Investing doesn’t need to be complicated, scary, or reserved for the wealthy. For years, European investors dealt with clunky bank interfaces and high fees. Trade Republic changed the game by bringing a mobile-first, low-cost approach to building wealth.
“The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second best time is today—especially when it takes just three taps.
Whether you want to put your spare change to work or build a serious retirement portfolio, Trade Republic offers one of the most accessible platforms in Europe. In this guide, we’ll breakdown why it’s our top pick for simplified investing.
Why Trade Republic?
It separates itself with a "radical simplicity" approach. No complex charts by default, no hidden fees for savings plans, and a design that feels more like a modern tech app than a dusty bank.
Open your account in minutes
Join millions of Europeans building wealth. Get a welcome bonus when you sign up and make your first investments.
Remember: Investing involves risk. Your capital is at risk.
Smart Features
Automation makes consistency easy
The secret to wealth isn't timing the market—it's time IN the market. Trade Republic's savings plans automate this perfectly.
Free Savings Plans
Invest automatically weekly or monthly into ETFs and stocks for €0 fees.
Interest on Cash
Earn competitive interest on uninvested cash, paid out monthly.
Core Features Breakdown
1. The Savings Plan (Sparplan)
This is the crown jewel. You can set up recurring investments into significantly thousands of ETFs (like the popular MSCI World) or individual stocks.
- Cost: Free.
- Minimum: Just €1.
- Frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
2. The Trade Republic Card
More than just a debit card, it connects your spending to your investing.
- Saveback: Earn 1% Saveback rewards on card payments, invested directly into a savings plan of your choice.
- Round up: Automatically round up your spare change from purchases and invest the difference.
- No monthly fee: The virtual card is free; physical cards have a one-time cost.
3. Security and Regulation
Trade Republic isn't just a startup; it holds a full German banking license.
- Deposit Protection: Your cash is protected up to €100,000 (typical EU deposit guarantee schemes).
- Regulation: Supervised by BaFin (Germany) and the Bundesbank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use interface.
- No order fees for savings plans.
- High interest on cash balance.
- Local tax reports provided (especially helpful in Germany).
Cons:
- Limited analysis tools for advanced traders.
- Customer support is primarily via email/app.
- Only one trading venue (Lang & Schwarz Exchange) - though spreads are monitored.
How to Get Started
- Download the App: Available on iOS and Android.
- Verify Identity: Use VideoIdent or PostIdent. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.
- Deposit Funds: Transfer money via bank transfer, Apple Pay, or credit card (instant options might have a small fee).
- Create a Savings Plan: Search for an ETF (e.g., "Core MSCI World"), select "Savings Plan", choose your interval and amount. Done.
Final Thoughts
Trade Republic is our top recommendation for anyone looking to simplify their financial life. by automating investments, you remove the emotional stress of trading and build strict habits effortlessly.
Ready to simplify your finances?
Read our other guides on digital banking to complete your setup.