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)
- 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 day or 2 business days | 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)
- 100 points of ID for each registered shareholder
- 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
- 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.
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. For more information 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.
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.
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. For more, click here.
Yes — if you’re acting as an executor or legal representative for an Estate, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares from 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.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the company’s name, they can be sold through Unbroker with the proper documentation and ASIC verification.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the name of your trust or SMSF, you can sell them through Unbroker by providing the deed, trustee ID, and other required documents.
Yes — if your ESS shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your name, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID and a signed authority form.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll also need 100 points of ID in your current legal name, along with your SRN.
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.
