Introduction
Stockspot and Raiz are two of Australia’s most widely used digital investment platforms, but they differ significantly in their approach, structure, and target audience. Stockspot positions itself as a full-service robo-advisor offering diversified ETF portfolios tailored to each user’s risk profile. Raiz, by contrast, is a micro-investing platform designed to encourage consistent saving and investing through automation, including its popular round-up feature that invests users’ spare change. This comprehensive comparison explores their investment strategies, features, pricing, technology, and more to help you understand which platform may be more aligned with your financial goals.
Company Background
Stockspot
Launched in 2013, Stockspot was Australia’s first digital investment adviser. Its aim is to simplify investing by providing users with a fully managed portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), matched to their personal risk level. Stockspot offers CHESS-sponsored investments, meaning users legally own the underlying securities in their portfolio. The platform is built around evidence-based portfolio theory and focuses on long-term investment strategies.
Raiz
Raiz began in Australia as Acorns before rebranding. It has grown into one of the most popular micro-investing platforms in the country, catering primarily to young and first-time investors. Its core feature, round-ups, allows users to automatically invest the spare change from their daily purchases. Over time, Raiz has expanded to offer additional products such as superannuation accounts, children’s accounts, cashback rewards, and custom portfolios.
Account Types and Minimum Requirements
Stockspot
Stockspot offers a broad range of account types including individual, joint, children’s accounts, SMSF, not-for-profit, and corporate accounts. The platform requires a minimum initial investment of $2,000. This makes Stockspot more suitable for individuals who are prepared to commit a reasonable amount of capital upfront. The structure is aimed at those with medium to long-term investment goals and an interest in managed portfolio solutions.
Raiz
Raiz is highly accessible with a minimum investment of just $5, making it ideal for beginners or individuals who may not yet be ready to invest large sums. It offers standard investment accounts, Raiz Super (a superannuation product), Raiz Kids for custodial investing, and Raiz Rewards which links cashback offers to investing. This flexibility allows users to engage with investing in a way that suits their lifestyle and financial situation.
Investment Strategy
Stockspot
Stockspot builds portfolios using a blend of Australian shares, global shares, fixed income securities, and gold. Investors complete a questionnaire that determines their risk profile and are then matched to one of five core portfolios, ranging from conservative to high-growth. All portfolios are based on passive investment principles and follow long-term asset allocation strategies. Rebalancing is automated and occurs periodically to maintain the correct asset mix. For larger accounts, Stockspot offers limited customization options, such as tilting the portfolio toward specific sectors or preferences.
Raiz
Raiz offers several pre-designed portfolios that range from conservative to aggressive. Each portfolio is composed of ETFs covering domestic and international shares, fixed income, and cash. In addition to standard options, Raiz also provides a socially responsible portfolio and an option that includes a small allocation to Bitcoin. The standout feature is its round-up function, which allows users to automatically invest the spare change from linked transactions. This promotes frequent, small contributions that compound over time. Users can also make one-off contributions or set up recurring deposits.
Portfolio Ownership and Custody
Stockspot
Investments made through Stockspot are CHESS-sponsored. This means investors own the individual ETF units directly in their own name, held under a Holder Identification Number (HIN). This structure provides transparency, increased security, and better control, as users are the legal owners of their assets.
Raiz
Raiz holds user assets in a pooled structure with custodians managing the investments on behalf of clients. Investors do not own individual units under their own HIN, but rather hold beneficial ownership in the overall portfolio. This model allows for seamless micro-investing, but it offers less individual control compared to Stockspot’s structure.
Fees and Costs
Stockspot
Stockspot charges an annual management fee based on account size. For balances under $10,000, the fee is 0.66% per year, and it reduces on higher balances. The fee covers portfolio management, rebalancing, trading costs, reporting, and administration. There are no brokerage, entry, or exit fees. Kids’ accounts are free up to $10,000, and all accounts under $2,000 enjoy six months without fees.
Raiz
Raiz uses a subscription-style pricing model. For accounts under $15,000, users pay a flat monthly fee depending on their service tier, ranging from $2.50 to $4.50 per month. For balances above $15,000, Raiz switches to a percentage-based fee of 0.275% annually. This pricing structure is simple and predictable but can be expensive in percentage terms for small accounts. ETF management fees are also charged within the portfolios but are not billed separately.
Technology and User Interface
Stockspot
Stockspot’s interface is clean, intuitive, and designed for investors who want clarity and control over their long-term investment plan. The platform is available on desktop and mobile, with detailed breakdowns of portfolio composition, performance tracking, and tax reports. While not overloaded with bells and whistles, it is focused on professional delivery and long-term functionality.
Raiz
Raiz is mobile-first and gamified, designed to encourage consistent engagement. Its app allows users to link bank accounts, round-up purchases, create savings goals, view cashback rewards, and manage investments in real-time. The user interface is appealing to younger audiences and emphasizes simplicity. Features like progress bars and milestone badges help keep users motivated.
Customer Support and Education
Stockspot
Stockspot offers personalised customer support via phone, email, and chat. It also provides access to investment advisers for clients who want more hands-on guidance. Educational resources such as blog posts, webinars, and guides are regularly updated and focus on investment fundamentals and market trends.
Raiz
Raiz provides in-app support and has a comprehensive help section. While it does not offer personalised financial advice, its blog, FAQs, and educational videos are designed to increase financial literacy and promote healthy saving habits. The tone is informal and approachable, aimed at beginner investors.
Additional Features
Stockspot
In addition to core portfolio management, Stockspot offers features such as sustainable investment options, tailored portfolio adjustments for large balances, detailed analytics, and quarterly performance reports. It also includes SMSF support for self-managed superannuation investors, giving experienced users more flexibility.
Raiz
Raiz is packed with features that extend beyond investing. These include Raiz Rewards (cashback from partnered retailers), Raiz Kids (to save for children), Raiz Super (for retirement savings), and customizable savings goals through ‘Jars’. Raiz also offers a debit card linked to its investing platform, allowing users to manage spending and saving in one ecosystem.
Ideal User Profiles
Stockspot Is Best For:
- Individuals looking for a long-term, low-maintenance investment strategy
- Investors with at least $2,000 to start
- People who value direct asset ownership and transparency
- Users who want a structured, professionally managed portfolio
Raiz Is Best For:
- Beginners and young savers with limited capital
- Users who want to build savings habits through automation
- People looking for an all-in-one financial app combining investing, saving, and rewards
- Parents saving on behalf of children through Raiz Kids
Conclusion
Stockspot and Raiz serve very different purposes, each with a unique approach to investing. Stockspot is a professional-grade robo-advisor offering structured, diversified portfolios tailored to individual risk profiles. It’s ideal for users ready to commit a meaningful amount of capital and who prefer a long-term, hands-off investment solution with the security of direct ownership.
Raiz, on the other hand, is focused on accessibility, automation, and habit formation. With its low entry point, engaging mobile interface, and round-up feature, it’s designed to help new investors start building wealth gradually. Raiz is less about portfolio performance and more about developing consistent saving behavior.
Choosing between the two depends on your financial goals, investment experience, and how actively you want to manage your money. Both platforms provide valuable tools for different stages in the investment journey and can complement each other depending on your strategy.
