The Short Answer
These three apps solve different problems. Maya and GCash are wallets that added stock trading for Philippine companies. GoTrade is a standalone app built for US stocks and ETFs. The right pick depends on which market you want and which wallet you already use.
Maya Stocks
Maya launched Maya Stocks in December 2023 with Philstocks as the first partner broker. Maya has said it would add 2TradeAsia, DragonFi and Seedbox so you can pick your broker. Maya itself is regulated by the Bangko Sentral and is not a stock broker, while Philstocks is an SEC-licensed broker.
Maya's page says you can start from ₱50 with zero transaction fees. Treat that as promotional and read your broker's commission schedule. Maya also opened IPO subscriptions in October 2025 with no additional commission fees during the offer period, starting with Maynilad.
GStocks PH on GCash
GStocks PH launched through AB Capital Securities. Since May 2024 it charges a flat 0.25% commission on buys and sells, and the ₱20 minimum commission was dropped. That makes tiny trades cheaper. For example, a ₱1,000 order carries about ₱2.50 in commission before taxes.
GoTrade for US Stocks
GoTrade lets you buy fractional shares of US-listed stocks and ETFs from $1, funded through GCash or Maya per our earlier guides. Costs sit in spreads and currency conversion more than in a PSE-style commission. Reports say US dividends face a 30% US withholding tax, deducted automatically.
The important caveat is regulation. GoTrade is licensed in Labuan, Malaysia, and we found no Philippine SEC license. Read is GoTrade legal in the Philippines, then see our GoTrade referral code guide if you decide to try it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Maya Stocks | GStocks PH | GoTrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | PSE | PSE | US stocks and ETFs |
| Broker | Philstocks, others | AB Capital | US partners |
| Start from | ₱50 (promo) | Check app | $1 (fractional) |
| Commission | Per broker | 0.25% flat | No per-trade commission listed |
| IPO access | Yes, no extra commission | Check app | No |
| Fund from | Maya Wallet | GCash | GCash or Maya |
When you sell PSE shares, add the 0.1% stock transaction tax that took effect on July 1, 2025. It does not apply to GoTrade, which trades US-listed stocks. Keep in mind that every app here carries market risk, and none of them promises a profit. New to the whole topic? Start with best online stock brokers in the Philippines.
Check the latest Maya and GCash promos before you fund a stocks account.
What a ₱5,000 Trade Costs
Fees look small until you do the math. On a ₱5,000 PSE order through GStocks, the 0.25% commission is ₱12.50 before taxes and other charges. Through Maya Stocks the number depends on your partner broker, so read the order screen. On GoTrade, the cost is hidden in spreads and currency conversion, so compare the final peso amount you pay.
Cheap does not mean good. A low fee on a bad stock still loses money. Pick the company first, then pick the app.
Tips Before You Fund Any Stocks Account
Which One Should You Choose?
- You use Maya daily: Maya Stocks keeps everything in one app and lets you pick a broker.
- You use GCash daily: GStocks PH has a simple flat 0.25% commission.
- You want US companies: GoTrade fits, with the regulatory caveat above.
- You want to compare more brokers: try GoTyme PH Stocks.
Pick one app, buy a small position and watch how fees and prices behave.