Platform review · Updated October 2026
eToro Review UK (2026): Fees, ISA, Safety and Verdict
eToro is one of the best-known investing apps in the UK, famous for copy trading and crypto. But is it a good home for your long-term money? This review looks at its real costs, its new commission-free ISA, its safety and the risks that come with it.
- Our rating
- 4.0 / 5 good for share and ETF investors
- Share commission
- £0 real shares and ETFs
- Crypto fee
- 1% on each buy and sell
- Regulation
- FCA FRN 583263
Our verdict
A good app for shares and ETFs, if you avoid the extras
eToro is a solid, FCA-authorised platform with zero commission on real shares and ETFs. Moreover, its stocks and shares ISA became commission-free and custody-free in July 2026. However, currency fees, 1% crypto charges and heavily promoted CFDs mean it rewards disciplined users most.
Key facts
eToro at a glance
| UK company | eToro (UK) Ltd, FCA FRN 583263 |
|---|---|
| Parent | eToro Group, listed on Nasdaq (ETOR) since May 2025 |
| Share and ETF commission | £0 on real, unleveraged positions |
| Currency conversion | About 0.5% to trade USD assets from a GBP account |
| Stocks and shares ISA | Yes, with Moneyfarm: 0% commission and custody since 29 July 2026 |
| SIPP | No |
| Crypto | 120+ assets, 1% fee per buy and sell |
| Markets | 7,000+ stocks and around 750 ETFs |
| Withdrawals | Free from a GBP account; $5 from a USD account |
| FSCS protection | Up to £85,000 for eligible investments and cash |
Sources: eToro, FCA register and independent reviews checked in October 2026. Fees change, so confirm on eToro's fee page.
What eToro is
What eToro is and how it works
eToro started in Israel in 2007 as a social trading network. Today it serves millions of users worldwide. Meanwhile, the FCA authorises and supervises its UK business. In May 2025, its parent company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
In practice, the app works like a social feed. For example, you can buy real shares and ETFs, follow other investors and copy their trades. In addition, eToro offers crypto and CFDs, which are leveraged bets on price moves. As a result, one app mixes long-term investing with high-risk trading, so it pays to know which is which.
Fees
eToro fees explained
eToro's headline is zero commission on shares and ETFs. Still, other charges apply, and currency conversion is the one most UK users pay.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Real shares and ETFs | £0 commission |
| Currency conversion (GBP account) | About 0.5% on USD assets |
| Crypto | 1% per buy and per sell |
| ISA (DIY) | 0% commission and custody; 0.70% FX on non-GBP assets |
| Withdrawal | Free in GBP; $5 in USD ($30 minimum) |
| CFDs | Spreads plus overnight financing fees |
| Inactivity | Historically $10 a month after 12 months; check current terms |
What a £1,000 purchase costs
Approximate one-way costs, October 2026. Selling incurs similar charges, and spreads are extra.
In short, buying a pound-priced ETF such as VWRP is effectively free. By contrast, frequent US share trading adds up, because you pay currency fees both ways. Compare the total cost with our VWRP cost calculator.
eToro ISA
The eToro stocks and shares ISA
eToro runs its ISA in partnership with Moneyfarm, a UK wealth manager. In total, there are three versions: a cash ISA, a DIY stocks and shares ISA, and a managed ISA.
- DIY ISA: since 29 July 2026, no commission and no custody fee. However, a 0.70% FX fee applies to non-sterling assets.
- Managed ISA: ready-made ETF portfolios from £500, with a yearly management fee.
- Cash ISA: pays interest on savings, with rates that change over time.
All three share your £20,000 yearly ISA allowance. So for long-term ETF investors, the DIY ISA is now a cheap way to hold funds such as VWRP. Still, there is no SIPP, so pension investing needs another provider.
What you can invest in
What you can invest in on eToro
Shares and ETFs
In total, eToro offers over 7,000 shares and around 750 ETFs from the UK, US, Europe and Asia. You can also buy fractions, so a £50 start is possible. Read our guides to investing in the S&P 500 with eToro and buying Apple shares in the UK.
Crypto
Overall, eToro lists over 120 cryptoassets. However, its 1% fee each way is higher than low-cost exchanges. Our guide to the best crypto exchanges in the UK compares cheaper options.
Copy trading and Smart Portfolios
First, CopyTrader lets you mirror another investor automatically. Smart Portfolios, by contrast, are themed baskets of assets. Both can be useful, but neither removes risk, and a trader's past results do not predict future ones.
CFDs
Finally, CFDs let you bet on prices with leverage. According to eToro's own warning, 51% of retail accounts lose money on them. So most long-term investors should avoid them entirely.
Safety and regulation
Is eToro safe?
The FCA authorises and regulates eToro (UK) Ltd. As a result, it must keep client money separate from its own, and a custodian holds your real shares. In addition, the FSCS can cover eligible investments and cash up to £85,000 if the firm fails.
Also, the parent's Nasdaq listing adds public reporting and scrutiny. However, safety from firm failure is not protection from market losses. Also note that crypto is not covered by the FSCS at all.
Tip: turn on two-factor authentication and never share login codes. Scammers often pretend to be eToro account managers on social media.
eToro vs alternatives
eToro compared with other UK platforms
| Platform | Share commission | ISA | Main strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £0 | Yes (Moneyfarm) | Social and copy trading |
| Trading 212 | £0 | Yes | Low 0.15% FX fee |
| Interactive Brokers | Low fixed fees | Yes | Huge market access |
| Vanguard Investor | £0 on Vanguard funds | Yes | Simple Vanguard-only investing |
Summary only; each platform's fees vary by account and asset.
Who it suits
Is eToro right for you?
eToro suits you if
- You want commission-free UK ETFs and shares
- A simple, social app appeals to you
- You want an ISA with no custody fee
- Small, occasional crypto buys are enough
Look elsewhere if
- You need a SIPP
- You trade US shares often
- You buy crypto in large amounts
- Leveraged CFDs might tempt you
How to open an account
How to open an eToro account
- Sign up. Register with your email and create a strong password.
- Verify your identity. Upload photo ID and proof of address, as UK rules require.
- Answer the suitability questions. Be honest about your experience and goals.
- Turn on two-factor login. Then your account is much harder to hack.
- Deposit in pounds. Use a bank transfer to keep costs low.
- Buy your first ETF. Search for a ticker such as VWRP and choose the amount.
FAQ
eToro review: frequently asked questions
Safety, fees and accounts
Is eToro safe for UK investors?
eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised by the FCA (FRN 583263). Client money is held separately from eToro's own funds. If the firm failed, the FSCS could cover eligible investments and cash up to £85,000. The parent company is also listed on Nasdaq.
Is eToro good for beginners?
eToro is easy to use and lets you start small. However, its menus also push copy trading, crypto and CFDs. Beginners should stick to real shares and ETFs and avoid leverage.
Does eToro charge commission on shares?
eToro charges no commission on real shares and ETFs. However, buying US shares from a GBP account involves a currency conversion fee of about 0.5%.
Does eToro have an ISA?
Yes. eToro offers a stocks and shares ISA run with Moneyfarm. Since 29 July 2026, the DIY version charges no commission and no custody fee. However, a 0.70% FX fee applies to non-GBP holdings.
Does eToro offer a SIPP?
No. eToro does not offer a self-invested personal pension in the UK. You would need another provider for pension investing.
Using eToro
How much does eToro charge for crypto?
eToro charges 1% when you buy and 1% when you sell crypto. Higher Club tiers pay less. Moving coins to the eToro Money wallet costs extra.
Can I buy VWRP on eToro?
Yes. eToro lists London-traded ETFs such as VWRP. Because VWRP trades in pounds, you avoid currency conversion when you buy it from a GBP account.
Does eToro charge an inactivity fee?
eToro has charged $10 a month after 12 months without logging in. Some 2026 reviews report that this fee has been dropped. So check eToro's current fee page, or simply log in once a year.
What is copy trading on eToro?
CopyTrader lets you automatically mirror another investor's trades in proportion to the money you allocate. Past performance of a copied trader does not guarantee future results, and you can lose money.
How do I withdraw money from eToro?
You request a withdrawal in the app. Withdrawals from a GBP account are free, while USD accounts pay $5 with a $30 minimum.
Keep reading
Related guides
Sources
Sources
- FCA Financial Services Register (eToro (UK) Ltd, FRN 583263)
- eToro – Fees
- StockBrokers.com – eToro UK review (June 2026)
- MatchMyBroker – eToro ISA review (August 2026)
- Up The Gains – eToro review UK (2026)
- FSCS – Investment protection
This review is general information, not personal financial advice. We based it on published information. Some links may be affiliate links, which never affect our rating. vwrp.co.uk is independent and not affiliated with eToro or Vanguard. 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.