Before You Start
- A verified Trade Republic account (open one via the official site)
- European bank account for funding
- Trade Republic app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- Basic understanding of ETFs, stocks, and risk tolerance
- Minimum €1 per savings plan (as of 2026)
Time needed: 15–30 minutes to set up your first plan
What you'll need: Smartphone, bank details, identity documents
Trade Republic’s savings plan feature lets you automate regular investments into ETFs, stocks, and select cryptocurrencies from as little as €1 per trade. For European investors seeking a disciplined and hands-off way to grow wealth, this tool is a game-changer. In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step how to set up a Trade Republic savings plan, what to expect at each stage, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
If you’re deciding between brokers, see our full comparison: Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Broker Is Best for ETFs in 2026?
Step 1: Fund Your Trade Republic Account
What to do: Open the Trade Republic app, log in, and tap Account (bottom right). Select Deposit Money and follow the prompts to make a SEPA transfer from your linked European bank account. Minimum deposit is typically €10, but you can start a savings plan from €1.
Why it matters: Your savings plan orders will only execute if you have enough settled cash in your Trade Republic account. SEPA transfers usually take 1–2 business days.
What can go wrong: If your bank details are incorrect or the reference code is missing from your transfer, the funds may not appear in your account. Always use the unique reference code provided by Trade Republic for each deposit.
Step 2: Choose Your Investment Asset
What to do: In the app, tap Discover (magnifying glass icon) and search for your desired ETF, stock, or crypto asset. Tap on the asset to view its details. You’ll see a “Create savings plan” button if it’s eligible (most large European and US stocks, and over 2,500 ETFs are supported as of 2026).
Why it matters: Not all assets are available for savings plans. Trade Republic offers access to popular ETFs such as:
- iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IE00B4L5Y983)
- Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (IE00B3RBWM25)
- Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (IE00BTJRMP35)
European blue-chip stocks (e.g., Siemens, LVMH) and select US stocks (e.g., Apple, Microsoft) are also available.
What can go wrong: If you select an asset with low liquidity or one not supported by the savings plan feature, you won’t see the “Create savings plan” option. In that case, search for a similar ETF or stock with higher trading volume.
Pro Tip
For most beginners, a global ETF like the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IE00B4L5Y983) offers broad diversification with a single savings plan.
Step 3: Set Up the Savings Plan
What to do: On the asset’s page, tap Create savings plan. You’ll be prompted to:
- Enter your monthly investment amount (minimum €1, increments of €1)
- Select your execution frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly)
- Pick the execution day (e.g., 1st, 15th, or every Monday)
- Choose the funding account (your Trade Republic cash balance)
Why it matters: Automating your investments enforces discipline and removes emotional bias from your investing decisions. You benefit from euro-cost averaging: buying more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, smoothing out volatility over time.
What can go wrong: If you schedule your execution date before your salary or deposit clears, your savings plan may fail due to insufficient funds. Always match your savings plan date with your expected cash inflow.
Step 4: Review Fees and Confirm Details
What to do: Before confirming, Trade Republic displays a summary of your plan, including fees. As of 2026:
- ETF & stock savings plans: €0 commission (no order fee)
- Crypto savings plans: 1% execution fee per order
Check the “Preview” screen for:
- Asset name and ISIN
- Investment amount and frequency
- First execution date
- Estimated annual investment
- Applicable fees (should state €0 for most ETFs/stocks)
Tap Confirm to schedule your savings plan.
Why it matters: Understanding the fee structure ensures your returns aren’t eroded by hidden costs. Trade Republic’s savings plans for ETFs and stocks are among the most cost-effective in Europe as of 2026.
What can go wrong: For crypto, forgetting about the 1% fee can eat into your returns. For ETFs and stocks, double-check that the plan is truly €0 commission (some rare specialty assets may have exceptions).
Pro Tip
You can set up multiple savings plans for different ETFs or stocks (e.g., €100/month in a global ETF, €50/month in a European dividend stock), enabling you to build a diversified portfolio automatically.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Your Plan
What to do: After your first scheduled execution date, check the Portfolio tab in the app. You should see your ETF or stock purchase confirmed, with the current value displayed (e.g., “1.23 shares of iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF, value: €101.90”).
To edit or pause a plan: Go to Portfolio → Savings Plans, tap the plan, and select Edit or Pause. You can change the amount, frequency, or even switch assets at any time.
Why it matters: Life circumstances change—adjusting your plan lets you increase contributions as you earn more, or pause during unexpected expenses.
What can go wrong: If you forget to monitor your plan, you may miss failed executions (e.g., due to insufficient funds) or miss an opportunity to rebalance as your goals evolve.
Pro Tip
Set a recurring calendar reminder every 6 months to review your portfolio’s performance and savings plan allocation. This helps you stay aligned with your long-term goals.
Best Practices for Trade Republic Savings Plans in 2026
- Start small, scale up: Begin with €25–€100/month while you get comfortable. Increase as your financial situation allows.
- Automate cash transfers: Use your bank’s standing order feature to fund Trade Republic on a regular schedule so your savings plans always have cash to draw from.
- Diversify: Combine global and regional ETFs (e.g., add a Europe or Emerging Markets ETF) for broader exposure.
- Reinvest dividends: Trade Republic automatically reinvests dividends for accumulating ETFs. For distributing ETFs, you can manually reinvest payouts.
- Track your progress: Use Trade Republic’s in-app performance charts to monitor returns and adjust as needed.
For more on automating ETF investing in Europe, see: How to Automate Your All-in-One ETF Investments in Europe Using Broker Features.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to fund your account: Insufficient funds mean missed investment opportunities. Set up auto-transfer from your bank to avoid this.
- Setting and forgetting: Markets and personal goals change. Review your plan at least twice a year.
- Overconcentration: Investing all your savings into one stock or sector ETF increases risk. Diversify across regions and asset classes.
- Ignoring fees for crypto savings plans: The 1% fee per order can add up; ensure you understand the impact on your returns.
- Confusing distributing vs accumulating ETFs: Accumulating ETFs automatically reinvest dividends; distributing ETFs pay out cash. Choose the right type for your strategy.
Next Steps
- Experiment with small monthly amounts to build your confidence with the savings plan feature.
- Explore thematic portfolios and new ETF offerings (see: Trade Republic Launches Thematic ETF Portfolios).
- Compare Trade Republic’s automation features with other leading brokers to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your investing style.
- Continue your education on ETF selection, diversification, and risk management for European investors.
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.