month
The first transaction is the hardest part psychologically. After that, it becomes routine.
What About Super?
Super is always compounding in the background with your employer's 11.5% contribution. Investing $100 outside super runs parallel to that — it is not either/or. Building wealth outside super gives you flexibility for goals before age 60.
The best time to invest in Australia was 10 years ago. The second best time is right now.
