Help & FAQs

If you want to transfer shares from one CommSec account to another, you can do so in what is known as an Off-Market share transfer. Transferring shares from one of your CommSec accounts to another allows you to transfer ownership of these shares without selling them on the market.

Before you begin your share transfer, check the following details on the CommSec accounts you’re transferring your shares into and out of:

• The number of units being transferred.
• The shares are linked to a Holder Identification Number (HIN) which starts with the letter X.
• The current owner (seller) and the new owner (buyer) are different parties (whether a different CommSec client, another account owned by you and in your name such as a Trust, Joint or Company account, or any other account that is not registered in your name).
• The shares are currently held in a CommSec account, and they are being transferred into another CommSec account.

• Your CommSec login details (Client ID and password).
• The details of the seller and buyer are correct, including their name, salutation, postal address, account number and HIN.
• A mobile phone to receive an ID verification SMS (where required).

Log into CommSec, head to Settings, navigate to Service Request, then select Transfer Shares, or start your share transfer here. Once you begin the transfer, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your shares:

• To move your shares from one of your CommSec accounts to another, select In my CommSec account
  
• Select the CommSec account you're transferring the shares from, then click Next
  

• Choose where you want to transfer these shares to. Select In another one of my CommSec accounts or To another CommSec customer, then click Next
• If you selected To another CommSec customer, you may be prompted to complete a mobile ID verification
• Select the CommSec account you want to transfer these shares into, then click Next
  

• Select the shares you wish to transfer by ticking the checkbox next to each stock code
• Input any missing details, such as the consideration and transfer date
• Select Add to list
• Repeat until you've added all the shares you wish to transfer, then click Next
  
  

• Confirm that all your account and share details are correct
  
• Read and acknowledge CommSec's terms and conditions by ticking the checkbox
• When you're ready, click Submit
  

• Once you've submitted your share transfer request, you'll receive an email confirmation.
  
• Share transfer requests usually take up to two business days to process.
• CommSec will verify your details, such as your account and stock details.
• You can check on the status of your request in the Service Centre.
• Once your transfer request has been processed, you'll receive an SMS and email confirmation, and you'll be able to view these shares in your CommSec Portfolio.

Units

Units refer to the number of shares you wish to transfer.

HIN

A HIN is a Holder Identification Number that identifies you as a CHESS Sponsored Shareholder with a broker. A HIN usually starts with the letter “X” followed by ten numbers (e.g. X0001234567).

Consideration

Refers to the amount paid between the buyer and seller to settle a share transfer.

Important information

Transferring shares could have tax consequences. Please make sure you've considered the tax implications before proceeding. Visit the ATO website for more information and seek independent, professional tax advice. CommBank and CommSec are not registered tax (financial) advisers under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 and are unable to provide tax advice in relation to transferring shares.