PEA Trade Republic vs. PEA BoursoBank: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

• Key Differences Between Trade Republic and BoursoBank PEA
• Pros and Cons Summary
• Who Should Choose Which Platform?
• Transferring an Existing PEA
• How to Open a PEA in 2025
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing between a PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) from Trade Republic or BoursoBank is a decision many French investors are grappling with in 2025. With Trade Republic's long-awaited PEA launch in January 2025 shaking up the market, investors now have more options than ever. This comprehensive comparison examines both platforms across key factors like fees, reliability, investment products, features, and customer service to help you make the best choice for your financial goals.

Key Differences Between Trade Republic and BoursoBank PEA

When comparing these two investment platforms for your PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions), several critical differences emerge that could significantly influence your decision. As part of the BTCC team's analysis, we've examined both platforms across multiple dimensions to help you make an informed choice.

1. Fee Structures: Where Can You Save More?

Both platforms offer commission-free account opening and maintenance, but their trading fee structures differ substantially:

Trade Republic clearly wins on fees, especially for active traders making larger orders. Their flat €1 fee per trade (or free for scheduled investments) beats BoursoBank's percentage-based structure for most investors. According to TradingView data, this difference can compound significantly over time for frequent traders.

2. Platform Reliability and Security

Both platforms offer solid reliability but with different backgrounds and regulatory frameworks:

While BoursoBank has the longer track record as part of Société Générale (one of France's largest banks), Trade Republic's rapid growth and German banking regulation provide substantial credibility. The BTCC team notes that both platforms maintain high security standards, with Trade Republic holding client assets at Deutsche Bank, HSBC and JP Morgan.

3. Investment Products Available

Both platforms offer standard PEA-eligible stocks and ETFs, but with some important differences:

• PEA Young: Available on both platforms (for investors 18-25)
• PEA-PME: Only available through BoursoBank (for SME investments)
• Fractional shares: Coming soon to Trade Republic pending French regulation changes
• Scheduled investments: Available on both, but more robust with Trade Republic's commission-free automated plans

The BTCC analysis team found that BoursoBank offers a slightly wider range of banking products (including life insurance and PER retirement accounts), while Trade Republic focuses more on Core investment services.

4. Minimum Investment Amounts

Trade Republic stands out by allowing investments of any amount, while BoursoBank requires minimum €100 orders. This makes Trade Republic more accessible for:

• Small, regular investments
• Dollar-cost averaging strategies
• Beginning investors with limited capital

5. Platform Features Comparison

Each platform offers unique features that may appeal to different investor profiles:

The BTCC team particularly notes Trade Republic's interest-bearing cash account (currently 2% ECB rate) as a unique advantage for uninvested funds.

6. Customer Service Experience

Based on Trustpilot reviews and our team's testing:

• Trade Republic: 4.1/5 from 30,212 reviews
• BoursoBank: 4.5/5 from 36,894 reviews

Key service differences:

• BoursoBank generally provides more responsive customer service via phone and email
• Trade Republic primarily offers chat/email support which can sometimes be slower
• Both platforms have improved service quality as they've scaled operations

The BTCC team recommends BoursoBank for investors who prioritize immediate customer support, while Trade Republic may suffice for more self-directed investors.

Pros and Cons Summary

Trade Republic Advantages

• Cost-efficient trading: Flat-rate pricing structure benefits frequent traders with predictable expenses.
• Micro-investment friendly: Enables building positions gradually without capital constraints.
• Automated wealth building: Sophisticated recurring investment tools with full automation capabilities.
• Cash utilization: Competitive yield on idle balances enhances overall portfolio returns.
• Digital-first experience: Streamlined mobile platform optimized for modern investing behaviors.

BoursoBank Advantages

• SME investment access: Specialized vehicle for participating in France's growing business sector.
• Integrated financial services: Comprehensive suite including retirement and insurance solutions.
• Premium support: Multichannel assistance with established service level standards.
• Institutional backing: Longstanding partnership with major French financial institution.
• Strategic ETF offerings: Curated selection of commission-free investment vehicles.

Trade Republic delivers superior technical infrastructure for systematic investing, while BoursoBank provides institutional-grade wealth management services. The choice hinges on whether technological efficiency or comprehensive financial integration better aligns with individual objectives.

Who Should Choose Which Platform?

The best choice between Trade Republic and BoursoBank's PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) depends on your investment style and priorities. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

Choose Trade Republic's PEA if:

• Low Fees Matter: Trade Republic offers a flat €1 fee per order (or €0 for automated investment plans), making it ideal for frequent traders or those investing smaller amounts regularly.
• Automated Investing: Their automated investment plans allow you to set up recurring purchases of stocks or ETFs without additional fees, perfect for passive investors.
• Modern Platform: The app is intuitive, user-friendly, and designed for a seamless investing experience.
• Interest on Uninvested Cash: Trade Republic pays interest on idle cash at the ECB rate, a rare feature among brokers.
• Small, Regular Investments: No minimum order amount means you can invest even small sums, unlike BoursoBank’s €100 minimum.

Choose BoursoBank's PEA if:

• PEA-PME Access: BoursoBank offers a PEA-PME, allowing investments in small and mid-sized companies, which Trade Republic doesn’t support.
• Established French Institution: Backed by Société Générale, BoursoBank has a longer track record and broader banking services, including insurance and retirement accounts.
• Responsive Customer Service: BoursoBank generally has faster customer support, which may be crucial for urgent issues.
• Broader Product Range: Beyond the PEA, BoursoBank offers additional financial products like life insurance (AV) and retirement accounts (PER).
• Larger, Less Frequent Trades: For investors making fewer, larger trades, BoursoBank’s fee structure (0.5% for orders under €399, then fixed fees) can be competitive.

Additional Considerations:

• Service Quality: BoursoBank edges out slightly in Trustpilot ratings (4.5/5 vs. Trade Republic’s 4.1/5).
• Innovation: Trade Republic leads with features like fractional shares (coming soon) and automated investing.
• Security: Both platforms are regulated and offer deposit guarantees up to €100,000.

Ultimately, if cost-efficiency and automation are your priorities, Trade Republic is the better pick. If you value a full-service French bank with PEA-PME access, BoursoBank is the way to go. For existing BoursoBank customers, transferring to Trade Republic may not be worthwhile unless the lower fees or automated plans significantly benefit your strategy.

Transferring an Existing PEA

If you're considering transferring your existing PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) to a new provider, both platforms facilitate this process with distinct advantages. The transfer mechanism preserves your account's tax benefits while potentially improving your investment conditions.

Key aspects of the transfer procedure include:

Strategic considerations for optimal transfer execution:

• Position Evaluation: Assess whether maintaining current holdings aligns with your new platform's strengths.
• Fee Analysis: Compare potential savings against any transfer-related costs.
• Platform Compatibility: Verify that all your securities are supported on the new platform.

Operational differences between providers:

Note that during the transfer period, you typically cannot trade the affected securities. Planning the timing around your investment strategy can minimize potential opportunity costs.

How to Open a PEA in 2025

Setting up a PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) with either Trade Republic or BoursoBank in 2025 has been simplified through digital processes. Here's a comprehensive guide for account creation on each platform:

Trade Republic Account Setup

BoursoBank Account Establishment

Notable distinctions between platforms:

• Trade Republic features immediate account activation without capital prerequisites
• BoursoBank incorporates traditional banking elements with expanded financial solutions
• Both institutions offer complete digital assistance during enrollment

Recent platform enhancements have reduced approval timelines to under 24 hours for most applications. Trade Republic's mobile-centric design particularly resonates with tech-savvy investors, while BoursoBank's institutional connectivity appeals to those seeking integrated financial management.

For existing account holders considering migration, both services facilitate transfers with processing periods typically spanning 14-28 days. Industry data indicates growing migration trends as investors prioritize cost efficiency and platform capabilities.

Final Verdict

Both Trade Republic and BoursoBank offer excellent PEA options in 2025, but for different types of investors. Trade Republic's lower fees and modern features make it ideal for cost-conscious, tech-savvy investors who value automation. BoursoBank's broader product range and established reputation may appeal to those wanting a more traditional banking relationship.

Ultimately, the "best" PEA depends on your specific needs and investment approach. Many investors might find value in using both platforms for different purposes. Remember, you can always transfer your PEA later if your needs change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trade Republic safe for my PEA?

Yes, Trade Republic's PEA is regulated by French authorities (AMF and ACPR) and offers the same €100,000 deposit protection as other French financial institutions.

Can I buy fractional shares in my PEA?

Currently, fractional shares aren't available in PEAs due to French regulations, but Trade Republic plans to offer this feature once it becomes legally possible.

Which platform has better ETF selection?

Both offer similar selections of PEA-eligible ETFs (about 150 each). Trade Republic may have a slight edge for international exposure through synthetic ETFs.

How do the mobile apps compare?

Trade Republic's app is generally considered more modern and intuitive, while BoursoBank's offers more advanced features for experienced investors.

Can I have multiple PEAs?

French regulations allow only one PEA per individual, but you can have a PEA and a PEA-PME simultaneously.