Trade Republic Review: Commission-Free Stocks, ETFs & Savings
Trade Republic combines commission-free investing with a high-yield savings account in one elegant app. Here's my experience using it across Europe.
What is Trade Republic?
Trade Republic is a broker and bank hybrid that lets you invest in stocks, ETFs and crypto commission-free, while also offering a competitive high-yield savings account on uninvested cash. Founded in Germany in 2015, it holds a full banking license and is widely available across Europe, including Ireland, Germany, France and other EU markets.
The core appeal is simplicity: a clean mobile-first app, a single flat fee per trade instead of percentage-based commissions, and automatic interest on cash sitting in your account — all things traditional European brokers have historically charged a premium for.
Trade Republic fees explained
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stock/ETF trade (market order) | €1 external fee per order |
| Savings plan (recurring ETF investment) | Free |
| Cash interest on uninvested balance | Competitive variable rate, paid daily |
| Account maintenance | Free |
| Currency conversion (non-EUR assets) | Small FX spread applies |
There's no custody fee and no inactivity fee, which is a meaningful difference from many legacy European brokers. The main ongoing cost is simply the €1 per trade, making it especially cost-effective for investors who buy and hold rather than trade frequently.
How to sign up for Trade Republic
- Download the app and register with your email — a referral link can unlock a welcome bonus such as a free share or cash credit.
- Verify your identity — a video or photo ID check is completed in-app, usually within minutes to a day.
- Link a bank account for deposits and withdrawals via SEPA transfer.
- Set up a savings plan (optional) — automate recurring ETF purchases weekly, monthly, or bi-weekly, commission-free.
- Start investing — browse stocks, ETFs, and crypto directly in the app with a simple one-tap order flow.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs
- High-yield savings account on idle cash
- Welcome bonus on account creation
- Clean, simple mobile-first interface
- Free recurring savings plans, no custody fees
Cons
- Limited advanced charting compared to pro platforms
- Only available in select European markets
- Fractional share availability varies by asset
- €1 fee per order can add up for very frequent traders
Who it's for
Trade Republic is ideal for long-term investors in Europe who want a no-fuss way to build an ETF portfolio and earn yield on cash, without paying per-trade commissions. Active day traders who need advanced charting or complex order types will likely outgrow it faster than buy-and-hold investors will.
Try Trade Republic
Sign up with my referral link for a welcome bonus on account creation.
Open Trade Republic →Frequently asked questions
Is Trade Republic safe?
Trade Republic is regulated and holds a banking license in the EU, with client securities held separately from company assets and cash deposits covered by statutory deposit protection schemes up to local limits.
Does Trade Republic charge trading fees?
Trade Republic doesn't charge commission on stock and ETF trades, though a small fixed external fee (typically €1) applies per order depending on the market.
Is Trade Republic available outside Europe?
No, Trade Republic is currently only available in select European markets. Check the app or website for the current list of supported countries.
Does Trade Republic pay interest on cash?
Yes, uninvested cash in your Trade Republic account earns a variable interest rate, paid out daily, which is a notable advantage over brokers that leave cash idle and unpaid.
Can I set up automatic recurring investments?
Yes, Trade Republic supports free savings plans that let you automatically invest a fixed amount into chosen stocks or ETFs on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule.