Is eToro Commission-Free?

You’ve probably seen eToro advertised as a “commission-free trading platform”, but if you’ve ever traded before, you know that most brokers make money somewhere. So, is eToro truly commission-free — or is that just marketing talk?

The short answer: Yes, eToro offers commission-free trading for real stocks, but there are other types of fees that can apply depending on how you trade. In this article, we’ll break it down in simple terms so that both beginners and intermediate traders can understand the full picture.

What “Commission-Free” Really Means on eToro

When eToro says it’s commission-free, it’s referring to buying real stocks (not CFDs) with no leverage on a real-money account.

To qualify for commission-free stock trading:

• You must buy stocks (not CFDs)
• Your position must be a long trade (you’re buying, not shorting)
• You must not use leverage
• You must use a real-money account (not demo)

Under these conditions, you won’t pay any commission fees to open or close the trade. This is different from traditional brokers who often charge $5–$10 per trade.

But here’s where many beginners get confused: if you accidentally select a CFD trade (even on a stock), use leverage, or open a short position, you are no longer trading commission-free.

Many platforms say “commission-free” but make up for it with hidden fees. With eToro, the commission-free promise is real for eligible stock trades — but you still need to watch out for other types of fees.

Other Fees You Should Know About

Even though you won’t pay a broker commission on eligible stock trades, eToro is not a completely fee-free platform. Here’s what else might apply:

Spreads

This is the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. It’s how eToro (and many brokers) make money even on “zero-commission” trades.

• Forex pairs like EUR/USD may have tight spreads — as low as 1 pip.
• Cryptos and stock CFDs can have much wider spreads — sometimes $20 or more, depending on liquidity and volatility.

This cost is “baked into” your trade, so always check the spread before entering.

Withdrawal Fees

eToro charges a $5 flat fee per withdrawal, regardless of the amount. This applies even if the withdrawal is later declined due to issues with your payment provider, so make sure your method is set up correctly.

Withdrawals typically take 1–3 business days to process.

Currency Conversion Fees

All eToro accounts are in USD. If you deposit or withdraw using another currency, you’ll pay a conversion fee ranging from 0.50% to 2.00%.

This can quietly eat into your profits, especially for traders in the UK or EU using GBP or EUR.

Tip: Use services like Wise or Revolut to convert your local currency to USD before sending it to eToro to reduce this cost.

Inactivity Fee

If you don’t log in to your eToro account for 12 months, a $10/month inactivity fee will apply. It’s only deducted if you have money in the account. Logging in once a year is enough to avoid it.

Overnight/Weekend Fees (CFDs Only)

If you open a CFD position and hold it overnight or over the weekend, you’ll pay a daily fee known as a “rollover” or “swap.”

These vary by asset class and leverage. For example:

• Holding a crypto CFD or gold trade over the weekend can cost several dollars.
• Forex swaps may be lower but still add up over time.

How Fees Apply Across eToro Account Types

eToro offers several account types. Here’s how fees play out depending on which one you use:

• Standard (Real Money) Account. Eligible for commission-free real stock trading. All standard fees (withdrawal, spreads, conversions, inactivity) apply.
• Demo Account. 100% free. Includes $100,000 in virtual funds. You can test strategies without worrying about any costs.
• Islamic (Swap-Free) Account. No overnight swap fees for CFDs, in line with Sharia law. However, spreads may be wider or admin fees may apply instead. This account must be requested and approved by eToro.

Real-World Insights: What Traders Say

Reading reviews and discussions from actual eToro users gives us a clearer picture:

• Positive. Beginners love the simple, clean interface and zero commissions on real stocks. Many say eToro helped them get started in investing without worrying about broker fees.
• Mixed. Some traders were surprised by the currency conversion fees and rollover charges on CFD trades. These aren’t hidden — but they are often missed by first-timers who don’t read the fine print.
• Critical. Advanced users sometimes point to the $5 withdrawal fee and wider spreads compared to pro-level platforms. Others stress the importance of knowing whether you’re trading a real stock or a CFD.

Pro Tip from the community: Always check whether your trade is labeled “You are buying the underlying asset.” That means you’re trading real stocks and avoiding CFD-related fees.

Final Thoughts

So, is eToro commission-free? Yes, but only for real stock trades under specific conditions. For many beginners and long-term investors, this makes eToro one of the most affordable and accessible platforms available.

However, once you start using CFDs, leverage, or trading outside the U.S. stock market, you’ll run into other types of fees. The key is to understand how and where these costs show up — so they don’t catch you by surprise.

If you’re planning to use eToro for trading, start with a demo account, avoid overusing leverage, and read through the fee disclosure page carefully. That way, you can trade smarter — and keep more of your profits in your pocket.

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FAQs

1. Is there really no commission for stock trading on eToro? Yes — for real, long (buy), unleveraged stock trades, eToro does not charge a commission.

2. Are CFD trades commission-free too? No. CFD trades include spreads and often overnight fees. While you won’t pay a flat commission, the costs can add up.

3. Does eToro charge a withdrawal fee? Yes. There is a flat $5 fee per withdrawal, no matter how much you take out.

4. How do I avoid conversion fees on eToro? Use a service like Wise or Revolut to convert your local currency to USD before depositing to eToro.

5. Is the demo account really free? Yes. The demo account is completely free and includes $100,000 in virtual funds.

6. What if I don’t use my account for a long time? After 12 months of no logins, eToro charges a $10/month inactivity fee, but only if your account has a balance.

7. Are there any hidden fees on eToro? There are no hidden fees, but users often overlook things like spread costs, currency conversion, and overnight CFD fees.

8. Do Islamic accounts avoid all fees? Islamic accounts skip swap fees, but may have wider spreads or fixed admin charges to compensate.

9. How can I check what type of trade I’m placing? eToro clearly shows whether a trade is for a real asset or a CFD on the trade ticket. Make sure you understand this before placing your order.

10. Why do some users still complain about fees? Most complaints come from traders who didn’t understand how spreads, swaps, and conversions work. Once you’re aware of these costs, they’re fairly easy to manage.