eToro is a well-established online broker offering commission-free trading, social features, and regulatory oversight across multiple jurisdictions. Founded in 2007, this publicly traded company has grown to a $5.64 billion valuation with over 40 million registered users worldwide.
For European investors, eToro provides a decent platform with several useful features. However, the currency conversion fees present a significant concern that can substantially impact returns over time, particularly for EUR-based investors trading USD assets. This cost structure requires careful consideration before committing to the platform.
For investors who prefer alternatives with lower fees or better EUR support, we also recommend checking out our Lightyear bonus guide or our comprehensive Interactive Brokers review for EU investors.
What We Like About eToro
✅ Publicly traded company with enhanced transparency and regulatory scrutiny
✅ 18+ years of operation with consistent growth and profitability
✅ Commission-free stock and ETF trading for most assets
✅ User-friendly interface with good position tracking capabilities
✅ eToro Club rewards program offering benefits for growing portfolios
✅ Copy trading features for learning from experienced investors
✅ Partial position closing allowing precise portfolio management
✅ Regulatory presence across multiple EU jurisdictions
What We Don't Like
❌ Currency conversion fees - the main drawback for EU investors (0.75% on EUR/GBP to USD conversions)
❌ No portfolio transfers to other brokers (ACATS transfers available in US only)
❌ $5 withdrawal fee (removed for eToro club members)
❌ Higher conversion costs for deposits/withdrawals (150 PIPs for EUR/GBP via most payment methods)
What eToro Is Known For
eToro has developed a position in the brokerage industry through social trading innovations. The platform pioneered social trading, allowing users to follow and automatically copy the strategies of other investors. This included the copy trading feature, enabling users to replicate the trading strategies of top-performing investors automatically.
The broker focuses on making investing accessible to everyday Europeans. We appreciate eToro's transparent fee structure for stock trading, user-friendly interface, and the fact that it offers commission-free stock trading across Europe.
The eToro Club loyalty program represents another feature, automatically rewarding users based on their portfolio size with benefits ranging from reduced fees to exclusive event invitations.
Fees and Pricing Breakdown
eToro's fee structure combines commission-free stock trading with spread-based pricing and some additional charges that European investors should understand.
Safety and Regulation
eToro maintains regulatory credentials across multiple jurisdictions, providing European investors with standard protection. The company operates under licenses from respected regulators including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
At the beginning of 2025, the company filed for Nasdaq (U.S.) listing and went public on May 14, adding transparency and regulatory oversight as a publicly traded entity.
The fact that eToro has operated continuously since 2007 and achieved profitability demonstrates reasonable financial stability. As we've observed in our testing, the platform handles regulatory compliance appropriately, with standard investor protection measures in place.
European users benefit from investor compensation schemes up to €20,000 under EU regulations, providing security for their funds.
Trading Experience and Platform
We find eToro's trading platform reasonably user-friendly, particularly for European investors new to online trading. The interface provides a decent balance between simplicity and functionality.
Account Opening Process
The registration process typically takes 10-15 minutes, followed by identity verification that usually completes within 24 hours for EU residents. KYC requirements align with standard European regulations.
Platform Features
- Clean dashboard with clear portfolio overview
- Detailed position tracking showing individual purchase history
- Ability to close partial positions without affecting entire holdings
- Real-time market data and basic charting tools
- Mobile app with functionality matching the web platform
Trading Execution
Order execution is generally reliable during our testing, with reasonable spreads on major assets. The platform handles normal trading volumes adequately, though some delays may occur during extreme market volatility.
We appreciate the platform's position management capabilities. Unlike many brokers, eToro allows you to view your individual purchases separately and close specific lots without affecting your entire position in that asset.
Supported Assets and Features
eToro offers European investors access to a comprehensive range of investment opportunities:
Asset Classes
- Over 3,000 stocks from major global exchanges
- 200+ ETFs covering various sectors and regions (including popular S&P 500 ETFs - see our guide on S&P 500 investing for Europeans)
- 80+ cryptocurrency options
- Currency pairs (forex trading)
- Commodities including gold, oil, and agricultural products
- Stock and crypto CFDs (where permitted by regulation)
Key Features
- Copy Trading: Follow and automatically replicate strategies of other investors
- CopyPortfolios: Invest in theme-based portfolios managed by eToro's investment team
- Fractional Shares: Buy portions of expensive stocks with as little as $10
- Dividend Collection: Automatic dividend payments for eligible stock positions
Market Coverage
Reasonable coverage of European markets including London Stock Exchange, Euronext, and major German exchanges. The platform recently partnered with Deutsche Boerse to introduce 290 German-listed stocks and collaborated with the London Stock Exchange, which added over 1,000 UK stocks.
Customer Support Evaluation
eToro provides customer support through multiple channels, though response times can vary based on inquiry complexity and market conditions.
Support Channels
- 24/5 live chat during market hours
- Email support with typical response times of 24-48 hours
- Help center with detailed guides
- Educational webinars and market analysis (available to Club members)
Support Quality
During our interactions, support representatives showed adequate knowledge of platform features and regulatory requirements. However, response times can extend during high-volume periods, particularly around major market events.
eToro Club members receive priority support, with platinum-level members and above getting access to dedicated account managers.
Who eToro Is Best For
Based on our analysis, eToro suits specific investor profiles, with important caveats around currency costs:
Suitable Users
- New European investors seeking a user-friendly introduction to stock market investing
- Social trading enthusiasts interested in learning from and copying other traders
- Investors comfortable with USD-denominated portfolios who can minimize conversion frequency
- Moderate portfolio sizes ($5,000+) who can access eToro Club benefits and fee reductions
Consider Alternatives If
- You primarily want to invest in EUR-denominated assets
- You plan to make frequent deposits or withdrawals
- You're sensitive to ongoing conversion costs impacting returns
- You need the ability to transfer positions to other brokers
Growing Portfolios
The eToro Club program can provide some relief from conversion costs for larger portfolios, as higher tiers receive conversion fee discounts of up to 80%.
Things to Be Aware Of
Several limitations require consideration before choosing eToro:
Portfolio Transfer Restrictions:The most significant limitation for European investors is the inability to transfer positions to another broker. eToro's trading platform is not an exchange or a market, meaning you can only buy and sell stocks within the eToro trading platform and cannot move open positions to another broker. This effectively locks your investments into eToro's ecosystem.
For investors who want to track portfolios across multiple brokers, we recommend using our reviewed Delta Portfolio Tracker, which works perfectly to consolidate holdings from eToro and other brokers in one comprehensive view.
Currency Conversion Impact:The most significant consideration for European investors is eToro's currency conversion structure. While the platform offers useful features, the conversion costs can accumulate substantially over time.
For Europeans primarily investing in USD-denominated assets (like US stocks or popular ETFs), each trade triggers a 0.75% conversion fee. Additionally, deposits and withdrawals in EUR/GBP face 150 PIPs (approximately 1.5%) conversion costs via most payment methods.
Limited EUR/GBP Options:While eToro has introduced local currency trading for some assets, the selection remains limited compared to USD offerings. Many popular international ETFs and stocks still require currency conversion.
Final Verdict
eToro offers a solid choice for European investors seeking a user-friendly broker with social trading features. The platform's 18-year track record, public company status, and features like the eToro Club program provide value for many investors.
We can recommend eToro for its user experience, regulatory standing, and commission-free stock trading. The interface, copy trading features, and overall platform functionality work well for many European investors.
However, the currency conversion costs are a significant concern that European investors must factor into their decision. For investors primarily trading USD assets or making frequent transactions, these fees can meaningfully erode returns over time.
However, serious consideration should be given to the portfolio transfer limitations and currency conversion costs. Investors planning to eventually move their positions elsewhere or those primarily focused on EUR-denominated investments might prefer alternatives like Lightyear or Interactive Brokers, both of which we've thoroughly reviewed and recommend for different investor profiles.
eToro provides good functionality and features, but the currency conversion fee structure creates ongoing costs that limit its appeal for many EU investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my eToro portfolio to another broker?
No, eToro does not support portfolio transfers (ACATS) to other brokers for European accounts. You must sell your positions and withdraw funds to move your investments elsewhere. US-based eToro accounts do support ACATS transfers for a $75 fee.
What are eToro's currency conversion fees for European investors?
eToro charges 0.75% for trading conversions between EUR/GBP and USD, plus approximately 1.5% (150 PIPs) for deposits and withdrawals via most payment methods. These costs can accumulate significantly for active traders or those frequently converting currencies. eToro Club members receive discounts: 20% for Gold/Silver, 40% for Platinum/Platinum+, and 80% for Diamond tiers.
How does the eToro Club work and what are the benefits?
The eToro Club automatically upgrades your membership tier based on your account equity. Tiers start at Silver ($5,000 equity) and progress to Diamond ($250,000+ equity). Benefits include reduced fees, higher interest on cash balances, dedicated account managers, and exclusive event invitations.
Is eToro safe for European investors?
Yes, eToro is well-regulated with licenses from the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus). As a publicly traded company since 2025, it faces enhanced regulatory scrutiny. European investors receive protection up to €20,000 under EU investor compensation schemes.
Can I invest in European stocks commission-free on eToro?
Yes, eToro offers commission-free stock and ETF trading for most European markets. Some countries face $1-2 commissions per trade, but the majority of European investors can trade stocks without commission fees. This includes popular European ETFs and index funds that track major indices.
What's the minimum deposit for eToro in Europe?
eToro's minimum deposit varies by country and payment method, typically ranging from $50-$200 for European investors. To access eToro Club Silver benefits, you need at least $5,000 in account equity.
Does eToro offer dividend payments on European stocks?
Yes, eToro automatically collects and distributes dividends for eligible stock positions. Dividend payments appear in your account balance and can be reinvested or withdrawn according to your preference. This makes eToro particularly suitable for dividend-focused investment strategies.
How does eToro compare to other brokers for European investors?
eToro excels in user experience and social trading features but faces competition from brokers with lower fees and better EUR support. For comprehensive broker comparisons, see our detailed reviews of Interactive Brokers for EU investors and Lightyear's competitive offering. To track holdings across multiple brokers, consider using Delta Portfolio Tracker alongside your chosen platforms.
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs. Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.
