Ask Paul: Which platform should I use to buy shares?
Dear Paul,
We wish to purchase the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).
What would be the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing either through CommSec or directly with Vanguard's own trading platform? - Heather
Not a lot, Heather. Obviously, take a look at the buy costs, but either way these will be modest. I think the question is more likely to be what platform to hold other investments on. It makes a lot of sense to me to keep your investments on one platform as much as possible.
It never ceases to amaze me how many of us "lose" our investments, in particular as we get older.
Regardless of which way you go, this is a very convenient and low-cost way to give you access to a diversified portfolio of Australian shares.
Both the Vanguard and CommSec customer teams are knowledgeable and friendly, I think it would be worth your time to give them both a call and listen to their opinions in regard to the benefits of their platforms.
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