Whether you're reconciling for tax time or moving your portfolio into a proper tracker, you'll want your complete CommSec trade history in one file. CommSec lets you download transactions as a CSV (every buy, sell, dividend and fee), but the option is tucked away and has a few quirks worth knowing about before you start.
What you'll need
- Your CommSec Client ID and password (plus your usual security code if you have 2FA enabled)
- A desktop browser. The CSV download isn't available in the mobile app
- If you have multiple CommSec accounts (e.g. personal + trust), you'll export each one separately
Step-by-step
- Log in at commsec.com.au on a desktop browser.
- Go to Portfolio → Transactions in the top navigation.
- Select the account you want to export (top-left account selector) if you hold more than one.
- Set the date range. Choose from your first-ever trade to today. A complete history is what makes parcel-level CGT tracking possible. If your history is long, you may need to export in chunks and combine them.
- Click Search to load the transactions.
- Click "Download CSV" (it appears above or below the transaction list once results load). The file saves as a .csv to your Downloads folder.
TipIf nothing downloads, your browser's pop-up blocker is the usual culprit. Allow pop-ups for commsec.com.au and try again.
What's in the file
| Column | What it means |
|---|
| Date | The trade or transaction date (contract date, the one that matters for CGT) |
| Reference | CommSec's confirmation/contract note number |
| Details | Plain-text description, e.g. "B 100 BHP @ 45.00" or dividend narration |
| Debit ($) | Money out: purchases, brokerage |
| Credit ($) | Money in: sale proceeds, dividends |
| Balance ($) | Running cash balance in your trading account |
Note that buys and sells appear as settlement amounts including brokerage. That's useful, because brokerage forms part of your CGT cost base.
Common issues
- The date range keeps resetting. CommSec limits very long ranges in one query; export in two-year blocks and combine.
- Dividends reinvested via DRP don't show as cash. DRP allocations appear in your statements rather than the cash transaction list. Keep your DRP statements; they change your parcel history.
- Multiple accounts. Each account (individual, joint, trust) exports separately. Label the files clearly before importing anywhere.
Import straight into PortWorth
PortWorth imports this exact CommSec CSV. Drag the file in and your trades are parsed into individual parcels automatically (buy dates, units, brokerage and cost base), ready for live pricing and a per-financial-year CGT report. Re-uploading won't double-count.
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FAQ
Can I export CommSec transactions from the mobile app?
No. The CSV download is only available on the desktop website.
How far back does CommSec transaction history go?
Your full online history is generally available, but very old records may only exist in your emailed contract notes and statements. Export the maximum range and check your earliest trade appears.
Does the export include dividends and franking credits?
Cash dividends appear as credits, but franking credit details live in your dividend statements, not the transaction CSV. Keep both for tax time.
More guides
General information only, not financial or tax advice. CommSec is a trademark of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. PortWorth is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CommSec.