Complete Guide to Stock Trading Fees: Comparison by Brokerage and Practical Ways to Save

Investors often focus solely on returns when trading stocks. However, stock trading fees are a factor that can have a more serious impact on your final profit than you might expect. In this article, we will cover the structure of stock trading fees, compare the fees of major securities firms, and discuss practical strategies to reduce these costs.

Understanding the Structure of Stock Trading Fees

Stock trading fees refer to the costs paid each time you execute a trade. The fee structure varies between domestic and international stocks.

When trading domestic stocks: It includes the entrusted trading commission paid to the securities firm, as well as related agency fees paid to the Korea Exchange and the Depository & Settlement Service. Domestic stock trading fees are generally cheaper than overseas transactions.

When trading overseas stocks: In addition to the entrusted trading commission, currency exchange fees are incurred. For U.S. stocks, SEC and FINRA fees must also be paid. Overseas stock trading fees are approximately 0.25% based on online trading.

Major Securities Firm Stock Trading Fees in 2025

Fees vary by securities firm, and even within the same company, depending on the trading platform. Here is a comparison of the five major securities firms based on online trading.

Mirae Asset Securities Domestic stocks: 0.136% | U.S. stocks(: 0.25% Currently running a promotion offering free trading for 90 days for new/dormant customers for domestic and U.S. stocks

Korea Investment & Securities Domestic stocks: 0.147% | U.S. stocks): 0.25% New/dormant customers for K-Bank’s overseas stocks can trade U.S. stocks free of charge for 3 months

Samsung Securities Domestic stocks: 0.147216% + 1,500 KRW(Based on less than 10 million KRW) | U.S. stocks(: 0.25% New/dormant customers holding non-face-to-face accounts can trade U.S. stocks free for 3 months

Kiwoom Securities Domestic stocks: 0.015%)Based on the HeroMUN4 platform( | U.S. stocks): 0.25% New/dormant customers can trade U.S. stocks free for 3 months

Shinhan Investment Corp Domestic stocks: 0.1391639% + 2,000 KRW(Based on less than 30 million KRW) | U.S. stocks(: 0.25% New/dormant customers for non-face-to-face accounts can trade U.S. stocks free for 1 year

While overseas stock trading fees show little variation among firms, domestic trading fees can vary significantly depending on the transaction amount and platform. Additionally, fee benefits for new/dormant customers are widespread, so it’s important to check the conditions before trading.

How Stock Trading Fees Affect Long-term Returns

You shouldn’t overlook the fact that fees can greatly influence your final returns.

Impact through compound effects: Assuming 1 million KRW with 10 trades, each yielding 10% profit:

• 0.1% fee: final profit about 2.57 million KRW
• 0.2% fee: final profit about 2.54 million KRW Difference: approximately 20,000 to 30,000 KRW

As the investment amount and trading frequency increase, this gap widens.

Cumulative effect of fixed fees: For example, Samsung Securities’ fixed fee of 1,500 KRW means that after 100 trades, the total fixed fees reach 150,000 KRW. In small-scale short-term trading strategies, this can significantly reduce profitability.

Strategies to Reduce Stock Trading Fees

1. Understand the fee structure precisely Fees are not just simple percentages. Some firms, like Shinhan Investment Corp, add fixed fees on top of basic rates. Choose a structure that matches your trading volume and frequency.

2. Take advantage of fee promotion events Actively utilize fee waiver benefits for new/dormant customers. If you can select the start date of the waiver, it’s advantageous to apply just before you begin active trading.

3. Optimize trading size and frequency Small, frequent trades can increase fixed fee burdens. If you don’t plan to split trades, executing larger trades at once can help reduce overall costs.

4. Be mindful of currency exchange fees When trading overseas stocks, securities firms often offer less favorable exchange rates than banks. It’s essential to exchange currency when rates are favorable or to check for preferential exchange rate benefits.

5. Reconsider your criteria for choosing a securities firm Depending on your trading volume and platform preferences, some firms offer the lowest fees. For small, short-term trades, firms with no fixed fees are advantageous; for large transactions, those with tiered discounts based on amount are preferable.

Conclusion

Stock trading fees are a crucial variable that can determine your investment returns. Accurately understanding each securities firm’s fee structure, selecting a company that fits your trading pattern, and maximizing available benefits are the first steps toward smart investing. Reducing trading fees is not just about cost savings but a key strategy for maximizing long-term profits.