Getting Started with EasyEquities

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

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.

💡 Pro Tip: EasyEquities is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Their FSP number is 22588. Always check this is real.

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
⚠️ Important: Documents must be in colour. Black and white copies are not accepted. The document must be clear with no glare or damage.

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.

⚠️ Important: Only upload PNG or JPG files. PDF files are not accepted. Make sure photos are clear and in colour.

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.

💡 Pro Tip: Some people report verification taking up to 1 week. Be patient. Check your email regularly including your spam folder.

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)
💡 Pro Tip: Always use normal EFT from your bank. It’s free and reflects in 1 business day. Avoid credit card deposits – the 2.2% fee adds up quickly.

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
⚠️ Warning: If you put in more than R36,000 per year, SARS will charge you a 40% penalty on the extra amount. EasyEquities stops you from over-contributing in their TFSA. But if you have a TFSA with another provider too, you must track the total yourself.

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.

💡 Pro Tip: Start your TFSA as soon as possible. The longer your money grows tax-free, the more you benefit. Even small amounts help.

🚨 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
Email 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.

💡 Pro Tip: Start small while you learn. Invest only what you can afford to lose. Don’t invest money you need in the next 5 years. Shares are for long-term investing.

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.

💡 Pro Tip: Research multiple platforms before choosing. Compare fees, available investments, and customer service. You can also use multiple platforms for different purposes.

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.

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