Best Investment Platforms in NZ 2025: Sharesies vs Hatch vs InvestNow

Ready to dip your toes into investing but overwhelmed by the options? For Kiwis in 2025, platforms like Sharesies, Hatch, and InvestNow make it easier than ever to grow your wealth, whether you're eyeing NZX shares, US stocks, or diversified funds—all without needing a finance degree.

With KiwiSaver contributions on the rise and more of us seeking returns beyond the bank, choosing the right platform is key. This guide breaks down the best investment platforms in NZ 2025: Sharesies vs Hatch vs InvestNow, comparing fees, features, and fit for your goals. We'll use real data from 2026 to help you decide, plus tips tailored to our market like linking to your IRD for tax smarts.^[1][2][4]

Why These Platforms Stand Out for Kiwis in 2025

Sharesies, Hatch, and InvestNow dominate because they're user-friendly, low-barrier entries to investing. Sharesies offers NZ, Aussie, and US markets with managed funds. Hatch shines for US-focused growth with cheap trades. InvestNow excels in fund variety, including Vanguard and term deposits—no platform fees make it a long-term winner.^[1][2][4]

Regulated under NZ's Financial Markets Authority (FMA), they keep your money safe in custodial structures. No more excuses—start with as little as $1 on Sharesies or $100 on Hatch for bonuses.^[4]

Quick Overview: Sharesies vs Hatch vs InvestNow

Feature	Sharesies	Hatch	InvestNow
Best For	Beginners, multi-market access	US stocks & ETFs	Funds & term deposits
Min Investment	$1	$100 (for bonus)	$None
Platform Fee	$30/year (>$3k balance)	$0	$0
Trade Fees	1.9% (cap US$5)	US$3 + 0.5% FX	Fund-specific (0.3-0.5% avg)
Markets	NZ/Aus/US shares, funds	5,800+ US stocks/ETFs	100+ funds, term deposits

This table highlights why there's no one-size-fits-all—pick based on your strategy.^[1][2][4]

Deep Dive: Sharesies Review

Sharesies is the go-to for new Kiwi investors. Launched with a mobile-first app, it's intuitive—see your portfolio value, returns, and charts at a glance. Buy NZX gems like Spark or Air NZ, Aussie shares, US giants like Apple, or managed funds from multiple providers without high minimums.^[1][2][4]

Pros of Sharesies

• Superb mobile interface—beats competitors for ease.^[2]
• Fractional shares from $1; auto-invest options.
• Same-day funding for quick starts.
• Educational tools perfect for beginners.^[3]

Cons and Fees

Free under $50 balance, but $30/year over $3k. US trades: 1.9% (capped US$5) + 0.5% FX. Cost-effective under US$265 trades, but pricier for bigger US buys vs Hatch.^[1][4]

"Sharesies has to come out on top due to its simplistic design and how you can access everything easily on the mobile."^[2]

Ideal if you're diversifying across markets. Link to KiwiSaver for seamless transfers via your provider.^[1]

Hatch: King of US Investing for Kiwis

Hatch gives straightforward access to 5,800+ US stocks and ETFs—think Tesla or Nvidia—without the hassle. Wellington-based with local support, it's grown huge since 2020. Deposit $100 NZD for a $20 bonus (use referral links).^[4]

Key Features and Wins

• Fixed US$3 trades + 0.5% FX—cheaper than Sharesies over US$265 (e.g., $500 trade: $5.50 total).^[4]
• Auto-invest for passive dollar-cost averaging, no extra fees.
• Live US market data, research tools; web-based (no app yet).
• Funding by 5pm NZT if deposited before 2pm.^[4][6]

Drawbacks

US-only focus—no NZX. Steeper for absolute beginners vs Sharesies.^[3] No membership fees, but FX adds up on small trades.

For long-term US bulls, Hatch's low fees preserve profits. Pair with KiwiSaver for balanced exposure.^[4]

InvestNow: Fund Powerhouse with Zero Platform Fees

InvestNow, another Wellington platform since 2017, focuses on funds—not individual shares. Access 100+ options from Vanguard, AMP, Fisher, plus bank term deposits (ANZ, BNZ, SBS). No account fees ever—perfect for buy-and-hold.^[1][2][7]

Standout Strengths

• Broadest fund range, including all Sharesies funds + more.^[2]
• $0 platform fee; low fund fees (0.3-0.5%).
• Term deposits for low-risk cash parking.
• Easy for PIE funds with automatic tax handling (PIT rates via IRD).^[1]

  Limitations

  Outdated mobile feel; no individual shares. Best for fund investors, not stock pickers.^[2]

  "InvestNow has more than 100 different types of funds... for the majority of us InvestNow is the clear winner."^[2]

  Great for diversified, hands-off Kiwis chasing steady growth.

  Head-to-Head Comparison: Fees, Tools, and Suitability

  Fee Breakdown for Common Scenarios

  Scenario	Sharesies	Hatch	InvestNow
  $500 US Trade	$7.50 (1.9% + FX)	$5.50 (US$3 + FX)	N/A
  Annual Fee ($5k balance)	$30	$0	$0
  Fund Buy (Vanguard)	Fund fee + platform	N/A	Fund fee only

  Hatch wins US trades; InvestNow for funds; Sharesies for versatility.^[1][4]

  Tools and User Experience

  Sharesies: Top app, charts, education.^[2] Hatch: Auto-invest, live data.^[4] InvestNow: Fund-focused dashboard.^[2] All FMA-regulated with strong custody.^[8]

  NZ-Specific Considerations

  • Taxes: PIE funds auto-handle PIR via IRD; track US dividends for RWT.
  • KiwiSaver Link: Transfer extras via providers like ANZ or ASB.
  • Risk: Diversify—don't put all in US amid 2025 volatility.^[1]

  Practical Tips for Getting Started in NZ

  1. Assess Goals: US growth? Hatch. Funds? InvestNow. All-round? Sharesies.
  2. Start Small: Use bonuses—Hatch $20 for $100; Sharesies $1 min.^[4]
  3. Dollar-Cost Average: Auto-invest weekly to beat market timing.
  4. Track Taxes: Use Sharesight integration; file via myIR.
  5. Diversify: Mix platforms—NZ funds on InvestNow, US on Hatch.
  6. Monitor Fees: Aim under 1% total costs for long-term wins.

  Next Steps: Build Your Portfolio Today

  Sign up fee-free on all three to test interfaces. Fund with $100-500, set auto-invests, and track via app. Consult a financial adviser for personalised advice (find via fma.govt.nz). With NZ markets evolving in 2026, start now—compound interest waits for no one. Your future self will thank you.