The best alternatives to Trade Republic for the Swiss
As Trade Republic is still not available in Switzerland, several excellent alternatives have emerged that offer similar benefits such as low fees and user-friendly apps:
1. yuh - The Swiss smart trading app
Yuh (developed by Swissquote and PostFinance) offers an intuitive trading app with free trades for selected ETFs, shares from CHF 1 and cryptocurrencies. The all-in-one solution combines banking, trading and payments in one app.
2. NEON Invest - The neo-banking alternative with investment opportunities
The popular Neo bench NEON has launched NEON Invest, a trading function that offers fee-free ETF savings plans and share trading at favourable conditions. Particularly attractive: no currency fees when trading foreign shares.
3. Swissquote - The established Swiss online broker
Swissquote offers higher fees than Trade Republic, but scores with reliability, a comprehensive offering and the advantage of a Swiss bank account. Ideal for more experienced investors.
4. SAXO Bank - The low-cost online broker with ETF savings plan
SAXO Bank offers many ETFs without transaction costs and an automatic ETF savings plan with the AutoInvest feature. The fee structure is transparent and the platform is solid.
5 True Wealth - The Swiss robo-advisor for ETF investors
If independent trading is too time-consuming for you, the True Wealth Fully automated management of your ETF portfolio at very favourable fees.
Trade Republic availability & details: What makes this broker special?
The Trade Republic business model
Trade Republic has revolutionised the brokerage business with its zero-fee model. While traditional brokers often charge high order fees, Trade Republic offers securities trading for a maximum third-party fee of €1 - and without monthly custody account fees or negative interest.
How can this be profitable? The broker relies on consistent digitalisation, low operating costs and a large customer base. In addition, Trade Republic, like almost all brokers, receives refunds from product providers such as BlackRock for brokering ETFs. This model has made Trade Republic one of the fastest growing brokers in Germany within just a few years.
The smartphone trading revolution
One of the main reasons for Trade Republic's success is its consistent focus on mobile trading. The minimalist app enables trading directly from a smartphone - a concept that particularly appeals to younger investors. In Switzerland, Trade Republic now offers Yuh a similar solution with the combination of banking and trading within one app.
The GameStop case as a warning signal
An important aspect in the assessment of brokers is their reliability in times of crisis. In January 2021, Trade Republic suspended the purchase of GameStop shares (GME) during the peak of the short squeeze, incurring a reprimand from the regulator and the displeasure of many customers.
This episode shows how important the consistency of a broker is. Swiss brokers like Swissquote have proven to be particularly reliable during this critical period - a factor that should not be underestimated when choosing a broker.
As long as Trade Republic is not available in Switzerland, we recommend the alternatives listed above, some of which offer similar advantages, but with the security and reliability of Swiss financial institutions.
swissquote's customer ratings are abysmal... how can you seriously recommend something like this?
John, are you from Trade Republic? I've been with Swissquote for years and am very satisfied. There's a reason why it's the most popular Swiss online broker.
Dear Swiss Franc Team
Have you already made up your mind about Smartbroker? What do you think of their fee model?