Are you confused about whether to choose Trading 212 vs Trade Republic as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Trading 212 vs Trade Republic to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
Trading 212 vs Trade Republic
- Trading 212 is best for commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Trade Republic is best for beginners and creating savings plans with stocks/ETFs
Both platforms are quite similar: they offer high interest on your cash balances, as well as a debit card. They are both user-friendly and nice brokers for investors. We believe that Trading 212 has a slight edge.
Trading 212 offers a free share with the promo code “IITW”, while Trade Republic has a banking license, which means more protection on your cash balances.
Continue reading to know more!
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Trading 212 | Trade Republic |
| Demo account | Yes | No |
| Account minimum | €/£10 | €0 |
| Interest on uninvested cash (annually) | EUR: 3.40%; USD: 4.10%; GBP: 4.90% | EUR: 3.00% |
| US stocks fees | €/£0 | €/$/£0+ €1 settlement fee per trade |
| EU stock fees | €/£0 | €/$/£0+ €1 settlement fee per trade |
| ETFs | €/£0 | €/$/£0+ €1 settlement fee per trade |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.15% (0.50% in CFDs) | 0% |
| Regulators | FCA, CySEC and FSC | BaFin |
About Trading 212
Trading 212 is a fintech based in London that aims to democratize the entire investment process through a simple web and mobile application.
The company aims to do this by allowing its more than 15 million users to invest in over 10,000 stocks and ETFs, Forex, commodities, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.
You will find commission-free stocks and ETFs trading, fractional shares, and even an automatic investment system. New users get one free share worth up to €100 (promo code IITW). On the downside, it shows limitations regarding available products.
Trading 212 pros and cons
Pros
- Commission-free Real Stocks and ETFs trading (other fees may apply. See terms and fees)
- AutoInvest & Pies feature
- Fast and easy account opening process
- Demo account
- Top Tier Regulators
- Free fractional shares worth up to €100
- High interest on uninvested cash
Cons
- Limited product portfolio (no Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Futures)
- No relevant Fundamental tools
- 0.15% of Foreign exchange fees
About Trade Republic
Trade Republic is a discount broker based in Berlin, Germany. It focuses on four types of financial assets: stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and derivatives.
It uses the motto “From the people, for the people” to express its commitment to its customer by selling itself as a “no order fee” platform.
Nonetheless, a €1 external fee is applied in every single trade (Except saving plans), meaning that in practice, you will charge at least €2 (€1 for buying and another €1 for selling).
Trade Republic pros and cons
Pros
- Automatic saving plans
- Interest paid in idle cash balances
- Invest from only €1
- No minimum deposit
- Direct debit in the share-saving plans
- Supervised and regulated by a top-tier regulator
Cons
- €1 flat external fee in every single trade (Except saving plans)
- No demo account
- Only one base currency (EUR)
- No direct access to US Stock Exchanges - you might not be able to buy some popular US-listed companies, such as Reddit
- Currency conversion fees apply
How to invest in the S&P 500 on Trading 212 and Trade Republic (videos)
If you’re still unsure about which platform to choose, check our videos where we explain step-by-step how to invest in the S&P 500 on Trading 212 and on Trade Republic:
Trade Republic vs Trading 212: our veredict
Trading 212
Best for commission-free stock and ETF tradingTrade Republic
Best for beginners and creating savings plans with stocks/ETFs
Choosing between these two online brokers isn’t always an obvious decision. The differences between Trading 212 vs Trade Republic come from the trading platforms, products, fees, and security. Do you prefer a primary trading platform? Do you want to invest in ETFs only? Do you value security more?
Ultimately, the best online broker for you will depend on your profile, personal preferences, and objectives. Explore the websites above and decide for yourself!
Want to know more about Trading 212 vs Trade Republic? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table, and BrokerMatch tool.
