FAQs
Back to Knowledge centre

We have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions which are of general interest to you. The answers provided should clarify any questions you may have. If you do not find the information you are looking for here, please contact us.

Can I place and edit orders via the phone?
Yes, you can – at an additional charge of R35 plus VAT. Phone trades may be effected by calling our call centre. Click here for our contact details.
How are trades confirmed?
Trades are confirmed either via e-mail or SMS (25 cents) as soon as a trade is completed. You can choose how you would prefer to be notified.
Can I have more than one trading account?
You may open more than one trading account with Standard Online Share Trading and access each one with a single log on. For example, you may want to have a warrants account and a trading account. Only one monthly account maintenance fee is charged per client no matter how many accounts they have, provided they are linked to a single log on.
Can I open accounts in the name of a trust, a partnership, a company or a close corporation?
Accounts can be opened in the name of a trust, a partnership, a company, or a close corporation. When applying for a new account, simply select the type of account you would like to open. We will advise you of all the documentation that is required to open an account for each of these entities.
Do you report my trades and interest earned to SARS?
We issue an IT3 form which details the interest earned for the year on your Standard Online Share Trading account. This is then sent to the South African Revenue Services (SARS). We will also issue you with a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) report at the end of the financial year - which is not sent to the Receiver - to assist you in completing your tax return.
Why are my requests for funds not always granted on the same day?
If you have sufficient settled funds in your account we will endeavour to transfer your funds within 24 hours, as requested. If you have unsettled funds, these will only be available for withdrawal five (5) business days after the sell trade took place. If you experience problems withdrawing funds, please contact us.
How do I amend a trade?
In order to amend a trade you must first cancel it and then re-enter the trade. To cancel and replace a trade simply log onto the website and select the ONLINE TRADING menu followed by TRADE STATUS. Under OPTIONS select CANCEL. You can then replace the trade in the normal way. You can also amend or cancel a trade by contacting our call centre.
How much history is available on my account online?
Three months trading history is available online. We maintain trade records for the previous two years. Please contact us should you wish to review this history. You may be charged a fee to view this history.
How long does it take to open an account?
If all your documentation is in order, we will open an account for you within one to two (1 - 2) working days.
Where will my dividends be paid?
Your dividends will be paid directly into your Standard Online Share Trading account.
How do I transfer my account from another stock broker to Standard Online Share Trading?
Send a letter to your broker requesting your shares to be transferred to SBG Securities. In the letter, remember to quote your Standard Online Share Trading account number (the 6 or 7 digits after "seq").
I have Sanlam, Old Mutual, Telkom or other shares held at Computershare. How can I get these into my share trading account?
Please contact us we will send you the necessary forms and instructions to move these shares to your portfolio. Although Standard Online Share Trading does not charge for this, Computershare will charge a fee per holding to be moved.
Can I still sell shares through my branch?
No, shares cannot be sold through your Standard Bank branch.
Can I conduct bear or short sales?
This facility is not offered online. However, bear or short sales can be done using various derivatives such as ALSI futures, warrants, CFDs and SSFs. Please contact us for more information.
What is the JSE Securities Exchange?
The JSE Securities Exchange (JSE Limited or “JSE”) was formerly known as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and changed its name in 2000.
What is JSE Trustees?
In terms of JSE rules, stockbrokers are not allowed to hold cash in clients’ accounts. Instead, this cash is held in a trust account named JSE Trustees, which is operated by the JSE Securities Exchange on behalf of the stock broking fraternity. Standard Online Share Trading also has a Money Account facility which is held in trust by Standard Bank to give its clients better interest on any cash not used for trading. For more details on the Money Account please click here.
Do I earn interest on cash balances in my trading account?
Interest is earned on any cash in your trading account at competitive money market-linked rates. Please contact our call centrefor more information or click here for the Money Account link.
Can I use Standard Bank’s Internet Banking to make transfers into my Standard Online Share Trading account?
Yes, you may use Standard Bank’s Internet Banking to transfer funds from your bank account into your Standard Bank Online Share Trading account. Inside the Internet Banking site, click on ACCOUNT PAYMENTS and select SBG Securities as a payment beneficiary. Then follow the instructions to make a payment/transfer. Telephone banking and the ATM can also be used to make payments and transfer funds.
Can I use the internet banking sites of other banks to make transfers into my Standard Online Share Trading account?
Yes, you can. Take note, however, that transfers may take up to three (3) days to appear in your Standard Online Share Trading account. If you transfer money from a non-Standard Bank account please send us Proof of Payment in order to credit your account timeously.
Do you charge a monthly administration fee?
Yes, our monthly account maintenance fee of R50 (including VAT) includes:

1. Limited live shares prices
2. Safe custody of your shares
3. Free courses
4. Research
5. Online charting application
What are the benefits of having your shares held in a trading account?
There are a number of benefits to holding your shares in a Standard Online Share Trading account, including:

1. We automatically credit dividends to your account on their payable date
2. We close sales immediately
3. We handle all your corporate actions for you
4. You do not have to worry about dematerialising your scrip ahead of the implementation of Strate.
What is Strate?
Strate is the authorised Central Securities Depository (CSD) for the electronic settlement of all financial instruments in South Africa.
Who takes care of my corporate actions (e.g. dividends, share splits, etc.)?
Standard Online Share Trading will handle your corporate actions. You can elect how we manage your corporate actions, as cash or scrip, and whether you want to be contacted (this is recommended).
How many times can I try to log on to the site with the incorrect password before I am locked out?
You can attempt to log on to the site five (5) times with the incorrect password before the system will lock you out. If you are locked out, you will be required to reset your password. To do this, click on the FORGOTTEN PASSWORD link on our homepage and follow the instructions. If you experience further problems after this, please contact our call centre for assistance.
What do I do if I forget my password?
Please reset your password. To do this, click on the FORGOTTEN PASSWORD link on our homepage and follow the instructions. If you experience further problems after this, please >contact our call centre for assistance.
How secure is online share trading?
Standard Online Share Trading is a trustworthy and secure site. Our software is completely up-to-date and all our communication is 128-bit encrypted. Only one person may be logged into your account at any time and we trace and record the connection every time you log on. You can select to be notified - either via e-mail or SMS - each time your account is accessed.
What are your system requirements?
We recommend IE7 (or higher), Mozilla 3 or (higher) and a screen resolution of at least 800 x 600.
How do I find the OST app?
  • From the Android PlayStore or Apple iTunes, search for “Standard Online Share Trading”
  • Select the first result. The icon will look like this
How do I sign-in and link a device?
  • Having downloaded the app, sign-in with your Standard Bank ID

    • FAQs

  • If you do not have a Standard Bank ID, you will need to create one (select 'Create a Standard Bank ID' and follow the instructions)

    • FAQs
  • Having linked your device, your OST portfolio will be visible

    • FAQs
How do I view the Market Overview?
  • From the home screen, select the Market Overview tile (you may need to scroll down to find it)

    • FAQs

  • The Market Overview tile will show you information like: local indices, exchange rates, commodities, bonds, and other market data

    • FAQs

  • Selecting the blue links on the left will reveal the market overview graph for that particular index
How do I see my portfolio details?
  • Select the account tile you'd like to view
  • You will see a detailed view of that portfolio
How do I trade shares/instruments in my portfolio?
  • From the home screen, select the account you wish to trade with (tap the tile)

    • FAQs

  • In your currently-held stocks, select the stock code (blue text)

    • FAQs

  • Select 'trade', then 'buy' or 'sell'

    • FAQs

  • Select 'calculate' to see a summary of the trade, and 'review' when you are ready to proceed

    • FAQs

  • Select 'submit' to place the ord er

    • FAQs

How do I make a Quick Trade?
  • From the home screen, select the top-right icon or swipe the screen from right to left

    • FAQs

  • Search, or scroll through the share codes, and select a share/instrument to trade

    • FAQs

  • Select 'trade'

    • FAQs

  • Select 'buy' or 'sell'

    • FAQs

  • Select 'calculate' to see a summary of the trade, and 'review' when you are ready to proceed

    • FAQs

  • Select 'submit' to place the order

    • FAQs

How do I create a watchlist?
  • From the home screen, select 'Create a new watchlist' (you may need to scroll down to find it)

    • FAQs

  • Choose a name for your watchlist

    • FAQs

  • Select the 'make this my default' switch' if you'd like it to appear on the homescreen

    • FAQs

  • Select 'Add instrument'
  • Search and select the share/instrument you'd like to add to the watchlis
  • Select 'done' (top-right) to complete your watchlist
How do I edit a watchlist?
  • From the homescreen, select your watchlist tile

    • FAQs

  • Select a particular watchlist at the top of the screen

    • FAQs

  • Select 'Edit' (bottom-right)

    • FAQs

  • Edit the shares/instruments in your watchlist
  • Select 'Done'
How do I make one of my watchlists the default watchlist?
  • From the homescreen, select your watchlist tile

    • FAQs

  • Select a particular watchlist at the top of the screen

    • FAQs

  • Select 'Edit' (bottom-right)

    • FAQs

  • Select 'Make default' (bottom-left)
How do I delete a watchlist?
  • From the homescreen, select your watchlist tile
  • Select a particular watchlist at the top of the screen
  • Select 'Edit' (bottom-right)
  • Select 'Delete'
How do I set triggers for stop losses?
  • From the homescreen, select the relevant account tile
  • Select 'triggers' (at the top of the screen)
  • Select the '+' icon (bottom-right)
  • Select 'create stop loss'
  • Select the share/instrument for which you'd like to set a stop loss'
  • Choose the stop loss value
  • Select 'Create' (top left)
How do I set triggers for price alerts?
  • From the homescreen, select the relevant account tile
  • Select 'triggers' (at the top of the screen)
  • Select the '+' icon (bottom-right)
  • Select 'create price alert'
  • Select the share/instrument for which you'd like to set a stop loss
  • Choose the price alert value
  • Select 'Create' (top left)
How do I unlink a device from my OST App?
  • Swipe the screen from left to right, or select the top-left icon
  • Select 'Settings'
  • Select 'Unlink' for the device you'd like to unlink
How do I add another OST username/account?
  • Swipe from left to right or select the top-left icon
  • Select '+Add New'
  • Enter OST account details
  • Accept Ts&Cs
  • Select Next
How do I withdraw funds?
  • Select the account from which you want to withdraw funds
  • Swipe from right to left or select top-right icon
  • Select 'withdraw funds' (bottom of screen)
  • Follow the steps to transfer funds to your designated banking account


To find out more details on any of our rates, please contact our call centre.

Get Started

We put the power of investing at your fingertips

Customer care line

South Africa
0860 121 161
Phone calls will be suspended during the COVID-19 Lock-down. Please contact us via email.

International
+27 11 415 5000
Phone calls will be suspended during the COVID-19 Lock-down. Please contact us via email.

General enquiry

Call centre hours (SA)

08:30-17:30
Monday-Friday


Provide feedback

Delighted
Disappointed