Broker Comparison
XTB vs DEGIRO (2026):
fees, features and which one wins
Updated May 2026 • 14 min read
Both brokers dominate the EU neobroker space for good reason. XTB trades stocks and ETFs at 0% commission and adds fractional shares, automated plans, and interest on cash. DEGIRO undercuts on FX fees and offers bonds, options, and 50+ global exchanges. The right pick depends entirely on what you buy, how often, and in which currency.
How XTB and DEGIRO compare
Side-by-side on the numbers that matter most to EU investors.
| XTB | DEGIRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 (Warsaw SE listed) | 2008 (flatexDEGIRO AG) |
| Regulated by | KNF, FCA, CySEC | BaFin, AFM, DNB |
| Minimum deposit | €0 | €0 |
| Commission on EU stocks/ETFs | €0 (up to €100k/month) | €3 per trade (€1 Core ETFs) |
| FX conversion fee | 0.5% | 0.25% |
| Connectivity fee | €0 | 0.25%, capped at €2.50/exchange/year |
| Inactivity fee | €10/month after 365 days no trade AND no deposit in prior 90 days | €0 |
| Custody / platform fee | €0 | €0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes (stocks and ETFs) | No |
| Automated savings plans | Yes (Investment Plans) | No |
| Interest on cash | Yes (rate varies by tier) | No |
| Real bonds | No | Yes |
| Options / warrants | No (CFDs only) | Yes |
| Exchange access | Selected markets | 50+ global exchanges |
| Investor protection (cash) | ~€20,100 (KDPW, Poland) | €100,000 (German Deposit Guarantee) |
| Securities lending | No | Yes (Basic account; opt out via Custody) |
What you actually pay on each trade
Commission is only one piece of the cost. FX fees and connectivity charges shift the picture depending on what and how much you trade.
EUR-listed UCITS ETFs and stocks (no FX applies)
The most common scenario for EU passive investors: buying VWCE, IWDA, or FWRA listed on Xetra or Euronext in euros. No currency conversion involved.
| Trade size | XTB total cost | DEGIRO (non-Core ETF) | DEGIRO (Core ETF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| €200 | €0.00 | €3.00 | €1.00 |
| €500 | €0.00 | €3.00 | €1.00 |
| €1,000 | €0.00 | €3.00 | €1.00 |
| €5,000 | €0.00 | €3.00 | €1.00 |
Cost impact over time: At €500/month in a UCITS ETF, DEGIRO Core costs €12/year more than XTB; DEGIRO non-Core costs €36/year more. Compounding that €36/year gap over 10 years at 7% annual growth adds roughly €500 in opportunity cost. XTB wins outright for EUR-denominated instruments at every trade size.
US stocks and USD-denominated instruments (FX applies)
Both brokers auto-convert your EUR to the instrument’s currency. XTB charges 0.5% for this; DEGIRO charges 0.25%. The commission structure then determines who wins at each trade size.
| Trade size | XTB (FX only, 0.5%) | DEGIRO non-Core (FX 0.25% + €3) | DEGIRO Core (FX 0.25% + €1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| €200 | €1.00 | €3.50 | €1.50 |
| €400 | €2.00 | €4.00 | €2.00 |
| €600 | €3.00 | €4.50 | €2.50 |
| €1,000 | €5.00 | €5.50 | €3.50 |
| €1,200 | €6.00 | €6.00 | €4.00 |
| €2,000 | €10.00 | €8.00 | €6.00 |
Break-even: For USD trades versus DEGIRO non-Core, XTB becomes more expensive above €1,200 per trade. Against DEGIRO Core, that break-even drops to around €400. Smaller, frequent USD purchases favour XTB. Large, infrequent USD trades favour DEGIRO. If you buy UCITS ETFs that are EUR-listed, this FX question does not apply at all.
Other costs to factor in
| Cost | XTB | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity fee | €0 | 0.25% of position value, capped at €2.50 per non-home exchange per year |
| Inactivity fee | €10/month after 365 days no trade AND no deposit in prior 90 days | €0 |
| Withdrawal fee | €0 | €0 (to linked bank account) |
| Custody / account fee | €0 (portfolios under €250k) | €0 |
DEGIRO’s connectivity fee adds up if you hold positions across multiple non-home exchanges. A Dutch investor trading Xetra stocks alongside Amsterdam listings pays up to €2.50/year per foreign exchange used. For investors using only their home exchange this cost is €0. XTB has no connectivity fee anywhere.
Investment universe comparison
The asset gap between these two brokers is significant. If bonds or options are part of your strategy, the comparison is almost over before it starts.
| Asset class | XTB | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks (real shares) | Yes (3,000+) | Yes (50+ global exchanges) |
| ETFs (real, UCITS) | Yes (1,350+) | Yes (1,000+ including Core Selection) |
| Government bonds | No | Yes |
| Corporate bonds | No | Yes |
| Options | No (CFDs only) | Yes |
| Futures | No | Yes |
| Warrants | No | Yes |
| Investment funds | No | Yes (limited) |
| CFDs (stocks, indices) | Yes (broad range) | No |
| CFDs (forex) | Yes | No |
| CFDs (commodities) | Yes | No |
| Crypto (CFD) | Yes | No |
XTB’s universe is deep within the stocks-and-ETFs-plus-CFDs lane. DEGIRO is the broader platform for traditional long-only portfolios that include fixed income. If you want to hold a bond ladder alongside your equity allocation, DEGIRO gives you direct bond access that XTB cannot match with real instruments.
xStation 5 vs DEGIRO WebTrader
One platform is built for active traders who also do long-term investing. The other is built for long-term investors who want to get in and out with minimal friction.
XTB — xStation 5
Professional-grade charting with multi-timeframe analysis, technical indicators, and rapid order execution. The platform is built for active traders but scales down reasonably well for passive investors via a clean mobile app. A free demo account lets beginners get comfortable before committing real money. xStation includes real-time price alerts, market news, and an economic calendar.
The drawback for passive investors: the interface can feel over-engineered. A dashboard designed for CFD traders adds noise when you just want to add to a monthly ETF position.
DEGIRO — WebTrader
Lean, stripped-down, and deliberately simple. DEGIRO’s WebTrader is not designed for chart analysis or active trading. There are no advanced charting tools, limited order customisation, and a clean portfolio view optimised for buy-and-hold execution. For investors who check their portfolio once a month, the simplicity is a feature.
The mobile app has attracted reliability complaints from some users. If platform stability matters and you interact with your account frequently, that is worth factoring in.
Modern feature comparison
| Feature | XTB | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes (stocks and ETFs) | No |
| Automated investment plans | Yes (Investment Plans) | No |
| Interest on uninvested cash (EUR) | Yes (rate varies by tier) | No |
| Multi-currency wallet | Yes | No |
| Debit card | Yes (Mastercard) | No |
| Free demo account | Yes | No |
| Advanced charting tools | Yes (xStation) | No |
| Price alerts | Yes | Limited |
The feature gap is XTB’s strongest argument for modern passive investors. Fractional shares let you invest exact euro amounts regardless of unit price. Automated plans remove the need to log in monthly. Interest on idle cash means your buffer earns something while you wait. DEGIRO offers none of these three.
Regulatory backing and investor protection
Both brokers are regulated by EU-tier authorities. The cash protection picture differs significantly.
DEGIRO
- Regulated by BaFin (Germany), AFM and DNB (Netherlands)
- Part of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG, a licensed German bank
- Cash protected up to €100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme
- Securities covered up to €20,000 under the investor compensation scheme
- Basic accounts involve securities lending. Switch to Custody account to opt out (removes Core ETF pricing)
XTB
- Regulated by KNF (Poland), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus)
- Publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange — subject to external audit and public disclosure
- Securities covered up to ~€20,100 through the Polish KDPW depositary
- No securities lending on real stock and ETF accounts
- Negative balance protection on CFD accounts (EU retail requirement)
DEGIRO’s cash protection is substantially stronger: €100,000 under the German banking deposit guarantee versus XTB’s ~€20,100. Securities coverage is roughly equivalent at both brokers. If you routinely hold large uninvested cash balances at your broker, DEGIRO’s protection floor is a meaningful advantage.
Where each broker wins and falls short
XTB
Pros
- 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs (up to €100k/month)
- Fractional shares on stocks and ETFs
- Automated Investment Plans (recurring ETF purchases)
- Interest on uninvested cash
- Multi-currency wallet and Mastercard debit card
- Advanced platform with free demo account
- No connectivity or custody fees
- Publicly listed company with external audit transparency
Cons
- FX conversion fee of 0.5% (double DEGIRO’s rate)
- No real bonds, options, futures, or warrants
- €10/month inactivity fee after 365 days without a trade AND no deposit in the prior 90 days
- Above €100k monthly volume: 0.2% commission applies (min €10)
- CFD-heavy branding can confuse passive investors
DEGIRO
Pros
- Lower FX conversion fee: 0.25%
- Access to real bonds, options, futures, and warrants
- Core Selection: 1,000+ ETFs at €1 handling fee only
- 50+ global exchanges (broader reach than XTB)
- €100,000 cash protection via German Deposit Guarantee Scheme
- No inactivity fee
- Clean, simple interface for long-term investors
Cons
- No fractional shares
- No automated savings plans
- No interest on uninvested cash
- Securities lending on Basic accounts (counterparty risk)
- Connectivity fees on non-home exchanges (up to €2.50/exchange/year)
- Mobile app reliability complaints
Who should use which broker
There is no universal winner. The right broker depends on what you buy, how often you trade, and whether currency conversion plays a meaningful role in your portfolio.
Choose XTB if…
- You invest regularly in EUR-denominated UCITS ETFs and want zero commission on every purchase
- You want fractional shares to invest exact euro amounts each month
- You want automated monthly ETF purchases without logging in each time
- You want interest earned on your uninvested cash buffer
- You make smaller USD trades (under approx. €400 per trade for Core ETFs)
- You are a beginner who wants a modern app with a free demo mode
Choose DEGIRO if…
- You want real bonds, options, futures, or warrants alongside your equities
- You make large, infrequent USD trades (above approx. €1,200 per trade) where DEGIRO’s lower FX saves money
- You need access to exchanges not covered by XTB
- Stronger cash protection (€100,000 under German banking law) matters to your setup
- You plan to go inactive for extended periods and want no inactivity fee risk
- You are comfortable switching to Custody account to opt out of securities lending
For most EU passive investors running a UCITS ETF portfolio, XTB is the stronger default in 2026. The 0% commission, fractional shares, and automated plans are features DEGIRO has not matched. DEGIRO retains a clear edge for investors who need the full asset universe or who make large, infrequent foreign-currency trades where FX savings outweigh the flat commission. Both accounts can be held simultaneously if your needs span both platforms.
Ready to open an account?
Both brokers offer free account opening with no minimum deposit. Digital KYC takes under 10 minutes. You can hold both accounts at the same time if your needs span both platforms.
More broker guides
Common questions
Is XTB or DEGIRO better for ETF investors in Europe?
XTB wins on price for EUR-listed UCITS ETFs: 0% commission versus DEGIRO’s €3 per trade (or €1 handling fee for Core Selection ETFs). XTB also adds fractional shares and automated investment plans. DEGIRO’s Core Selection narrows the gap considerably, but for passive investors making regular EUR purchases, XTB is cheaper at every trade size. The only scenario where DEGIRO competes is on USD-denominated instruments, where its lower FX rate (0.25% vs XTB’s 0.5%) can offset the flat commission on trades above approximately €1,200.
Does XTB have hidden fees?
The main cost that surprises XTB users is the FX conversion fee of 0.5% on non-EUR trades. Buying €1,000 of a USD-denominated instrument costs €5 in FX conversion even with zero commission. DEGIRO charges 0.25% FX, making it cheaper on foreign-currency trades above a certain threshold. XTB also charges €10/month if you go 365 days without opening or closing a position AND make no deposit in the previous 90 days. That inactivity fee is disclosed but often overlooked by passive investors who temporarily pause contributions.
Is DEGIRO safe? What about securities lending?
DEGIRO is regulated by BaFin (Germany) and AFM (Netherlands) and is part of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG, a licensed German bank. Cash is protected up to €100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Securities are covered up to €20,000 under the investor compensation scheme. The key risk specific to DEGIRO is securities lending on Basic accounts: your shares may be lent to short-sellers, adding counterparty exposure. You can opt out by switching to a Custody account, but this removes access to Core Selection ETF pricing (€1 handling fee). It is a meaningful trade-off worth understanding before opening.
Can I hold both XTB and DEGIRO accounts at the same time?
Yes. There is no restriction on holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Some investors use XTB for zero-commission EU ETF purchases and DEGIRO for bonds, options, or specific global exchanges. Splitting accounts adds some administrative overhead at tax time but is a legitimate and fairly common approach for investors whose needs span both platforms.
Which broker is better for beginners?
XTB is generally more beginner-friendly. The fee model is simpler (0% on stocks and ETFs up to €100k/month), and xStation’s mobile app offers a clean passive investing experience alongside a free demo account. DEGIRO’s fee structure involves more moving parts: per-trade commissions, connectivity charges on non-home exchanges, and the Basic versus Custody account distinction. None of this is insurmountable, but it requires more reading before you can be confident you understand what you are paying.
Does XTB charge inactivity fees?
Yes. XTB charges €10 per month after 365 days without opening or closing a position AND no deposit made in the previous 90 days. The fee is waived if your cash balance is €0. Passive investors making regular contributions are unaffected — each deposit resets the clock, not just trades. If you plan to pause contributions for an extended period, withdraw your uninvested cash to avoid the charge.
Does DEGIRO offer fractional shares?
No. DEGIRO does not support fractional shares. You must purchase whole units of stocks and ETFs. This matters if you make smaller fixed contributions each month and the ETF unit price is high relative to your monthly amount. XTB supports fractional shares on both stocks and ETFs, letting you invest exactly €200 or €500 per month regardless of unit price.
Which broker is better for options and bonds?
DEGIRO, clearly. XTB does not offer real bonds or traditional options. DEGIRO provides access to government and corporate bonds, options, futures, and warrants across 50+ global exchanges. If fixed-income exposure or options strategies form any part of your portfolio, DEGIRO is the only realistic choice between these two. XTB can replicate some of these exposures through CFD derivatives, but CFDs carry different risk structures, costs, and leverage dynamics compared with holding the underlying instrument directly.
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