Getting Started with EasyEquities: Complete Beginner’s Guide
How to open an account and start investing in South Africa
Last updated: December 2025
Quick Facts
- No minimum deposit required to start
- 0.25% trading fee on all transactions
- Free TFSA account included automatically
- Regulated by FSCA (FSP number 22588)
- Account verification takes 1-4 hours
Table of Contents
What is EasyEquities?
EasyEquities is a South African investment platform. It lets you buy shares in companies on the JSE.
You can invest small amounts of money. You don’t need thousands of Rands to start.
The platform is operated by First World Trader. They are licensed and regulated.
What Can You Invest In?
On EasyEquities you can invest in:
- South African shares (companies on the JSE)
- International shares (US, UK, Australian companies)
- ETFs (baskets of different shares)
- Cryptocurrency bundles
- Property investments
✅ Why Use EasyEquities?
EasyEquities is good for beginners. Here’s why many South Africans choose it:
Low Cost to Start
You don’t need a minimum amount. You can start with R10 if you want.
Traditional banks often need R1,000 or more to start investing.
Fractional Shares
You can buy part of a share. This is called fractional investing.
Example: If one Naspers share costs R3,500, you can buy R100 worth. You own part of the share.
Easy to Use
The app and website are simple. You don’t need to be an expert.
Everything is in plain English. You can see exactly what you’re buying.
Free TFSA Account
Every account includes a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) automatically. This saves you money on taxes.
What You Need to Open an Account
To register with EasyEquities, you need these documents:
For South African Citizens
- Valid South African ID (green barcoded ID)
- OR valid South African passport
- OR valid driver’s licence
- Proof of address (bank statement or utility bill)
- South African bank account
- Email address you use regularly
- Cellphone number
For Foreign Nationals
- Valid passport from your country
- OR valid foreign national ID
- Proof of South African address
- You can register without a SA bank account
- You’ll only have access to international accounts
Age Requirements
You must be 18 years or older to open your own account.
If you’re under 18, a parent can open a minor account for you. Extra documents are needed.
✅ Step-by-Step Registration Process
Follow these steps to open your EasyEquities account:
Step 1: Go to the EasyEquities Website
Visit www.easyequities.co.za on your computer or phone.
OR download the EasyEquities app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Click “Register” or “Sign Up”
Look for the green Register button at the top of the page.
Step 3: Choose Your Country
Select your country of citizenship.
Select your country of residence.
Select your country of birth.
Step 4: Select Account Type
Choose “Individual” if you’re opening an account for yourself.
Select “For individuals, 18+” as the profile type.
Step 5: Create Username and Password
Choose a username you’ll remember.
Enter your email address. Make sure it’s correct.
Create a strong password. Use letters, numbers, and symbols.
Step 6: Fill in Personal Information
Enter your full name as it appears on your ID.
Enter your date of birth.
Enter your ID number or passport number.
Enter your cellphone number.
Step 7: Enter Your Address
Type in your full physical address. Include street number, street name, suburb, city, and postal code.
Step 8: Answer Financial Questions
You’ll be asked about your employment status.
You’ll be asked about your wealth and income. Be honest.
This is for FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) requirements.
Step 9: Upload Your Documents
Take a clear photo of your ID or passport. Make sure all details are visible.
Upload a proof of address document. This can be a bank statement or utility bill from the last 3 months.
You may need to take a selfie with your ID. This confirms you are who you say you are.
Step 10: Link Your Bank Account
Enter your SA bank account number.
Enter your bank branch code.
Make sure these details match your bank exactly.
EasyEquities may make a small test deposit to verify your account.
Step 11: Wait for Verification
After you submit everything, EasyEquities checks your information.
This usually takes 1 to 4 hours.
You’ll get an email when your account is ready.
If they need more information, they’ll email you.
All Fees Explained (2025)
EasyEquities keeps fees low. Here’s what you pay:
Account Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | R0 (FREE) |
| Monthly account fee | R0 (FREE) |
| Minimum deposit | R0 (No minimum) |
| Thrive monthly fee | R25 (waived if under 21, over 65, or active user) |
Trading Fees
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Buying shares | 0.25% of trade value (minimum 1 cent) |
| Selling shares | 0.25% of trade value (minimum 1 cent) |
| Securities transfer tax | 0.25% (charged by SARS on purchases) |
| Investor protection levy | 0.00031% of trade value |
Real Cost Examples
Example 1: You buy R100 worth of shares
- Brokerage fee: R0.25 (0.25% of R100)
- Securities transfer tax: R0.25
- Total you pay: R100.50
Example 2: You buy R1,000 worth of shares
- Brokerage fee: R2.50 (0.25% of R1,000)
- Securities transfer tax: R2.50
- Total you pay: R1,005
Deposit Fees
| Deposit Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| EFT (manual bank transfer) | FREE |
| Instant EFT (Ozow) | 1% of deposit amount |
| Credit card | 2.2% + R1.60 |
| Debit order | FREE (but R50 fee if it bounces) |
Other Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Withdrawing to SA bank | FREE |
| Currency conversion | 2% above mid-market rate |
| Transferring account to another broker (per asset) | R150 for SA shares, $25 for US shares |
| Telephone trading (systems working) | R50 per trade |
| Crypto trading | 0.25% + 0.075% + VAT |
✅ Understanding Your TFSA Account
When you register with EasyEquities, you automatically get a TFSA. This is a Tax-Free Savings Account.
What is a TFSA?
A TFSA lets you invest money without paying tax on profits. You pay no tax on:
- Interest you earn
- Dividends you receive
- Capital gains (profit when you sell)
TFSA Limits (2025)
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual limit (per tax year) | R36,000 |
| Lifetime limit (total over your life) | R500,000 |
| Tax year | 1 March to 28 February |
What Can You Invest In?
In your TFSA, you can only invest in:
- ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
- Baskets (groups of ETFs)
- Bundles (managed portfolios)
You cannot invest in single company shares in your TFSA. This is a SARS rule, not an EasyEquities rule.
Withdrawing from Your TFSA
You can withdraw money any time. But the amount you withdraw still counts towards your annual limit.
Example: You deposit R36,000 in March 2025. In June 2025, you withdraw R15,000. You cannot deposit any more money until March 2026. You already used your R36,000 limit for the year.
Why Use a TFSA?
The tax savings add up over time. If you invest R36,000 every year for 20 years, you save thousands in taxes.
Your money grows faster because you’re not paying tax on the growth.
🚨 Scam Warnings: Stay Safe
Scammers pretend to be from EasyEquities. The FSCA has issued warnings about this in 2025.
Common Scams to Watch For
1. Impersonation on WhatsApp and Telegram
Scammers message you pretending to be EasyEquities staff. They promise high returns if you invest.
They tell you to send money to a personal bank account.
2. Guaranteed Returns Scam
Someone promises you guaranteed profits of 20%, 50%, or 100%.
Remember: No legitimate investment can guarantee returns. All investing has risk.
3. Withdrawal Fee Scam
After you “invest,” scammers say you must pay a fee to withdraw your money.
EasyEquities never charges withdrawal fees to your SA bank account.
4. Fake Loan Offers
Scammers claim to be from EasyEquities offering loans. They ask for upfront payments.
EasyEquities does not offer personal loans. This is always a scam.
How to Protect Yourself
- Only register through www.easyequities.co.za or the official app
- Never send money to personal bank accounts
- EasyEquities never contacts you first on WhatsApp or Telegram
- Check the FSCA register: EasyEquities FSP number is 22588
- Never share your password or login details
- Don’t click links in unsolicited messages
- If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Official EasyEquities Contact Only
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.easyequities.co.za |
| Support | support.easyequities.co.za |
| hello@easyequities.co.za | |
| Parent Company | First World Trader (Pty) Ltd |
If You’re Already a Victim
If you sent money to a scammer:
- Contact your bank immediately. Ask them to reverse the payment.
- Report to the FSCA: 0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za
- Report to SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre)
- Open a case at your nearest police station
- Contact the real EasyEquities support team
⚠️ Understanding Investment Risks
Even though EasyEquities is legitimate and regulated, investing always has risks.
You Can Lose Money
Share prices go up and down. You might lose some or all of your money.
Only invest money you can afford to lose. Don’t invest money you need for rent, food, or bills.
Fractional Shares Have Counterparty Risk
When you buy fractional shares (parts of shares), you don’t legally own the shares.
You have a contract with EasyEquities. If EasyEquities has financial problems, this could affect you.
When you accumulate enough to make a whole share, you become the legal owner.
No Investor Protection Scheme
Unlike banks, EasyEquities does not have deposit insurance. If the company fails, there’s no government protection.
Whole shares are held in trust separately from company assets. This provides some protection.
Customer Service Issues
Some customers report slow customer service. Getting help can take time.
There is no phone support. You must use email or the ticket system.
Your Consumer Rights
As an EasyEquities client, you have important rights:
Regulation and Licensing
EasyEquities is operated by First World Trader (Pty) Ltd.
They are licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
FSP number: 22588
If You Have a Complaint
Step 1: Contact EasyEquities support first
- Submit a ticket at support.easyequities.co.za
- Give them time to resolve the issue
Step 2: If not resolved, contact the FAIS Ombud
- Phone: 012 470 9080
- Email: info@faisombud.co.za
- Website: www.faisombud.co.za
Step 3: You can also contact the FSCA
- Toll-free: 0800 110 443
- Phone: 012 428 8000
- Website: www.fsca.co.za
Important Contact Details
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) | 0800 110 443 |
| FAIS Ombud | 012 470 9080 |
| SABRIC (Scam Reports) | www.sabric.co.za |
| EasyEquities Support | support.easyequities.co.za |
Alternative Investment Platforms
EasyEquities is not the only option. Here are alternatives to consider:
1. Satrix
Focuses on ETFs and index funds. Simple platform. Low fees.
Good for passive investors who want to invest in baskets of shares.
2. Allan Gray
Unit trusts with professional management. Higher fees but excellent customer service.
Good for people who want active management and support.
3. Sygnia
Low-cost ETFs and retirement products. Similar to Satrix.
Known for transparency and investor education.
4. Standard Bank Investment Platform
If you already bank with Standard Bank. Integrated with your banking.
Higher fees than EasyEquities but full banking support.
5. Stokvel or Savings Club
Traditional community savings groups. Lower risk but lower returns.
Good for building savings discipline with friends or family.
Our Final Recommendations
EasyEquities is a good choice for beginners in South Africa. The low fees and no minimum deposit make it accessible. The platform is easy to use.
Start with these steps:
- Open your account through the official website only
- Verify your identity with clear colour documents
- Start with small amounts while you learn
- Use your TFSA for tax-free growth
- Focus on ETFs for diversification
- Invest for the long term (5+ years minimum)
- Never invest money you need soon
Watch out for:
- Scammers pretending to be EasyEquities on WhatsApp
- Promises of guaranteed returns
- Requests to send money to personal accounts
- Slow customer service responses
Remember: Investing always has risks. Share prices can go down. Only invest money you can afford to lose. Start small, learn as you go, and think long-term.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. EasyEquities is a legitimate, FSCA-regulated investment platform (FSP 22588), but all investments carry risk. You can lose money when investing in shares and other securities. Always verify current information with official sources before making financial decisions. This article is not financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
For complaints about EasyEquities, first contact their support team. If unresolved, contact the FAIS Ombud at 012 470 9080 or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za
Report investment scams to SABRIC and the FSCA immediately. Never send money to personal bank accounts or pay upfront fees for investments.