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You — a Malaysian investor choosing a mobile-first trading app. You may want simple Bursa Malaysia trades, global stocks, or active intraday tools. This guide helps you decide fast. It compares 6 leading trading apps available to Malaysians. It shows which app fits goals like low-cost investing, research-heavy trading, local market access, or IPO participation.
What this article solves: pick an app by goal in under 3 minutes; compare 0% commission offers, market count, and tool depth; get clear decision rules. How to use it: read the TL;DR to pick by goal (1 pick per goal). Scan “What We Looked For” to see 5 evaluation priorities. Then read the 6 app profiles for tradeoffs and numbers that matter. Expect at least 6 concrete decision points per app and 1 comparison table. Scan and decide in 1–3 minutes.
Quick Answer / TL;DR box
- If you want 0% commission on Hong Kong stocks and deep global tools → pick Moomoo (0% HK commissions; access to 4 markets).
- If you want US-market tools and extended-hours trading → pick Webull (0% commission on US trades; US + Bursa access).
- If you trade Bursa Malaysia and prefer full-service bank support → pick Maybank Trade (in-app suite with 6 trading tools; bank custody).
- If you need multi-exchange access (Bursa, SGX, HKEX, NASDAQ, NYSE) → pick CGS iTrade (5 exchanges).
- If you want very low-cost US stock/ETF trades with a simple app → pick tastytrade ($0 commission on US stocks/ETFs).
- If you want a low-fee multi-market alternative with advanced order types → pick Tiger Brokers (multi-market access; competitive per-trade pricing).
What We Looked For
Check these priorities before you open an account. They determine execution quality, costs, and convenience.
- Fees & commission: look for 0% or clear per-trade fees. Example thresholds: 0% commission, RM8 flat, or 0.1% of trade value. Compare platform fees plus exchange fees that add 0.01%–0.5%.
- Market access (# of exchanges): count the exchanges you need. Options include 1 local exchange, 2–3 regional markets, or 4–5 global markets. Pick 1 market if you only trade Bursa; pick 4+ if you want US, HK, SG, and China.
- Data & tools: require real-time quotes (Level‑1) and Level‑2 if you trade intraday (1–5 second quote latency). Count indicators: entry-level apps ship 10–20 indicators; active platforms include 50+ indicators and drawing tools.
- Account features: IPO access, margin/financing, deposit/withdrawal speed. Expect deposits to clear in 1–3 business days and withdrawals in 1–5 business days. Margin rates commonly range from 5% to 12% annualised (subject to broker).
- Trust & regulation: check local licensing and exchange participation. Prefer brokers with a local licence, participation on Bursa Malaysia, and a public app rating of 4.0+.
Watch out for: currency conversion costs (often 0.1%–0.5%), clearing fees per exchange (RM2–RM20 equivalents), and tiered data that charges extra for Level‑2.
1. Moomoo — Commission-free global app with advanced charts
Moomoo is a mobile-first broker operating in Malaysia under a licensed local broker. It gives you access to 4 major markets: US, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. The app delivers institutional-style charts and a polished UI with an app store rating near 4.8 stars.
Use Moomoo when you want low-cost access to Hong Kong and US stocks plus advanced charting. Expect 0% commission on Hong Kong stocks, ETFs, and warrants for many retail trades. You also get free Level‑1 quotes and curated real-time news feeds. The app includes IPO financing offers (subject to broker terms and allocation limits).
You can set up watchlists with 10–50 symbols per list, run screeners that filter by market cap, and use chart overlays with 50+ indicators. Trading execution is fast; many users report sub-second quote refresh and order acknowledgements within 1–3 seconds. If you place 20–100 trades per month, the lack of per-trade commissions on HK stocks materially reduces costs.
Best for:
Best for: Active retail traders who trade global equities and want rich charts without high per-trade fees.
Skip if:
Skip if: You only trade Bursa Malaysia and prefer bank-backed custody or face-to-face support.
Key points:
– Commission: 0% on Hong Kong stocks/ETFs/warrants for many trades.
– Market count: Access to 4 major markets from one account.
– App rating: ~4.8 stars on app stores.
– Data/tools: Free Level‑1 quotes; 50+ technical indicators available.
– Feature highlight: IPO financing supported (allocation and limits apply).
Watch out for: Non-zero fees still apply. Expect currency conversion fees (commonly 0.1%–0.5%), exchange clearing fees (small fixed amounts per market), margin interest (typical range 5%–12% annual), and withdrawal timelines of 1–5 business days.
2. Webull — US-market strength and extended-hours trading
Webull is a US-rooted broker with a localised Malaysian offering. It gives you commission-free access to US markets and also offers Bursa Malaysia coverage. The platform is known for advanced technical indicators and a clean mobile UX.
Use Webull when you mainly trade US equities or ETFs and want access to pre-market and post-market sessions. The app supports extended-hours trading, which covers several extra hours before and after the main US session. Webull provides over 50 indicators, real-time data, and multi-timeframe charts in 1-minute to daily view intervals.
If you make intraday trades, Webull’s order types and real-time alerts help you capture volatility. Expect $0 commission on many US stock and ETF trades. For Bursa trades, expect local fees and standard settlement timelines of 2 business days for equities. Webull is a strong fit if you trade 10–200 US trades per month or if you need to trade on news in pre/post sessions.
Best for:
Best for: Traders who rely on intraday indicators and pre/post-market price moves.
Skip if:
Skip if: You want deep local (Bursa) research, bank custody, or guaranteed IPO allocations for local listings.
Key points:
– Commission: $0 commission on many US stock and ETF trades.
– Markets: 2+ markets accessible (US markets + Bursa Malaysia coverage).
– Data/tools: Real-time quotes plus >50 technical indicators and multiple timeframes.
– Sessions: Extended-hours trading available outside regular market hours.
– Execution: Alerts and conditional orders; typical quote refresh in 1–3 seconds.
Watch out for: Some premium data tiers may cost extra (e.g., Level‑2 fees). Currency conversion and foreign custody fees apply for non-local trades. Settlement timing: US T+2; Bursa T+2 for some products.
3. Maybank Trade MY — Local bank-backed trading app focused on Bursa
Maybank Trade MY is the mobile trading app from a major Malaysian investment bank. The app targets retail and professional clients focused on local markets. It integrates with your Maybank accounts and offers an in-app suite of 6 trading tools for research and execution.
Use Maybank Trade when your priority is Bursa Malaysia trading, stable customer service, and bank-level cash management. Expect trading tools that include market depth, watchlists, corporate actions, research reports, and 6 advanced charting/ordering tools. Deposit and withdrawal flows tie into Maybank’s banking rails; transfers between Maybank accounts often post within minutes, while interbank transfers clear in 1–2 business days.
If you prefer branch or phone support, Maybank provides local phone support at +60 3-2082 6890 and in-person service at regional branches. Typical retail traders see local commission schedules that start from low single-digit ringgit per trade or percentage-based fees; for example, many bank brokers charge around RM8 per trade or 0.1%–0.2% depending on value and promotions.
Best for:
Best for: Investors who value local branch support, bank custody, and integration with Maybank cash accounts.
Skip if:
Skip if: You want zero-commission global trading or deep multi-exchange access in a single app.
Key points:
– Bank integration: Fast transfers between Maybank accounts; interbank 1–2 business days.
– Trading tools: 6 in-app trading tools including depth, screeners, and research.
– Support: Local phone support (+60 3-2082 6890) and branch access.
– Fees: Typical local commission starting from about RM8 per trade or 0.1% (varies by order value).
– Settlement: Bursa trades typically settle on T+2; funding and withdrawal 1–3 business days.
Watch out for: Local bank brokers sometimes charge higher cross-border fees; expect currency conversion and offshore custody fees when trading US or HK stocks.
4. CGS iTrade — Multi-exchange access for regional and US markets
CGS iTrade is the retail platform from a major regional brokerage. It connects you to 5 exchanges: Bursa Malaysia, SGX (Singapore), HKEX (Hong Kong), NASDAQ, and NYSE. The platform targets traders who need one account for local and global access.
Use CGS iTrade when you want broad market coverage in a single app. Expect multi-currency accounts, order types across exchanges, and research coverage for regional blue-chips. Commission structures vary by market; local Bursa commissions are often quoted as RM8–RM20 per trade for small retail orders, while US or HK trades use percentage or flat-fee schedules that can range from 0.01% to 0.3% of trade value depending on volume.
The platform supports watchlists, screeners, and charts with 30–60 indicators. If you place 5–50 cross-border trades per month, the convenience of a single custody and multi-exchange reporting may save you time and reconciliation work.
Best for:
Best for: Investors who need access to Bursa, SGX, HKEX, NASDAQ, and NYSE from one account.
Skip if:
Skip if: You only want low-touch, commission-free US or HK trading without bank-style fees.
Key points:
– Market count: 5 exchanges (Bursa, SGX, HKEX, NASDAQ, NYSE).
– Commissions: Vary by market; expect RM8–RM20 for small Bursa trades and tiered rates for international trades (0.01%–0.3% typical ranges).
– Tools: 30–60 indicators and multi-currency account support.
– Reporting: Single statement covering 5 exchanges for easier tax reporting.
– Minimums: Some international markets may require minimum deposit or trade value (e.g., USD 100 or equivalent).
Watch out for: Cross-border settlement times differ by exchange; expect T+2 for US, T+2/T+3 variations elsewhere, and foreign-currency conversion charges.
5. tastytrade — Simple, very low-cost US stock & ETF trading
tastytrade offers a stripped-back, low-cost approach focused on US stocks and ETFs. The app pitches $0 commission on stock and ETF trades and a simple order flow. It pairs well with options traders who want straightforward pricing.
Use tastytrade when you mainly trade US-listed equities and want simple fees. Expect $0 commissions on many equities and ETFs. Options pricing and other derivatives may carry per-contract fees; check the app for exact per-contract rates. For users who trade 1–100 US trades per month, the platform’s simplicity reduces friction and makes tax reporting straightforward with consolidated statements.
The platform connects you to US market hours and supports common order types and watchlists. Data is real-time for core equities, while premium data may require extra subscription.
Best for:
Best for: Traders who want very low-cost US stock/ETF trades with a simple app.
Skip if:
Skip if: You need Bursa trading, local IPO allocations, or bank custody.
Key points:
– Commission: $0 commission on many US stock and ETF trades.
– Focus: Primarily US markets; FX services via separate providers.
– Simplicity: Minimal UI, quick order entry in 1–3 taps.
– Pricing: Options and advanced products have per-contract fees—check the app for specifics.
– Data: Real-time basic data; premium tiers may cost extra.
Watch out for: FX and international access are limited; transfers in USD may require USD balances and bank conversion fees (0.1%–0.5%).
6. Tiger Brokers — Low-fee multi-market trading for active traders
Tiger Brokers provides multi-market access with competitive commission tiers. The app supports 3–6 markets depending on account type and often presents low fixed fees or per-share pricing for US trades. It targets active traders who want advanced order types and conditional logic.
Use Tiger Brokers when you want access to US, HK, and Singapore markets with tight per-trade pricing. Typical commission examples: low single-digit ringgit for local trades or low cents per share for US trades, depending on promotions. The app includes real-time charts with 30+ indicators and bracket orders for risk control across markets.
If you trade 20–200 orders per month, watch promotional tiers that reduce cost per trade. Deposits and withdrawals follow standard banking rails: same-bank transfers often instant, interbank 1–2 business days, and international withdrawals 2–5 business days.
Best for:
Best for: Traders seeking low-fee access across multiple markets with flexible order types.
Skip if:
Skip if: You prefer bank custody, guaranteed IPO allocations, or local branch service.
Key points:
– Markets: Typically 3–6 markets depending on account settings.
– Commissions: Competitive—examples include low single-digit RM for local trades and low cents per US share (varies by tier).
– Tools: 30+ indicators, bracket orders, conditional orders.
– Transfer times: Same-bank instant; interbank 1–2 business days; international 2–5 days.
– Promotions: Fee tiers drop with volume; 10–50 trades per month often trigger discounts.
Watch out for: Fee tiers and promos can change; read the fine print on per-trade minimums and currency conversion.
Comparison table
| App | Commission example | Market count | App rating (store) | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | 0% on many HK stocks/ETFs | 4 markets | ~4.8 | Advanced charts, IPO financing |
| Webull | $0 on many US stocks/ETFs | 2+ markets | ~4.6 | Extended-hours trading |
| Maybank Trade MY | ~RM8 per local trade (typical) | 1 primary (Bursa) | ~4.3 | Bank integration, 6 tools |
| CGS iTrade | RM8–RM20 local; tiered international | 5 exchanges | ~4.2 | Multi-exchange statements |
| tastytrade | $0 on many US stocks/ETFs | Primarily US | ~4.1 | Simple low-cost execution |
| Tiger Brokers | Low single-digit RM / low cents per share | 3–6 markets | ~4.0 | Flexible order types, fee tiers |
Closing guidance — pick by goal (quick rules)
- Pick Moomoo if you trade Hong Kong or global equities and want 0% HK commissions and 4-market access. Expect lower per-trade cost if you make 5–100 global trades per month.
- Pick Webull if you trade US stocks and need extended-hours and 50+ indicators. Works well for 10–200 US trades monthly.
- Pick Maybank Trade if you trade Bursa and want bank custody, branch support, and 6 integrated trading tools. Choose this if you value bank transfers that settle in minutes to 1–2 business days.
- Pick CGS iTrade if you need access to 5 exchanges and consolidated reporting for multi-market portfolios of 5–50 holdings.
- Pick tastytrade if you want $0 US stock/ETF trades and a simple app for 1–100 trades per month.
- Pick Tiger Brokers if you want low fees across 3–6 markets and use conditional orders and bracket strategies.
Final checklist before you open an account:
1. Compare total cost: commission + exchange fees + conversion fees. Target total cost ≤0.5% for small cross-border trades.
2. Check settlement: T+2 for most US and Bursa trades; plan cash needs 2–3 days ahead.
3. Verify margin rates: expect 5%–12% annual if you use leverage.
4. Test deposits/withdrawals: confirm same-bank transfers posting in minutes, interbank 1–2 days, international 2–5 days.
5. Confirm data needs: free Level‑1 for most apps; pay for Level‑2 if you need order-book depth.
Start with one account. Fund a small test trade (RM100–RM1,000 or USD 50–500). Check execution times, fees, and withdrawal flow over 1–5 days. If the app passes that test, scale up to the trade frequency you want.