A Guide To Mobile Trading Apps for South Africans

South Africans are rethinking what it means to invest—and it’s no longer something reserved for stockbrokers, spreadsheets, or “one day when I have more money.” Today, investing fits right into your pocket. With a smartphone and the right app, you can start building wealth anytime, anywhere, whether you’re on a lunch break, commuting, or relaxing at home.

Mobile investing has lowered the barriers that once kept many people on the sidelines: high fees, complicated platforms, and intimidating jargon. Now, with user-friendly apps, low minimums, and real-time access to markets, investing has become more accessible, transparent, and empowering than ever before. For South Africans facing rising living costs and an uncertain economic future, learning how to make your money work for you—directly from your phone—could be one of the smartest financial moves you make.

But where do you go to get started? Well there are several locally produced apps that can get you into the market with a simple click from the app store, so lets review your options.

Important Note: This guide focuses exclusively on locally-hosted South African trading platforms and mobile apps available for Android and iOS. We're not including international platforms like eToro, Robinhood, Binance, or other offshore apps in this list—only apps built for and regulated within South Africa.

Category 1: Stock & Share Trading Apps

These platforms focus primarily on buying and selling equities listed on the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) and international stock markets.

EasyEquities

• Available on: Android, iOS
• Best for: Beginner to intermediate investors who want fractional shares
• Key features:
  • Pioneering fractional share rights (FSR) model—buy portions of expensive shares
  • Access to JSE, NYSE, and international markets
  • Nearly 1 million active users with R60 billion in assets
  • Thrive loyalty program (R25/month fee unless you reach Level 3)
• Trading fees: 0.25% brokerage fee per transaction
• Minimum deposit: R1
• Regulation: Part of JSE-listed Purple Group Limited (FSP)
• What makes it unique: First platform globally to offer fractional shares digitally
• Website: https://www.easyequities.co.za/

Shyft by Standard Bank

• Available on: Android, iOS
• Best for: Forex trading with share trading capabilities
• Key features:
  • Originally launched in 2016 as a forex platform, now includes JSE trading
  • Trade US, UK, and European stocks
  • Lowest forex rates in South Africa
  • Physical and virtual Mastercard debit cards for global spending
  • No minimum deposit, open to all South Africans (not just Standard Bank clients)
• Trading fees: 0.4% per trade for shares; 0.12% safe custody fee
• Minimum deposit: None
• Regulation: Licensed by Standard Bank (FSP 11287)
• What makes it unique: Best-in-class forex rates combined with multi-market share trading
• Website: https://www.shyft.co.za/

Clarity by Investec

• Available on: Android, iOS
• Best for: Active traders who want CFD trading with zero fees
• Key features:
  • Access to 750+ instruments through CFDs (not actual share ownership)
  • Zero admin fees, platform fees, and broker commissions
  • Fee is automatically priced into spread (up to 0.2%)
  • Opened to public in February 2025 after being private-banking-only
• Trading fees: 0% commission (spread-based pricing)
• Minimum deposit: R25
• Regulation: Investec Bank Limited (FSCA regulated)
• What makes it unique: Completely fee-free structure with institutional-grade tools
• Website: https://nowclarity.com/

Brokstock

• Available on: Android, iOS
• Best for: South Africans wanting multi-asset trading on JSE, NYSE, and NASDAQ
• Key features:
  • Over 1 million investors using the platform
  • Trade shares, ETFs, metals (gold, silver, platinum), and forex
  • Real-time market data with advanced charting tools
  • Earn up to 10% interest on available cash balances
  • Multiple accounts under one profile (investing, margin, savings)
  • No monthly fees or inactivity penalties
• Trading fees: 0.49% per trade (as low as 0.15% on some instruments)
• Minimum deposit: R100
• Regulation: FSCA licensed (FSP 51404)
• What makes it unique: Built-in interest-earning savings alongside trading
• Website: https://brokstock.co.za/

Category 2: CFD & Active Trading Platforms

These apps specialise in Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and are designed for more experienced, active traders.

GT247.com

• Available on: MetaTrader 5 (Android, iOS, Desktop)
• Best for: Experienced CFD traders who want leverage and technical analysis
• Key features:
  • South Africa's first CFD provider (pioneering since 2001)
  • MetaTrader 5 platform with algorithmic trading support
  • Trade forex, indices, commodities, and equity CFDs in ZAR
  • No platform fees, no monthly fees
  • Part of Purple Group (same parent company as EasyEquities)
  • Professional research, daily trade notes, and market analysis
• Trading fees: No commission; spread-based pricing
• Minimum deposit: No minimum (but must cover margin requirements)
• Regulation: Licensed ODP (ODP43), juristic representative of Purple Group (FSP 46315)
• What makes it unique: Premier choice for sophisticated MetaTrader users trading leveraged products
• Website: https://gt247.com/

Category 3: Cryptocurrency Trading Apps

Apps focused on buying, selling, and storing digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.

Luno

• Available on: Android, iOS, Web
• Best for: Beginners entering the cryptocurrency market
• Key features:
  • One of Africa's largest and most trusted crypto platforms
  • Buy, sell, and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more
  • Educational resources for crypto beginners
  • Instant buy/sell with ZAR
  • Secure wallet storage
  • Recurring buy feature for rand-cost averaging
• Trading fees: Variable based on transaction size
• Minimum purchase: R10
• Regulation: Registered financial services provider in South Africa
• What makes it unique: Most beginner-friendly crypto platform with strong educational focus
• Website: https://www.luno.com/en-za/

VALR

• Available on: Android, iOS, Web
• Best for: Active crypto traders who want advanced features
• Key features:
  • Over 60 cryptocurrencies available
  • Advanced trading features, including limit orders and stop-losses
  • VALR Pay for instant ZAR transfers
  • Staking opportunities for passive income
  • Lower fees for high-volume traders
  • Instant ZAR deposits and withdrawals
• Trading fees: 0% to 0.75% (tier-based)
• Minimum purchase: R10
• Regulation: FSCA registered
• What makes it unique: Most advanced crypto trading features with a competitive fee structure
• Website: https://www.valr.com/en/

Category 4: Robo-Advisory & Goal-Based Investment Apps

Automated investment platforms that use algorithms to build and manage portfolios based on your goals and risk tolerance.

franc.app

• Available on: Android, iOS
• Best for: Hands-off investors who want automated portfolio management
• Key features:
  • AI-powered robo-advisor builds portfolios for you
  • Goal-based investing (save for specific targets)
  • Invests in globally diversified ETFs
  • Automatic rebalancing
  • Clean, minimalist interface perfect for beginners
  • Round-up feature to invest spare change
• Management fees: 1% annual all-in fee; R5 monthly platform fee
• Minimum investment: R50
• Withdrawal fees: R10 after 4 free withdrawals
• Regulation: FSP licensed
• What makes it unique: Completely automated investing with sophisticated robo-advisory technology
• Website: https://www.franc.app/

Comparison Table: Which App is Right for You?

How to Choose the Right App

1. If you're a complete beginner:

Start with EasyEquities (for stocks) or franc.app (for automated investing). Both have low barriers to entry and excellent educational resources.

2. If you want to trade international stocks:

Shyft by Standard Bank offers the most comprehensive international access with excellent forex rates, making it ideal for global portfolio diversification.

3. If you're an active trader:

Clarity by Investec for zero-fee CFD trading or GT247 if you prefer MetaTrader 5 with advanced charting and algorithmic capabilities.

4. If you want crypto exposure:

Luno if you're starting out, VALR if you want more coins and advanced trading features.

5. If you want everything in one place:

Brokstock offers the most comprehensive single-platform experience with stocks, forex, metals, and interest-earning cash management.

Important Considerations

Regulation & Safety

All apps listed here are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) or operate under properly licensed entities in South Africa. Always verify an app's regulatory status before depositing funds.

Fees Matter

Even small differences in fees compound significantly over time. Compare:

• Brokerage fees (per transaction)
• Platform/monthly fees
• Currency conversion fees (for international trading)
• Withdrawal fees
• Custody/admin fees

CFDs vs. Actual Ownership

Platforms like Clarity and GT247 offer CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which means you don't own the underlying asset—you're trading on price movements. This offers leverage but comes with higher risk. Platforms like EasyEquities and Shyft offer actual share ownership (or fractional rights).

Mobile vs. Desktop

While all these apps are mobile-first, serious traders may want platforms with robust desktop versions. GT247 (MetaTrader 5) and Brokstock excel on desktop, while franc.app and Luno are designed primarily for mobile.

Final Thoughts

The South African fintech landscape has exploded in recent years, giving local investors unprecedented access to domestic and international markets. Whether you're putting away R100 per month or actively trading thousands, there's a locally-regulated platform designed for your needs.

Remember: Start small, learn continuously, and never invest money you can't afford to lose—especially when trading leveraged products like CFDs or crypto. All the platforms listed offer demo accounts or educational resources to help you learn before risking real capital.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Tags: Trading, Forex