Stock trading fees, can we really ignore them? Analyzing actual costs by securities company

If you’ve only been looking at returns when investing in stocks, be sure to read this article. The impact of stock commissions on long-term profits is much greater than you might think.

Hidden Costs of Stock Commissions

Every time you buy or sell stocks, you pay a stock commission. It may seem like just a part of the transaction amount, but in reality, multiple costs are involved.

The basic cost is the entrusted trading fee paid to the securities firm, and there are also fees paid to related institutions such as the Korea Exchange and the Korea Securities Depository. When trading overseas stocks, exchange fees, SEC fees, and FINRA fees for U.S. stocks are added.

Domestic stocks generally have relatively low commissions, but for overseas stocks—especially U.S. stocks—you should consider around 0.25% as the standard online trading fee.

Small Differences Add Up to Big Losses

This is crucial. Suppose you make 10 transactions with 1 million won each, earning 10% profit each time. With a 0.1% stock commission, the final profit would be about 2.57 million won, and with 0.2%, about 2.54 million won. It looks like just a 20,000 to 30,000 won difference, but as the transaction size and frequency increase, this gap snowballs.

Investors who frequently engage in short-term trading should pay extra attention to fixed commissions. For example, some securities firms charge a fixed fee of 1,500 won for transactions under 10 million won. Doing 100 trades would mean paying 150,000 won just in fixed fees.

Stock Commission Comparison Table by Securities Firm in 2025

Based on online trading:

Mirae Asset Securities

• Domestic stocks: 0.136%
• Overseas(U.S.) stocks: 0.25%
• New benefits: 90 days free commission for new/dormant customers

Korea Investment & Securities

• Domestic stocks: 0.147%
• Overseas(U.S.) stocks: 0.25%
• New benefits: 3 months free U.S. stock trading for Bankis customers

Samsung Securities

• Domestic stocks: 0.147216% + 1,500 won(Under 10 million won)
• Overseas(U.S.) stocks: 0.25%
• New benefits: 3 months free commission for new/dormant customers

Kiwoom Securities

• Domestic stocks: 0.015%(Hero Moon 4 platform)
• Overseas(U.S.) stocks: 0.25%
• New benefits: 3 months free commission for new/dormant customers

Shinhan Investment Corp.

• Domestic stocks: 0.1391639% + 2,000 won(Up to 30 million won)
• Overseas(U.S.) stocks: 0.25%
• New benefits: 1 year free commission for new/dormant customers

While overseas stock commissions are similar across firms, domestic stock commissions can vary up to 200 times depending on transaction size and platform.

Choosing the Right Securities Firm for Your Investment Style

For small-scale short-term trading? Kiwoom Securities’ 0.015% fee is overwhelmingly advantageous. For long-term holdings with large amounts, choosing a firm with no fixed fees is better.

Practical Ways to Reduce Stock Commissions

First, understand the fee structure precisely
Each securities firm has different fees depending on transaction amount ranges. Shinhan Investment Corp. charges a fixed fee of 2,000 won only for transactions under 30 million won. Not knowing this boundary can lead to losses.

Second, utilize benefits for new/dormant customers
Most major securities firms offer fee waiver events. Applying for these benefits just before starting full-scale trading maximizes savings.

Third, manage trading frequency and size strategically
Trading the same amount multiple times is more costly than doing it in one go. Avoid unnecessary split transactions.

Fourth, pay attention to exchange rates when trading overseas
Securities firms’ currency exchange rates are often less favorable than market rates. Exchange money when rates are better or check if the firm offers preferential exchange rates.

Fifth, choose a securities firm optimized for your trading pattern
Calculate actual fees based on your typical transaction amount and platform, then compare to find the best fit.

Conclusion: Small Savings Lead to Big Profits

Stock commissions may seem trivial, but when combined with compound effects, they significantly impact overall returns. Review carefully before trading, and select a securities firm that suits your needs to minimize unnecessary losses.