A step-by-step guide on how to buy JSE shares for Beginners for 2026. Take advantage of the endless opportunities in the market right now and invest in the Top 100 companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The JSE is the best stock market in Africa.  Buy stocks in leading global markets today.   In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:

• A step-by-step guide on how to buy JSE shares for Beginners.
• Who are the Shares on the JSE in South Africa?
• What are the pros, benefits, and cons of each?
• Is it safe to buy Shares in SA?
• Popular FAQs about How to Buy Shares on the JSE.

And lots more…  

Here is an overview of the Top 10 Share and Stock Trading Brokers for Beginners – 2026

How to Buy Shares on the JSE in South Africa

1. ☑️Johannesburg Stock Exchange Overview
2. ☑️How to Buy Shares on the JSE – A Step-by-Step Beginner Guider
3. ☑️First JSE Purchase
4. ☑️What to Consider when Choosing a Stock Broker
5. ☑️Important Indicators – Stock Trading

Rank	Broker	Broker Review	Regulators	Minimum Deposit	Visit Broker
🥇		Read Review	ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA	$100
🥈		Read Review	FSCA, FCA, DFSA, FSA, CMA	$0
🥉		Read Review	CySEC, MWALI, FSCA	$25
4		Read Review	ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB	$200
5		Read Review	FSA, FSCA	$250
6		Read Review	FSA, FSC, FSCA, ASIC, CMA	$20
7		Read Review	FSC, FSCA	$50
8		Read Review	ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, CMA	$100
9		Read Review	ASIC, CySEC, IFSC, DFSA, FCA	$5
10		Read Review	FSA, CySEC, FSCA, FSC	$10

Johannesburg Stock Exchange Overview

    The Johannesburg Stock Exchange or JSE is the largest in Africa.  The JSE provides a regulated market for investors to securely trade in securities plus it provides investors with returns on investments in dividend form.  The JSE's fully automated trading system is called the Millennium Exchange and normal trading sessions are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily aside from Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays that the exchange will declare in advance.  

How to Buy Shares on the JSE - A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

Step 1: Find the Desired Share.

Selecting the best and cheapest share to invest in will depend on two main factors:  Risk and Capital.  The JSE will offer stocks at a wide range of prices, but - the required amount of capital to successfully and profitably invest in stocks is a minimum of R5000 ZAR. This is due to the average 10% Broker cost, which cancels out any possible profit when traders do not invest with a sufficient amount of capital. Ordinary Shares are the most common type of shares traded on the stock market. These will give the trader full voting rights at AGMs, as well as dividends while allowing them to benefit from capital growth if the company is doing well.   Tip: Look for the best-performing shares on the JSE. [wpdatatable id=1]   If the trader chooses wisely by reading through company annual reports, keeping track of market-related news, and staying abreast of current affairs, they will stand a good chance of gaining inflation-beating returns from ordinary shares. For the more inexperienced investor, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are also a good option, giving beginners exposure to a basket of top-performing shares for sale on the JSE. These will save both time and money by enabling investment in a variety of asset classes through a single listed investment product. Diversification means that the risk of losing money is less, but the rewards are less, too.    

Step 2: Find a Broker

As mentioned previously, investors will need to select a stockbroker if they want to buy shares on the JSE. There are several member firms to choose from, and a full list can be viewed on the JSE website.    

Step 3: Set Up an Account

Once a Broker has been selected, an account can be opened.  Each broker will have its unique process, but here is an example of the account registration process, step by step.  

Step 4: Start the Application Process

On the TD Ameritrade account application page, the applicant will be required to fill in the basic personal information required.  Here, the applicant will need to select their account type before moving on to the next step.    

Step 5: Complete Personal Information

In this section, the applicant will be required to complete more secure personal information, including a social security number, mailing address, date of birth, and employment information.    

Step 6: Review and Edit.

In this section, clients will simply be required to review their information, ensure everything is correct, and click on continue to proceed.    

Step 7: Agree to Terms

This section includes technical information for the client to agree to.  The client must carefully read through the documentation before agreeing.    

Step 8: Set Up Online Login

In the fifth and final step, the client will set up their username, password, and security questions.  Once the account has been opened, funding can occur.     Once the account is funded with the required or recommended minimum deposit, the first trade can be made.  

First JSE Purchase

  Discretionary brokers have a good knowledge of how to buy shares, and their financial well-being is at stake too.  Therefore, investors can usually be assured of some savvy purchases (along with higher commission fees). If a trader decides on taking the non-discretionary route, it is recommended that they identify between 4 and 5 different shares to purchase, as this will offer some diversification. This is important for shielding investors from significant dips in any particular market.  

What to Consider when Choosing a Stock Broker.

  There are some key factors to consider when selecting a stockbroker. This will include fees, reliability, and trade execution, to name but a few.  Here are other important factors to consider:

• Commissions
• Reliability
• Account Minimum
• Account Fees
• Pricing
• Execution
• Tools/Education
• Features
• Promotions

  Investors will also want to take into account whether they want their chosen stockbroker to take on a full-service role or be an execution-only broker.  

Important Indicators - Stock Trading

• Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E). P/E.  This measures how much investors are paying for each Rand the company earns.
• The Quarterly and Annual financial reports of a Company. Look for a sound history of revenue growth, a solid profit margin, and the ability of a company to pay dividends.
• Be wary of rave reviews.
• Expect some volatility. Individual shares are always more volatile than ETFs, so you can expect some swings in share price.

Conclusion

Overall, The JSE is the best stock market in Africa and investors can buy stocks in leading global markets - today. Look for shares under R10 or R100 if you are a beginner investor in South Africa. The best is to buy shares in a company directly through a registered stock exchange like the JSE or A2X.   You might also like:  The 15 Best JSE Stocks to Watch You might also like: The Most Active Stocks on the JSE You might also like: Penny Stock - South Africa You might also like: Best Shares to Buy Today on the JSE You might also like: Cheapest JSE Shares   SA Shares Instagram  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best shares to buy on the JSE?

The Best shares to buy on the JSE will be dependent on the market at the time and can only be determined through market research.  

What type of broker is needed for beginners who want to invest in JSE shares?

The best type of broker for beginners is a full-service broker who can manage your investments directly.  

Do I need to pay tax on dividends on my JSE stock portfolio?

Yes, according to South African tax laws, the tax must be paid on dividends.  

What are the trading sessions on the JSE?

Normal trading sessions on the JSE are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily aside from Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays that will be declared by the exchange in advance.  

How to invest in JSE for beginners?

The only way you can invest with the JSE is to open a stockbroker account.  

Can you buy shares directly from JSE?

In short, you need to do all trades on the JSE via a registered stockbroker.  

How to buy JSE shares in FNB?

You have two channels to choose from: either trade online or contact our call center on 0860 SHARES (0860 742 737) during office hours.

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