Takeaways
- eToro is an easy-to-use online brokerage for trading stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
- You can use CopyTrader™ to mimic the trades of experienced investors.
- eToro offers commission-free trading for stocks and exchange-traded funds.
- New investors can use the virtual portfolio trading feature to practice investing.
- eToro offers trading through its online platform and user-friendly mobile app for on-the-go investing.
Known for its unique social trading features and cryptocurrency options, eToro offers a distinct experience for both beginner investors and experienced pros. 28% of Americans own cryptocurrencies, and the hunt for the best trading platform is on.[1] With the rise of fintech platforms and retail investing, apps like eToro mean it has never been easier for beginners to step into the world of trading. Here’s our take on the app.
Overall App Review
Best for: Beginners and newer investors
Favorite feature: CopyTrader™ allows you to replicate the trading patterns of very successful professional investors. This hack could save you time, money, and boost your net worth.
Why we liked it: We think the eToro trading platform is an ideal place for investing enthusiasts to get started. With easy access to non-traditional assets, such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and traditional equity investments like stocks and ETFs, it suits the needs of a younger generation’s portfolio. Plus, we loved the virtual portfolio concept, which allows you to get your feet wet before investing your own money. For more details, check our eToro app review below.
Take the Next Step:
on eToro’s Website
eToro
Smart Money Rating: 4.8/5
Best For: Investing in stocks and crypto
Bonus Offer: Earn $10 in cash or crypto (Terms Apply)
???????????? Deal Alert: eToro is offering a $10 welcome bonus in the form of cash or crypto (terms apply).
What Is eToro?
eToro is an online brokerage platform that enables account holders to trade stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and options. The platform is exceptionally well-known for its social trading model, which allows users to follow, copy, and learn from more experienced investors.
Read More: Best Online Stock Brokerage Accounts
How eToro Works
67% of current crypto owners plan to buy more this year. eToro functions similarly to other online brokerages; you can buy and sell financial assets, including cryptocurrencies. eToro is unique due to its social trading feature, which enables you to view other users’ investment portfolios and even copy their trades in real-time, specifically for cryptocurrencies. The eToro app is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it frictionless to get started, even if you are not familiar with investing jargon.
Here is how it works:
- Create an eToro account: Enter your personal information and gather your bank account information to deposit funds.
- Peruse Investments: Browse assets like stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency and review investment opportunities.
- Place Trades: Once you have funded your account, you can begin entering trades using available cash or your virtual portfolio.
- Leverage Trading Tools: Follow or copy other investors, mimicking their portfolio and automatically placing the same trades they do.
- Monitor Your Investments: Track performance via a user-friendly dashboard that displays your portfolio, gains, and news updates.
Learn More About Stocks:
How Much Does eToro Cost?
eToro is marketed as a commission-free platform for stock and ETF trading in the U.S., which means you can buy and sell without paying traditional brokerage fees. However, this does not mean it is entirely free to use.
Here is a breakdown of some costs:
- Stocks/ETFs – Commission-free (in the U.S.) for stocks and ETFs.
- Cryptocurrency – There is a 1% fee for buying or selling cryptoassets on eToro
- Withdrawals – No fee per withdrawal, with a minimum of $2.
- Currency Conversion – Charged if you fund your account in a currency other than USD.
- Inactivity Fee – A $10 monthly fee applies after 12 months of no login activity (if you have a funded account).
Plug and Play: Check Out Smart Money's Stock Return Calculator
Pros of eToro
- Social Trading Tools – One of eToro’s standout features is the ability to follow and copy other traders. This is great for beginners who want to learn different trading strategies. (Read more about the 11 Stock Market Segments).
- Crypto and Stock Access – eToro offers both cryptocurrency trading and traditional equities on the same platform. This makes it easier to diversify your investments in one place.
- User-Friendly Interface – With a clean design and intuitive navigation, eToro is ideal for investors just starting out. The virtual trading account also lets you practice before using real money.
- Secure Access – eToro uses industry-standard security measures and two-factor authentication.
- Community and Education – The app includes investing news and educational resources that help new users stay informed and connected.
Cons of eToro
- Limited Product Offerings - U.S. users are currently limited to stocks, ETFs, and crypto. Additionally, copy trading is currently only available for cryptocurrencies, and not all types of trades are available in all 50 states.
- No Advanced Trading Tools - Experienced investors may find the platform lacking in technical analysis tools, chart customization options, and advanced order types.
- No Retirement Accounts - You cannot open a tax-advantaged traditional IRA or 401(k) plan through eToro, which limits its use for long-term retirement planning.
- Withdrawal and Inactivity Fees - eToro charges withdrawal fees and has a monthly inactivity charge, which can add up for passive users.
How to Sign Up for eToro
Signing up for eToro is relatively simple and will only take a matter of minutes to get up and running. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the eToro website or download the app.
- Create an account using your email or social media credentials.
- Provide basic personal information and complete identity verification.
- Fund your account via bank transfer, debit card, or electronic wallet.
- Choose your investments and start trading.
New users also gain access to a $100,000 virtual portfolio, enabling them to test strategies without financial risk.
eToro Fee Structure
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stock/ETF trades | $0 |
| Crypto trades | 1%+ spread |
| Withdrawal | No fee, $2 minimum |
| Inactivity | $10/month after 12 months |
| Currency Conversion | Applicable if not in USD |
Source: eToro Website
Is eToro Worth It?
eToro can be an excellent choice for casual investors, crypto enthusiasts, or those interested in social trading. It is intuitive, affordable (especially for stocks and ETFs), and offers unique community features not found on many traditional platforms.
However, it may not be the best choice for:
- Advanced traders who need high-powered tools (Read more about Stock Traders).
- Retirement savers looking for IRAs (Read more about Retirement 101).
- Frequent crypto traders focused on minimizing spread costs (Read 7 Steps to Buy Bitcoin).
5 Popular eToro Product Offerings
1. CopyTrader™- Automatically mirrors the trades of popular investors. (Read about the 7 Types of Asset Classes).
2. Smart Portfolios - Curated investment baskets based on themes (like AI, clean energy, etc.). (Read more about ESG Investing).
3. Crypto Wallet - A secure mobile wallet for holding and transferring crypto assets. (Read more about Hot Wallets).
4. Virtual Portfolio - A demo trading account with $100,000 in play money. (Read about How to Start Trading Stocks).
5. eToro Club - Loyalty tiers offering additional benefits once your account balance grows to $5,000. (Read more about Growing Your Net Worth).
Smart Summary
eToro is a user-friendly investment platform offering a unique blend of traditional trading and social networking. With commission-free stock trades, access to cryptocurrencies, and a vibrant online community, it is ideal for beginner investors or if you enjoy learning directly from other investors.
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(1) Security.org. 2025 Cryptocurrency Adoption and Consumer Sentiment Report. Last Accessed July 17, 2025.
(2) eToro. eToro. Last Accessed July 17, 2025.
