Before we get started, familiarise yourself with these key terms:
Broker: A broker is a person or company (like CommSec) who are authorised to buy and sell stocks or other investments.
Holder Identification Number (HIN): A HIN is a unique 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).
CHESS sponsored shares: Shares that are registered with a stock broker (like CommSec or another broker). CHESS sponsored shares are allocated a HIN by the broker.
For shares held by CommSec, follow these instructions to find your HIN.
Is a Broker-to-Broker Transfer right for me?
You need to complete a Broker-to-Broker Transfer if:
The shares are held and managed by another broker like nabtrade or CMC Markets. In this case, the HIN will start with the letter x.
The shares are registered to EXACTLY the same name and salutation as the one on the CommSec account you’re transferring to. For example, transferring from MR JOHN SMITH to MR JOHN SMITH. You can check this by comparing the name on a current CHESS statement with what’s recorded on your CommSec account.
The shares are registered to EXACTLY the same name and salutation as the one on the CommSec account you’re transferring to. For example, 1 NAME ST to 1 NAME ST.
Broker-to-Broker share transfers are free.
What do I need to check before I start my transfer?
That your name, salutation, postal address, account number and HIN on the originating account EXACTLY match the details of the destination account.
The quantity of shares being transferred.
Your CommSec Client ID and password to download the form online.