Trade republic's hidden trick: how to dodge fees on every trade

The rise of no-frills brokers has shaken up the Spanish investment landscape, and Trade Republic has quickly become a favorite. But that seemingly simple €1 fee per trade? It can eat into small investments faster than you think. Fortunately, there's a perfectly legal loophole—and savvy investors are already exploiting it.

Automated savings plans: the key to fee-free investing

Trade Republic’s standard market order, that quick tap to buy an action at the current price, comes with the €1 commission. It’s the cost of immediacy. However, the platform, in a move that hints at a genuine interest in financial literacy, introduced savings plans—and configuring one is completely free of charge. The core concept is straightforward: automate your investments with recurring purchases, like €100 every month into an S&P 500 ETF. This bypasses the per-trade fee entirely.

But here’s the twist. You don't need to perpetually maintain a savings plan; the trick lies in a temporary setup. Think of it as a strategic maneuver. You briefly use a savings plan to execute a one-off purchase, then cancel the plan, leaving you with the asset and a lighter wallet—by €1.

The step-by-step playbook: mastering the trade republic hack

The process is remarkably simple, requiring no advanced financial knowledge. It’s a shift in how you interact with the app's interface. Forget the immediate “Buy” button. Instead, embrace the power of automation—briefly.

1. Select Your Asset: Navigate to the stock, ETF, or cryptocurrency you wish to add to your portfolio.
2. Bypass the 'Buy' Button: Resist the urge to click the traditional “Buy” button at the bottom of the screen.
3. Create a Savings Plan: Choose the “Savings Plan” (or “Create Plan”) option.
4. Set Your Investment Amount and Frequency: Enter the precise amount you intend to invest, say €50. Then, select “Monthly” and choose the nearest execution date offered (typically the 2nd or 16th of the month).
5. Confirm and Wait: The system will schedule your order. On the designated date, it will automatically purchase your assets, debiting your balance—but without charging the €1 commission.
6. The Crucial Final Step: This is where many users stumble. Once the execution date has passed and the assets appear in your portfolio, return to the Savings Plan section and delete the plan. This cancels future automated purchases and confirms your one-off, fee-free transaction.

Repeat this process across multiple investments, and the savings quickly accumulate, potentially adding up to hundreds of euros over time—all thanks to the power of compound interest.

The question isn't whether this is possible, but whether you'll seize the opportunity. It's a testament to how even the simplest platforms can harbor hidden efficiencies for those willing to look.

So, while Trade Republic isn't entirely free—certain services do incur fees—this clever maneuver demonstrates that a little strategic thinking can go a long way in maximizing your investment returns.