My review of the Trade Republic platform (April 2025)

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Please note that Trade Republic services may not be available in Australia. 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 specializing 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 Australia, 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 Australia.

In summary, 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 compared to other online brokers?

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

What to think of Trade Republic?

My overall opinion of 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 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 the classic markets.

Access to over 8,500 stocks and ETFs is a real highlight. 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 for thematic ETFs, and the addition of government or corporate bonds strengthens the wealth-building dimension of the account.

In terms of tools, everything is managed 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 backtesting 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 pricing, it's hard to beat: $1.65 AUD 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 added margin. This model is ultra-competitive, especially for small portfolios.

Finally, regarding security, I found nothing to complain about: Trade Republic is a licensed German banking institution, cash deposits are protected up to $160,000 (equivalent of 100,000 €) and securities are properly segregated. Even if 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 experience.

Which trader profiles is Trade Republic suitable for in Australia?

=> For novice investors who want to get started on the stock market without complexity or hidden costs. The application is intuitive, orders are easy to place, and the absence of leverage or CFDs limits the risk of making a mistake. It's an excellent gateway to building a stock or ETF portfolio, with programmed plans to help you discipline yourself.

=> For occasional or regular traders who want to invest for the long term in international equities, ETFs or a few crypto-currencies. The fixed fee of $1 per order and the absence of ancillary costs mean that even small positions are profitable. Newly available bonds 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 fund protection 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 Trade Republic broker

Trade Republic is, in my opinion, a reliable and serious broker for investing from Australia. Regulated by ASIC in Australia, 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 in Australia, a figure that testifies to its strength and growing reputation.

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

What I immediately noticed with Trade Republic was the radical simplicity of their pricing. No multiple accounts, no complex structures: a single, ultra-readable tariff schedule. I placed dozens of orders, and each time, the bill was the same: $1.50 AUD 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 in Australia is also a real advantage, especially for profiles that trade little or irregularly. Whether it's to buy a US stock or an Australian 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've rarely seen a pricing policy as clear and advantageous for individual users. There's nothing to criticise about account maintenance fees or withdrawals, which makes Trade Republic particularly attractive to those who want to invest without worrying about additional charges.

The symbolic minimum deposit of $1 allows you to get started without constraints, which is quite rare in the market. It's ideal for testing the platform with a small starting capital, especially for beginner profiles.

Trader Tip

If you want to invest in securities denominated in dollars, convert your Australian dollars with a card like Revolut before making the deposit. This optimizes the exchange rate if you plan to invest regularly outside the Australian dollar 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 US and European stocks, and I've always paid $1, not a cent more. No percentages to watch out for, no nasty 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 storage fees on my ETFs is a real relief. I know too many brokers who nibble 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 was 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 are 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 at the moment.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on Trade Republic

What I particularly appreciated with Trade Republic is the wide range of stocks and ETFs on offer. Being able to access over 8,500 securities from a single app, with a flat 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 exposure to the market. However, there's no currency trading or direct access to raw materials 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 review of 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 be confusing for 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 purchases on ETFs or stocks, and track my investments without information overload. But 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 shortcomings 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, demonstrating 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, and the practicality of monthly investment plans.

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

Examples of client reviews:

• Stéphane (27 February 2024) : « Ultra-simple app, no hidden fees. I opened my account in 10 minutes. Ideal for investing without any hassle. »
• Philippe (4 January 2024) : « Excellent platform, well-designed investment plans, everything is clear. I highly recommend it. »
• Antoine (12 December 2023) : « Unbeatable rates, smooth app, responsive support. I've 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 mail. Personally, I finalised my registration in less than 10 minutes, and my account was validated within the day. The procedure is fluid 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 (identification 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 just $1.

Trade Republic Deposits and Withdrawals

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

Trader Tip

To avoid any issues 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 accounts: a standard securities account in euros and a PEA, which is particularly tax-efficient for French investors. The offer 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 with Trade Republic is more than sufficient for retail investors who want to buy stocks, ETFs or bonds without superfluous fees, and a PEA 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 as 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 stocks and ETFs at $1 per order, and without any 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.

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.