Good morning. It’s まさきん.
Let me start with the conclusion: when choosing a smartphone brokerage, there are three things to look at first: fees, NISA support and points integration.
Each brokerage has its own strengths. So the best choice will depend on what matters most to you.
I recently had a chance to rethink which brokerage I use. Here I have put together the points I used to compare the major smartphone brokerage apps.
Please note that this article is not investment advice recommending any particular brokerage. It is simply a summary of general comparison information. Final investment decisions are your own responsibility. Always check the latest terms on each official website, too.
Three Key Points to Check First
1. Fees (Japanese Stocks and US Stocks Separately)
For Japanese stocks, commission-free trading plans are standard at the major online brokerages. US stocks are another story, though, and fee structures vary quite a lot from one brokerage to another. If keeping US stock trading costs down matters to you, this is the first thing you should compare.
2. NISA Support
The new NISA has a growth investment quota and a tsumitate (regular investment) quota. The range of eligible products and the scope of commission-free trading differ by brokerage.
Some brokerages do not even offer investment trusts. So if you are planning regular investing, this is something you should check carefully.
3. Points Integration
Starting with Rakuten Points, each company has its own points ecosystem. Matching your brokerage to the points ecosystem you already use day to day keeps things simple to manage.
For example, if you collect Rakuten Points, Rakuten Securities is a natural fit. Being able to earn points and put them toward investing is a really nice benefit.
Rakuten Points are useful beyond investing, too. I moved my phone bill into the same ecosystem, and it feels like both my points and my fixed costs are now much more organized.
If you are still with another carrier, it might be worth running a price simulation once to compare.
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Comparison Table (Example Used When I Was Deciding)
| Brokerage | Japanese Stock Fees | US Stocks | NISA Support | Points Integration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Securities (iSPEED) | Free plan available | Yes | Generous commission-free range for both investment trusts and NISA | Rakuten Points | Japanese and US stocks in one app. Great fit with the Rakuten ecosystem |
| SBI Securities | Free plan available | Yes | Wide range of investment trusts | Various points programs | Rich information and features. Separate apps for Japanese and US stocks |
| DMM Kabu | Free under certain conditions | Strength is low fees | Stocks supported, investment trusts not supported | Own points | For people who want to keep US stock costs down. Simple mode is beginner-friendly |
| PayPay Securities | Spread-based pricing | Can buy by specifying an amount | Supported | PayPay Points | Easy to start, with purchases by amount from around 1,000 yen |
| Monex Securities | Free under certain conditions | Large selection of stocks | Supported | Monex Points | For serious US stock investors. Good if you value a wide range of stocks |
| Daiwa Connect Securities | Free up to a set number of trades per month | Not supported (focus on Japanese stocks) | Supported | ― | Smartphone-focused and simple. An option if you mainly trade Japanese stocks |
| Matsui Securities | Free up to a certain amount | Supported (limited selection) | Supported | Matsui Securities Points | Strong research features such as Shikiho and analysis tools |
The comparison table above reflects information as of August 31, 2026. Fees and supported services can change when brokerages revise their terms. Before opening an account, always check the latest information on each company’s official website.
How to Choose
If you want to handle both Japanese and US stocks in one app, Rakuten Securities is a strong choice. You can also invest using Rakuten Points.
If you want to cut US stock costs down to the last yen, DMM Kabu might be the one. If you value lots of information and a wide range of products, I think SBI Securities is the pick. And if you want to start casually with small amounts, PayPay Securities is worth considering.
If the number of US stocks available is especially important to you, go with Monex Securities. If you mainly trade Japanese stocks and want something simple, Daiwa Connect Securities could suit you. For research-minded investors who value tools like Shikiho, Matsui Securities is also an option.
Looking at it this way, the right choice really does depend on your priorities.
If you are also thinking about investment trusts or tsumitate NISA, it makes sense to focus on brokerages with a strong lineup of investment trusts. On the other hand, you could decide to use a brokerage purely for buying and selling stocks. In that case, a low-cost option that does not handle investment trusts might be a good fit.
Things to Watch Out For
At some brokerages, there have been news stories about certain products turning out not to be NISA-eligible after all. Mismatched explanations like this can happen anywhere.
That is why it is good to get into the habit of checking for yourself whether a product is really NISA-eligible before you buy. Whichever brokerage you open an account with, this small extra step will give you peace of mind.
Summary
Comparing smartphone brokerages on three points (fees, NISA support and points integration) makes the choice much easier. You may find that the right option for you becomes surprisingly clear.
If you want to put the Rakuten Points you earn from everyday shopping toward investing, I think Rakuten Securities should be your starting point. Keeping Rakuten Mobile and Rakuten Card in the same ecosystem makes managing your points simpler, too.
Along with reviewing your phone costs, take some time to sort out how you are building your wealth.
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