What is eToro
Overview
eToro is a social trading platform that lets users buy and sell stocks, cryptocurrencies and other instruments while following or copying other traders.
The platform is known for CopyTrader, a social feed and a web and mobile app experience used by retail investors worldwide.
How it is used in South Africa
South African users can open accounts, deposit funds (typically in USD base currency) and trade using the eToro platform where available.
eToro resumed services in South Africa and is often recommended for beginners for its user interface and copy-trading features.
How to cancel eToro
Cancel if subscribed via eToro website (web)
- Log into your etoro.com account.
- Click your profile/user icon, go to Settings, then the Subscription tab.
- Locate the active subscription, click "Cancel Subscription" and follow the prompts.
Cancel if subscribed via mobile app stores
- Android (Google Play): Open Google Play Store → tap Profile icon (top right) → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions → find eToro subscription → tap Cancel subscription and follow instructions.
- iOS (Apple App Store): Open Settings → tap your name for Apple ID → Subscriptions → select eToro subscription → tap Cancel Subscription and confirm.
What happens when you cancel
Access to subscription features
Cancelling a paid subscription will typically stop future billing and remove subscription perks at the end of the current billing period.
Immediate loss of subscription-only features can occur depending on the product terms; check your Subscription tab for exact timing.
Account and data
Your trading account, open positions and order history remain unless you close the trading account separately.
Data retention follows eToro’s privacy and terms; cancelling a subscription does not automatically delete your account or personal data.
Will I get a refund?
General refund policy
eToro does not operate a conventional subscription/membership refund scheme in the same way as consumer goods.
Refund rights such as a statutory 14-day cooling-off period do not apply in the traditional sense to investment/trading platform services.
Exceptions and practical notes
- Refunds are generally limited to settlement of trading balances after account closure, not subscription fees.
- If you believe you are owed money (e.g., erroneous charge), raise the issue with eToro support and keep records of communications.
- If unresolved, escalate to the regulator that covers your account jurisdiction (for example the regulator under which your eToro entity is licensed).
eToro plans and pricing
Key pricing summary
The table below lists commonly reported fees and approximate ZAR conversions. ZAR is not offered as a base currency and conversions are approximate.
All fees originate in USD or percentage terms; conversions use approximate 2025 rates (~R34/USD).
| Plan | Price | 期間 | Features |
| Minimum Deposit | ≈ R3,400 (USD 200) | One-time | Minimum required deposit for South African users |
| Withdrawal Fee (USD account) | ≈ R200 (USD 5) | Per withdrawal | Fixed fee per withdrawal from USD account |
| Inactivity Fee | ≈ R400/month (USD 10/month) | Monthly | Monthly charge for accounts inactive for 12+ months |
| Currency Conversion Fee (ZAR) | ≈ 0.46% of amount (50 pips) | Per transaction | Fee for deposits/withdrawals in ZAR (conversion) |
| eToro Unlocked (Club Subscription) | USD 4.99/month (≈ R170/month) | Monthly | Adds perks like card rewards, research tools, staking benefits |
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Legal protections
South African consumer financial-services laws do not typically provide a 14-day cooling-off right for investment services.
Acts like the National Credit Act and FICA address credit and identity verification, not refunds for investment platform services.
How to escalate disputes
- First, use eToro’s internal complaints process and keep detailed records.
- If unresolved, escalate to the financial regulator relevant to the eToro legal entity that handles your account (for example the regulator in the platform’s licensing jurisdiction).
- For some cross-border issues, consumer remedies can be limited; consider seeking independent legal advice for significant sums.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Reviews cite ease of use for beginners and strong copy-trading tools, with good platform design and accessibility for new traders.
See user summaries and ratings for regional perspective at review sites linked below.
Negative feedback
Common complaints include slow or difficult withdrawals, account closures without clear explanations, and occasional poor support responsiveness.
If you face these issues, document timings, communications and transaction records before escalating.
Sources: fxScouts South Africa, Capterra South Africa, Trustpilot.
Documentation checklist
Before you cancel
- Account username/email and account ID screenshots.
- Copies of subscription receipts and billing statements.
- Evidence of attempted cancellations (screenshots of Subscription tab or app store cancellation screens).
If you need to escalate
- Transaction history and withdrawal attempts with timestamps.
- All correspondence with eToro support (ticket numbers, dates).
- Proof of identity and KYC documents used with the account for verification purposes.
Common mistakes
Canceling in the wrong place
Many users cancel through the website but forget to cancel via the app store if the subscription was billed through Google Play or Apple ID.
Always check where the payment was charged and cancel there to stop future billing.
Not keeping records
Failing to save receipts, screenshots or support ticket numbers can make dispute resolution harder.
Take time-stamped screenshots of cancellation steps and any confirmation screens as proof.
Comparative recap
Quick side-by-side
| Feature | eToro | Typical broker (general) |
| Copy trading | Built-in social/copy tools and community features | Often limited or requires third-party tools |
| Fees | Minimum deposit, withdrawal fee, inactivity fee, currency conversion | Varies; may use spreads, commissions or lower withdrawal fees |
| Refunds | No blanket subscription refunds; refunds tied to account settlement | Depends on provider; consumer protections vary by service type |
| Customer support complaints | Mixed reviews: praise for UX, complaints about withdrawals/support | Also mixed; quality depends on provider and regulation |
After cancelling
Immediate next steps
- Confirm cancellation receipt or screenshot and keep it for records.
- Check your next bank/card statement to ensure no further charges appear.
Where to get help
Address
Primary correspondence
eToro Profiti Ilia Street 4 4046 Limassol Cyprus
Notes on contacting
Use your account’s internal support channels for most issues, and include postal correspondence only when requested or for formal notices.
For escalations, identify the regulator that covers your eToro entity and follow their complaints route if internal resolution fails.