If you’re looking to sell shares, one of the first questions is usually: how long will it take before the money is in my bank account?
In Australia, a standard trade settles in T+2 — which means two business days after the trade date. But the total timeline also depends on how your shares are held, how quickly your identity is verified, and which service you use to sell.
With Unbroker, most sales are completed within 1 to 3 business days start to finish — depending on the sale and settlement service selected.
How Fast Can You Sell Shares?
The time it takes to sell shares depends on three main factors:
- How your shares are held: issuer-sponsored (SRN) vs broker-sponsored (HIN). Learn the difference between an SRN and a HIN here.
- ID verification: mandatory under Australian law
- The platform or service you use: broker, online platform, or Unbroker
For shareholders without a trading account, the fastest way to sell is through a one-off online sale — no account setup, no portfolio transfer, just a direct sale.
Typical Share Sale Timeline
Here’s the step-by-step process:
| Step | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ID verification | Same day | Must be completed before trading |
| Sale execution | Same or next business day | Shares are sold on-market once verified |
| Settlement | Same or next business day | Same Day vs Standard ASX settlement cycle |
| Funds transferred | 1 business day | Paid into your nominated bank account |
Total: ~1 – 3 business days (assuming documents are in order).
What You’ll Need to Sell Quickly
To avoid delays, make sure you have:
- Your SRN (Security Reference Number) or holding details found on a recent holding or dividend statement.
- 100 points of ID for each registered shareholder – Unbroker’s ID Verification Process can be found here.
- Bank account details in the shareholder’s name
- The number of shares you’d like to sell
With Unbroker, you can upload everything in one go through our secure online form — no printing, posting, or waiting on phone calls.
Common Reasons for Delays
Even simple share sales can be slowed down by:
- Missing or incorrect SRNs and holding details
- Incomplete ID (not meeting 100 points)
- Name mismatches between the registry and ID documents
- Complex holdings like deceased estates, trusts, or SMSFs without full paperwork
Unbroker’s team checks all documents promptly and will contact you the same day if anything needs correcting.
Want to Sell Shares Without a Broker?
If your shares are issuer-sponsored, you don’t need a broker or trading account. With Unbroker you can:
- Sell shares directly online
- Avoid portfolio transfers or account setup
- Pay only a clear, one-off service fee
- Skip the ongoing costs, upsells, and paperwork of a broker relationship
Just a fast, compliant, one-off sale.
Final Answer: How Long Does It Take?
With Unbroker, most sales are wrapped up in 1 – 3 business days — from verification to settlement to payment.
If your documents are ready, it’s the fastest and easiest way to sell issuer-sponsored shares in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your personal name, you can sell them online without opening a trading account. For more information, click here.
Yes — shares registered in joint names can be sold online through Unbroker, as long as both shareholders complete the ID verification process. For more information on how to sell your joint holdings, click here.
100 points of ID is a document-based identity check used in Australia. You’ll need to provide certified copies of documents—like a passport, licence, or utility bill—that add up to 100 points. For more information on 100 points of ID click here.
If your shares are issuer-sponsored and you have the SRN, you can sell them quickly online using Unbroker—no trading account required. To learn more about selling issuer-sponsored shares in Australia, click here.
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored, you can sell them online through Unbroker without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker. For a quick guide to selling shares with Unbroker, click here.
Yes — if you're acting under a valid Power of Attorney, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by providing the required documents and ID. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
An SRN identifies shares held directly with a share registry, while a HIN is used for shares held through a broker. Unbroker can only sell shares registered with an SRN. To learn more about the difference between an SRN and a HIN, click here.
Yes — if you’re acting as an executor or legal representative for an Estate, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by providing the required estate documents and ID. For more information on selling shares belonging to an estate, click here.
That’s fine — both shareholders can authorise the funds to be paid into one person's account using a signed authority form provided by Unbroker.
A one-off share sale lets you sell issuer-sponsored shares without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker — perfect for casual or one-time sellers.
Unbroker specialises in one-off share sales — no trading account, no upsells, and no ongoing fees. We're built for people who just want to sell and move on. For a detailed comparison, click here.
Most share sales settle within one to three business days — including ID verification, trade execution, and payment. Unbroker offers same-day sale and settlement, enabling you to receive your funds one business day after the sale. For more information on sales and settlement timelines, click here.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry. Click here for more information.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the company’s name, they can be sold through Unbroker with the proper documentation and ASIC verification. Click here to see our full guide on selling shares held company.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the name of your trust or SMSF, you can sell them through Unbroker by providing the deed, trustees ID and any supporting documents. To learn more, see our full guide on selling shares held by a family trust or SMSF here.
Yes — if your ESS shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your name, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account. For more information on selling shares from an ESS, click here.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID. For more information on our international ID requirements, click here.
We’re required by law to verify the identity of each registered shareholder before processing a sale — it helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with ASIC and anti-money laundering regulations. For more information on ID verification, click here.
Your SRN is usually found on a holding statement or letter from the share registry — it’s required to sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker. For more information about what an SRN is, click here.
Yes, it’s still possible to sell shares if you can’t find your SRN. In many cases, Unbroker can retrieve your SRN for you and handle the sale process without needing to contact the registry. For more information, click here.
Yes — as long as you're using a licensed and compliant provider like Unbroker. We verify all sales, protect your information, and never ask for upfront payments. For more details on how Unbroker keeps your transactions secure, click here.
Yes — as a parent or legal guardian, you can authorise the sale of shares held by a minor by providing certified ID and signing an authority form.
Yes — as long as your IPO shares are issuer-sponsored and no longer subject to escrow, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account. To get started today, click here.
If you’ve lost your holding statement, you’ll need to contact the share registry to request a replacement. Once you have your SRN, you can sell your shares through Unbroker.
Yes — as long as you can provide certified evidence of the name change (e.g. marriage certificate or name change certificate), Unbroker can help process your share sale. For more information, see our full guide on selling shares when your name has changed here.
Funds are paid one business day after settlement.
Depending on whether you choose Same Day Sale & Settlement or Standard settlement, you’ll receive your money within 1–3 business days. For more information, click here.
Yes — you don’t need a TFN to sell your shares through Unbroker.
However, if no TFN is recorded on your shareholding, the registry may withhold tax from any dividends you’ve received. This doesn’t affect the sale itself.
If the shareholder can’t sign, someone else may be authorised to act under a valid Power of Attorney or court order. We’ll need certified documents confirming their authority before we can proceed. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
Yes — shares registered with an account designation can be sold through Unbroker, provided the authorised person completes the required verification process. Click here to learn how the process works.
