Before You Start
- A verified Trade Republic account (available in most EU countries)
- SEPA-linked EUR bank account for funding
- Trade Republic mobile app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- Basic understanding of ETFs and your investment goals
Time needed: 20–30 minutes for setup, then fully automated
What you'll need: Smartphone, internet connection, personal identification for KYC
For European investors, automating investments is one of the most efficient ways to build wealth steadily, minimize emotional decision-making, and benefit from euro-cost averaging. Trade Republic’s Auto-Invest feature lets you set up recurring ETF purchases in EUR with just a few taps. This step-by-step Trade Republic auto invest guide will show you how to set up, choose top ETFs (like VWCE or MSCI World), configure contributions, and monitor your progress.
Step 1: Open and Fund Your Trade Republic Account
What to do: If you haven’t already, register for a Trade Republic account at their official site and complete identity verification. Once approved, link your SEPA EUR bank account, then transfer funds to your Trade Republic account.
- In the app, tap Profile → Deposit Money.
- Follow the instructions to generate your unique IBAN and transfer your desired starting amount (e.g., €500).
Why it matters: You can’t set up an auto-invest plan without available funds. Transfers from a SEPA account usually take 1–2 business days.
What can go wrong: If your ID verification fails, double-check your documents and lighting. Incorrect IBAN details may delay your transfer.
Pro Tip
To avoid missing your first scheduled auto-invest purchase, transfer a slightly higher amount than your intended monthly contribution. This covers your first buy and any small price fluctuations.
Step 2: Navigate to the Auto-Invest (Savings Plan) Section
What to do: In the Trade Republic app, tap Portfolio at the bottom, then select Savings Plan. Tap Create Plan or the "+" button.
Why it matters: This is where you’ll configure your recurring investment. Savings Plans are Trade Republic’s term for auto-invest.
Expected outcome: You should now see a search bar to select your ETF.
Step 3: Choose Your ETF(s)
What to do: Use the search bar to find your desired ETF. Popular choices for European investors include:
- Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWCE) – ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80
- iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (EUNL) – ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983
- Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (XMME) – ISIN: IE00BTJRMP35
Tap on your chosen ETF to view its details. Press Create Savings Plan (or similar wording).
Why it matters: Your ETF selection determines your diversification, costs, and long-term returns. VWCE is popular for global equity exposure in EUR, while EUNL focuses on developed markets.
What can go wrong: Double-check the ISIN and distributing/accumulating status (e.g., VWCE is accumulating, meaning dividends are reinvested).
Pro Tip
If you’re unsure which ETF to pick, start with a broad global ETF like VWCE. You can always add or adjust later as your strategy evolves.
Step 4: Set Your Monthly EUR Contribution and Schedule
What to do: Enter your investment amount (minimum €1, but €25–€100+ is common for meaningful progress). Choose your frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, or quarterly). Most investors start with monthly.
- Example: €100 per month, scheduled for the 5th of each month.
Confirm your settings. You’ll see an overview showing:
- ETF name and ISIN
- Amount per interval (€100)
- Next execution date
- Source of funds (Trade Republic account balance)
Why it matters: Regular, automated investing helps you average out market volatility and builds discipline. Setting the frequency to align with your salary date can prevent overdrafts.
What can go wrong: If your Trade Republic balance is insufficient on the scheduled date, the auto-invest won’t execute. Set a recurring transfer from your bank if needed.
Pro Tip
You can set up multiple savings plans for different ETFs. For example, €80/month in VWCE and €20/month in an emerging markets ETF for extra diversification.
Step 5: Confirm and Activate Your Auto-Invest Plan
What to do: Review all details on the summary screen. Confirm the plan (usually via a swipe or tap). You’ll receive a confirmation notification.
Expected outcome: Your plan is now active. The first purchase will occur on your chosen date, automatically buying ETF shares with your EUR contribution.
Why it matters: Double-checking helps avoid errors, such as selecting the wrong ETF or date.
What can go wrong: If you made a mistake, you can edit or cancel the plan anytime before the next scheduled execution.
Step 6: Monitor Your Progress and Make Adjustments
What to do: In the app, tap Portfolio → Savings Plans to view your active plans, next execution date, and accumulated holdings. Tap on a plan to see past purchases and performance.
- You’ll see the current value of your ETF, total invested amount, and gain/loss in EUR and %.
- To increase or decrease your monthly contribution, tap Edit in the savings plan menu.
- To pause or delete the plan, use the Pause or Delete options.
Why it matters: Regular monitoring ensures your plan aligns with your goals, and you’re aware of any issues (like missed executions or unexpected costs).
What can go wrong: Failing to monitor means you might miss out on adjusting to life changes, fee increases, or ETF changes (like closures or mergers).
Pro Tip
Use the Trade Republic app’s performance charts to track your euro-cost averaging over time. Compare your returns to benchmarks like MSCI World for context.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Trade Republic Auto-Invest
- Advantages:
- Low minimums (from €1), no order fees for most ETFs
- Fully automated, reducing emotional trading
- Access to hundreds of EUR-denominated ETFs
- Easy to adjust or pause anytime
- Drawbacks:
- Limited to ETFs available on Trade Republic
- Needs pre-funded account (no automatic SEPA pull per execution)
- Potential for small FX or spread costs (see Hidden Costs of Automated Investing Platforms in Europe)
- No fractional shares for all ETFs – check before setting your amount
For a broader look at automation options, see our Best Ways to Automate Your Investments in Europe for 2026 guide.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to top up your Trade Republic account: Auto-invest fails if there’s not enough EUR in your balance.
- Selecting the wrong ETF (ISIN): Always verify the ISIN to avoid accidental purchases.
- Too low monthly amount: If your contribution is below the ETF’s minimum purchase size (and fractional shares aren’t supported), the investment may not execute.
- Ignoring platform or ETF changes: ETFs can merge, close, or change fees. Monitor your plan at least quarterly.
- Setting and forgetting without review: Life and goals change. Revisit your plan annually or after major financial events.
Next Steps
- Consider diversifying with a second ETF or increasing your monthly amount as your income grows.
- Explore other automation tools for savings and FIRE strategies in Europe with our guide to automating FIRE savings.
- Test the process with a small amount (e.g., €25/month) to build confidence before scaling up.
- Compare Trade Republic auto-invest with other brokers (like DEGIRO) using our DEGIRO ETF buying step-by-step tutorial.
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.