Trade Republic Guide: How to Set Up Your Account and Start Investing

Trade Republic is one of Europe’s most popular brokers with over 4 million customers. It’s known for its clean, simple app, €1 per trade fees, and free ETF savings plans. This guide walks you through every step — from downloading the app to buying your first stock.

Why Trade Republic?

Trade Republic stands out for three reasons. First, it’s extremely cheap: you pay just €1 per trade for stocks and ETFs. ETF savings plans are completely free — no commissions at all. Second, the app is designed for simplicity: no overwhelming trading terminals, no confusing charts, just clean screens that let you buy, sell, and track your investments. Third, it’s regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and your deposits are protected up to €100,000.

What you can trade on Trade Republic: over 10,000 stocks from major exchanges, 2,000+ ETFs (many with free savings plans), derivatives (options, warrants), and even cryptocurrencies. All from one app.

Step 1: Download the App

Trade Republic is a mobile-first broker. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. There is also a web version at traderepublic.com if you prefer to use a desktop, but the app is the primary experience.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Open the app and tap “Open Account.” You’ll need to provide: your full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, nationality, and your residential address. Make sure everything matches your ID exactly — any discrepancy will delay verification.

Step 3: Answer the Suitability Questions

EU regulations require brokers to assess your investment knowledge. Trade Republic will ask about your experience with stocks, bonds, and derivatives, your investment goals, and your risk tolerance. Answer honestly. These questions don’t prevent you from opening an account — they’re just required by law.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

You’ll need to verify your identity through a video identification process. Have your passport or national ID card ready. The process works like this: hold your ID up to the camera, follow the on-screen instructions, and a system will verify your document. It usually takes just a few minutes. Your account is typically approved within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes.

Step 5: Enter Your Tax Information

Trade Republic will ask for your tax identification number (Steuer-ID). This is required so the broker can report your gains to the tax authorities.

For German residents: You can also set up a Freistellungsauftrag (tax exemption order) directly in the app. This ensures the first €1,000 in annual investment gains (€2,000 for married couples) are tax-free. Go to Settings → Tax → Freistellungsauftrag.

For Austrian residents: Trade Republic doesn’t automatically withhold Austrian KESt (27.5%). You’ll need to declare your investment income in your annual tax return.

Step 6: Deposit Money

Go to your account and tap “Transfer.” You have several options: bank transfer (SEPA) which takes 1-2 business days, Apple Pay or Google Pay for instant deposits, or credit/debit card. There’s no minimum deposit. You can start with any amount — even €1.

Step 7: Buy Your First Stock or ETF

Tap the search icon and type the name or ticker of the stock or ETF you want. For example, search “MSCI World” to find the iShares Core MSCI World ETF. Tap on it, then tap “Buy.” Enter how much you want to invest (you can buy fractional shares — meaning you can invest €50 in a stock that costs €200 per share). Review your order and confirm.

Congratulations — you just made your first investment!

Step 8: Set Up a Savings Plan (Optional but Recommended)

The most powerful feature of Trade Republic for long-term investors. Go to the ETF or stock you want, tap “Savings Plan” and choose: the amount (starting from €1), the frequency (weekly, twice monthly, monthly, or quarterly), and the execution day. The broker automatically invests for you on schedule. This is the single best way to build wealth consistently over time.

Trade Republic Fees Summary

Single trade (buy or sell): €1 flat fee. ETF savings plan: €0 (free). Stock savings plan: €0 (free). Account maintenance: €0. Deposit/Withdrawal: €0. Currency conversion (for USD stocks): included in the spread. There are no hidden fees.

Tips for New Trade Republic Users

Start with a savings plan, not a single purchase. A monthly savings plan of €50 into an MSCI World ETF is the smartest first move. You benefit from dollar-cost averaging and don’t need to worry about timing.

Don’t check the app every hour. Stock prices fluctuate daily. Checking constantly leads to anxiety and bad decisions. Set your savings plan and check monthly at most.

Enable price alerts. Instead of checking the app, set price alerts for stocks you’re interested in. You’ll get a notification when they hit your target price.

Ready to start? Compare Trade Republic with other brokers in our Broker Comparison to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

This article is part of our Academy series — investment education for beginners and beyond.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trade Republic is mentioned for informational purposes — we are not affiliated with Trade Republic.