Before You Start
- Valid, verified accounts with Trade Republic and/or DEGIRO
- European SEPA bank account for funding
- Basic understanding of ETFs and long-term investing
- Access to the mobile app or web platform for your chosen broker
- List of ETFs you wish to invest in (ISINs, fund names, etc.)
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
What you'll need: Smartphone or PC, internet access, some starting capital (minimums vary by broker, see steps below)
Automated ETF investing is one of the most effective ways for European investors to build wealth steadily—removing emotion, timing errors, and forgotten contributions. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to automate your ETF portfolio for 2026 using Trade Republic and DEGIRO. We’ll cover everything from setting up recurring investments to platform-specific quirks, minimums, and what to expect after each step. All examples use EUR, and every instruction is tailored for European residents.
For a broader overview of ETF portfolio tools, see our guide: ETF Portfolio Builder Apps: Which Is the Best for European Investors in 2026?
Step 1: Choose Your Broker and ETFs
What to do: Decide whether you want to automate your ETF investing on Trade Republic, DEGIRO, or both. List the ETFs (by ISIN or exact name) you wish to invest in.
- Trade Republic: Supports hundreds of accumulating and distributing ETFs from iShares, Xtrackers, Lyxor, Amundi, etc. Most are EUR-denominated and eligible for savings plans.
- DEGIRO: Offers access to wide selection of European and global ETFs. As of 2026, recurring investing is available for most popular ETFs, but not all funds are eligible.
Why it matters: Not all brokers support all ETFs for automated investing or savings plans. Some ETFs may only be available for manual purchases. Choosing the right broker and ETF list up front avoids wasted setup time.
What can go wrong: Picking ETFs not supported for recurring investing, or selecting funds with high ongoing fees. Always check the latest ETF factsheets and platform eligibility lists.
Pro Tip
Use ISIN codes (e.g., IE00B4L5Y983 for iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF) to avoid confusion between similar-sounding funds.
Step 2: Fund Your Brokerage Account in EUR
What to do: Transfer EUR from your SEPA bank account into your Trade Republic or DEGIRO account. Minimums vary:
- Trade Republic: No minimum deposit, but savings plans start from €1 per month (as of 2026).
- DEGIRO: No minimum deposit, but recurring investments typically require €10 or more per transaction.
Why it matters: Having funds available prevents failed purchases and missed compounding opportunities. Transfers from European banks are usually free and processed within 1–2 business days.
What can go wrong: Forgetting to top up your account, resulting in missed purchases and broken automation. Some banks may delay transfers, especially for the first funding.
Pro Tip
Set up a standing order from your bank to your broker for the same date as your ETF savings plan. This ensures your investment is always funded.
Step 3: Automate ETF Investing on Trade Republic
What to do: Set up an ETF savings plan (Sparplan) on Trade Republic.
- Open the Trade Republic app or web platform.
- Tap Portfolio → Savings Plan → Create New Plan.
- Search for your ETF by ISIN or name (e.g., "iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF" or ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983).
- Select the ETF and choose Monthly, Bi-weekly, or Quarterly frequency.
- Enter the investment amount (minimum €1 per execution, increments of €1).
- Pick the execution date (e.g., 1st or 15th of the month).
- Confirm and activate the plan.
Expected outcome: You should see a confirmation screen, and your savings plan will appear under the "Savings Plan" tab. On your chosen date, Trade Republic will automatically invest the specified amount in your selected ETF. You’ll receive a notification and see the purchase in your portfolio (e.g., “€100 invested in iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF”).
Why it matters: Automation ensures you invest consistently, harnessing the power of euro-cost averaging and compounding without manual effort.
What can go wrong: Insufficient funds on execution day (plan will skip), selecting the wrong ETF, or accidentally picking a distributing version if you prefer accumulating.
Pro Tip
Trade Republic offers fractional investing in savings plans, so even small amounts (like €10/month) are fully invested—ideal for compounding every euro.
Step 4: Automate ETF Investing on DEGIRO
What to do: Set up recurring ETF purchases using DEGIRO’s “Recurring Investments” feature (as rolled out to EU accounts in 2026).
- Log in to your DEGIRO account (web or app).
- Go to Products → ETFs → Search for your ETF (e.g., “Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF”, ISIN: IE00B3RBWM25).
- Click the ETF, then select Recurring Investment (if available for this fund).
- Choose your schedule: Monthly or Quarterly (most common).
- Set the amount (minimum €10 per order, increments of €1).
- Pick your preferred execution date (e.g., 5th of each month).
- Confirm and save your recurring investment.
Expected outcome: Your recurring investment plan is now visible under “My Investments → Recurring.” On the scheduled date, DEGIRO will automatically purchase the ETF using your available EUR balance. You’ll receive a trade confirmation (e.g., “€50 invested in Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF”).
Why it matters: DEGIRO’s automation cuts down on manual trades and helps maintain discipline. It’s especially useful for investors who want to take advantage of DEGIRO’s low ETF fees and wide ETF choice.
What can go wrong: Not every ETF supports recurring investments yet. If you select an unsupported ETF, the option will be greyed out. Also, DEGIRO does not currently support fractional ETF purchases, so your order amount must at least cover the price of one full share. Any uninvested cash will remain in your account until the next cycle.
Pro Tip
If your chosen ETF is not eligible for recurring investments, consider using DEGIRO’s monthly free ETF list for manual, fee-free buys, or switch to a supported fund for automation.
Step 5: Monitor, Adjust, and Compound
What to do: Regularly check your savings plans/recurring investments to ensure they’re executing as planned. Review for changes in your financial goals, ETF performance, or broker policies.
Why it matters: Automation is powerful, but “set and forget” doesn’t mean “set and ignore.” Markets change, ETF factsheets update, and your personal situation may evolve. Periodic reviews help you stay on track.
What can go wrong: Failing to notice missed executions (e.g., due to low balance), or not adjusting your plan after a change in your income or risk profile.
Pro Tip
Use annual or semi-annual reviews to rebalance your portfolio if needed. See our guide: How to Use Portfolio Rebalancing Tools on Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Interactive Brokers (2026 Guide).
Case Study: EUR-Based Automation in Action
Example: Anna, a resident in Germany, wants to invest €150/month into a diversified ETF portfolio for the next 10 years. She selects:
- iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983) – €100/month
- Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00BTJRMP35) – €50/month
On Trade Republic: Anna sets up two savings plans (one per ETF), each scheduled for the 1st of the month. The platform invests her exact amounts, including fractional shares. After 12 months, Anna has invested €1,800, with every euro working for her thanks to automation and compounding from reinvested dividends.
On DEGIRO: Anna can only automate the World ETF, as the Emerging Markets ETF isn’t yet eligible for recurring investing. She sets up a €100/month recurring buy for IE00B4L5Y983 and manually invests the €50 in IE00BTJRMP35 each month.
Comparison: Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO Automation (2026)
| Feature | Trade Republic | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum per execution | €1 | €10 (but must cover full share price) |
| Fractional investing | Yes | No |
| Eligible ETFs | Hundreds (most major EUR-denominated ETFs) | Many, but not all (check eligibility list) |
| Scheduling | Monthly, bi-weekly, quarterly, flexible dates | Monthly or quarterly, fixed dates |
| Fees (as of 2026) | €0 per savings plan execution | €0–€2 per recurring buy (many ETFs free once per month) |
| Dividend reinvestment | Manual or via accumulating ETFs | Manual or via accumulating ETFs |
Both platforms have their strengths: Trade Republic is optimal for small, frequent, fully automated investments (including fractional shares), while DEGIRO offers lower-cost access to a wider range of ETFs, but with less flexibility for automation and no fractional shares.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing distributing ETFs unintentionally: If you want dividends reinvested, select “accumulating” (ACC) versions.
- Not checking ETF eligibility: Some ETFs aren’t available for recurring investments on DEGIRO.
- Forgetting to fund your account: Missed investments break compounding momentum.
- Ignoring fees and spreads: Even “free” plans may have small spreads or FX costs if you invest in non-EUR ETFs.
- Neglecting to review your plan: Changes in your financial situation or ETF composition should trigger a review.
Next Steps
- Review your ETF choices and broker automation features at least annually.
- Consider switching to accumulating ETFs or using dividend reinvestment features. See our guide: How to Reinvest Dividends Automatically with European Brokers in 2026.
- If you want to start with smaller amounts or buy partial shares, see our Beginner’s Guide: How to Buy Fractional Shares on Trade Republic and DEGIRO in 2026.
- Explore other ETF portfolio builder tools for more advanced automation and tracking.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.