Before You Start
- You must be a resident of a European country where Trade Republic or DEGIRO operates
- Have a valid government-issued ID and proof of address for account verification
- Have access to online banking for funding your brokerage account (SEPA transfer or similar)
- Basic familiarity with ETFs and investment principles
Time needed: 30–60 minutes (including account setup, if needed)
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, internet access, bank account, Trade Republic or DEGIRO account
Looking for a simple, diversified investment to get started in the stock market? All-in-one ETFs like VWCE (Vanguard FTSE All-World), IWDA (iShares Core MSCI World UCITS), and CSPX (iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS) are popular among European investors for their global exposure and ease of use. This guide will walk you through how to buy an all-in-one ETF in Europe using Trade Republic or DEGIRO, with step-by-step instructions, EUR-based examples, and practical tips.
Step 1: Choose Your All-in-One ETF
What to do: Decide which all-in-one ETF fits your goals. For most beginners, these three are popular and widely accessible in Europe:
- VWCE – Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80): Covers both developed and emerging markets worldwide.
- IWDA – iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983): Focuses on developed markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific).
- CSPX – iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B5BMR087): Tracks the S&P 500 (large US companies).
Why it matters: Each ETF has a different level of diversification and risk. VWCE offers the broadest exposure, while CSPX is focused on the US market. European investors often prefer accumulating (ACC) share classes for tax efficiency, where available.
What can go wrong: Picking an ETF that is not available on your broker, or choosing a distributing (DIST) ETF when you prefer automatic reinvestment (ACC). Double-check ISIN codes to avoid confusion.
Pro Tip
Always use the ETF’s ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) for precise searching on your broker platform, as ETF names can vary.
Step 2: Open and Fund Your Brokerage Account
What to do: If you don’t have an account yet, register with either Trade Republic or DEGIRO. Complete identity verification and link your bank account. Deposit at least €50–100 to start.
- Trade Republic: Registration is mobile-first; download the app, follow the onboarding, and fund via SEPA transfer.
- DEGIRO: Register online, verify your identity, and transfer funds from your bank (SEPA recommended for speed and low fees).
Why it matters: You can’t invest without a funded, verified account. Both brokers are regulated in Europe and offer investor protection schemes.
What can go wrong: Verification issues (blurry documents, mismatched names), or delays in SEPA transfers (usually 1–2 business days). Make sure your name matches exactly between your bank and broker account.
Pro Tip
Start with a small deposit (e.g., €100) to test the process before committing larger amounts.
Step 3: Search for the ETF by ISIN
What to do: Log in to your broker and search for the ETF using its ISIN for maximum accuracy.
- Trade Republic: Tap the search bar on the home screen, enter the ISIN (e.g., IE00BK5BQT80 for VWCE), and select the ETF from the results.
- DEGIRO: Use the top search bar, enter the ISIN, and click the correct ETF listing.
Why it matters: Many ETFs have similar names. Searching by ISIN ensures you buy the correct product, especially important for accumulating vs. distributing share classes.
What can go wrong: Accidentally picking an ETF with the same name but listed in a different currency or on a different exchange. Always confirm the currency is EUR and the exchange is accessible to you.
Pro Tip
VWCE, IWDA, and CSPX are available in EUR on Xetra (Germany’s main exchange) on both brokers—prefer the Xetra listing for better liquidity and EUR pricing.
Step 4: Place Your Buy Order
What to do: Choose how to place your order (market or limit), enter the amount in EUR, and confirm the trade.
- Trade Republic:
- Tap “Buy” on the ETF page
- Enter the amount in EUR (e.g., €250)
- Choose order type (Market order is simplest for beginners)
- Confirm the order
- DEGIRO:
- Click “Buy” on the ETF detail page
- Enter the number of shares or EUR value you want to invest
- Select order type: “Market” (executes immediately) or “Limit” (specifies a maximum price)
- Review estimated costs, then confirm
Why it matters: Market orders fill instantly at the best available price, but can be slightly higher or lower than expected. Limit orders let you set a maximum price, but may not execute immediately.
What can go wrong: Placing a market order during low-liquidity hours can lead to price slippage. Limit orders set too low might not execute at all. Double-check your order before confirming.
Pro Tip
For most beginners, a market order during Xetra trading hours (09:00–17:30 CET) is safe and straightforward. For larger amounts, consider a limit order to control price.
Step 5: Review Fees and Confirm Your Purchase
What to do: Check the fee summary before confirming the order. Fees vary by broker and ETF.
- Trade Republic: Charges a flat €1 fee per trade. Some ETFs are free if bought via a savings plan (“Sparplan”).
- DEGIRO: Charges €2 + €1 handling fee for most ETFs, but offers a core selection of commission-free ETFs (check if your chosen ETF is included).
Example: Buying €250 of VWCE on Trade Republic will cost €251 total (including the fee). On DEGIRO, expect €253 unless VWCE is in the free core selection.
Why it matters: Fees eat into your returns, especially with frequent small purchases. Know your cost structure.
What can go wrong: Overlooking the fee schedule or buying tiny amounts frequently, which increases your effective cost per euro invested.
Pro Tip
Consider using a savings plan (“Sparplan” on Trade Republic or “Recurring Investment” on DEGIRO) for regular, fee-efficient investing. Learn more in How to Automate Your ETF Investments with Recurring Buys.
Step 6: Track Your Investment and Build Your Portfolio
What to do: After your order executes, check your portfolio to ensure the ETF appears with the correct quantity and EUR value. Set up notifications for price movements or dividends (if using distributing ETFs).
- Trade Republic: Tap “Portfolio” to view your holdings and performance.
- DEGIRO: Go to “Portfolio” in the dashboard to see your ETF and total value.
Expected outcome: You should now see your first ETF purchase confirmed, e.g., 1.23 shares of VWCE with a value of approximately €250 (minus fees).
Why it matters: Tracking helps you stay on top of your investments and make informed decisions as you add to your portfolio or rebalance in the future.
What can go wrong: Not checking your portfolio after a trade could mean missing an error or misunderstanding your actual holdings. Always confirm your order was executed as intended.
Pro Tip
If you want to diversify further, you can add a bond ETF or a regional ETF later. For managing your allocations, see How to Rebalance Your Portfolio on Trade Republic and DEGIRO.
Common Mistakes When Buying All-in-One ETFs in Europe
- Using the wrong ISIN or buying the wrong share class (e.g., distributing instead of accumulating)
- Buying in the wrong currency (e.g., USD or GBP instead of EUR), leading to unnecessary forex fees
- Placing orders outside Xetra trading hours, which can result in poor pricing or failed orders
- Ignoring fees – especially with small, frequent trades on DEGIRO
- Forgetting to check if the ETF is available on your broker before funding your account
Next Steps
- Set up a monthly savings plan to automate your investments and take advantage of euro-cost averaging
- Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk profile
- Consider diversifying with other asset classes (e.g., bonds, real estate ETFs) as your portfolio grows
- Stay informed about broker changes and ETF product updates
- Compare platforms as your needs evolve—see Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO: 2026 ETF Investing Showdown
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.