EU investors looking for a solid entry point into stock and ETF investing can use the promo code EUINVEST to receive up to €100 in a free fractional US stock when signing up with Lightyear. The platform has positioned itself as one of the more cost-effective options for Europeans looking to access US and EU markets without excessive fees.
We tested the sign-up process, the promo code redemption, and the overall platform experience to give you an honest breakdown of what to expect.
Who Is Lightyear?
Lightyear is a European investment platform regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (Finantsinspektsioon) and operating under Lightyear Europe AS. The platform is specifically designed for EU-based investors who want access to US and European stock markets without the complexity that often comes with traditional international brokerages.
EU investor protection covers accounts up to €20,000, and the platform supports deposits from most EU member states. We found the account opening process to be straightforward, with verification typically completed within 1-2 business days.
If you are looking for a more established option, we also have a detailed Interactive Brokers review for EU investors.
How the EUINVEST Bonus Works
The promo code EUINVEST grants new Lightyear users a free fractional US stock worth up to €100. The actual value is determined through a randomized tiered distribution:
- €10 to €20 (80% probability) - most users will receive a reward in this range
- €20 to €50 (15% probability)
- €50 to €75 (3% probability)
- €75 to €100 (2% probability)
Being realistic about expectations here: the vast majority of users will land in the €10-€20 bracket. That said, even a €10 free stock on a €100 deposit represents a 10% immediate return, which is a solid incentive for trying a new platform.
The reward is credited within 24-48 hours after meeting all eligibility requirements, and it goes into your General Investment Account (GIA), not an ISA or any other account type.
How to Claim the EUINVEST Bonus
If you recently signed up for Lightyear but have not yet claimed a promo code, you may still be eligible. The code can be applied within 15 days of account creation via the app's Settings > Promotions section, provided you have not already redeemed another promotional or referral offer.
What Can You Invest In?
Lightyear gives EU investors access to a practical range of markets. The core offering includes:
- US stocks listed on NYSE and NASDAQ, with fractional share support for higher-priced names
- European stocks across major EU exchanges
- ETFs from providers like Vanguard, iShares, and Amundi, traded commission-free
- Multi-currency account allowing you to hold euros, US dollars, and British pounds without forced conversion
For EU investors specifically focused on building a long-term ETF portfolio, this covers the essentials. If you want a more detailed look at how to get started with ETF investing in Europe, check our complete ETF investing guide.
For those looking specifically at the S&P 500, Lightyear offers several index-tracking ETFs. We wrote a detailed guide on how to invest in the S&P 500 as a European that covers all your options.
Fees Overview
Lightyear keeps its fee structure simple, which is one of the things we appreciated during testing:
- ETF trades: Free (underlying fund fees still apply)
- EU stock trades: €1 per trade
- US stock trades: Up to $1 per trade
- Currency conversion: Fixed 0.35% FX fee
- Account maintenance: Free
- Deposits and withdrawals: Free
The 0.35% FX conversion fee is competitive compared to many alternatives. If you are regularly buying US-listed assets, the multi-currency account feature helps minimize unnecessary conversions. For context, some competitors charge significantly more for currency conversion, which can eat into returns over time.
If you are interested in comparing this with other platforms, our Trade Republic review and eToro review cover alternative options for EU investors.
Referral Program
Separately from the EUINVEST promo code, Lightyear also runs a referral program that provides ongoing earning potential. For every friend you refer who opens an account and deposits at least €50, both of you receive €10 in free stock. You can earn up to €50 per month through referrals (five successful referrals), with no lifetime cap.
It is worth noting that the promo code bonus and the referral bonus cannot be combined. You can use one or the other when signing up, not both.
Important Terms and Conditions
Before committing, these are the key terms you should be aware of:
- New users only - you must not have previously redeemed any Lightyear promo code or referral offer
- EU residents - the EUINVEST code is available to residents of supported EU member states only, not UK residents
- €100 minimum deposit - required within 15 days of completing your account setup
- 6-month holding period - the free stock cannot be sold and withdrawn for 6 months after it is credited. If you sell earlier, an equivalent amount remains restricted
- GIA account only - the reward is deposited into a General Investment Account. If you opened a different account type first, you will need to open a GIA
- Standard fees apply - Lightyear's regular FX conversion fees are deducted when the free stock is purchased on your behalf
- One promo per person - cannot be combined with other promotional or referral offers
You can review the full official terms on Lightyear's signup promotion terms page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lightyear safe for EU investors?
Lightyear Europe AS is regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority and operates under MiFID II passporting rules across the EU. Client funds benefit from EU investor protection of up to €20,000. While it is a newer platform compared to established names like Interactive Brokers, we found the regulatory framework to be solid.
How long until I receive the free stock?
After completing your €100 deposit, the free stock is typically credited within 24-48 hours. If markets are closed at the time of redemption, the order executes when markets reopen.
Can I choose which stock I receive?
No, the specific stock is assigned by Lightyear from their available US stock selection. You cannot pick a particular company or sector. The value will fall within one of the tiered probability brackets.
What happens if I do not deposit €100 within 15 days?
The promo code expires and the bonus is forfeited. The deposit threshold is strictly enforced with no exceptions or extensions.
Can UK residents use the EUINVEST code?
No. The EUINVEST promo code is exclusively for EU residents. UK investors are subject to different regulatory frameworks and would need to look for UK-specific promotional offers.
Can I sell the free stock immediately?
You can technically sell the fractional share at any time, but the equivalent value remains locked for 6 months. This means you cannot withdraw the proceeds of the free stock (or an equivalent amount) until the 6-month holding period has passed.
How does this compare to other broker sign-up bonuses?
The EUINVEST bonus is competitive for the EU market. Trading 212 offers a free fractional share worth up to €100 with their promo code, and Robinhood Europe has a crypto bonus for new sign-ups. Each platform has different terms and holding periods, so it is worth comparing the full picture. eToro's $500 welcome bonus requires a significantly higher deposit.
Trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may lose some or all of your initial investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Capital at risk. The provider of investment services is Lightyear Europe AS for the EU. Terms apply: lightyear.com/terms. Seek qualified advice if necessary.
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