Learn more about eToro, one of the world’s leading social trading platforms, which offers investment services for stocks and cryptocurrencies, as well as trading CFD with different underlying assets.
Founded | 2007 |
Headquarters | Israel |
Website | https://www.etoro.com/ |
Daily volume trading | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of cryptocurrencies | 30+ |
Crypto licences | 11 VASP licenses in multiple jurisdictions. |
Cryptocurrency Fees | 1% per transaction |
Minimum deposit | $10-$1,000 depending on country and payment method. |
Digital Wallet | Yes |
Promotion | Yes |
Currency | USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and others based on region |
Deposit Method | Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer |
eToro was founded back in 2007 by Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, and David Ring in Tel Aviv. Over the years, eToro has made its name known as one of the leaders in social trading and multi-asset investment. The platform initially disrupted the trading sector due to its innovative features, which was copy trading and social trading. This allowed users to replicate the strategies of experienced traders. As the company scaled, eToro started offering investments across various financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Currently, eToro operates in more than 140 countries, and has more than 35 million users. eToro brands itself as a user-friendly, community-driven alternative to traditional brokerages. eToro wants to make trading more transparent and accessible for both amateurs and experienced traders. To do this, eToro mixes educational resources, digital tools, and the social element into the user experience in investments.
Nonetheless, as every financial institution, etoro has had plenty of challenges, especially in key markets such as the US, Canada, and Australia. It has received tons of criticism over the years. For instance, many criticised its CFD-based (Contract for Differences) business model. Nonetheless, eToro remains as one of the most recognizable names in the digital finance world, and it continues to develop with new features.
In 2025, eToro is preparing for a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). With that in mind, if you’re looking to explore eToro, this is the right place to start as this content piece covers all the essentials of the highly-discussed platform.
eToro brings a lot of innovative features in order to enhance the investment experience. First and foremost, one of the standout features is the eToro social trading ecosystem. The platform integrates social media elements, and it allows users to connect with and learn from other traders.
This feature includes the CopyTrader feature, which allows users to copy the trades of successful investors. Users can browse through popular investors, analyze their trading performance, and allocate funds to replicate their trads in real-time. The minimum amount to copy trade is $200. You can copy up to 100 traders at once. The social trading ecosystem also has a news feed, where users can engage in discussions about market trends, investment strategies, and trading insights with the border eToro community.
Another key feature of eToro is that it is one of the few in the crypto space that offers a wide range of asset classes. With that said, eToro offers over 3,000 global stocks and ETFs, and trading for US-based stocks and ETFs is commission-free. eToro also offers over 30 cryptocurrencies, which are available in the US and 80 other countries. Some of the cryptocurrencies include large caps such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, etc.
CFDs are available in regions outside the US, which allows leveraged trading and short-selling of various assets (i.e. stocks, forex, commodities). Users can also trade traditional instruments such as gold, oil, and other major global indices.
Formerly known as CopyFunds, Smart Portfolios is yet another feature of eToro. This feature allows users to invest in pre-built portfolios focused on specific themes or sectors. These portfolios are managed by eToro’s investment committee. These include options like tech portfolios (i.e. artificial intelligence), renewable energy portfolios, and crypto-based portfolios.
eToro also provides a free demo account with $100,000 in virtual funds, which allows suers to practice trading without risking real money. This is a much-needed tool for beginners who want to familiarize themselves with the platform’s features and test investment strategies.
eToro offers a user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android as well, so users can manage their portfolios anywhere with the internet. Some features of the app are its advanced charting tools, real-time price alerts, and other trading tools. The app also supports crypto storage and external wallet transfers.
With that said, the eToro Money wallet aims to securely store cryptocurrencies. Users can transfer their assets from the main platform to this wallet, which uses two-factor authentication (2FA) for increased security.
However, one drawback of this feature is that these transfers are one-way. Basically, once you move crypto to this wallet from the trading platform, you cannot move them back to the platform.
Users can also automate their investments with the Recurring Deposits feature, which allows scheduled deposits from a linked debit card, with customizable options for deposit frequency and amount. This also has reduced currency conversion fees. Back in 2022, eToro also launched its options trading platform for US citizens. This platform provides low-cost options trading and has tools like draft trading.
Similar to other exchanges and financial platforms, eToro puts an emphasis on educating its user base by providing webinars, tutorials, and guides on how to approach financial markets and asset classes. These aim to help users of all experience levels make informed investment decisions.
eToro offers a tiered Club Membership program with exclusive benefits based on a user’s equity holdings. These include different levels (i.e. Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum+, and Diamond), which offer lower fees and more flexibility as you go higher in the tier levels.
Last but not least, eToro has worked on securing strategic partnerships with different companies to enhance its offerings and expand its user base. Notable partnerships include a collaboration with X.com (formerly known as Twitter) in 223 to allow users to click on ticker symbols to access eToro trading pages. Last year, eToro partnered with the London Stock Exchange tp add over 1,000 new UK stocks to the platform. Lastly, eToro has sponsored many football teams in some of the biggest leagues in the world.
eToro operates under strict regulatory oversight to comply with international and regional financial regulations. The platform holds licenses across major markets, enhancing its credibility and user protection efforts.
In the United Kingdom, eToro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure financial stability and transparency. In the European Union, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) licenses eToro to provide services across the European Economic Area. In the United States, eToro is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business, offering cryptocurrency, stock, and ETF trading. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) oversees eToro’s operations in Australia, enforcing compliance with financial laws. Additionally, eToro is authorized by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi, covering Middle Eastern markets.
eToro operates in over 140 countries, though services vary by region due to regulatory requirements. In the United States, crypto trading is restricted in New York, Nevada, Hawaii, and Minnesota. In Europe, eToro offers full services, including CFDs, crypto, and stocks. In Asia-Pacific, eToro faces regulatory challenges, including disputes in India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In Canada, eToro ceased operations in Ontario after regulatory settlements and is unavailable in most other provinces. Following a warning from the Philippines SEC in 2024, eToro announced its withdrawal from that market.
The platform enforces strict compliance measures, including Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) protocols. Users must provide proof of identity and address during verification. eToro actively monitors transactions to detect fraud and prevent illegal activities. Data protection policies align with regulations such as GDPR in Europe.
Despite regulatory efforts, eToro has faced fines and legal challenges. CySEC fined eToro €50,000 in 2013 for structural weaknesses in its operations. In 2018, eToro settled with Canadian authorities for operating without a license, paying $550,000 in fines and $1.8 million in disgorged profits. Italy’s Competition Authority fined eToro €1.3 million in 2023 for misleading advertising regarding fees. ASIC filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing that eToro’s onboarding process for CFD clients was too lax. In 2024, the U.S. SEC fined eToro $1.5 million for unregistered crypto securities trading, limiting U.S. services to Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.
Certain markets continue to impose restrictions on eToro. New York’s BitLicense requirements block crypto services. The Reserve Bank of India lists eToro as an illegal forex platform. Regulatory warnings prompted eToro’s withdrawal from the Philippines. In Malaysia, eToro operates without a local license, leading to additional regulatory challenges.
eToro implements multiple security measures to protect user data, transactions, and account balances. These measures comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for all users. This feature requires users to verify their identity with a code sent to their mobile phone or email. eToro also encrypts all data transferred between users and servers using SSL encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
The platform holds customer funds in segregated accounts at top-tier banks to protect user deposits. eToro manages cryptocurrency holdings with both hot wallets for immediate transactions and cold wallets for offline storage. Transfers to external wallets require multiple verification steps to prevent unauthorized access. eToro has also obtained SOC 2 Type II certification, which verifies its adherence to high standards for security, availability, and data integrity. The platform continuously monitors user behavior to detect threats in real-time.
Despite strong security measures, eToro has faced security incidents. In 2024, a data breach exposed partial account information, though no funds were lost. eToro responded by strengthening its internal systems and enhancing security protocols. The platform has also dealt with unauthorized access attempts through phishing attacks. Regulators, including ASIC and CySEC, have criticized eToro for risk management practices related to CFD trading, highlighting potential systemic risks from high leverage and volatility.
For crypto security, eToro offers a dedicated eToro Money crypto wallet for managing digital assets. Users can transfer cryptocurrencies from the trading platform to the wallet. Transfers require multiple layers of security, such as SMS verification and manual review. eToro monitors blockchain activity to detect anomalies and protect crypto holdings.
eToro complies with various regulatory security standards. It adheres to GDPR requirements for data protection and follows client protection rules set by the FCA and CySEC. The platform enforces anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols by verifying user identities and monitoring transactions for suspicious activity.
eToro educates users on security risks through regular updates on scams, phishing attacks, and fraud tactics. The platform offers account recovery options for unauthorized access cases. While eToro’s customer support receives criticism for slow response times, users can escalate urgent security cases through dedicated fraud prevention channels.
eToro has announced plans to enhance its security infrastructure further. Future improvements include biometric authentication for mobile users and partnerships with blockchain security firms to strengthen cold storage. The platform is also developing customizable risk controls, allowing users to set alerts and limits for trading and withdrawals.
Certain security challenges remain. Users have reported delays in support for urgent security issues. eToro could improve transparency by providing more information on the results of security audits. Strengthening phishing detection measures, such as enhanced email and SMS verification protocols, could also improve account protection.
eToro charges different trading fees based on the asset type, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. For cryptocurrencies, eToro applies a flat 1% fee on each trade, added to the market price. If you buy $1,000 worth of Bitcoin, eToro charges a $10 fee upfront. Stock and ETF trades on U.S. exchanges have zero commission, although users may still pay small regulatory fees on sales. Trades on non-U.S. exchanges may include up to a $2 commission. CFD fees consist of spread fees, which vary by asset and market conditions, and overnight fees, which apply if positions remain open after a day.
Smart Portfolios do not have management fees, but users pay the usual spread fees on assets in the portfolio. CopyTrader allows users to replicate trades of others without extra fees, though standard trading fees still apply. Non-trading fees include withdrawal, currency conversion, and inactivity charges. eToro does not charge for deposits but applies a $5 fee for withdrawals from USD accounts. Withdrawals from GBP and EUR accounts are free. Currency conversions incur fees, which depend on the payment method and can reach up to 1.5%.
Users who do not log in for 12 consecutive months face a $10 monthly inactivity fee, deducted from the remaining balance. Cryptocurrency transfers from the trading platform to the eToro Money crypto wallet incur a 2% fee, with a $1 minimum and $100 maximum. Blockchain transaction fees also apply and vary with network conditions. Transfers to the wallet are one-way and cannot be reversed.
In the U.S., users may encounter regulatory fees on stock transactions. These include an $8 SEC fee per $1,000,000 of principal traded and a FINRA Trading Activity Fee (TAF) of $0.000166 per share sold. Options trades incur both the TAF and an Options Regulatory Fee of $0.02675 per contract.
Compared to competitors, eToro’s 1% cryptocurrency fee is higher than Binance’s 0.1% fee but simpler than Coinbase’s tiered structure. For U.S. stocks and ETFs, eToro’s zero-commission approach matches Robinhood but offers more features like CopyTrader. CFD fees are higher than Interactive Brokers, which offers tighter spreads and lower overnight fees.
eToro emphasizes fee transparency by displaying costs upfront on trade execution screens. Users can see estimated fees, including spread and overnight charges, before confirming trades. Detailed fee schedules and explanations are available in eToro’s support resources.
Fee Category | Type | Details | Fee Rate |
Trading Fees | Cryptocurrencies | Trading fee per transaction (buy/sell) | 1% |
Stocks & ETFs (U.S.) | Commission | $0 (no commission) | |
Stocks (Non-U.S.) | Commission | Up to $2 per trade | |
CFDs | Spread fee | Varies by asset type and market conditions | |
Overnight fee (rollover interest) | Based on size and leverage of position | ||
Smart Portfolios | Management fee | $0 (spread fees apply on portfolio assets) | |
CopyTrader™ | Copying fee | $0 (standard trading fees apply) | |
Non-Trading Fees | Deposit | Deposit fee | Free (currency conversion may apply) |
Withdrawal | USD-based accounts | $5 | |
GBP/EUR-based accounts | Free | ||
Minimum Withdrawal Amount | For USD accounts | $30 | |
For GBP/EUR accounts | No minimum | ||
Currency Conversion | Conversion fee | Up to 1.5% (varies by payment method) | |
Inactivity | Fee applied after 12 months of no login activity | $10/month | |
Crypto Transfers | Crypto Transfer Fee | From trading account to eToro Money wallet | 2% (min $1, max $100) |
Blockchain Network Fee | Additional external fee | Variable, based on network conditions | |
Transfer Type | One-way transfers only | Cannot transfer crypto back to platform | |
U.S. Regulatory Fees | SEC Fee | Applied on sell transactions | $8 per $1,000,000 traded |
FINRA Trading Fee | Equities | $0.000166 per share (max $8.30 per trade) | |
Options | $0.00279 per contract | ||
Options Regulatory Fee | Charged on options trades | $0.02675 per contract |
Step 1: Registering for an eToro Account
Visit the eToro website or download the app from your preferred app store. Click the “Sign Up” button and fill out the form with your username, email address, and password. Alternatively, you can register using your Google or Facebook account. Once you accept the terms and conditions, eToro will send a verification email. Click the link provided to activate your account.
Step 2: Verifying Your Identity (KYC Process)
After registering, eToro requires identity verification under Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. Log in to your account and upload a valid form of identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. Additionally, provide proof of address through a recent utility bill or bank statement. The verification process may take a few days, after which a green checkmark will appear next to your profile.
Step 3: Depositing Funds
To fund your account, click on the “Deposit Funds” button. Enter the amount you want to deposit and select your payment method, which may include credit cards, bank transfers, or PayPal. Confirm your payment details and follow the instructions. Deposits made via cards or PayPal typically appear instantly, while bank transfers may take up to seven business days.
Step 4: Exploring the Platform Features
Once your account is funded, you can explore eToro’s various features. Navigate to the Portfolio tab to view your balance and active positions. Use the watchlist feature to track specific assets and engage with the social feed to follow other traders. You can also practice trading in a risk-free demo account with virtual funds.
Step 5: Placing a Trade
To place a trade, use the search bar to find the asset you wish to trade. Click the “Trade” button to open the trade window. Enter the amount you want to invest and configure the trade settings. You can choose between market orders, which execute immediately, or limit orders, which activate at your specified price. For leveraged trades, set your preferred multiplier, though non-leveraged positions represent asset ownership. Review your trade details and click “Open Trade” to execute.
Step 6: Managing Your Trades
Manage your trades through the Portfolio tab, where you can monitor real-time updates on your positions. Adjust settings such as Stop Loss or Take Profit as needed. To close a trade, click on the active position and select “Close Trade.
Step 7: Withdrawing Funds
When you’re ready to withdraw funds, navigate to the withdrawal section in your account. Enter the amount and select your preferred method, such as bank transfer or PayPal. Confirm the withdrawal, keeping in mind that eToro charges a $5 fee for USD account withdrawals. Processing times vary but typically take one to five business days.
Step 8: Using Advanced Features
Advanced users can access additional features, including CopyTrader™, which allows you to automatically replicate trades of successful investors. The minimum amount required to copy a trader is $200. Smart Portfolios provide pre-built investment strategies managed by eToro’s team, offering diversification across multiple assets. Crypto users can transfer assets to the eToro Money wallet for secure external transactions, though a 2% fee applies to transfers.
Positive Feedback
Users appreciated eToro’s unique events, including VIP access to football matches and other hospitality experiences. These events provided networking opportunities and direct interaction with account managers, which left a strong impression on attendees. Many users found the platform intuitive and easy to navigate, particularly beneficial for beginners. Features like CopyTrader™ and Smart Portfolios simplified investment strategies and received widespread praise. Numerous users commended their account managers for providing personalized support and investment guidance. Account managers also enhanced the experience by offering event invitations and timely assistance. Social and educational tools helped users engage with other investors and learn from successful traders. The ability to copy trades was especially valuable to those new to investing.
Negative Feedback
Users frequently complained about withdrawal issues, including prolonged delays and blocked transactions. Some reported waiting weeks or months to access funds, citing poor communication and inconsistent responses from customer support. Many users expressed frustration over hidden fees, high currency conversion rates, and wide spreads, particularly for cryptocurrency trades. Although eToro charges no commission on stock trades, users felt the fee structure lacked transparency, especially regarding spreads. Customer service faced criticism for slow responses, automated replies, and limited access to live support. Several users reported long wait times to resolve issues and inconsistent advice from support agents. Account restrictions and closures without detailed explanations further aggravated users. Some described the verification process as overly complex and time-consuming, with accounts closed shortly after registration due to regulatory measures.
Overall, eToro receives praise for its user-friendly interface, social features, and educational resources. However, common pain points include delays in withdrawals, high fees, inconsistent customer support, and strict account verification procedures.
How do I withdraw funds from my eToro account?
To withdraw funds, log in to your eToro account, click on the “Withdraw Funds” tab, enter the amount, and complete the electronic withdrawal form.
What are the minimum and maximum deposit amounts on eToro?
The minimum deposit is $10 for methods like debit cards and bank accounts, while the maximum varies by payment method, up to $40,000 per transaction for debit cards.
Does eToro charge withdrawal fees?
eToro USA LLC does not charge a withdrawal fee. However, your bank may impose a fee for receiving the transfer.
How long does it take to receive withdrawn funds?
Withdrawal processing times vary: online bank transfers typically take less than three business days after processing, wire transfers can take up to seven business days, and debit card withdrawals usually take around four business days.
Is depositing funds into my eToro account safe?
Yes, eToro employs Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to protect your personal information during transactions, ensuring that depositing funds is safe and secure.
Can I fund my eToro account using someone else’s bank account?
No, eToro does not allow third-party payments. The owner of the trading account must be the owner of the funds.
What is eToro’s CopyTrader™ feature?
eToro’s CopyTrader™ allows users to replicate the trades of top investors automatically, making it easier for beginners to follow experienced traders’ strategies.
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