Macquarie Online Trading is closed to new applications from Wednesday 22 January 2025.
After Saturday 22 February 2025, Macquarie Online Trading will transition to Bell Direct for retail clients and Desktop Broker for advised clients – online share trading platforms offered by us, Bell Financial Group (Bell).
Importantly, the online trading experience will remain largely the same. You will gain access to some additional digital features which will further enhance your online trading experience, including a dedicated Bell mobile app and access to trade on US markets.
Here’s what you need to know
What's changing?
- Macquarie Online Trading has been powered by Bell’s technology platform for a number of years but branded by Macquarie. This arrangement is ending after Saturday 22 February 2025, and your trading account will be provided directly by Bell. This means you’ll become a Bell client for your trading account.
- Your online trading experience will become Bell branded and you’ll gain access to some additional features which will further enhance your online trading experience.
- Once the transition is complete, retail clients will be able to view their trading balance and access their account via the Bell website at www.belldirect.com.au. Clients with an adviser appointed on their account can view their account at www.desktopbroker.com.au.
- After Saturday 22 February 2025, Macquarie Online Trading accounts will no longer be visible when you log into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
What's not changing?
- Brokerage fees on your online trading account will remain the same. You can view Bell Direct fees at belldirect.com.au/smarter/fees/mot. Please speak to your adviser for more information about your Desktop Broker fees.
- Your Macquarie Cash Management Account, and any other accounts you have with Macquarie, won’t change and you can continue viewing your account, by logging into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
- Under your new Bell product, your existing direct debit and/or transactional authorities won’t change and will stay with Third Party Platform Pty Ltd (wholly owned by Bell). Any other third party authorities you’ve previously approved will also remain in place.
- If clients have a margin loan, it will be retained as part of the transition to Bell and will continue to act as the primary settlement account.
What if I have an adviser linked to my account?
You’ll be transitioned to Bell Financial Group’s Desktop Broker product, which is an online share trading platform. Your adviser will be notified of this transition and will continue to be linked to your account.
What new features will I get access to?
- Most of the product functionality, including the online navigation and trading screens, will remain similar to Macquarie Online Trading, but it will be branded by Bell, not Macquarie.
- In addition to this, you’ll gain access to some additional digital features which will further enhance your online trading experience, including a dedicated Bell mobile app and access to trade on US markets. Bell will be in touch with further information on their product.
Will my fees change?
- Your brokerage fees will remain the same. You can view Bell Direct fees at www.belldirect.com.au/smarter/fees/mot. Please speak to your adviser for more information about your Desktop Broker fees if you have an adviser linked to your trading account.
- You can view the current Macquarie Cash Management Account interest rates here.
How do I view account information online?
- Once the transition is complete, retail clients will be able to view their trading balance and access their account via the Bell website at www.belldirect.com.au, and advised clients can view their account at www.desktopbroker.com.au
- Your Macquarie Cash Management Account, and any other accounts you have with Macquarie, won’t change and you can continue viewing your account, by logging into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
- After Saturday 22 February 2025, your Macquarie Online Trading account will no longer be visible when you log into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
- If you have a margin loan, it will be retained as part of the transition to Bell and will continue to act as the primary settlement account.
- Bell will send you a welcome communication after Saturday 22 February 2025 with details about your new Bell account and how to view your account online.
How do I change my account details?
From Friday 21 February 2025, Bell will be able to support your trading account. For any questions about your Macquarie accounts, including your Macquarie Cash Management Account, please contact us via live chat through Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
For all enquiries regarding Bell Direct, please contact:
Phone: 1300 786 199 (within Australia) or +61 3 8663 2700 (international) from 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Email: support@belldirect.com.au
Live Chat: go to www.belldirect.com.au and click on the ‘Help’ button on the bottom-right corner.
For all enquiries regarding Desktop Broker, please contact:
Phone: 1300 726 177 (within Australia) or +61 3 8663 2771 (international) from
8am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday (Eastern Standard Time)
Email: support@desktopbroker.com.au
What happens to my trades that haven't settled by the transition date?
All inflight trades will continue to be settled. No further action is required.
Will my account number change?
Your account number will stay the same, but the first three letters (MOT) will be removed.
Will my existing third party authorities be transferred to my Bell Direct or Desktop Broker account?
Yes, any third party authorities that you’ve previously appointed will be transferred to your Bell Direct or Desktop Broker account.
What happens if I have a margin loan on my account?
You don’t need to do anything. Your existing margin loan with Bell Direct will be retained on the account.

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