Who pays a better rate, Bunq or Trade Republic?
Trade Republic currently has the higher best rate: 3% vs 2.11% AER. Rates are checked daily with both providers.
Bunq vs Trade Republic: Which Is Better in Ireland? August 2026
SmartSaver.ie's head-to-head comparison of Bunq and Trade Republic. The numbers below come from SmartSaver.ie's daily price checks (as of 2026-08-17).
Verdict
Ireland's two favourite EU neobanks for parking savings, both protected by €100,000 national deposit guarantees (Dutch and German respectively). Bunq usually edges the headline instant-access rate and takes balances to €100,000; Trade Republic caps interest-earning balances lower but doubles as an investment platform if you ever want shares or ETFs alongside cash. Neither auto-deducts Irish DIRT: you declare it yourself either way. Pick on rate and ceiling: check the live numbers below.
Best for each use case
- Headline rate: See live table. Both move rates. Compare current AER below
- Large balances: Bunq. Interest typically paid up to €100,000
- Investing too: Trade Republic. Shares and ETFs on the same platform
Bunq vs Trade Republic: the numbers
| Measure | Bunq | Trade Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Best instant access | None | 3% AER |
| Best fixed term | 2.11% AER (12 mo) | None |
| Deposit guarantee | Dutch DGS | German DGS |
| Provider type | Neobank | Neobank |
| Products listed | 4 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Are Bunq and Trade Republic savings protected?
Yes, Bunq deposits are covered by the Dutch DGS and Trade Republic by the German DGS, each up to €100,000 per person.
What about DIRT tax?
Irish banks deduct 33% DIRT at source. EU neobanks generally do not. You declare interest to Revenue yourself. The comparison rates shown are gross AER.