My Trade Republic review in 2025: problems, innovations and experiences
Things are moving fast at Trade Republic. With its new full banking licence, the fintech giant is now able to offer current accounts and debit cards, expanding far beyond its original brokerage model. The company’s rapid growth and innovation are certainly impressive. However, this Trade Republic review also highlights the growing pains of such aggressive expansion. Many users are now encountering issues for the first time — from delayed transactions to customer service frustrations. In this Trade Republic review, we take a closer look at both the strengths and the setbacks of one of Europe’s most talked-about neobrokers.
But what is the situation really like, how good is the offer and what can you expect? Find out everything you need to know in my report ‘Trade Republic Review 2025!
In brief:
- Trade Republic is one of the most popular neo-brokers on the German-speaking market. Trading in stocks and shares is possible from €1.00.
- The company has implemented its customers’ own experiences and wishes and greatly expanded its 2025 range.
- Not everything went smoothly: technical difficulties, poor communication and an unattractive design met with little approval. However, they ultimately do not change the attractive offer.
Over 2.5 Million People Have Gained Experience – A Real Trade Republic Test
Actually, no introduction is needed: if you’ve ever invested in shares or ETFs, chances are you’ve already had some experience with Trade Republic. With over 2.5 million users in Germany and more than four million worldwide, the platform has quickly become one of the most widely used brokers in Europe. According to the company, it is now Europe’s largest broker — a key point in any serious review.
For those unfamiliar or looking for a quick refresher: Trade Republic is a Berlin-based online broker that revolutionized access to the stock market. Since its launch in 2019, it has offered easy, low-cost investments in shares, ETFs, and other exchange-traded products through its intuitive trading app.
In 2025, Trade Republic took a major step forward by receiving a full banking licence from BaFin, Germany’s financial regulatory authority. This upgrade allows it to offer banking services like current accounts, though its primary focus remains on stock trading and securities accounts.
What sets Trade Republic apart is its ultra-low cost structure: users can trade shares and ETFs for just €1 per transaction. The platform also offers access to derivatives, though only a small percentage of customers actively trade these more volatile instruments.
A major reason for the app’s popularity is the free ETF and share savings plans, which allow users to automate their investments with zero fees. For many, this has become a cornerstone of their wealth-building strategy.
After more than five years in the market, Trade Republic has gained a wealth of experience and continues to compete aggressively in the crowded online broker space. With new features and continuous improvements, the company is positioning itself strongly — though it’s important to also consider Trade Republic alternatives, especially if you value advanced trading tools or premium customer support. That said, with over 100,000 new users joining every month, it’s clear that Trade Republic continues to attract both new and experienced investors alike.
Trade Republic Basics: What You Get and How It Compares
In this updated Trade Republic review, it’s clear that the platform is especially well-suited for those with little or no prior investing experience. If you’re looking to start investing smartly, Trade Republic offers a clean, intuitive interface and minimal trading fees, making it one of the most beginner-friendly brokers on the market. Yet, even experienced investors can benefit from its efficient and cost-effective structure.
As highlighted in more than one test, users enjoy free custody accounts, with fees only applied when executing trades. The platform’s low-cost model is made possible by limiting all trades to a single trading venue — the Lang & Schwarz Exchange.
While this may seem restrictive at first glance, it’s rarely a limitation for most long-term investors focused on asset accumulation and ETF savings plans. However, if you’re targeting less common international stocks, niche markets, or need access to advanced trading tools like margin, options, or leverage, it may be worth exploring a Trade Republic alternative. Fortunately, many online brokers today offer free secondary accounts, so diversifying your options comes with no extra fees.
From my own experience, combining Trade Republic with CapTrader has worked exceptionally well — giving me the low-cost benefits of TR and the global reach of a more advanced platform. Other noteworthy Trade Republic alternatives include Freedom24 and Monefit, especially if you want access to IPO participation, global exchanges, or broader asset classes.
In my personal setup, The broker serves as my go-to broker for ETFs, savings plans, and blue-chip stocks — all for just €1 per trade and with free investment plans. When I need to trade less common assets or explore other markets, platforms like CapTrader and Monefit fill the gap perfectly.
That said, one area where Trade Republic consistently falls short — as confirmed in every detailed Trade Republic test — is customer support. Like many neo-brokers, it relies on automated replies, chatbots, and extensive FAQs rather than live, personalized service.
However, this isn’t an issue unique to Trade Republic. The lack of direct customer support is a common trade-off among low-cost brokers. If you consider responsive, human support a top priority, this might be your cue to consider a Trade Republic alternative with better service options.
Shares and ETFs in This Trade Republic Review
In this Trade Republic review, the platform has significantly expanded its offering, now featuring around 8,500 stocks, up from the initial 7,500. Along with this, 2,200 ETFs are available, making it a solid option for investors. Based on my test, I found that most of the major stocks can be easily accessed here. However, if you’re interested in exotic stocks or niche ETFs, you might encounter some limitations.
Out of the 8,500 securities on offer, about 2,700 are available through an equity savings plan. One of the key advantages is that Trade Republic allows you to purchase fractional shares, which can be a great way to invest in expensive securities at a low entry cost. However, note that you won’t have voting rights, such as attending a general meeting, until you own a whole share.
An interesting feature is the diversity of ETFs available on the platform. Out of the 2,200 ETFs, around 1,500 focus on equities, 550 on bonds, 30 on commodities, and another 30 on real estate. This broad range provides numerous strategic options for both novice and experienced investors. For instance, if you’re new to commodities but want to benefit from this asset class, starting with commodity-focused ETFs is an excellent entry point.
| ETF Type | Figures |
| equity ETFs | About 1,500 |
| bond ETFs | About 550 |
| commodity ETFs | 30 |
| property ETFs | 30 |
The platform also partners with top ETF providers, including Vanguard, HSBC, Van Eck, Xtrackers, and iShares. For many investors, the wide range of ETFs is not a primary concern, but it certainly offers cost-saving opportunities. Different issuers offer varied fee structures, which can help lower overall investment costs.
When placing an order, you can choose between a market order (immediate execution at the best available price) or a limit order (execution at the price you specify). While market orders may sometimes be more expensive, they offer instant execution. Limit orders allow you to control the price, but if the specified price is not met, your order won’t be executed. Although other brokers may offer a broader range of order types, the options are typically sufficient for most individual investors. Problems only arise if you’re looking to actively trade or require more complex order types.
What’s particularly appealing is that all 2,200 ETFs are available for free as part of an ETF savings plan. The usual €1.00 fee is waived for savings plans, and you can set the frequency of your investment — whether weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly. Plus, you can start with as little as €1.00 per purchase.
Moreover, Trade Republic offers convenient options for managing your investments. You can easily have the money debited via direct debit. While Trade Republic encourages users to set up a current account with them for all financial transactions, it remains a flexible platform for investors seeking simplicity and low-cost trading
New Bonds at Trade Republic: What’s Now Available
Bonds are often seen as boring investments, but this is a misconception! While government bonds (like those from Germany) are usually safe but offer minimal returns, Trade Republic gives you access to a wide range of more exciting bond alternatives.
Currently, Trade Republic offers just over 600 bonds, which, while not overwhelming, is a solid selection. For comparison, Xetra in Frankfurt lists over 5,000 government bonds and more than 10,000 corporate bonds. So, while the bond offering is somewhat limited at Trade Republic, it’s still a great starting point for beginners.
Based on my test, this platform is ideal for those looking to gain initial experience in bonds. You can easily add bonds to your portfolio, which can provide additional portfolio diversification and security. This is a valuable feature that not many other brokers offer.
One of the key benefits of investing in bonds — particularly in times of falling interest rates — is the potential for capital gains. As bonds are traded on the stock exchange, their prices fluctuate. When the base rate drops, older bonds with higher interest rates become more attractive, causing their prices to rise. Thus, while the interest rate may be low, the possibility of price gains is a major incentive for many investors to turn to this asset class.
At Trade Republic, you can start investing in bonds from as little as €1.00, making it an accessible way to begin your journey into fixed-income securities. The platform also offers savings plans for bond purchases, adding another layer of flexibility for investors. This is particularly advantageous for those new to bonds and looking for a low-cost, low-risk entry point.
However, be cautious: the small investment amounts are possible because you are buying fractional bonds rather than full bonds. This means you don’t actually own the entire bond. If something goes wrong at Trade Republic, such as a potential insolvency (though highly unlikely due to the company’s full banking license granted in 2024), it could negatively affect your investment. Still, with the protections in place, the risk of bankruptcy is minimal.
The platform offers an alternative to more traditional brokers, allowing investors to profit from bonds with small amounts and benefit from savings plans. While there are some trade-offs, such as a smaller selection of bonds and not owning the entire bond, the platform’s flexibility and low fees make it an attractive option for those looking to explore bond investments.
Trade Republic Call Money: Earn Interest on Idle Capital
As early as 2023, it made waves in the investment community by offering interest on uninvested capital — a rare feature among neo-brokers. It was one of the first to pay 3.75% p.a. on unused funds, a move that caught the attention of many. This interest rate was limited to €50,000 and, at the time, offered an attractive return for those with idle cash.
However, in light of changes in the key interest rate and the evolving financial landscape, the 3.75% rate no longer stands out as it once did. That said, earning extra interest on unneeded capital is still a benefit, especially when rates are low across the board. As reflected in my Trade Republic test, while the rate may not be as impressive today, it still adds value in certain scenarios.
There are often times when cash sits idle in your account, whether you’re waiting for the right time to make a purchase or simply holding funds for future use. In these cases, the interest rate of 3.75% was quite attractive — even if it’s now a bit less remarkable. But, getting some interest on your idle money is always better than nothing.
To start earning interest with Trade Republic, you first need to activate the feature. Your funds are then transferred to a partner bank like Solarisbank or Citigroup. It’s important to note that Citigroup, based in Ireland, falls under the Irish deposit guarantee scheme. In the event of a bank insolvency, you could recover up to 90% of your funds, capped at €20,000. This is notably lower than the German deposit guarantee of €100,000, which could be a concern for some investors.
From my Trade Republic review, I can say that such insolvencies are rare, but the risk is still there, as we saw during the 2008 banking crisis. For now, this lower protection only applies to the interest offer. All other services are based in Germany and are monitored by BaFin, providing the stronger protection of the German deposit insurance.
It’s also worth mentioning that it reserves the right to change or even suspend its interest rate offers at any time. In fact, after recently obtaining a full banking license, it’s expected that Trade Republic will manage the interest offers in-house, removing the need for manual registration with external banks. This should eventually eliminate the risks associated with the Irish deposit guarantee scheme.
For those who prefer not to opt into the 3.75% offer, there’s still an option to earn interest at a rate of 2% on non-invested capital. While this rate may seem insignificant, it provides a small return on idle funds, which is better than letting the money sit without earning anything.
If you’re exploring neo-brokers, it’s worth considering this broker as an option for interest on uninvested funds. However, if the limitations of their interest offer or customer protections concern you, looking into a Trade Republic alternative might be a better choice for some.
Looking for the best neo-broker? Check out our comparison of Scalable Capital vs Trade Republic to find out which platform works best for your investment needs!
Problems and Negative Reviews: A Critical Part of Any Trade Republic Test
Let’s address what has become one of the most crucial aspects of this Trade Republic review: the platform’s ongoing problems. Since spring 2024, Trade Republic has faced a wave of issues that continue to affect its operations — and its reputation. These are not isolated incidents, but rather a pattern of technical and operational failures across multiple areas. As a result, Trade Republic’s rating on review platforms like TrustPilot has dropped sharply, raising red flags among both new and experienced investors.
For months, we have been inundated with a flood of bad reviews. The reasons for this are:
- Customers report difficulties in transferring money and sometimes have to wait months for the capital to arrive somewhere.
- Dividend payments that used to be credited to securities accounts within hours now take several days.
- A securities account transfer (transferring shares or ETFs from one securities account to another) can take several months.
- Problems and uncertainties in crypto trading , as the company recently wanted to exclude three altcoins from trading within 24 hours, but then offered them again.
While these issues might seem manageable on their own, they are compounded by one major, recurring problem: Trade Republic’s customer service is widely considered inadequate. Support is only available via email, with extremely long response times, and when answers do arrive, they’re often copy-pasted responses from the FAQ section, offering little to no real help.
This leads to an important question at the heart of every Trade Republic review:
Can you trust a bank that isn’t reliably accessible when issues arise?
For many users, the current answer is no.
Worsening the situation is Trade Republic’s communication style, which many customers describe as dismissive and unhelpful. Instead of acknowledging user concerns, the company often falls back on legal disclaimers and denies responsibility. A striking example of this was the delayed dividend payments, where the company simply stated that no laws were broken — without offering any apology or corrective action.
Long-time users may not be surprised by these patterns. During the GameStop short squeeze in 2021, Trade Republic temporarily blocked stock purchases, sparking outrage and leading to over 4,000 complaints filed with BaFin, Germany’s financial regulatory authority.
Fast forward to 2024, and history is repeating itself. Thousands of complaints have again been lodged with BaFin. In response, the regulator has initiated a formal investigation into Trade Republic’s practices. While fines may follow, a more likely outcome — as seen in similar cases — is that BaFin could restrict Trade Republic from taking on new customers until operational and support issues are resolved.
For investors seeking a more stable platform with responsive service, this is a clear signal to consider a Trade Republic alternative. Choosing the right broker isn’t just about features or costs — it’s also about reliability and trust.
How I Personally Invest with Trade Republic
I’ve been actively investing with Trade Republic for many years — almost since its launch. Over time, my portfolio has grown steadily through consistent deposits, dividend reinvestment, and capital gains. As of today, my holdings on the platform are valued at over €15,000, making this a long-term Trade Republic test I can speak about from personal experience.
My investment strategy with Trade Republic is quite straightforward. I primarily use the mobile app to purchase stocks and ETFs that I plan to hold for the medium to long term. I rely on a mix of limit orders for direct purchases and automated savings plans, which I consider a great tool for disciplined investing. In this way, I would describe myself as a typical user focused on slow and steady wealth accumulation — nothing flashy, but consistently effective.
Throughout my years using the platform, I’ve had only positive experiences. I’ve never encountered any technical issues such as crashes, login errors, or downtime in the app. Every transaction has been executed smoothly, and deposits and withdrawals have been fast and hassle-free — something I’ve come to appreciate in this ongoing Trade Republic review.
That said, I’ve been fortunate not to need customer service so far. However, based on user feedback and what many other investors report in their Trade Republic tests, it’s clear that customer support remains a weak point. If a problem were to arise, I understand I might face long waiting times and limited direct support. This is the trade-off you accept when using a low-cost online broker like Trade Republic.
In short, my experience with Trade Republic has been overwhelmingly positive — but I acknowledge that this might not be the case for everyone. If you’re someone who prioritizes dedicated support and faster resolutions, you may want to explore a Trade Republic alternative that offers more robust customer service.
Final Thoughts from My Trade Republic Review: A Low-Cost Broker with Issues
To wrap up this Trade Republic review, the platform still holds its ground as one of the leading neobrokers in the DACH region. It remains particularly attractive to beginner investors focused on long-term wealth building through cost-effective strategies. With access to over 8,500 stocks, 2,200 ETFs, 600 bonds, and various derivatives — all at a flat €1 fee per trade — Trade Republic offers one of the most affordable entry points into the world of investing.
A major highlight is the free ETF savings plans, which require no fees and can be started with as little as €1. On top of that, idle funds earn up to 2% interest — or even 3.75% interest if deposited with partner banks (up to €50,000). For investors seeking to grow their portfolio passively, this is a compelling feature that many Trade Republic alternatives do not yet offer.
That said, no Trade Republic test would be complete without acknowledging the ongoing issues that have surfaced since 2024. Users have reported delays in deposits and withdrawals, late dividend payments, and instability in crypto trading. Perhaps most concerning, however, is the platform’s poor customer service, which has led to a surge in negative reviews and growing concerns over the platform’s reliability.
Despite these setbacks, Trade Republic continues to be a viable choice — especially for those just beginning their investment journey. Its BaFin-approved banking license, combined with a growing suite of features, positions the broker for future success. However, if reliability and support are top priorities, it may be worth exploring a Trade Republic alternative that offers more robust infrastructure and faster client service.
In short, Trade Republic remains a low-cost broker with strong potential, but only time will tell if it can address its current shortcomings and maintain investor trust in the long run.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Trade Republic review
