Before You Start
- Trade Republic account (active and verified)
- European bank account for EUR transfers
- Valid ID and proof of address (for verification)
- Smartphone with Trade Republic app installed
- Basic understanding of ETFs, stocks, and savings plans
Time needed: 30–60 minutes for initial setup, then 5 minutes/month for maintenance
What you'll need: Smartphone, internet access, €50+ to start investing
Trade Republic has become one of Europe's most accessible platforms for building a commission-free EUR investment portfolio. Whether you’re just starting or optimizing for cost efficiency, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to set up, automate, and maintain a commission-free portfolio using Trade Republic in 2026.
This tutorial is tailored for European investors and uses real EUR-based examples. You’ll learn not just how, but why each step matters, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Register and Verify Your Trade Republic Account
What to do: Download the Trade Republic app from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and tap "Get Started."
- Enter your email, set a password, and confirm your email address.
- Follow the prompts to enter your personal information (name, address, date of birth, tax residency).
- Upload a valid ID (passport or national ID card) and a proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).
- Complete the quick video identification process (usually takes 5–10 minutes).
Why it matters: Trade Republic is a regulated broker and must comply with European KYC (Know Your Customer) rules. Completing verification unlocks all platform features.
What can go wrong: Unclear scans or mismatched information will delay verification. Double-check your documents and personal details.
Pro Tip
Use your full legal name and ensure your address matches your bank account details for smoother EUR deposits later.
Step 2: Deposit EUR Funds into Your Account
What to do: Once your account is approved, log in and tap Profile → Deposit. You’ll see your personal IBAN for EUR transfers.
- Initiate a SEPA transfer from your European bank to the provided IBAN.
- Enter the desired amount (minimum €10, but €50–€100+ is recommended for your first investment).
- Wait for the funds—usually credited within 1 business day.
Why it matters: Funding your account is required before you can invest. SEPA transfers are free from most EU banks.
What can go wrong: Typos in the IBAN or reference field can delay deposits. Always copy the IBAN directly from the app.
Pro Tip
Set up recurring monthly SEPA transfers from your bank for effortless long-term investing.
Step 3: Search for Commission-Free ETFs and Stocks
What to do: In the Trade Republic app, tap Discover → ETFs or Stocks. Use the filter "Savings Plan eligible" and "0 € Order Commission" to display only commission-free options.
- Browse popular commission-free ETFs like iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IE00B4L5Y983) or Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (IE00BTJRMP35).
- For stocks, look for European blue-chip names with 0 € commission on savings plans (e.g., Siemens AG, LVMH).
- Tap on an asset to view details: performance, TER (Total Expense Ratio), and fact sheets.
Why it matters: Only specific ETFs and stocks are eligible for commission-free investing via savings plans. Filtering ensures you avoid unnecessary fees.
What can go wrong: Not all assets are commission-free. Double-check for the "0 € Order Commission" label before proceeding.
Pro Tip
Use the "Compare" feature in Trade Republic to view fees, performance, and diversification between ETFs side by side.
Step 4: Set Up a Commission-Free Savings Plan
What to do: In Trade Republic, tap Portfolio → Savings Plan → Create Savings Plan.
- Select your desired ETF or stock from the eligible list.
- Enter your monthly investment amount (minimum €1, but €25–€100 is optimal for most portfolios).
- Choose the execution date (e.g., 1st or 15th of every month).
- Confirm the plan. You’ll see a summary screen showing "0 € Order Commission."
Why it matters: Savings plans automate your investing, ensuring you buy regularly regardless of market timing—this is called "euro-cost averaging."
What can go wrong: Selecting an ineligible asset or entering an amount below the minimum will prevent plan creation.
Pro Tip
Set your savings plan date a few days after your salary arrives to avoid insufficient funds issues.
You should now see your active savings plan listed under "Portfolio → Savings Plans," with the next execution date and the invested amount (e.g., "€50/month into iShares Core MSCI World").
Step 5: Diversify and Adjust Your Portfolio
What to do: Repeat Step 4 for other commission-free ETFs or stocks to diversify. For example:
- €50/month into iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (global developed markets)
- €25/month into Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (emerging markets)
- €25/month into LVMH (individual stock, optional)
Why it matters: Diversification reduces risk by spreading your investments across regions and sectors.
What can go wrong: Overconcentration in a single asset or sector increases risk. Review your allocations periodically.
Pro Tip
Start with broad ETFs and add stocks only if you’re comfortable with extra risk and research.
Step 6: Monitor, Adjust, and Reinvest
What to do: Check your Trade Republic app monthly:
- Tap Portfolio to view current holdings and value in EUR.
- Review performance and allocations. Adjust savings plan amounts if needed.
- Reinvest dividends automatically—Trade Republic credits them to your account, and you can increase your next savings plan amount accordingly.
Why it matters: Regular monitoring ensures your portfolio stays aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
What can go wrong: Ignoring your portfolio could result in unintended risk or missed opportunities to rebalance.
Pro Tip
Download your annual tax report from Trade Republic each spring to simplify your tax filing process.
After these steps, you should see regular investments and growing holdings in your Trade Republic portfolio, all with zero commission on eligible assets.
Common Mistakes When Building a Commission-Free Portfolio on Trade Republic
- Choosing non-eligible assets: Not all ETFs or stocks are commission-free via savings plans. Always check for the "0 € Order Commission" label.
- Underfunding your account: If your balance is too low on the execution date, your savings plan will fail for that month.
- Neglecting diversification: Putting all funds into one ETF or stock increases risk—spread your investments.
- Ignoring platform updates: Commission-free asset lists can change. Review your portfolio at least twice a year.
- Forgetting taxes: Dividends and capital gains are taxable in most European countries. Download and save all tax reports from Trade Republic.
Next Steps
- Learn more about optimizing savings plans for European FIRE goals
- See a full beginner’s guide to setting up your first Trade Republic portfolio
- Explore other commission-free platforms (like Scalable Capital or DEGIRO) for broader diversification if desired
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.