Trade Republic Review
Trade Republic
- €1 trades for stocks, ETFs, and bonds
- EUR accounts – no FX fees for Dutch users
- Regulated German bank under BaFin
- Commission-free ETF savings plans
| Minimum Deposit: | None |
| Trading Fees: | €1 per order |
| Assets: | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto |
| Platform: | Mobile-first + Web |
Trade Republic has become one of the most talked-about investment platforms in Europe, known for its zero-commission ETFs, high interest on cash, and minimalist app-based interface. But how well does it work for users in the Netherlands?
This review looks at whether Trade Republic offers a competitive and practical solution for Dutch investors, especially those seeking a low-cost, long-term investing platform.
Is Trade Republic Available in the Netherlands?
Yes, Trade Republic is fully available to users in the Netherlands. The broker is operated by Trade Republic Bank GmbH, a licensed German bank regulated by BaFin, Germany’s financial supervisory authority. As part of the EU, Dutch residents can use Trade Republic without restrictions.
Users in the Netherlands benefit from bank-level protection, including €100,000 coverage for cash deposits under the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme, and €20,000 investor protection for securities. All services are provided under a single European legal entity, with clear compliance under MiFID II.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Trade Republic is one of the lowest-cost brokers available in the Netherlands. For Dutch investors focused on long-term investing or passive portfolio building, the platform’s simple and transparent fee model is a major advantage.
Most trades come at no commission, with only a €1 external settlement fee per order — whether you’re buying stocks, ETFs, or bonds. There are no account fees, no inactivity fees, and no withdrawal fees, which is rare among EU brokers.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stock/ETF trading | €1 per trade | Covers third-party settlement only |
| ETF savings plans | €0 | Commission-free, ideal for long-term investors |
| Bond trading | €1 per trade | Applies to EU/UK government and corporate bonds |
| Withdrawal fee | €0 | Free bank withdrawals to Dutch accounts |
| Inactivity fee | €0 | No charges for dormant accounts |
| Currency conversion | Spread-based | All non-EUR deposits are converted to EUR |
| Deposit via bank transfer | €0 | Free SEPA transfers |
| Deposit via card/e-wallet | 0.7% after first deposit | First credit card/e-wallet deposit is free |
There is no commission on ETF savings plans, making Trade Republic particularly attractive for Dutch investors who want to automate monthly contributions to low-cost index funds.
Platform Experience and Usability
Trade Republic offers a mobile-first investing experience, designed for simplicity rather than complexity. The app is clean, fast, and intentionally minimal — ideal for users who want to invest without distractions. For Dutch investors who prefer managing their portfolio on the go, it’s one of the most intuitive interfaces available in Europe.
Key features of the app include:
- Real-time price quotes
- Basic order types (market, limit, stop)
- Watchlists and search filters
- Access to fractional shares and ETF savings plans
- Secure two-step login
The web platform is also available, but it offers limited functionality compared to the app. Most users will rely on their smartphone to monitor and manage their investments.
Charting tools and technical indicators are basic at best, which may frustrate advanced traders. There are no price alerts, and there’s no support for API or desktop trading platforms.
Still, for the typical retail investor in the Netherlands focused on long-term investing, the app offers everything needed for efficient execution and portfolio tracking — without unnecessary noise.
Asset Selection and Product Range
Trade Republic offers a focused but limited product lineup, designed to meet the needs of long-term, cost-conscious investors. While it doesn’t support advanced instruments like options or futures, the available assets cover the essentials for building a diversified portfolio.
Users in the Netherlands can access:
- Over 10,000 stocks from European, US, and global markets
- Hundreds of ETFs, including core index funds and thematic options
- 500+ bonds, including EU government and corporate bonds
- Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana
- Fractional shares, allowing small investments in expensive stocks
Mutual funds, options, forex, and CFDs are not available, making the platform less suitable for tactical or leveraged trading. However, Trade Republic does offer automated ETF savings plans, which are popular among Dutch users for monthly, fee-free investing in passive index strategies.
This product lineup is particularly strong for those interested in simple, low-cost, buy-and-hold investing — and less so for users looking for short-term speculation or complex products.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Trade Republic is one of the lowest-cost brokers available in the Netherlands. For Dutch investors focused on long-term investing or passive portfolio building, the platform’s simple and transparent fee model is a major advantage.
Most trades come at no commission, with only a €1 external settlement fee per order — whether you’re buying stocks, ETFs, or bonds. There are no account fees, no inactivity fees, and no withdrawal fees, which is rare among EU brokers.
Here’s a quick breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stock/ETF trading | €1 per trade | Covers third-party settlement only |
| ETF savings plans | €0 | Commission-free, ideal for long-term investors |
| Bond trading | €1 per trade | Applies to EU/UK government and corporate bonds |
| Withdrawal fee | €0 | Free bank withdrawals to Dutch accounts |
| Inactivity fee | €0 | No charges for dormant accounts |
| Currency conversion | Spread-based | All non-EUR deposits are converted to EUR |
| Deposit via bank transfer | €0 | Free SEPA transfers |
| Deposit via card/e-wallet | 0.7% after first deposit | First credit card/e-wallet deposit is free |
There is no commission on ETF savings plans, making Trade Republic particularly attractive for Dutch investors who want to automate monthly contributions to low-cost index funds.
Platform Experience and Usability
Trade Republic offers a mobile-first investing experience, designed for simplicity rather than complexity. The app is clean, fast, and intentionally minimal — ideal for users who want to invest without distractions. For Dutch investors who prefer managing their portfolio on the go, it’s one of the most intuitive interfaces available in Europe.
Key features of the app include:
- Real-time price quotes
- Basic order types (market, limit, stop)
- Watchlists and search filters
- Access to fractional shares and ETF savings plans
- Secure two-step login
The web platform is also available, but it offers limited functionality compared to the app. Most users will rely on their smartphone to monitor and manage their investments.
Charting tools and technical indicators are basic at best, which may frustrate advanced traders. There are no price alerts, and there’s no support for API or desktop trading platforms.
Still, for the typical retail investor in the Netherlands focused on long-term investing, the app offers everything needed for efficient execution and portfolio tracking — without unnecessary noise.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ €1 per stock/bond trade with no hidden commissions
✔ 0% fees on ETF savings plans
✔ EUR-denominated accounts (no FX fees)
✔ Regulated German bank (BaFin license)
✔ €100,000 deposit protection
✔ No inactivity or withdrawal fees
✔ Modern mobile-first platform with fractional shares
Cons
✖ No support for mutual funds, options, or CFDs
✖ Charting and analysis tools are limited
✖ No demo account or paper trading
✖ Web platform lacks key features like price alerts
✖ 0.7% fee on card/e-wallet deposits after the first
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Trade Republic operates under a full German banking license and complies with all EU financial regulations, including MiFID II.
No. Trade Republic does not currently support iDEAL. Dutch users can deposit using SEPA bank transfer, card, or Apple/Google Pay.
Yes. Cash deposits are protected up to €100,000 under the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Securities are protected up to €20,000 under BaFin’s investor protection system.
Yes. Trade Republic offers free ETF savings plans, where you can invest a fixed amount monthly in selected ETFs with zero fees.
No. There are no inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees, regardless of how often you use the account.