My review of the Trade Republic platform (April 2025)

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Please note that Trade Republic services may not be available in the UK. For exact eligibility requirements, we recommend that you consult the official Trade Republic website directly.

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Trade Republic, launched in 2015 and based in Berlin, is a rapidly growing European broker specialising in commission-free investment in stocks, ETFs, and cryptos. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of over 28,592 reviews, the platform enjoys an excellent reputation with users, especially in the United Kingdom, where it is increasingly popular with both novice and experienced investors.

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing and thoroughly analysing Trade Republic, and I’ve sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in the United Kingdom.

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can Trade Republic be trusted? Is the platform easy to use and intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with Trade Republic and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the trader offer versus other online brokers?

So I've thoroughly examined everything: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, functionalities, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools, etc. Below is my in-depth analysis of the Trade Republic broker (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of Trade Republic?

My general opinion on Trade Republic

After several months of testing, I consider Trade Republic to be an excellent solution for retail investors who want to build a long-term portfolio with low fees and a simple interface. It is not a platform tailored for technical traders or those looking for complex products, but it does the job perfectly for investing efficiently in the classic markets.

Access to over 8,500 stocks and ETFs is a real strength. I was able to invest in American, European or Asian companies with the same ease, and even schedule recurring purchases via their free automatic investment plans. The choice is wide, especially on the side of thematic ETFs, and the addition of government or corporate bonds reinforces the wealth dimension of the account.

In terms of tools, everything happens via their mobile app, which is fluid, well-designed and accessible. However, it remains very basic: no technical indicators, no advanced order book, and no screener or backtest functionality. There is no complete desktop version or compatibility with third-party software such as MetaTrader or TradingView. For me, it's a platform designed primarily for investing, not for active trading.

In terms of fees, it's hard to beat: £1 per order with no variable commission, no custody fees or hidden charges. I've placed dozens of orders in different currencies, and everything has remained perfectly transparent. There are also no fees on withdrawals or inactivity, and even currency conversions are done at the market rate without added margin. This model is ultra-competitive, especially for small portfolios.

Finally, on the question of security, I found nothing to complain about: Trade Republic is a licensed German banking institution, cash funds are protected up to £85,000 (the UK equivalent of the €100,000 protection), and securities are properly segregated. Even though the broker doesn't offer classic leverage, this also limits the risk of major losses for beginners. The interface defaults to a cautious approach, which enhances the overall security of the user experience.

Which trader profiles does Trade Republic cater to?

=> To beginner investors, who want to get started in the stock market without complexity or hidden fees. The application is intuitive, orders are easy to place, and the absence of leverage or CFDs limits the risk of making mistakes. It is an excellent gateway to building a stock or ETF portfolio, with useful scheduled plans to develop discipline.

=> For occasional or regular traders who want to invest long-term in international stocks, ETFs, or some cryptocurrencies. The fixed fees of £1 per order and the absence of additional fees allow for maintaining good profitability even on small positions. The bonds that have recently become available offer an interesting defensive alternative.

=> For wealth investors looking to grow their capital over time via a passive approach. The possibility of investing in free monthly plans, access to bonds, the absence of inactivity fees and the protection of funds make it a suitable platform for 'autopilot' management.

On the other hand, Trade Republic may be less suitable for active or technical traders. There is no detailed order book, no advanced charting tools, no scalping or automation functions possible, and no direct leverage. CFDs, forex or commodities are not offered, which severely limits the speculative dimension.

Trade Republic's features:

My opinion on the security and reliability of the broker Trade Republic

In my opinion, Trade Republic is a reliable and reputable broker for investing from the United Kingdom. Regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom and registered, it offers a secure environment, particularly suited to cautious investors. The absence of classic leverage, the clarity of fees, and the simplicity of the products offered contribute to a controlled trading framework. The broker has already convinced over 8 million users in Europe, a figure that demonstrates its solidity and growing notoriety.

My review of the fees, spreads and commissions applied on Trade Republic

What I immediately noticed about Trade Republic was the radical simplicity of their pricing. No multiple accounts, no complex structures: just one ultra-readable pricing schedule. I placed dozens of orders, and each time, the bill was the same: £1 per transaction, with no hidden fees. It was this transparency that convinced me from the start.

The complete absence of inactivity fees, custody fees or SEPA withdrawal fees is also a real advantage, especially for profiles that trade little or irregularly. Whether buying a US stock or a European ETF, the conditions remain the same.

Let's now look in detail at the broker's fee schedule.

What are the account fees?

Honestly, I have rarely seen a pricing policy as clear and advantageous for individual users. There's nothing to complain about regarding account maintenance fees or withdrawals, which makes Trade Republic particularly interesting for those who want to invest without worrying about additional charges.

The symbolic minimum deposit of £1 allows you to get started without constraint, which is quite rare in the market. It's ideal for testing the platform with a small initial capital, especially for beginners.

Trader Tip

If you wish to invest in securities denominated in dollars, convert your pounds with a card like Revolut before making the deposit. This allows you to optimise the exchange rate if you plan to invest regularly outside the pound zone.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

This is exactly what I appreciate about Trade Republic: ultra-straightforward pricing. I've placed orders on US and European stocks, and I've always paid £1, not a penny more. No percentages to watch, no nasty surprises.

For someone like me who invests regularly but without leverage, this is a perfect model. And above all, not having to worry about custody or storage fees on my ETFs is a real relief. I know too many brokers who chip away at returns with hidden fees.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

I also tested buying cryptos on Trade Republic – mainly Bitcoin and Ethereum. What I found practical is that there's no need to ask a thousand questions about fees: everything is integrated into the displayed price. For a one-off purchase or to build a small crypto allocation in a long-term portfolio, it works well.

But let's be honest: if you're looking to actively trade cryptos or scalp in the short term, the built-in spreads are a bit too high compared to what an exchange like Binance or Kraken offers. Also note that staking or withdrawals to an external wallet are not available for now.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on Trade Republic

What I particularly appreciated about Trade Republic was the wide range of stocks and ETFs on offer. Being able to access over 8,500 securities from a single application, with a fixed fee of £1, is rare. I was able to invest in both American giants and small European or Asian stocks. The addition of bonds is a real plus for balancing a long-term portfolio, especially for cautious profiles.

The crypto offering is solid, with over 50 assets available for spot purchase. It's not as extensive as a specialised exchange, but sufficient for reasonable market exposure. However, there's no currency trading or direct access to commodities or indices: you have to go through ETFs or listed derivatives. So it's not a platform for active traders, but rather for investors looking to diversify without leverage.

My opinion on the platform

After several weeks of using the Trade Republic app, I must say that the experience is very smooth, but also very minimalist. The application is clearly designed for investing, not for actively trading. There is no advanced graphical interface or complex order book, which may confuse those used to technical platforms. On the other hand, for a long-term investor looking for simplicity, it is undoubtedly one of the most streamlined interfaces on the market.

Personally, I appreciated the ability to quickly place orders from my mobile, schedule recurring ETF or stock purchases, and track my investments without information overload. However, as a trader, the complete lack of graphical customization or technical tools quickly limited me for more dynamic strategies.

Trader Tip

I advise you to prepare your watchlist in advance with an external tool (like TradingView for free), then place your orders on Trade Republic. This compensates for the gaps in technical analysis without changing brokers.

Customer reviews: what users think of Trade Republic

Trade Republic has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2/5 based on over 28,000 reviews, which demonstrates excellent overall satisfaction. Many users highlight the quality of the mobile experience, transparent pricing, and the general reliability of the platform.

Positive reviews highlight the clear pricing at £1 per order, with no hidden commissions, as well as the speed of order execution. The application is described as simple, modern, ergonomic, and suitable for daily use. Several comments also highlight the ease of account opening, the absence of custody fees, as well as the practicality of monthly investment plans.

On the downside, several users regret the lack of advanced charting tools, the inability to sell short, or to use classic leverage. However, for many retail investors, Trade Republic is an accessible, effective solution suitable for long-term investing.

Customer review examples:

• Stéphane (27 February 2024) : « Ultra simple application, no hidden fees. I opened my account in 10 minutes. Ideal for investing without overthinking it. »
• Philippe (4 January 2024) : « Excellent platform, well-thought-out investment plans, everything is clear. I highly recommend it. »
• Antoine (12 December 2023) : « Unbeatable rates, smooth application, responsive support. I have been a customer for 2 years, and still satisfied. »

Account Opening, Deposits and Withdrawals on Trade Republic

Account Opening

Opening an account with Trade Republic is extremely simple and quick. Everything is done via the mobile app, without paperwork or postal submissions. Personally, I finalised my registration in less than 10 minutes, and my account was validated within the day. The procedure is smooth and well-guided, which is perfect for beginners.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Download the Trade Republic app or access the website
• Fill in your personal information (name, address, IBAN)
• Complete the identity verification (ID + selfie video)
• Submit proof of address if requested
• Wait for validation (often within a few hours)
• Once validated, make the first deposit by SEPA transfer to activate the account

✅ Good to know

Trade Republic does not offer a demo account. However, opening a real account has no minimum deposit requirement, which allows you to test the platform in real conditions from just £1.

Trade Republic Deposits and Withdrawals

Frankly, the deposit and withdrawal system at Trade Republic is as minimalistic as the platform itself. No credit cards, no PayPal, no crypto: everything goes solely through bank transfers. It's simple, but it may be a drawback for those seeking faster or more diverse methods. Incoming transfers are generally credited within 24 hours, and withdrawals are also quick once the IBAN has been verified.

Trader Tip

To avoid any delays during your first withdrawal, use an IBAN in your personal name from the start, identical to the one you declare in the app. This avoids any additional validation delays.

Account Types Available on Trade Republic

Trade Republic offers two types of real account: a standard securities account in euros and a Stocks and Shares ISA, which is particularly tax-efficient for UK investors. The offer is deliberately simplified to appeal to a broad, often beginner audience, and the platform does not attempt to segment according to profile (no professional account, no Islamic version). There is also no demo account, which is a shame for those who would like to test the interface before investing.

✅ Good to know

The securities account at Trade Republic is more than enough for retail investors who want to buy stocks, ETFs or bonds without superfluous fees, and the ISA will be ideal for investors looking for tax advantages. On the other hand, it will not be suitable for profiles looking for more specific functionalities such as leverage, CFDs or copy trading.

Conclusion : Should you invest with Trade Republic?

After several months of testing, I consider Trade Republic an excellent option for those who want to invest simply, without being burdened by complex tools or opaque pricing structures. The platform is designed for the individual investor: clear, without leverage, with direct access to over 8,500 stocks and ETFs at £1 per order, and with no hidden fees.

I particularly appreciated the speed of account opening, the clarity of the mobile interface, and the fixed pricing model, which is much more transparent than with other players. The absence of inactivity fees, custody fees or withdrawal fees makes it an economical and accessible solution.

In short, if you are looking to build a long-term portfolio with a simple, effective and regulated tool, Trade Republic is, in my opinion, an excellent choice to start or consolidate your investments.

Nishadh Mohammed

Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.