Trade Republic review 2026: fees, features, and verdict

Last verified: 2026-03-22

Quick summary

Trade Republic is a mobile-first German broker that charges a flat EUR 1 per trade and offers completely free savings plans on thousands of stocks and ETFs. With a full German banking licence, BaFin oversight, and over eight million users across 17 European countries, it is one of the continent's largest retail investment platforms. It is best suited for passive investors and those who want to automate their investing through recurring savings plans.

Overview

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, Trade Republic holds a full banking licence from BaFin (the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority). The company was initially known as a low-cost neobroker, but has since expanded into banking services including a current account, debit card, and interest on uninvested cash.

In early 2026, Trade Republic reached a valuation of EUR 12.5 billion following a EUR 1.2 billion secondary share sale. New investors including Wellington Management, Singapore's GIC, and Fidelity Management joined the shareholder base. The company has reported three consecutive years of profitability, generating EUR 34.8 million in profit and building equity to EUR 566.5 million.

Trade Republic is currently available in 11 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The platform has been actively localising its product across these markets.

Fees

Fee type	Amount
Stock/ETF trade	EUR 1 flat fee per order
Savings plan orders	Free (EUR 0)
Account opening	Free
Account maintenance	Free (EUR 0 per month)
Currency conversion	1% spread on non-EUR trades
Interest on uninvested cash	Up to 3.00% annual interest
Deposit guarantee	EUR 100,000 (German Deposit Guarantee Scheme)

The EUR 1 flat fee applies to all individual buy and sell orders for stocks, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, and crypto. Savings plan orders, where you set up recurring automatic investments, are completely free. This makes Trade Republic particularly attractive for investors who use a regular investment strategy rather than frequent trading.

One cost to be aware of is the 1% currency conversion spread on trades in non-EUR currencies. If you primarily invest in EUR-denominated ETFs or stocks listed on European exchanges, this will not affect you. However, if you trade US stocks directly, the conversion cost can add up.

Features

Trade Republic's product offering has expanded significantly beyond its origins as a simple stock trading app. Here are the key features available on the platform.

Investment products

The platform provides access to over 8,500 stocks, 2,200 ETFs, 600 bonds, and a range of derivatives. Crypto trading is also available for major cryptocurrencies. All trading is executed through a single exchange partner (LS Exchange in Hamburg), which keeps costs low but limits execution venue choice.

Savings plans

One of Trade Republic's strongest features is its free savings plan functionality. You can set up automated recurring investments in stocks, ETFs, bonds, or crypto. The frequency options include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly, and you choose the exact date and payment method. There is no minimum investment amount for savings plans, making it accessible for investors starting with small amounts.

Banking features

Since obtaining its full banking licence, Trade Republic offers a current account with a German IBAN, a Visa debit card (virtual or physical), Apple Pay and Google Pay support, and interest on uninvested cash. The debit card includes a round-up feature that automatically invests spare change from your purchases.

Mobile-first design

Trade Republic was built as a mobile app from day one. The interface is clean, fast, and intuitive. A web version is also available, though the mobile app remains the primary experience. The app carries a 4.3 rating on app stores.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Low trading costs: The EUR 1 flat fee per trade is among the lowest in Europe, and savings plans are completely free.
• Full banking licence: BaFin-regulated with EUR 100,000 deposit protection under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme, providing strong regulatory oversight.
• Interest on cash: Up to 3.00% annual interest on uninvested cash, credited monthly, which is competitive with many dedicated savings accounts.
• Wide European availability: Accessible in 11 EU countries with localised versions of the app.
• Automated investing: Free savings plans with flexible scheduling make it easy to build a long-term portfolio.
• Profitable business: Three consecutive years of profitability and a EUR 12.5 billion valuation suggest the company is financially stable.

Cons

• Single execution venue: All orders are routed through LS Exchange, which may not always offer the best price compared to platforms with access to multiple exchanges.
• Limited charting tools: The platform's analysis and charting capabilities are basic compared to full-service brokers like Saxo Bank or Interactive Brokers.
• Customer support concerns: Multiple user reports indicate slow response times and difficulty reaching support, particularly for account-related issues.
• Currency conversion cost: The 1% spread on non-EUR trades can be significant for investors who frequently trade in other currencies.
• No international bank transfers: The banking account does not support international (non-SEPA) transfers.
• PFOF transition: The EU-wide Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) ban takes effect in July 2026. Trade Republic plans to adapt by acting as its own market maker, but the impact on execution quality remains to be seen.

Who Trade Republic is best for

Passive ETF investors in Europe: If your strategy involves regularly investing in ETFs through savings plans, Trade Republic's zero-fee savings plans and EUR 1 individual trades make it one of the most cost-effective options available. This is particularly true for investors in the Netherlands, Germany, or other eurozone countries where the currency conversion spread does not apply.

Beginners starting with small amounts: The simple mobile interface, no minimum deposit, and free savings plans lower the barrier to entry. New investors can start with as little as a few euros per month and gradually build their portfolio.

Europeans who want an all-in-one app: With investing, a current account, debit card, and interest on cash all in one place, Trade Republic appeals to those who prefer consolidating their financial services. The round-up investing feature on the debit card is a nice touch for hands-off savers.

Who may want to look elsewhere

Active traders who need advanced charting, multiple execution venues, and access to options or complex derivatives will likely find Trade Republic too limited. Similarly, investors who frequently trade non-EUR assets should consider the 1% currency conversion cost carefully.

Alternatives

If Trade Republic does not match your needs, here are three well-regarded alternatives in the investing category:

Platform	Fee summary	Regulatory score
DEGIRO	EUR 2 + 0.03% per transaction (stocks); EUR 2 + 0.02% (ETFs)	8/10
Scalable Capital	Free plan: EUR 0.99/trade; PRIME+: EUR 4.99/month unlimited trades	8/10
Saxo Bank	From EUR 1 per stock trade; 0.05% ETFs; tiered pricing	8/10

For a direct comparison, see our Trade Republic vs Scalable Capital article. If you are based in the Netherlands, our guide to investing in the Netherlands as an expat covers the full picture.

DEGIRO offers access to a wider range of exchanges and may suit investors who want more execution venue choice. Scalable Capital provides an unlimited trading subscription model that can be more cost-effective for frequent traders. Saxo Bank is a full-service broker with advanced tools and research, better suited for experienced investors who need comprehensive analysis capabilities.

Regulatory status

Trade Republic Bank GmbH holds a full German banking licence and is supervised by BaFin (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) and the Bundesbank. Client cash deposits are protected up to EUR 100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Einlagensicherung). Securities held in your account are segregated from Trade Republic's own assets and would be returned to you in the event of the company's insolvency.

Trade Republic's regulatory score on Capmap is 8 out of 10, reflecting its strong regulatory standing with a full banking licence from one of Europe's most respected financial regulators.

Recent developments

In early 2026, Trade Republic closed a EUR 1.2 billion secondary share transaction, bringing its valuation to EUR 12.5 billion. This makes it Germany's most valuable startup. The deal brought in new institutional investors including Wellington Management, GIC (Singapore's sovereign wealth fund), and Fidelity Management.

A significant regulatory change is on the horizon: the EU-wide ban on Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) takes effect in July 2026. Trade Republic has announced plans to adapt by becoming its own market maker, handling buy and sell orders independently rather than routing them to a third-party market maker. How this transition affects execution quality and spreads is something investors should watch closely.

Frequently asked questions

Is Trade Republic safe?

Trade Republic holds a full German banking licence from BaFin. Cash deposits are protected up to EUR 100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Securities are held in segregated custody accounts, meaning they remain your property even if Trade Republic were to become insolvent.

What are Trade Republic's fees?

Trade Republic charges a flat EUR 1 per trade for stocks, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, and crypto. Savings plan orders are free. There are no account opening or maintenance fees. A 1% spread applies to trades in non-EUR currencies.

Is Trade Republic available in the Netherlands?

Yes. Trade Republic is available in the Netherlands and 10 other European countries. Dutch investors can open an account and use all features including the banking account with a German IBAN.

Does Trade Republic pay interest on cash?

Yes. Trade Republic pays up to 3.00% annual interest on uninvested cash in your account, credited monthly. This rate is variable and subject to change based on ECB interest rate policy.

What happens when the PFOF ban starts?

The EU-wide PFOF ban takes effect in July 2026. Trade Republic has announced it will transition to acting as its own market maker. The company has stated this will not affect the EUR 1 per trade fee. However, the impact on execution quality and bid-ask spreads remains to be seen.

Can I transfer my portfolio to Trade Republic?

Yes. Trade Republic supports incoming portfolio transfers from other brokers. The process is handled through the app and typically takes two to four weeks depending on the transferring broker.

This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change -- verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-22.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform — we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.