ETF Savings Plans Explained: How to Set Up Automatic Investing on Trade Republic and DEGIRO in 2026

ETF savings plans are a powerful tool for European investors to automate their investing, build wealth over time, and benefit from euro-cost averaging. In this deep-dive, you’ll learn exactly how to set up and manage an ETF savings plan Europe with two of the continent’s most popular brokers: Trade Republic and DEGIRO.

Step 1: Understand What an ETF Savings Plan Is (and Why It Matters)

An ETF savings plan is an automated investment strategy where you instruct your broker to invest a fixed amount of money in a chosen ETF at regular intervals (most commonly monthly). This approach helps you:

• Invest consistently—no need to time the market or remember to buy manually
• Reduce the impact of volatility—by buying at different price points (euro-cost averaging)
• Build wealth effortlessly—automation makes investing a habit

Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO offer automated ETF investing, but the setup and features differ. Choosing the right platform depends on your needs, minimum investment size, ETF availability, and fees.

Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account

Why this matters: You cannot start a savings plan without a verified, funded brokerage account. Verification ensures regulatory compliance and protects your funds.

For Trade Republic

1. Download the Trade Republic app (official site) or use the web platform.
2. Register with your email and create a secure password.
3. Verify your identity via video identification (have your passport/ID ready).
4. Connect your bank account (SEPA zone required).
5. Deposit funds—transfers usually take 1-2 business days.

For DEGIRO

1. Sign up at DEGIRO’s official site (choose your country for the correct domain).
2. Complete the registration and verify your identity (ID + proof of address).
3. Link your bank account (must be in your name).
4. Deposit money—SEPA transfer; usually credited within 1-2 days.

What can go wrong? Errors in account details or incomplete verification will delay your start. Double-check your documents and bank info before submitting.

Step 3: Choose Your ETF(s) for the Savings Plan

Why this matters: Your ETF choice determines your exposure, risk, and potential returns. Focus on low-cost, diversified ETFs available in the EU.

How to Select

• Use filters for accumulating (ACC) or distributing (DIST) dividends, depending on whether you want automatic reinvestment or payouts
• Consider broad-market ETFs like iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (Acc, EUR, ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983) or Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (Acc, EUR, ISIN: IE00BTJRMP35)
• Check the TER (Total Expense Ratio)—lower is generally better for long-term investing
• Ensure the ETF is available for regular savings plans on your chosen platform

Both platforms offer search and filter tools for ETFs. Look for “Sparplan” (DE), “Savings Plan” (EN), or “Monthly Investment” options.

Step 4: Set Up Your ETF Savings Plan on Trade Republic

Why this matters: Trade Republic’s automated savings plans are beginner-friendly, low-cost, and fully app-based. Their streamlined process is ideal for hands-off investors.

1. Log in to the Trade Republic app or website.
2. Tap “Portfolio” at the bottom menu.
3. Tap “Savings Plan”.
   (On desktop: Look for “Savings Plans” in the side navigation.)
4. Tap “+ Create Savings Plan”.
5. Search for your chosen ETF (e.g., “MSCI World” or by ISIN).
   • Check that the ETF is “eligible for savings plan”—most major ETFs are.
6. Enter your monthly investment amount (minimum is €1, in €1 increments). Example: enter €50 for a €50/month plan.
7. Choose the execution day (e.g., 1st or 15th of the month).
8. Confirm your plan—you’ll see a summary screen with your ETF, amount, date, and estimated next execution.
9. Done! Your plan is now active. Trade Republic will automatically invest your chosen amount each month.

Expected outcome: You should see your new savings plan listed under “Savings Plans” with your ETF, next investment date, and monthly amount.

Fees (2026)

• Most ETF savings plans on Trade Republic are commission-free (0% broker fee; check for exceptions)
• Underlying ETF TER (typically 0.07%–0.25% per year) applies

Full details in Trade Republic’s official FAQ.

Step 5: Set Up Regular ETF Investing on DEGIRO

Why this matters: DEGIRO does not offer a “one-click” savings plan like Trade Republic. However, you can automate monthly ETF purchases using standing orders and DEGIRO’s recurring investments feature (introduced in late 2025 for selected ETFs).

1. Log in to DEGIRO’s web platform.
2. Navigate to “Products” > “ETF” and search for your desired ETF (e.g., “Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B3RBWM25)”).
3. Check if the ETF is eligible for recurring orders.
   • Look for a “Start recurring investment” or “Monthly investment” button next to eligible ETFs.
   • Currently, this feature is available for about 200 major ETFs in the EU.
4. Click “Start recurring investment”.
5. Set your monthly contribution (minimum €10, in €1 increments). Example: enter €100 for a €100/month plan.
6. Choose your execution date (e.g., 5th or 20th of each month).
7. Confirm and submit. You’ll see a confirmation with your ETF, amount, and next execution date.
8. Automate your funding by setting a recurring SEPA transfer from your bank to DEGIRO to cover your monthly investing amount plus fees.

Expected outcome: Your planned monthly ETF purchase will show in your “Orders” or “Recurring investments” tab, with the next execution date listed.

Fees (2026)

• Standard ETF trading fee: €1.00 per order (for most ETFs)
• Some core ETFs are commission-free for one purchase per month—see DEGIRO’s official fee schedule
• Underlying ETF TER applies

See DEGIRO’s official recurring investing guide.

Step 6: Monitor and Manage Your ETF Savings Plans

Why this matters: Automated investing is powerful, but you should review your plan to ensure it aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and life changes.

• Check your plan status monthly—ensure investments are executed (no failed orders due to insufficient funds)
• Review performance and allocation every 6–12 months—rebalance or adjust contributions if your goals change
• Update your ETF selection if your chosen fund is closed, merged, or loses its advantage

Both platforms allow you to pause, change, or cancel your savings plan at any time from your account dashboard. Change your monthly amount, execution date, or ETF with a few taps/clicks.

Step 7: Compare Trade Republic and DEGIRO for ETF Savings Plans in 2026

	Trade Republic	DEGIRO
Savings Plan Automation	Fully automated, app-based	Automated for selected ETFs only (recurring investing), otherwise manual
Minimum Investment	€1/month	€10/month
Fees (2026)	0% commission for most ETFs	€1/order (most), free for “Core Selection” ETFs (1/month)
ETF Universe	~2,000 ETFs available for plans	~5,000 ETFs, but only ~200 for recurring
Dividend Handling	Automatic reinvestment for accumulating ETFs	Depends on ETF—manual reinvestment may be needed

For a detailed side-by-side, see Trade Republic ETF Savings Plan vs. DEGIRO Monthly Investing: Which Is Better for Europeans in 2026?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing ETFs not eligible for savings plans—always check platform eligibility before setting up
• Forgetting to fund your account—set up recurring SEPA transfers to avoid missed investments
• Ignoring fees—small commissions add up; use commission-free options where possible (see our broker fees guide)
• Over-diversifying—too many ETFs can dilute returns and complicate tracking. Two to four broad ETFs are enough for most investors
• Neglecting annual reviews—life changes, so should your investment plan

Next Steps

• Open and verify your Trade Republic and/or DEGIRO account
• Choose 1–2 globally diversified, EUR-denominated ETFs to start
• Set up your savings plan and automate your funding
• Review your plan in 6–12 months and adjust as needed
• For more advanced strategies, see How to Build a FIRE-Friendly ETF Portfolio Using DEGIRO in 2026

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.