My eToro Platform Review (April 2025)

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HelloSafe is an international specialist in comparing online trading platforms (brokers), advising over a million traders every month. Our personal finance expert has thoroughly analysed this broker by comparing it to many other platforms and has personally tested the platform for many hours. 

eToro, founded in 2007, is a multi-asset investment and social trading platform that had over 35 million traders across 140 countries in 2023. 

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing, and thoroughly analysing eToro, and I’ve sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in New Zealand. 

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can we trust eToro? Is the platform easy to pick up and intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with eToro and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the trader offer vs. other online brokers? 

So I put everything under the microscope: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, features, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools etc. Below I present my in-depth analysis of the eToro broker (compared to other platforms tested). 

What to think of eToro?

My general opinion on eToro

In my opinion, eToro is an excellent online trading platform. The platform is user-friendly and very easy to use (and I'm not the only one saying it: 4.1 on Trustpilot!) in addition to offering really powerful features. Among the most notable, we will note its Copy Trading functionality (duplicate the investment strategies of more experienced traders), THE super added value of the broker!

The broker eToro allows you to build a diversified portfolio since it allows you to trade on all assets: stocks, ETFs, CFDs, cryptos, currencies, indices and even NFTs - which means you don't have to register on multiple platforms. You can invest in real assets but also use leverage on CFDs (be careful, it's risky and costly, you need to understand the stakes!).

In terms of security, there's nothing to worry about. The platform is reliable and regulated in New Zealand, where it has been present since 2007 (as well as in 140 other countries, which reinforces its legitimacy).

The broker has also become known for its $0 commission policy on the purchase of real stocks and ETFs (and not just CFDs). eToro is also one of the few brokers to offer the purchase of fractional shares (allowing you to start investing with small amounts). Most of the fees offered are below or at the market average. 

=> In short, I believe eToro offers a secure and user-friendly platform where it is possible to buy/sell a very wide range of assets and benefit from competitive fees. 

Which trader profiles is eToro suitable for?

From my point of view, eToro is particularly suitable for several trader profiles:

=> Clearly for beginners: Account opening is fast, without excessive paperwork, the platform is intuitive, both on desktop and mobile, and Copy Trading allows you to automatically copy the portfolios of experienced traders, without having to manage your positions yourself. The free demo account with $100,000 virtual is accessible without deposit, which is ideal for training. In addition, the entry ticket is low ($50), and the platform offers many educational content to train at your own pace.

=> For regular traders who want to diversify their portfolio with stocks, ETFs or direct cryptos, and not just CFDs. eToro allows you to mix long-term investment and short-term opportunities (with leverage up to x30 depending on the assets). Copy Trading, often considered a tool for beginners, is also very useful for those who want to follow a strategy passively while maintaining control thanks to Stop Loss / Take Profit limits. eToro's community dimension, with its news feed and comments from other traders, is also a real plus for exchanging and gaining inspiration.

On the other hand, highly experienced traders or those who practice scalping or intensive day trading may find the spreads a bit too high compared to brokers like IG or Interactive Brokers, and may regret the absence of MetaTrader or more advanced technical analysis tools.

eToro in a few seconds is:

My review of the security and reliability of the eToro broker

As a trader, I consider eToro to be a reliable broker, benefiting from a solid regulatory framework and high guarantees in terms of fund security. It is regulated in several recognised jurisdictions and offers serious tools to limit the risk of excessive losses, which reinforces the confidence one can have when investing capital with them.

My Opinion on eToro's Fees, Spreads and Commissions

As a trader, I've found eToro's fees to be quite well-positioned, especially for those looking to invest in stocks or ETFs on the spot market: no commission is charged as long as you don't use leverage, which is a real advantage compared to many other brokers.

Copy Trading is also free, allowing you to follow the portfolios of other investors without additional fees. However, spreads may be higher than at more technical brokers, especially on cryptos and Forex. But overall, eToro remains competitive, especially for long-term profiles or occasional traders.

Now let's move on to the numbers: I have analysed in detail all the fees charged by eToro, and compared them to 16 other platforms to get a clear opinion.

What are the account fees at eToro?

In use, I found eToro's fee structure quite advantageous, especially if you open your account in the right currency. There are no opening or management fees, and withdrawals are free in NZD or GBP. However, for accounts in USD, the $5 fee can quickly add up if you withdraw regularly. This cost disappears if you join the eToro Club, from $2,000 invested. Inactivity fees are only charged after 12 months without logging in, so very easy to avoid.

Trader Tip

Use Revolut to reduce your conversion fees. If you deposit euros into a dollar account, eToro's exchange fees can be as high as 1.5%. By converting your funds directly via Revolut before depositing, you can save NZD$10 to NZD$15 on a NZD$500 transfer. A simple step, but one that really makes a difference in the long run.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs at eToro?

At eToro, you can invest directly in stocks and ETFs (without leverage, outside of CFD mode), making it one of the few CFD brokers to also offer a genuine commission-free long-term investment option. This is a significant advantage for investors looking to build a real portfolio without hidden fees.

Good to know

Fees may vary depending on market conditions and your eToro Club account level. The more active or invested you are, the more you benefit from reduced rates (including on currency conversions or withdrawals).

What are the cryptocurrency fees on eToro?

Based on my tests, eToro's crypto fees are easy to understand, but slightly higher than average, especially if you're an active trader who makes frequent trades. (More expensive than Binance or Kraken)

What are the CFD fees at eToro?

Here is the updated table with data from eToro's official documents, including the main assets available as CFDs:

Based on my tests, eToro performs quite well with CFDs, especially on Forex and indices: the spreads are reasonable and stable, even during periods of volatility, which is appreciable. For stock CFDs, the fees are transparent: 0.09% commission, with a minimum of $1 per transaction. For oil and some indices such as the S&P 500, the conditions are clearly in the upper average of the market.

On the other hand, I found the spreads on gold a bit high compared to other more specialised brokers. Regarding cryptos, the 1% spread may seem significant, but it remains in line with what most CFD brokers offer.

For moderate day trading or swing trading, the fees remain competitive. However, for pure scalping, you will have to deal with slightly wider spreads, especially outside of US market opening hours.

Good to know

 Leverage is capped according to New Zealand regulations (up to 1:30 for Forex, 1:20 for indices and gold, 1:5 for stocks, 1:2 for cryptos). Overnight fees are applied to all CFD positions held after market close, and the amount depends on both the asset and current conditions. To avoid surprises, I recommend always consulting eToro's fee schedule before opening a leveraged position.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on eToro

After testing eToro, I can say that the variety of assets offered is a real strength: you can build a balanced portfolio of stocks, ETFs, crypto, Forex, commodities and indices, while choosing between direct investment or CFD with leverage.

I particularly appreciated the possibility of investing in real stocks without commission, which is not so common. On the crypto side, the offer is wide but the fees are a little high; on the other hand, the possibility of transferring to an external wallet is a real plus.

For Forex or indices, it's classic, well executed, with leverage adapted to the profile and correct spreads. In short, whether you are an active trader or a long term investor, there is plenty to do.

My opinion on the eToro platform

From a personal perspective, I found eToro's platform particularly smooth and enjoyable to use, especially for investors who are starting out or want to save time. Copy Trading is a real plus, well thought out and very accessible. For daily use, it's clear, practical, and effective. On the other hand, professional traders or those who are fond of advanced technical analysis may feel a little cramped by the lack of integration of tools like MetaTrader or TradingView.

Trader Tip: Disable Default Settings for More Control

When placing your first order, remember to disable the automatic stop-loss, take-profit, and leverage options if you want to actually hold the asset. On a Nasdaq 100 ETF position, I avoided unintended exposure by setting the leverage to 1x and removing the default limits.

Client Reviews: What Users Think of eToro

To refine my evaluation, I looked at the reviews left by users on Trustpilot. Result: eToro has a solid rating of 4.1/5 based on over 26,000 reviews, placing it high in the ranking of brokers accessible in New Zealand.

What Users Appreciate:

• Intuitive and accessible platform, even without experience
• Possibility to buy stocks without commission
• Effective and easy-to-learn Copy Trading
• Responsive customer service and personalised support
• Access to a wide choice of assets, including cryptos and ETFs

Areas for Improvement:

• Exchange and withdrawal fees considered high (excluding eToro Club)
• Occasional delays or bugs during registration or withdrawal
• Automatic stop loss and take profit settings that may surprise beginners
• Interface sometimes slow or unstable according to some users
• Reported difficulties with account verification or fund transfer

Some examples of client reviews:

« The platform is simple and intuitive, perfect for beginners. The advice is clear and the support is excellent. » – R.H.
« Quality advice for over 7 years! I have never had a problem with eToro. » – C.H.
« I am very satisfied with the explanations provided. Clear, precise, and adapted to my needs. » – P.L.

Opening an account, deposits and withdrawals on eToro?

Opening an account

Steps to open an account with eToro:

• Visit
• Create your account via an email or a Facebook/Google connection
• Get immediate access to the demo account with $100,000 virtual
• Provide your supporting documents: proof of identity + proof of address
• Fill out the questionnaire about your experience and your objectives
• Make an initial deposit (minimum $50) to start trading in real
• Wait for validation (often in just a few hours)
• Start investing in real mode or continue to test the platform in demo

Opening an account is simple and straightforward. During my test, I was able to start trading in less than an hour after my documents were validated. This is one of the fastest processes I've encountered on trading platforms.

Good to know

Once registered, and even before answering the questionnaire about your trading experience, you can switch to the virtual account and start placing your first orders with your fictitious capital of NZ$100,000 made available to you. 

Deposits and withdrawals on eToro

eToro offers a simple and fast procedure for depositing or withdrawing funds, with several payment methods available depending on your country. All accounts are in USD, but deposits can be made in other currencies (automatic conversion with fees).

Bank card deposits are instant, while wire transfers may take 1 to 3 business days. Withdrawals are generally processed in 1 to 2 days, depending on the method used. All amounts deposited or withdrawn are converted to USD, with variable conversion fees if you use another currency.

Trader Tip:

Use a bank card for quick deposits. During my last $300 NZD deposit by card, the funds were available in less than 10 seconds. Perfect for seizing an opportunity without waiting, unlike a bank transfer which can delay the execution of your orders.

Types of Accounts Available on eToro

eToro offers a simple and universal account structure, designed to adapt to investors around the world. As an international platform, you cannot open a specific tax-advantaged account as this type of account is specific to taxation in some countries. However, eToro allows you to invest in both real stocks and CFDs, which suits many types of traders, from beginners to experienced investors.

What is the eToro Club?

The eToro Club is a loyalty program structured into 5 levels (Silver to Diamond), based on the total balance of your account. Membership is automatic, and the benefits evolve according to the amount held. From the Silver level (starting at $5,000 NZD), you begin to benefit from more personalised support, which clearly improves the experience, especially on customer service or investment strategy aspects.

As a trader who has reached the Silver level, I found this program really useful: I was able to quickly communicate with a manager via WhatsApp, especially for questions about ETF spreads.

The Smart Portfolios accessible from this level are also very practical for diversifying without manually managing each position. In my opinion, it's a good way to gain autonomy while having responsive support. My goal is to reach the Platinum level, which significantly reduces exchange fees and provides more advanced analysis tools.

Trader Tip:

  Level up to optimise your fees and monitoring. The eToro Club monitors your account balance daily to determine your level. From $5,000, you already gain in comfort (fast responses, personalised advice), and from $25,000, you start to access premium services that can clearly make a difference if you trade actively or invest in the long term.

Conclusion : Should You Invest with eToro in New Zealand?

After several weeks of testing, I can say that eToro is a really solid platform, especially if you are looking for a simple solution to invest without necessarily becoming a technical expert. Copy Trading is ultra efficient, especially for starting without stress, and the possibility of investing in stocks or ETFs without commission, even with small amounts (thanks to fractional shares), is a real asset.

What I appreciated was how easy it is to get started: everything is clear, smooth, and designed for those who want to manage their own portfolio without getting into complex tools. I also liked the social aspect, with a real active community that comments on assets and shares its analyses.

In short, if you are a beginner or an independent investor, eToro is a good entry point into trading.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.