
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform founded in 2007 and used by over 40 million people worldwide. You can invest in stocks and ETFs, and it is best known for its social and copy-trading features that let you follow and replicate other investors.
eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 583263), and eligible UK customers are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000. One thing to know: eToro holds balances in US dollars, so a currency-conversion fee applies when you move money in and out in pounds.
Your free shares depend on your first deposit. We've featured the £1,000 tier (£100 in free shares) as the sweet spot, but you can deposit more for a bigger reward.
| Deposit | Free shares |
|---|---|
£500 to £999 | £40 |
£1,000 to £4,999 (Quidsy Pick) | £100 |
£5,000 to £9,999 | £300 |
£10,000 or more | £500 |
Shares are bought subject to eToro’s fees, so the amount you receive may be slightly lower. Your deposit must stay in for 90 days, and UK customers receive stocks only (no crypto).
eToro is running a tiered welcome offer: open an account, make a first deposit, and you get free shares based on how much you put in. We would aim for the £1,000 tier, which gets you £100 in free shares, the best balance of reward against the money you commit.
The clever part: your deposit does not need to be invested. You can leave the full £1,000 sitting as your cash balance, so it is not exposed to the markets. Only the free share itself rises and falls in value. You just need to keep the deposit in place for 90 days.
In our experience the free shares land within about a week, though eToro only guarantees them after the 90-day period. If yours has not shown up within a week, message eToro to confirm it will arrive after the 90 days. After that your deposit is yours: keep investing if you like eToro, or withdraw (a $5 fee and currency conversion apply) or transfer out.
Done? Tick off each step above to see your total.
Completed the offer? Awesome! Here's our full review on why eToro could work well for you going forward.
eToro is a strong, well-regulated platform with genuinely useful social features, and the tiered welcome offer is an easy way to pick up free shares for depositing money you can leave as cash. For claiming the bonus, it is a straightforward yes.
Go in clear-eyed on the costs, though. eToro can charge a small per-trade commission, and a currency-conversion fee applies when you trade US-listed shares or hold dollars, both of which can nibble at returns. There is also no ISA wrapper on this account. Our suggestion: grab the free shares, keep your deposit in for the 90 days, then decide whether eToro is a long-term fit or whether to move your money to a cheaper platform.
eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 583263). Capital is at risk and the value of investments can fall as well as rise. Eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000.