I have been using this app for a while, so I wanted to write down some honest Trade Republic opinions, first-person and with no fluff. Here is the good, the average and what personally does not convince me in 2026.
Transparency note: Trade Republic does not pay me a commission, so this review is 100% neutral. I do work with affiliates on some of the alternatives I mention below (Revolut, N26, Wise), and I tell you clearly so you keep it in mind.
Quick summary
- What it is: a low-cost German broker that also works as a savings account and card. All from your phone.
- Interest: it pays interest on your uninvested cash (around 3.75% APY in 2026), below some alternatives.
- Card: 1% cashback that is automatically invested, an original idea with caveats.
- Fees: 1 per trade on stocks and ETFs, very competitive for investing.
- Tax in Spain: Trade Republic is under the CRS system, so the tax authority knows. For details I point you to international tax specialists at elutax.com.
- Alternatives I use: compare with Revolut, N26 and Wise before deciding.
The remunerated account: decent interest, but not the best
The main hook is that they pay interest on your uninvested money, around 3.75% APY in 2026. It is fine versus traditional banks, but if your priority is squeezing your savings, there are options that pay more. If you only want the highest yield, check my guide to the best savings accounts.
The card with 1% cashback that gets invested
The card gives back 1% of each purchase, but not in cash: that 1% is automatically invested in the plan you choose (usually an ETF). On paper I love turning spending into long-term savings. The catch is practical: that cashback usually has a monthly cap, and the physical card has a cost in some cases while the virtual one is free. If you want a day-to-day multi-currency card with a good rate, I prefer Wise for travel and Revolut for general use.
Fees: here Trade Republic shines
On the investing side, fees are among the most competitive on the market: 1 per trade on stocks and ETFs, no custody fees. And the best for long-term investors: automatic ETF investment plans are free. Watch the spread and FX if you trade products in another currency.
Security: is it reliable?
Yes. Trade Republic is a bank with a German license, supervised by European authorities. Your cash is covered by the deposit guarantee up to 100,000, and your securities are held in your name. The app has two-factor authentication. The weakest point is customer support, which can be slow.
Tax and CRS for residents in Spain
Important note many reviews skip: being a German bank, many think the tax office will not find out. False. Trade Republic is inside the CRS (Common Reporting Standard), the automatic exchange of information across 120+ countries, so your data reaches the tax authority. Interest and gains are taxed as investment income. For complex setups, consult the specialists at elutax.com.
Pros and cons
Likes: rock-bottom investing fees, free automatic ETF plans, decent interest on cash, clean app, regulated EU bank.
Dislikes: interest is not the highest, the 1% cashback is capped and goes to investment, support can be slow, falls short as a daily bank.
My favorite alternatives
Trade Republic is a great broker, but as a daily bank I use other apps. For day-to-day, multi-currency and tons of features, my pick is Revolut. For something more sober with a European IBAN, N26. And if you work with several currencies or travel a lot, Wise is unbeatable on exchange rate.
Verdict
My Trade Republic verdict is positive but nuanced: an excellent, cheap broker with a decent savings account and an original but limited card. It is not perfect as a daily bank, so my honest advice is to combine it with a good neobank.
Related comparisons
FAQ
Is Trade Republic safe in 2026?
Yes. It is a bank with a German license, regulated in the EU and with your cash covered up to 100,000 by the deposit guarantee.
How much interest does Trade Republic pay?
In 2026 it pays around 3.75% APY on uninvested cash, below some alternatives like Revolut.
How does the 1% card cashback work?
Each purchase returns 1%, but it is automatically invested in the ETF you choose, usually with a monthly cap.
Does Trade Republic report to the tax authority in Spain?
Yes, it is inside the CRS automatic information exchange. Interest and gains are taxed in your income tax.
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