My Trade Republic Platform Review (April 2025)

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Please note that Trade Republic services may not be available in South Africa. 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, particularly in South Africa where it is increasingly attracting both novice and experienced investors.

I've spent the last 6 months signing up, testing, and thoroughly analyzing Trade Republic, and I've sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in South Africa.

In summary, I was trying to answer questions such as: 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 functionalities does the trader offer compared to 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, I present my in-depth analysis of the Trade Republic broker (compared to other tested platforms).

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 individual investors who want to build a long-term portfolio with reduced 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 effectively in 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 thematic ETF side, and the addition of government or corporate bonds reinforces the wealth-building dimension of the account.

Regarding tools, everything is done through 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 functionalities. 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 pricing, it's hard to beat: R1 per order with no variable commission, no custody fees or hidden fees. 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 any added margin. This model is ultra-competitive, especially for small portfolios.

Finally, on the issue of security, I found nothing to complain about: Trade Republic is an authorised German banking institution, cash funds are protected up to R 1 873 290,00 (100 000 € conversion) and securities are properly segregated. Even though the broker does not 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 journey.

Which trader profiles is Trade Republic aimed at?

=> For 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's an excellent entry point for building a stock or ETF portfolio, with useful scheduled plans to help you stay disciplined.

=> For occasional or regular traders who want to invest long-term in international stocks, ETFs or some cryptocurrencies. The fixed fees of R19.97 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 management in « autopilot ».

Conversely, Trade Republic is 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 trustworthy broker for investing from South Africa. Regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, it offers a secure environment, particularly suitable for 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 millions of users, a figure that testifies to its solidity and growing reputation.

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 tariff grid. I placed dozens of orders, and each time, the bill was the same: R18.57 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 withdrawal fees within South Africa is also a real advantage, especially for profiles that trade little or irregularly. Whether it's to buy a US stock or a South African 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 such a clear and advantageous pricing policy for individual users. There is nothing to complain about account management 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 R1 allows you to get started without constraint, which is quite rare in the market. It's ideal for testing the platform with a small capital at the start, especially for beginner profiles.

Trader Tip

If you want to invest in securities denominated in dollars, convert your Rands with a card like Revolut before making the deposit. This allows you to optimize the exchange rate if you plan to invest regularly outside of the Rand zone.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

That's exactly what I appreciate about Trade Republic: ultra-direct pricing. I've placed orders on American and European stocks, and I've always paid R17, not a cent more. No percentage to watch out for, no bad surprises.

For someone like me who invests regularly but without leverage, it's a perfect model. And above all, not having to worry about custody or maintenance fees on my ETFs is a real relief. I know too many brokers who nibble away at the return 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 is 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 integrated 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 at the moment.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on Trade Republic

What I particularly appreciated about Trade Republic is 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 R1, 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 specialized exchange, but sufficient for reasonable exposure to the market. 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 active trading. There is no advanced graphical interface or complex order book, which may confuse those accustomed 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 purchases of ETFs or shares, 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 displays a Trustpilot rating of 4.2/5 based on over 28,000 reviews, indicating excellent overall satisfaction. Many users highlight the quality of the mobile experience, transparent pricing, and the overall reliability of the platform.

Positive reviews highlight the clear pricing at R18 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 negative side, some users regret the absence of advanced charting tools, the inability to sell short, or use classic leverage. However, for many retail investors, Trade Republic is an accessible, efficient, and suitable solution for long-term investment.

Examples of customer reviews:

• Stéphane (27 February 2024) : « Ultra simple application, no hidden fees. I opened my account in 10 minutes. Ideal for investing without any hassle. »
• Philippe (4 January 2024) : « Excellent platform, well-thought-out investment plans, everything is clear. I highly recommend it. »
• Antoine (12 December 2023) : « Unbeatable rates, fluid application, responsive support. I have been a client for 2 years, and always 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 mail. 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 application or access the website
• Enter your personal information (name, address, IBAN)
• Complete the identity verification (identity document + selfie-video)
• Submit proof of address if requested
• Wait for validation (often within a few hours)
• Once validated, proceed with 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, allowing you to test the platform in real conditions from as little as R1.

Trade Republic Deposits and Withdrawals

Honestly, the deposit and withdrawal system at Trade Republic is as minimalist as the platform itself. No bank cards, no PayPal, no crypto: everything goes solely through bank transfers. It's simple, but it can be a deterrent for those looking for faster or more diverse methods. Incoming transfers are generally credited within 24 hours, and withdrawals are also fast as soon as 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 live accounts: a standard securities account in euros and a PEA, which is particularly tax-advantageous for French investors. The offering is deliberately simplified to appeal to a broad, often novice, audience, and the platform does not seek to segment by 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

A securities account at Trade Republic is sufficient for individual investors who want to buy shares, ETFs or bonds without superfluous fees, and the RA will be ideal for investors seeking tax advantages. However, it will not suit profiles looking for more specific features such as leverage, CFDs or copy trading.

Conclusion: Should you invest with Trade Republic in South Africa?

After several months of testing, I consider Trade Republic to be an excellent option for those who want to invest simply, without being encumbered 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 shares and ETFs at R17 per order, and with no hidden fees.

I particularly appreciated the speed of opening an account, 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, efficient and regulated tool, Trade Republic is, in my opinion, an excellent choice for starting or consolidating your investments.

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.