Easy Equities Review South Africa (2026): Is It Worth It?
Easy Equities is one of the most widely recognised investment platforms in South Africa. Launched in 2014 by First World Trader, now part of Purple Group Limited, it has spent over a decade building a reputation as one of the most accessible and affordable ways for South Africans to invest in local and international markets.
This review covers everything you need to know in 2026, from how the platform works and what it costs, to who it is best suited for and how it compares to alternatives.
Pros and Cons of Easy Equities
Before diving into the detail, here is a quick snapshot of the platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low fees with no inactivity or withdrawal charges | No live chat and phone support is slow |
| Fully digital account opening process | Limited real-time data for active traders |
| No minimum investment amount required | Basic charting tools only |
| No monthly platform fees | No advanced order types |
| High-quality educational materials | Research tools are limited |
| Fractional shares available | |
| TFSA and Retirement Annuity accounts available |
Is Easy Equities Legit? Trust and Regulation
Easy Equities is completely legitimate and one of the most trusted retail investment platforms in South Africa. Here is what confirms its credibility:
- FSP License Number: 22588, authorised by the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority)
- JSE Member: Authorised to trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Segregated Accounts: Shares are held in client names through segregated accounts
- Track Record: Operating since 2014 with over 2 million users
- Parent Company: Part of Purple Group Limited, a company listed on the JSE under the ticker PPE (FSP No. 46315)
Easy Equities is not a scam. It is a regulated, JSE-affiliated platform with a long history of serving South African retail investors.
What Is Easy Equities?
Easy Equities is an investment platform that allows individuals to buy and sell shares, exchange-traded funds, fractional shares, ETNs, mutual funds, and IPOs. It simplifies investing, making it accessible and affordable for people who want to participate in local and international markets.
The platform is headquartered in Johannesburg and offers access to South African, US, and Australian markets through its suite of products, including Easy Equities, EasyETFs, EasyProperties, and MrPHY.
It is a subsidiary of Purple Group Limited, a listed JSE company, which provides institutional credibility that many newer platforms in South Africa lack.
How Does Easy Equities Work?
Easy Equities acts as an agent that enables users to invest in both whole shares and fractional share rights. When you buy whole shares, you are the registered owner, entitled to dividends, participation in corporate actions, and all the economic benefits and risks associated with share ownership.
Fractional shares are one of the platform’s most powerful features. Rather than needing to buy a full share in a company like Naspers or Apple, you can invest any rand amount and own a proportional fraction of a share. This removes the financial barrier that has historically kept everyday South Africans out of premium stocks.
The flow of how the platform works is simple:
- Create and verify your account online
- Deposit funds using EFT, Capitec Pay, Instant EFT, or Apple and Google Pay
- Search for the share or ETF you want
- Enter the rand amount you want to invest
- Confirm your order and monitor your portfolio
Account Types on Easy Equities
Easy Equities offers six live accounts designed for different investor needs and goals.
| Account Type | Base Currency | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ZAR Account | South African Rand | Trading JSE-listed South African stocks |
| USD Account | US Dollar | Trading US market instruments |
| Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) | ZAR | Tax-free growth up to R36,000 per year |
| Retirement Annuity (RA) | ZAR | Retirement saving with tax-deductible contributions |
| Kids Account | ZAR | Investing on behalf of children |
| Corporate Account | ZAR | Investing through a registered business |
The TFSA is particularly valuable for South Africans. You can invest up to R36,000 per year with zero tax on dividends or capital gains, making it one of the most effective long-term wealth-building tools available locally.
The Retirement Annuity is equally useful for those planning for retirement, with contributions reducing your taxable income. Keep in mind that RA funds cannot be accessed until age 55.
Easy Equities Fees
Easy Equities is transparent about its fee structure and is considered one of the cheapest options in South Africa for casual investors. There are no registration fees, no minimum deposit requirements, and no monthly platform fees.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Equity and ETF Commission | 0.25% per trade |
| Clearing Fee | 0.31% per trade |
| VAT | Applied to costs |
| Crypto Trading | 0.25% + 0.075% + VAT |
| Withdrawal Fee | None |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Monthly Platform Fee | None |
This structure keeps costs low, particularly for long-term investors who do not trade frequently.
Easy Equities for Beginners
Easy Equities is one of the best starting points for new investors in South Africa. The reasons are straightforward:
- You can start investing with as little as R5
- No complex financial instruments are required to get started
- The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate
- Fractional shares mean premium stocks are within reach for any budget
- The Learn section provides free educational materials for novice investors
- A demo account is available, preloaded with R100,000 demo money (ZAR) and $10,000 (USD)
For a full walkthrough on everything a new investor needs to know, visit our dedicated Easy Equities for Beginners guide.
Being easy to use does not mean risk-free. Beginners should still learn the basics of market volatility, diversification, and long-term investing before committing significant funds.
How to Register on Easy Equities
Account opening is fully digital and takes only a few minutes. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit the Easy Equities website or download the app
- Select your country of citizenship and residence
- Choose the account type you want to open
- Create a username, enter your email address, and set a password
- Provide personal details including your date of birth and contact information
- Answer a few questions about your wealth and employment status
- Verify your identity by uploading your ID, passport, or driver’s license
- Upload proof of residence such as a recent bank statement
- Complete your FICA information and accept the terms and conditions
- Receive your confirmation email and log in to your new account
How to Buy Shares on Easy Equities
Once your account is verified and funded, buying shares is a straightforward process. For a detailed walkthrough, visit our guide on how to buy shares on Easy Equities.
The basic steps are:
- Log in to your Easy Equities account on the app or website
- Deposit funds using your preferred payment method
- Search for the share or ETF you want to invest in
- Enter the rand amount you want to invest rather than selecting a number of shares
- Review the order details and confirm
Whether you are looking to buy Naspers, Capitec, Shoprite, Amazon, or Apple, the process is the same. The platform’s fractional share capability means no stock is out of reach regardless of its share price.
How to Invest on Easy Equities
Investing on Easy Equities goes beyond placing individual trades. For a comprehensive strategy guide, read our article on how to invest in Easy Equities.
Key features that support a structured investment approach include:
- Recurring investments: Automate your contributions at regular intervals
- Price alerts: Get notified when a stock hits your target price
- Live snapshot pricing: See real-time prices before placing trades
- Internal FX tool: Convert rands to dollars to invest in US markets without leaving the platform
- No minimum amounts: Invest whatever you can afford, whenever you can afford it
A popular strategy among South African retail investors is dollar-cost averaging, where a fixed rand amount is invested at regular intervals regardless of market conditions. This approach is well-suited to Easy Equities given its fractional share capability and absence of minimum investment requirements.
Best Shares to Buy on Easy Equities
Choosing the right investments is one of the most important decisions you will make on the platform. For a detailed breakdown of recommended options, read our guide on the top 10 companies to invest in on Easy Equities.
Here is a summary by asset class:
South African Shares (JSE)
Popular JSE-listed options include:
- Capitec Bank
- Shoprite Holdings
- Naspers
- MTN Group
- Prosus
These provide exposure to dividend income and local economic growth.
US Stocks
You can buy fractional shares in over 1,000 US-listed companies, including:
- Apple
- Amazon
- Tesla
- Microsoft
- Alphabet
Be mindful of the foreign exchange conversion cost when moving rands into your USD account.
ETFs
ETFs are among the most popular choices for South African retail investors because they offer instant diversification at very low cost. A single ETF can give you exposure to dozens or hundreds of companies across multiple industries, which significantly reduces the risk of any single stock performing poorly.
Easy Equities on the Capitec App
One of the most convenient features for South African investors is the direct integration between Easy Equities and the Capitec Bank app.
Here is what the integration offers:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brokerage Discount | 20% off commission for Capitec clients |
| Minimum Investment | Start from as little as R5 |
| Market Access | South African and US stock markets |
| Demo Account | R100,000 (ZAR) and $10,000 (USD) demo money |
| Account View | Full view of ZAR, USD, and TFSA accounts |
| Payment Method | Capitec Pay for fast and secure deposits |
To access the integration, update to the latest version of the Capitec app, navigate to Explore, select Live Better, and then choose Easy Equities. From there you can either link your existing Easy Equities account or create a new one directly through the widget.
Withdrawals on Easy Equities
Understanding the withdrawal process before you invest is always a good idea.
Before requesting a withdrawal, you will see three fund categories in your account:
- Withdrawable funds: Money that is available to withdraw immediately
- Unsettled cash: Funds from a recent sale that are still processing under the standard 5-day settlement period
- Locked funds: Recent deposits temporarily held before becoming withdrawable, depending on the deposit method used
You can request Early Settlement for a small fee if you need access to funds before the settlement period ends. After settlement, withdrawals are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days, depending on your bank.
There are no withdrawal fees on Easy Equities.
How to Make Money on Easy Equities
There are three primary ways investors generate returns through the platform:
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Capital Growth | Buy shares at a lower price and sell at a higher price over time |
| Dividends | Earn regular income from JSE-listed companies that pay dividends |
| ETF Returns | Benefit from broad market growth through diversified ETF exposure |
The most consistent returns on Easy Equities have historically come from patient, long-term investors who invest regularly and avoid reacting to short-term market movements. Starting early, contributing consistently, and holding through volatility are the habits that tend to produce results over time.
Market Hours on Easy Equities
Knowing when the markets are open helps you time your trades correctly.
| Market | Trading Hours |
|---|---|
| JSE (ZAR) Opens | 09:15 SAST (to allow for auction period) |
| JSE (ZAR) Closes | 16:40 SAST (to prepare for evening auction) |
| US Market (Standard) | 16:35 to 22:50 SAST |
| US Market (Daylight Savings) | 15:35 to 21:50 SAST |
| South African Public Holidays | ZAR trading closed |
No trade instructions will be executed outside of published trading hours.
Easy Equities vs Competitors
When comparing Easy Equities to other South African platforms, the key factors to consider are fees, regulation, available assets, and ease of use. For a full side-by-side breakdown, read our Brokstock vs Easy Equities comparison.
| Feature | Easy Equities | Brokstock |
|---|---|---|
| FSCA Regulated | Yes (FSP 22588) | Yes (FSP 51404) |
| Minimum Deposit | None (from R5) | R100 |
| JSE Access | Yes | Yes |
| US Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| TFSA Account | Yes | No |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Limited |
| Capitec Integration | Yes | No |
| Demo Account | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes (limited) | Yes (59 assets) |
For most South Africans starting their investment journey, Easy Equities is an excellent choice. Active traders or those wanting advanced CFD features may want to explore platforms like Brokstock, PSG Online, or Interactive Brokers for more specialised tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Easy Equities legit in South Africa?
Yes. Easy Equities is fully legitimate and regulated. It is licensed by the FSCA under FSP number 22588, is a JSE member authorised to trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, holds shares in client names through segregated accounts, and has been operating since 2014 with over 2 million users.
2. How much money do I need to start investing on Easy Equities?
You can start investing with as little as R5. There is no minimum deposit requirement, which makes Easy Equities one of the most financially accessible platforms available to South Africans at any income level.
3. Can I use Easy Equities on the Capitec app?
Yes. Capitec clients using the banking app receive a 20% discount on brokerage fees, with access to both South African and US markets. Log in to the latest version of the Capitec app, navigate to Explore, select Live Better, and then choose Easy Equities to link your account or create a new one.
4. How long do withdrawals take from Easy Equities?
Unsettled cash from a recent sale processes under the standard 5-day settlement period. After settlement, withdrawals are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days. You can request Early Settlement for a small fee if you need access to your funds sooner.
5. What shares should beginners buy on Easy Equities?
Beginners are generally advised to start with ETFs or large, stable JSE-listed companies. ETFs provide built-in diversification at low cost, making them ideal for new investors who are not yet confident in picking individual stocks. For specific recommendations, visit our guide on the top 10 companies to invest in on Easy Equities.
6. Is Easy Equities good for beginners?
Yes. Easy Equities is one of the best choices for beginners in South Africa. It is user-friendly, offers free educational resources through its Learn section, provides a demo account with practice funds, and has no minimum investment amount. For a full breakdown of what a new investor needs to know, read our Easy Equities for Beginners guide.
7. How do I buy shares on Easy Equities?
Log in to your account, deposit funds, search for the stock or ETF you want, enter the rand amount you wish to invest, and confirm your order. The platform uses a rand-based investment model rather than requiring you to specify a number of shares. For a full walkthrough, visit our guide on how to buy shares on Easy Equities.
8. How do I invest in Easy Equities?
After verifying your account and depositing funds, you can buy shares, ETFs, and fractional shares across JSE, US, and Australian markets. You can also set up recurring investments to automate your contributions over time. A detailed strategy guide is available at how to invest in Easy Equities.
9. What are the fees on Easy Equities?
Easy Equities charges a 0.25% commission plus a 0.31% clearing fee on equity and ETF trades, plus VAT. There are no monthly fees, no inactivity fees, and no withdrawal fees. Crypto trades cost 0.25% plus 0.075% plus VAT.
10. What is the difference between Easy Equities and Brokstock?
Both platforms are FSCA regulated and beginner-friendly, but they serve slightly different investor types. Easy Equities offers fractional shares, a TFSA account, a demo account, and Capitec integration. Brokstock offers a broader range of CFD products including 59 cryptocurrencies and forex pairs. For a full comparison, visit our Brokstock vs Easy Equities breakdown.