For European investors, building wealth steadily often means harnessing the power of automation. ETF savings plans—known locally as “Sparpläne”—have become a cornerstone for those seeking long-term, hands-off investing. In this deep dive, we break down how to set up and optimize automatic ETF investing specifically on Trade Republic and DEGIRO in 2026, covering key features, costs, and practical steps. If you’re looking for a broader introduction to ETF investing, see our complete guide to ETF investing for European beginners in 2026.
Why ETF Savings Plans Matter in 2026
ETF savings plans allow investors to automate regular purchases of ETFs, removing the stress of market timing and harnessing the benefits of euro-cost averaging. This approach is especially attractive in volatile markets, helping investors stay disciplined and build portfolios efficiently, even with modest monthly contributions.
Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO have gained traction across Europe for their low-cost, user-friendly platforms. While each offers a different experience, the core benefit remains: set your plan once, then let automation do the heavy lifting.
Setting Up an ETF Savings Plan: Step-by-Step
Trade Republic
Trade Republic stands out for its mobile-first experience and transparent pricing. In 2026, the platform continues to offer a wide range of commission-free ETF savings plans, making it especially appealing for cost-conscious investors.
To set up an ETF savings plan on Trade Republic:
1. Open and fund your account: Verification is typically instant with a European ID. Transfer funds via SEPA for quick access.
2. Browse available ETFs: Trade Republic lists hundreds of ETFs, including popular accumulating and distributing options. If you’re unsure which fits your needs, our guide on choosing accumulating vs. distributing ETFs for your 2026 EUR portfolio can help.
3. Select your ETF and savings plan: Tap “Sparplan erstellen” (Create Savings Plan) on the ETF profile. Enter your monthly investment amount (minimums often start at €1).
4. Set frequency and execution date: Most users choose monthly execution, but bi-weekly is also available.
5. Review and confirm: You’ll see a summary of your plan, including expected execution dates and any potential fees (Trade Republic charges no commission on ETF savings plans as of 2026).
Your plan will execute automatically, reinvesting dividends (for accumulating ETFs) or paying them out (for distributing ETFs) according to your choice.
DEGIRO
DEGIRO is popular for its extensive ETF list and international reach. While it doesn’t offer a dedicated “savings plan” interface, you can still automate investing through standing orders and recurring trades.
To set up an automated ETF investment on DEGIRO:
1. Open and fund your account: DEGIRO’s onboarding is straightforward, and funding via bank transfer is standard.
2. Choose your ETF: DEGIRO offers access to a wide array of UCITS ETFs. For a refresher on UCITS and why it matters, see What Is UCITS? Why European Investors Should Care in 2026.
3. Automate your transfers: Set up a recurring SEPA transfer from your bank to your DEGIRO cash account.
4. Execute regular purchases: While DEGIRO doesn’t automate the buy order itself, you can set reminders to log in and place your ETF order monthly. Some investors use browser automation or third-party tools to streamline this process.
DEGIRO’s “core selection” of commission-free ETFs is worth exploring if you want to minimize transaction costs. Note that fees may apply if you exceed one free trade per ETF per month or use foreign currencies.
Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO: Key Differences
- Automation: Trade Republic offers true “set-and-forget” automation, while DEGIRO requires manual or semi-automated execution.
- Fees: Both platforms offer commission-free options, but the structures differ. Trade Republic’s plans are typically fee-free, while DEGIRO’s core selection offers one free trade per ETF per month.
- ETF Range: DEGIRO provides broader international ETF access, but Trade Republic’s selection is tailored for European investors and beginners.
- User Experience: Trade Republic is mobile-first, ideal for those who prefer app-based investing. DEGIRO’s web platform offers more advanced tools but less automation.
If you’re still deciding between popular ETFs, our comparison of IWDA vs. CSPX for European investors in 2026 can help clarify your choices.
Tax and Portfolio Considerations
When automating ETF investing, be mindful of tax implications—especially regarding accumulating vs. distributing ETFs and local country rules. Many European investors prefer accumulating UCITS ETFs for simplicity and tax efficiency, but your situation may vary. For those pursuing FIRE or early retirement, our analysis of VWCE vs. IWDA for European FIRE seekers offers a deep dive into portfolio construction.
What to Watch
As ETF savings plans surge in popularity, regulators and platforms are responding with new features and evolving fee structures. Keep an eye on upcoming changes to EU investment rules and the ongoing rollout of new UCITS-compliant ETFs—both could impact your portfolio strategy in 2026. Additionally, watch for product updates from both Trade Republic and DEGIRO, as both platforms are competing to offer more automation, broader ETF access, and improved tax reporting.
For those just starting out, revisit our complete guide to ETF investing for European beginners in 2026 to lay a strong foundation before diving deeper into automated savings plans.