Comparison
PaperWealth vs CommSec Pocket
A factual comparison of two different types of platforms for Australian investors. This is general information only.
Important: This is general information and education only and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It's not financial advice. Consider getting advice from a licensed financial adviser before acting.
Last updated: January 2026
Quick summary
Choose PaperWealth if...
- ✓You're new to investing and want to learn first
- ✓You want to test strategies without risk
- ✓You want to backtest ETF portfolios
- ✓You want access to all ASX securities
Choose CommSec Pocket if...
- ✓You're ready to invest real money
- ✓You want to start with small amounts
- ✓You want actual share ownership
- ✓You're happy with themed ETF options
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | PaperWealth | CommSec Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Practice investing with simulated money | Real investing with small amounts |
| Real money required | No - $100k play money provided | Yes - minimum $50 per trade |
| Risk of losing money | Zero - all simulated | Yes - real market risk |
| ASX ETF backtesting | Yes - up to 5 years history | No |
| Investment options | 2,000+ ASX stocks and ETFs | 7 ETF themes only |
| Brokerage fees | None - simulated | $2 per trade (under $1,000) |
| Real ownership | No - educational only | Yes - you own the shares |
| Best for | Learning before investing | Investing small amounts |
What is CommSec Pocket?
CommSec Pocket is a micro-investing app from Commonwealth Bank that lets you invest in 7 themed ETF portfolios with as little as $50. It's designed for people who want to start investing with small amounts and don't want to choose individual stocks.
The app offers themed options like "Aussie Top 200" (ASX 200 ETF), "Tech Savvy" (NASDAQ 100), and "Sustainability Leaders" (ESG-focused). You buy fractional shares, so you can invest any dollar amount.
CommSec Pocket charges $2 per trade for amounts under $1,000, which is lower than traditional brokerage but can add up for frequent small investments.
What is PaperWealth?
PaperWealth is a practice investing and backtesting platform for Australian investors. You get $100,000 in simulated money to practice buying and selling any ASX-listed stock or ETF with real market prices.
The backtesting feature lets you see how different ETF portfolios (VAS, A200, VDHG, etc.) would have performed historically—up to 5 years of data. This helps you understand market behavior before committing real money.
Because everything is simulated, there's zero financial risk. PaperWealth is educational—it doesn't execute real trades or hold real assets.
Key differences explained
Risk profile
This is the fundamental difference. CommSec Pocket uses real money—your investments can go up or down, and losses are real. PaperWealth is 100% simulated, so you can make mistakes without financial consequences.
Investment options
CommSec Pocket limits you to 7 pre-selected ETF themes. PaperWealth lets you trade any of the 2,000+ securities on the ASX, including individual stocks like CBA, BHP, and CSL.
Backtesting capabilities
PaperWealth's backtester is a unique feature—you can test portfolio allocations against years of historical data. CommSec Pocket doesn't offer any backtesting; you invest and hope for the best.
Learning vs. doing
PaperWealth is for learning the mechanics of investing. CommSec Pocket is for actually investing. Many users start with PaperWealth to build confidence, then move to real investing when ready.
Can I use both?
Absolutely—and many investors do. A common path is:
- Start with PaperWealth to learn how trading works, test different strategies, and backtest ETF portfolios without risk.
- Build confidence by practicing investing for a few months. See how your simulated portfolio handles market ups and downs.
- Transition to real investing with CommSec Pocket or another broker once you're comfortable with your strategy.
- Keep using PaperWealth to test new ideas before implementing them with real money.
Pricing comparison
PaperWealth
Free tier: Basic practice investing, limited backtesting
Pro: $9/month - Full features, 10-year history
Trial: 7 days free on Pro
CommSec Pocket
App: Free to download
Brokerage: $2 per trade (under $1,000)
Brokerage: 0.2% per trade (over $1,000)
The verdict
PaperWealth and CommSec Pocket serve different purposes and aren't direct competitors. PaperWealth is an educational tool for learning and testing strategies. CommSec Pocket is a real investment platform for putting money to work.
If you're new to investing: Start with PaperWealth. Learn how trading works, test your ideas, and build confidence before risking real money.
If you're ready to invest: CommSec Pocket is a solid choice for small, regular investments in diversified ETFs. But consider practice investing first if you're unsure about your strategy.
Try PaperWealth risk-free
Practice investing with $100k in play money. Test your strategies, backtest ETF portfolios, and build confidence before investing real money.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Features and pricing may change. PaperWealth is not affiliated with CommSec or Commonwealth Bank. Always do your own research before investing.