Trade Republic vs Scalable Capital — Which One Should You Choose in 2026?

Choosing between Trade Republic and Scalable Capital is one of the most common dilemmas for European neobroker users. Both are solid options, but they serve different needs. Let's break down the real differences.

Quick Answer

Both are solid EU-licensed neobrokers with segregated custody accounts and deposit protection up to 100,000 EUR, so the choice comes down to use. Trade Republic fits those wanting a more established platform with a wider feature set and a polished mobile app, even if premium features need a paid plan. Scalable Capital suits investors who prioritise simplicity and lower costs, with a slight edge on savings-plan execution and broader ETF coverage — its PRIME+ tier is often cheaper for high-frequency ETF savings plans. Both run free tiers, and neither generates a Polish PIT-8C. This is general information, not investment advice — try both and verify current terms before deciding.

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Quick Verdict

Choose Trade Republic if: you want a more established platform with a wider feature set and don't mind paying slightly more for premium features.

Choose Scalable Capital if: you prioritize simplicity, lower costs, or specific features where Scalable Capital has a clear edge.

Feature Comparison

Fees Comparison

Fees are where the biggest differences emerge. Both platforms have evolved their pricing in 2026, and the details matter more than headline rates.

Trade Republic Fees

Trade Republic offers competitive pricing across its core services. The free tier covers basic needs, while premium plans unlock additional features.

Scalable Capital Fees

Scalable Capital takes a slightly different approach to pricing, often being more transparent about costs upfront.

Pros and Cons

Trade Republic

Pros:

• Large user base and established reputation
• Wide feature set covering multiple financial needs
• Strong mobile app experience

Cons:

• Premium features require paid plans
• Can feel overwhelming for simple use cases
• Customer support can be slow during peak times

Scalable Capital

Pros:

• Clean, focused user experience
• Competitive pricing on core features
• Good for specific use cases

Cons:

• Smaller ecosystem compared to Trade Republic
• Some features still maturing
• Limited availability in certain countries

Which Is Better for Polish Users?

For users based in Poland, both platforms work well, but there are some differences worth noting:

• PLN support: Check which platform offers better PLN account and conversion rates
• Polish bank transfers: BLIK and Polish domestic transfers availability
• Tax reporting: Neither provides automatic PIT generation, but Freenance can help you track investment income and prepare for tax season

Our Recommendation

There's no universal winner — it depends on your specific needs. For most users, we recommend trying both (free tiers exist) and seeing which fits your workflow better.

Track both accounts in one place: Use Freenance to connect all your financial accounts and see your complete financial picture, regardless of which platform you choose.

Related Comparisons

Check our comparisons hub for more head-to-head reviews of financial products and services.

FAQ

Which is cheaper overall: Trade Republic or Scalable Capital?

The answer depends on usage: one-off trades, savings plans, and ETF baskets are priced differently on each platform, and both run free tiers alongside paid premium plans. For high-frequency ETF savings plans, Scalable Capital's PRIME+ tier is often cheaper, while occasional traders frequently find Trade Republic's flat structure simpler.

Are Trade Republic and Scalable Capital safe for European investors?

Both are licensed in the EU and client securities are held in segregated custody accounts, separate from broker assets. Cash deposits are protected by the German deposit guarantee scheme up to 100,000 EUR per customer, as both brokers route uninvested cash through partner banks.

Can Polish residents open accounts on Trade Republic or Scalable Capital?

Both neobrokers accept residents of most EU countries, with onboarding fully digital via passport or ID verification. Polish users should verify current country availability, since features like local IBAN, BLIK, or PLN support vary and can change with platform updates.

Do these brokers generate Polish PIT-8C or other tax documents?

Neither broker automatically generates Polish PIT-8C, since they are German-licensed entities. Polish tax residents need to self-report capital gains and dividends on PIT-38 using broker annual statements, and many use third-party tools to consolidate transaction history across platforms.

Which platform is better for long-term ETF investing?

Both support automated ETF savings plans on a wide universe of UCITS funds, with similar core product ranges. Scalable Capital often has a slight edge on savings-plan execution and broader ETF coverage, while Trade Republic typically offers a more polished mobile experience.