My review of the eToro platform (April 2025)

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eToro, founded in 2007, is a multi-asset investment and social trading platform that had over 35 million traders across 140 countries in 2025. 

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing, and thoroughly analysing eToro, and I’ve sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in South Africa. 

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can we trust eToro? Is the platform easy to pick up and intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with eToro, and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the trader offer vs. other online brokers? 

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

What to think of eToro?

My overall opinion on eToro

In my opinion, eToro is an excellent online trading platform. The platform is user-friendly and very easy to use (and I'm not the only one saying it: 4.1 on Trustpilot!) in addition to offering truly powerful features. Among the most notable is its Copy Trading functionality (duplicating the investment strategies of more experienced traders), THE super added value of the broker!

eToro allows you to build a diversified portfolio since it allows you to trade virtually all assets: stocks, ETFs, CFDs, cryptos, currencies, indices and even NFTs - which means you don’t have to sign up on multiple platforms. You can invest in real assets but also use leverage on CFDs (be careful, it's risky and expensive, you have to understand the stakes!).

In terms of security, there's nothing to worry about. The platform is reliable and regulated in South Africa, where it has been present since 2007 (as well as in 140 other countries, which reinforces its legitimacy).

The broker is also known for its $0 commission policy on the purchase of real shares and ETFs (and not just CFDs). eToro is also one of the few brokers to offer the purchase of fractional shares (which allows you to start investing with small amounts). Most of the fees offered are below or at the market average. 

=> In short, therefore, eToro offers, in my opinion, a secure and user-friendly platform on which it is possible to buy/sell a very wide range of assets and benefit from competitive fees. 

Which trader profiles is eToro suitable for?

From my point of view, eToro is particularly suitable for several types of traders:

=> Clearly for beginners: account opening is fast, without excessive paperwork, the platform is intuitive, both on desktop and mobile, and Copy Trading allows you to automatically copy the portfolios of experienced traders, without having to manage your positions yourself. The free demo account with $100,000 virtual is accessible without deposit, which is ideal for training. In addition, the entry ticket is low ($50), and the platform offers many educational contents to train at your own pace.

=> For regular traders who want to diversify their portfolio with stocks, ETFs or direct cryptos, and not just CFDs. eToro allows you to mix long-term investment and short-term opportunities (with leverage up to x30 depending on the assets). Copy Trading, often considered a tool for beginners, is also very useful for those who want to follow a strategy passively while maintaining control thanks to Stop Loss / Take Profit limits. eToro's community dimension, with its news feed and comments from other traders, is also a real plus for exchanging and getting inspiration.

However, very experienced traders or those who practice scalping or intensive day trading may find the spreads a little too high compared to brokers like IG or Interactive Brokers, and may regret the absence of MetaTrader or more advanced technical analysis tools.

eToro in a few seconds, it's:

My review of the security and reliability of the eToro broker in South Africa

As a trader, I consider eToro to be a reliable broker, benefiting from a solid regulatory framework and high guarantees regarding the security of funds. It is regulated in several recognized jurisdictions and offers serious tools to limit the risk of excessive losses, which reinforces the confidence that one can place in it when investing their capital.

My Opinion on eToro's Fees, Spreads and Commissions

As a trader, I found eToro's fees to be quite well-positioned, especially for those wishing to invest in stocks or ETFs on a cash basis: no commission is charged as long as you do not use leverage, which is a real advantage compared to many other brokers.

Copy Trading is also free, allowing you to follow other investors' portfolios at no extra cost. However, spreads may be higher than at more technical brokers, especially on cryptos and Forex. But overall, eToro remains competitive, especially for long-term profiles or occasional traders.

Let's move on to the figures: I have analysed in detail all the fees charged by eToro and compared them to 16 other platforms to get a clear picture.

What are the account fees at eToro?

In practice, I found eToro's fee structure to be quite advantageous, especially if you open your account in the right currency. There are no opening or management fees, and withdrawals in EUR or GBP are free. However, for USD accounts, the $5 fee can quickly add up if you withdraw regularly. This cost disappears if you join the eToro Club, from $2,000 invested. Inactivity fees are only charged after 12 months without logging in, so they are very easy to avoid.

Trader Tip

Use Revolut to reduce your conversion fees. If you deposit Euros into a Dollar account, eToro's exchange fees can be up to 1.5%. By converting your funds directly via Revolut before depositing, you can save R10 to R15 on a R500 transfer. A simple step, but one that really makes a difference in the long run.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs at eToro?

At eToro, you can invest directly in stocks and ETFs (without leverage, outside of CFD mode), making it one of the few CFD brokers that also offers a true commission-free long-term investment option. This is a significant advantage for investors looking to build a real portfolio without hidden costs.

Good to know

Fees may vary depending on market conditions and your eToro Club account level. The more active or invested you are, the more you benefit from reduced rates (including on currency conversions or withdrawals).

What are the cryptocurrency fees at eToro?

Based on my tests, the fees on cryptos at eToro are simple to understand, but slightly higher than average, especially if you are an active trader who makes frequent trades. (More expensive than Binance or Kraken)

What are the CFD fees at eToro?

Here is the updated table with data from eToro's official documents, including the main assets available as CFDs:

Based on my tests, eToro performs quite well on CFDs, especially on Forex and indices: spreads are decent and stable, even during periods of volatility, which is appreciated. For CFD stocks, the fees are transparent: 0.09% commission, with a minimum of $1 per transaction. For oil and certain indices like the S&P 500, the conditions are clearly in the upper average range of the market.

On the other hand, I found the spreads on gold a bit high compared to other, more specialized brokers. As for cryptos, the 1% spread may seem significant, but it remains in line with what most CFD brokers offer.

For moderate day trading or swing trading, the fees remain competitive. However, for pure scalping, you will have to deal with slightly wider spreads, especially outside of US market opening hours.

Good to know

 Leverage is capped according to South African regulations (up to 1:30 for Forex, 1:20 for indices and gold, 1:5 for shares, 1:2 for cryptos). Overnight fees are applied to all CFD positions held after market close, and the amount depends on both the asset and current conditions. To avoid surprises, I recommend always consulting eToro's fee schedule before opening a leveraged position.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on eToro

After testing eToro, I can say that the variety of assets offered is a real strength: you can build a balanced portfolio between stocks, ETFs, crypto, Forex, commodities and indices, while choosing between direct investment or CFDs with leverage.

I particularly appreciated the possibility of investing in real stocks without commission, which is not so common. On the crypto side, the offer is wide but the fees are a bit high; on the other hand, the possibility of transferring to an external wallet is a real plus.

For Forex or indices, it's classic, well executed, with leverage adapted to the profile and correct spreads. In short, whether you are an active trader or a long-term investor, there is plenty to do.

My opinion on the eToro platform

From a personal perspective, I found eToro's platform particularly smooth and enjoyable to use, especially for investors who are starting out or want to save time. Copy Trading is a real plus, well thought out and very accessible. For daily use, it's clear, practical, and efficient. However, professional traders or those who are fond of advanced technical analysis may feel a little cramped by the lack of integration of tools like MetaTrader or TradingView.

Trader tip: Disable default settings for more control

When placing your first order, remember to disable the automatic stop-loss, take-profit, and leverage options if you want to actually own the asset. On a Nasdaq 100 ETF position, I avoided unintended exposure by setting the leverage to 1x and removing the default limits.

Customer reviews: what users think of eToro

To refine my assessment, I looked at the reviews left by users on Trustpilot. Result: eToro displays a solid rating of 4.1/5 based on over 26,000 reviews, which places it at the top of the ranking of brokers accessible in South Africa.

What users appreciate:

• Intuitive and accessible platform, even without experience
• Possibility to buy shares without commission
• Effective and easy-to-use Copy Trading
• Responsive customer service and personalised support
• Access to a wide choice of assets, including cryptos and ETFs

Points for improvement:

• Exchange and withdrawal fees considered high (excluding eToro Club)
• Occasional delays or bugs during registration or withdrawal
• Automatic stop loss and take profit settings that may surprise beginners
• Interface sometimes slow or unstable according to some users
• Difficulties reported with account verification or fund transfer

Some examples of customer reviews:

« The platform is simple and intuitive, perfect for beginners. The advice is clear and the support is excellent. » – R.H.
« For over 7 years, quality advice! I have never had a problem with eToro. » – C.H.
« I am very satisfied with the explanations provided. Clear, precise, and adapted to my needs. » – P.L.

Opening an account, deposits and withdrawals on eToro?

Opening an Account

Steps to open an account with eToro:

• Visit
• Create your account via email or a Facebook/Google login
• Immediately access the demo account with $100,000 virtual money
• Provide your supporting documents: proof of identity + proof of address
• Fill out the questionnaire about your experience and goals
• Make a first deposit (minimum $50) to start trading in real mode
• Wait for validation (often in just a few hours)
• Start investing in real mode or continue testing the platform in demo

Opening an account is simple and straightforward. During my test, I was able to start trading in less than an hour after my documents were validated. This is one of the fastest procedures I have encountered on trading platforms.

Good to know

Once registered, and even before answering the questionnaire about your trading experience, you can switch to the virtual account and start placing your first orders with your fictitious capital of ZAR 1,600,000 made available to you. 

Deposits and withdrawals on eToro

eToro offers a simple and fast procedure for depositing or withdrawing funds, with several payment methods available depending on your country. All accounts are in USD, but deposits can be made in other currencies (automatic conversion with fees).

Bank card deposits are instant, while transfers can take 1 to 3 business days. Withdrawals are generally processed in 1 to 2 days, depending on the method used. All amounts deposited or withdrawn are converted to USD, with variable conversion fees if you use another currency.

Trader Tip:

Prioritise using a bank card for fast deposits. During my last deposit of R5000 via card, the funds were available in less than 10 seconds. Perfect for seizing an opportunity without waiting, unlike a bank transfer which can delay the execution of your orders.

Types of accounts available on eToro

eToro offers a simple and universal account structure, designed to adapt to investors worldwide. As an international platform, you cannot open a PEA, as this type of account is specific to French taxation. However, eToro allows you to invest in both real stocks and CFDs, which is suitable for many trader profiles, from beginner to experienced investor.

What is the eToro Club?

The eToro Club is a loyalty program structured into 5 levels (Silver to Diamond), based on the total balance of your account. Membership is automatic and the benefits evolve according to the amount held. From the Silver level (starting at $5,000), you start to benefit from more personalised support, which clearly improves the experience, particularly in terms of customer service or investment strategy.

As a Silver-tier trader, I found this program really helpful: I was able to quickly communicate with a manager via WhatsApp, especially for questions about ETF spreads.

Smart Portfolios accessible from this level are also very practical for diversifying without managing each position manually. In my opinion, this is a good way to gain autonomy while having responsive support. My goal is to reach the Platinum level, which significantly reduces exchange fees and provides more advanced analysis tools.

Trader Tip:

  Level up to optimise your fees and tracking. The eToro Club monitors your account balance daily to determine your tier. From $5,000, you already gain comfort (fast responses, personalised advice), and from $25,000, you start to access premium services that can clearly make a difference if you actively trade or invest long-term.

Conclusion: Should you invest with eToro in South Africa?

After several weeks of testing, I can say that eToro is a really solid platform, especially if you are looking for a simple solution to invest without necessarily becoming a technical expert. Copy Trading is ultra-efficient, especially for starting without stress, and the possibility of investing in stocks or ETFs without commission, even with small amounts (thanks to fractional shares), is a real asset.

What I appreciated was the ease of use: everything is clear, fluid, and designed for those who want to manage their own portfolio without getting into complex tools. I also liked the social aspect, with a real active community that comments on assets and shares its analyses.

In short, if you are a beginner or an independent investor, eToro is a good entry point into trading.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.