Trade Republic vs Trading 212: Which Free Broker Wins? (2026)
Two of Europe's most popular commission-free brokers compared. How Trade Republic and Trading 212 differ on savings plans, fractional investing, FX, features and regulation, and which suits you.
Written by an 11-year retail-brokerage insider. · Updated 11/6/2026
Trade Republic and Trading 212 are two of the most popular commission-free brokers in Europe, and they look similar from the outside: clean apps, €0 ETF savings plans, interest on cash. Look closer and they suit slightly different people. Here’s how they actually compare.
The short version
- Choose Trade Republic if you want the simplest possible euro savings plan, German regulation and a clean, no-clutter app.
- Choose Trading 212 if you want fractional shares, automated “Pies”, a debit card and a bit more flexibility.
How they compare
| Trade Republic | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Savings plans | €0 ETF savings plans from €1 | Commission-free investing and autoinvest “Pies” |
| Fractional shares | Supported | Supported, from €1 |
| FX fee | EUR-focused, minimal FX | Small fee on non-base currency |
| Regulation | BaFin (Germany) | FCA / CySEC, depending on country |
| Extras | Interest on cash | Interest on cash, debit card |
| Best suited to | Simplicity-first euro investors | Fractional and automated portfolios |
Illustrative summary. Check current terms with each broker.
Savings plans and recurring investing
Both make regular ETF investing free and easy, which is the main event for most long-term investors. Trade Republic is built around the savings plan and keeps it dead simple. Trading 212’s “Pies” let you design an automated portfolio with target weights and drip money in, which is a little more powerful if you like that level of control.
Fractional and flexibility
Both offer fractional shares, so you can invest small amounts fully. Trading 212 leans further into flexibility with its Pies, autoinvest and a debit card. Trade Republic is more pared back, which is a feature if you value simplicity and a drawback if you want more tools.
FX and currency
Trade Republic is euro-focused, so most users rarely touch currency conversion. Trading 212 applies a small FX fee on non-base-currency assets, fine for occasional use but worth knowing if you buy foreign-listed funds. As always, buying in your base currency keeps this down. See FX fees explained.
Execution and regulation
Trade Republic routes orders through a single venue, which keeps things simple and cheap. Both brokers are regulated, but your contracting entity and compensation scheme can depend on your country, so check what applies to you. See is my money safe and what best execution means.
Which should you pick?
- You want the simplest euro savings plan: Trade Republic.
- You want fractional shares, automated Pies and a card: Trading 212.
For a plain monthly ETF habit, either does the job well and cheaply. The choice comes down to whether you value simplicity or flexibility.
The bottom line
Both are strong, low-cost ways to invest regularly, and there’s no wrong answer for a straightforward ETF portfolio. Read our full reviews of Trade Republic and Trading 212, or compare them against the rest on Brokerlens.
Educational information, not personal advice. Broker details are illustrative and change, so always check current terms. We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, which never affects which brokers we recommend.