⏱️ 23 min read · 4,439 words · Updated Jun 13, 2026

If you’ve been investing in European stocks for any length of time, you’ve probably used DEGIRO.

“It’s one of the most popular low-cost brokers on the continent, and for good reason.”

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“The fees are low, the platform covers a lot of ground, and it’s regulated in the Netherlands by the AFM.”

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But here’s the thing. DEGIRO isn’t perfect, and depending on what you need, there are several DEGIRO alternatives Europe investors should seriously consider.

Maybe you’re frustrated with DEGIRO’s bare-bones interface. Maybe you want access to US options trading, or you need a Broker that handles tax reporting for your specific country without making you jump through hoops. Or maybe you’ve just outgrown it and want something with more tools, more markets, or better customer support. Whatever the reason, this guide walks through the best DEGIRO alternatives Europe has available right now, with honest assessments of what each one does well and where they fall short.

Why Look Beyond DEGIRO in the First Place – DEGIRO alternatives Europe

DEGIRO does a lot of things right. The core fee structure is competitive. You get access to a wide range of European and US exchanges. The custody model, since the flatex takeover, means your assets sit with a German bank regulated under BaFin. That’s a solid setup.

But there are real limitations. The platform’s charting tools are basic. There’s no options trading. The mobile app, while functional, feels like it was designed in 2016 and never updated. Customer support can be slow, especially during volatile markets when you need help the most. And if you’re in a country like Germany or Austria, the tax reporting is still not as seamless as some local competitors.

Another thing people don’t talk about enough. DEGIRO’s order routing has been questioned in the past. They’ve made improvements, but if you’re someone who cares about execution quality, it’s worth knowing that not all brokers route your orders the same way. Some alternatives give you more transparency here.

So let’s get into the actual alternatives. I’ve used or tested most of these personally, and I’ll be straight about what works and what doesn’t.

Interactive Brokers: The Heavyweight Most People Avoid

Interactive Brokers is the first name that comes up in almost every conversation about DEGIRO alternatives Europe investors consider. And honestly, it deserves that position. IBKR gives you access to over 150 markets in 33 countries. You can trade stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and even mutual funds from a single account.

The fee structure is where it gets interesting. IBKR has two pricing tiers. The tiered plan charges lower commissions but adds exchange fees. The planed plan charges a flat rate per share. For most retail investors trading European stocks, the tiered plan is cheaper than DEGIRO on larger orders. A trade of 100 shares of a German stock on Xetra might cost you around 1.28 EUR with IBKR tiered, compared to 2.00 EUR with DEGIRO’s connectivity fee plus commission.

But here’s the catch. IBKR’s platform, Trader Workstation, has a learning curve that can feel like climbing a mountain. It’s powerful, no question. But if you’re someone who just wants to buy 50 shares of SAP once a month, you might find yourself overwhelmed. The mobile app is better, but it’s still not as clean as some newer brokers.

One thing I appreciate about IBKR that DEGIRO doesn’t offer. You can hold multiple currencies in the same account. If you’re buying US stocks, European stocks, and maybe some Asian ETFs, you can hold USD, EUR, and GBP simultaneously and convert between them at interbank rates. That alone can save you a meaningful amount over time.

IBKR is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA, SEC, and CySEC. Your assets are protected up to 500,000 USD through SIPC for US securities. For European investors, the Irish entity is covered by the Irish investor compensation scheme up to 20,000 EUR, though the actual protection structure is more layered than that.

“Interactive Brokers gives you access to more markets than any other retail Broker, but the platform complexity means it’s not for everyone. If you’re willing to spend a weekend learning it, you’ll likely never need another Broker.”

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Trade Republic: The German Neobroker That’s Eating Market Share

Trade Republic has become one of the biggest neobrokers in Germany, and it’s expanding fast across Europe. If you’re in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, or Italy, this is probably the most direct DEGIRO alternative for casual investors.

The pitch is simple. You pay 0.00 EUR commission on stock and ETF trades. Zero. The company makes money through a 1.00 EUR order processing fee per trade, which goes to the exchange partner, and through interest on uninvested cash. For someone making a few trades a month, the total cost is comparable to DEGIRO, sometimes lower.

What Trade Republic does better than DEGIRO is the user experience. The app is clean, fast, and designed for people who don’t want to think about connectivity fees or exchange-specific costs. You tap, you buy, you’re done. They also offer fractional shares, which DEGIRO doesn’t. If you want to buy a piece of Amazon without spending over 3,000 EUR on a full share, Trade Republic lets you do that.

Savings plans are another strong point. You can set up automated weekly or monthly purchases of ETFs and stocks with no additional fees. This is something DEGIRO offers too, but Trade Republic’s implementation is smoother and more intuitive.

The downside. Trade Republic is a relatively young company. It was founded in 2015 and only got its full banking license in 2020. The product range is narrower than DEGIRO. No options, no futures, no forex. If you’re a passive investor who mostly buys ETFs and blue-chip stocks, that’s fine. If you want more, you’ll outgrow it.

Also worth noting. Trade Republic holds your securities through Solarisbank in Germany, which is a fully licensed bank. That’s a solid custody setup, and it means your assets are protected under the German deposit guarantee scheme up to 100,000 EUR.

eToro: Social Trading Meets Real Investing

eToro takes a different approach than most brokers on this list. It’s built around the idea of social trading, where you can see what other investors are doing and even copy their trades automatically. It sounds gimmicky, and parts of it are. But underneath the social features, eToro is a legitimate broker with a growing European user base.

For DEGIRO alternatives Europe investors who want a more engaging experience, eToro is worth a look. Commission-free stock trading is available for European users regulated under CySEC. You can buy and sell stocks without paying a per-trade commission. The spread is where eToro makes its money, and for major stocks, the spreads are reasonable.

The copy trading feature is what sets eToro apart. You can allocate a portion of your portfolio to automatically mirror the trades of successful investors on the platform. Some of these traders have years of experience and track records you can review. Is it a guaranteed path to returns? No. But for someone who doesn’t have time to research every stock, it’s an interesting option.

eToro also offers cryptocurrency trading alongside traditional assets. If you want to hold both Apple stock and Bitcoin in the same account, eToro makes that straightforward. DEGIRO doesn’t offer crypto at all, so this is a genuine differentiator.

The criticisms of eToro are well documented. The platform can feel cluttered. The spreads on less liquid stocks can be wide. And the company has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. The Australian entity ran into issues with ASIC over derivative products. The European entity under CySEC is more tightly regulated, but it’s worth doing your own due diligence.

One thing I’ll say in eToro’s defense. Their customer support has improved significantly over the past two years. Response times are faster, and the support team seems more knowledgeable than it was in 2021. That matters when you have a problem with a trade.

XTB: A Strong Choice for Active Traders

XTB is a Polish broker that’s been around since 2002, originally under the name X-Trade Brokers. It’s listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, regulated by the FCA in the UK and KNF in Poland, and it’s one of the more established names among DEGIRO alternatives Europe has for active traders.

The standout feature is the xStation platform. It’s genuinely one of the better trading platforms available to retail investors. The charting tools are extensive, the interface is customizable, and it supports a wide range of order types. If you’ve been frustrated by DEGIRO’s basic platform, xStation will feel like a significant upgrade.

XTB offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs up to a monthly volume of 100,000 EUR. Above that, you pay 0.08% commission. For most retail investors, you’ll stay under the limit. The platform also offers CFD trading on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, though I’d caution against CFDs unless you understand the risks. They’re not suitable for most long-term investors.

One area where XTB falls short is market coverage. While you get access to major European and US exchanges, the range of available markets is smaller than what DEGIRO or IBKR offers. If you’re trading stocks on the London Stock Exchange, Euronext, and major US exchanges, you’ll be fine. If you need access to smaller Asian or South American markets, you might find the selection limiting.

XTB also offers an interest rate on uninvested cash, which is a nice touch. As of recent rates, you can earn around 4.5% on EUR deposits held overnight. That’s competitive with money market funds and better than what most brokers offer on idle cash.

Scalable Capital: The German Answer to Serious Investing

Scalable Capital is another German broker that’s gained traction as a DEGIRO alternative, particularly in Germany and Austria. It operates two models. The Prime Broker model uses Baader Bank as the custodian, and the Direct Broker model uses ING Germany. Both are fully regulated and offer solid investor protection.

The fee structure is straightforward. With the Prime Broker model, you pay 0.00 EUR commission on stock and ETF trades, with a minimum of 0.99 EUR per order. The Direct Broker model charges 1.49 EUR per trade regardless of size. For larger orders, the Prime Broker model is cheaper. For smaller orders, the difference is negligible.

What makes Scalable Capital stand out is the quality of its research and tools. The platform offers analyst ratings, fundamental data, and portfolio analysis features that go beyond what DEGIRO provides. If you’re someone who does your own research and wants better tools to support that process, Scalable Capital delivers.

They also offer a robo-advisor service called Scalable Capital Wealth Management. You answer a few questions about your risk tolerance and goals, and the system builds and manages a portfolio of ETFs for you. The management fee is 0.79% per year, which is reasonable for a managed service. It’s not going to replace a human financial advisor, but for hands-off investors, it’s a solid option.

The platform supports trading on major European exchanges and US markets. You can buy fractional shares of stocks and ETFs, which is increasingly standard but still not universal. The mobile app is well designed and gets regular updates.

Lightyear: The Newcomer With a Clear Focus

Lightyear is one of the newer entrants in the European brokerage space, founded in 2020 by a team that includes former TransferWise employees. The focus is on multi-currency investing with low FX fees, which is a genuine pain point for European investors buying US stocks.

Here’s why that matters. When you buy a US stock through DEGIRO, you pay a currency conversion fee of 0.25%. On a 10,000 EUR purchase, that’s 25 EUR just for converting your money. Lightyear charges 0.25% on the first 3,000 GBP and 0.15% above that. For larger portfolios, the savings add up.

Lightyear offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs. The company makes money through the FX spread and through interest on cash deposits. The platform is clean and simple, similar in philosophy to Trade Republic but with a stronger emphasis on multi-currency accounts.

You can hold EUR, GBP, and USD in your account simultaneously. When you buy a US stock, you use your USD balance directly, avoiding unnecessary conversions. When you buy a European stock, you use EUR. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference if you’re regularly investing across markets.

The product range is still growing. Lightyear currently offers stocks and ETFs from major US and European exchanges. No options, no futures, no crypto. The company has indicated that more asset classes may be added in the future, but for now, it’s focused on equities and funds.

Regulation is through the FCA in the UK and the Central Bank of Ireland for EU clients. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and investor protection is in place up to the applicable regulatory limits.

Trading 212: Commission-Free With a Few Surprises

Trading 212 is a UK-based broker that’s been around since 2004 but gained significant traction in Europe during the meme stock era of 2021. It offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, with revenue generated from FX fees, interest on cash, and order flow payments.

The platform is one of the more polished options among DEGIRO alternatives Europe investors can access. The app is fast, the interface is modern, and the onboarding process is smooth. Fractional shares are available, and you can start investing with as little as 1 GBP or EUR.

Trading 212 also offers an ISA wrapper for UK investors, which is a significant advantage if you’re based in the UK. The tax benefits of an ISA are substantial, and having commission-free trading inside an ISA is a compelling combination. For EU investors, the tax wrapper options are more limited, but the core trading experience is the same.

One concern with Trading 212 is the reliance on payment for order flow. The company has been transparent about this revenue model, but it does raise questions about execution quality. If you’re a long-term investor buying and holding, the impact is minimal. If you’re an active trader who needs precise execution, it’s something to be aware of.

The platform also offers an automated investing feature called AutoInvest. You can set up recurring purchases of stocks and ETFs, and Trading 212 will execute them automatically. It’s similar to Trade Republic’s savings plans and works well for building a portfolio over time.

A Side-by-Side Look at the Top DEGIRO Alternatives Europe Offers

Let’s put the key details side by side so you can compare at a glance. This table covers the basics, but remember that fee structures change, and you should always verify current pricing on each broker’s website before opening an account.

A few things jump out from this table. Interactive Brokers has the most competitive FX costs by a wide margin. Trade Republic and Trading 212 are the simplest for beginners. Lightyear and Scalable Capital offer the best value for investors who frequently trade across currencies. And eToro is the only one on this list that offers both crypto and social trading in the same platform.

How to Choose the Right DEGIRO Alternative for Your Situation

Picking a broker isn’t just about finding the lowest fees. It’s about finding the right fit for how you actually invest. Here’s how I’d think about it.

If you’re a passive investor who buys ETFs once or twice a month and holds for years, you probably don’t need Interactive Brokers. Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, or Lightyear will serve you well. The fees are low, the apps are easy to use, and the tax reporting in your local country is likely better than what DEGIRO offers.

If you’re an active trader who makes multiple trades per week, the calculus changes. Execution quality, platform speed, and order types matter more than saving 1 EUR on commission. Interactive Brokers or XTB are the better choices here. The platforms are built for active trading, and the fee structure rewards volume.

If you’re based in the UK, Trading 212’s ISA wrapper is hard to beat. The tax savings alone make it worth considering over DEGIRO, even if the platform features are similar. For Irish investors, the situation is different. Ireland has specific tax rules around ETFs, and not all brokers handle Irish tax reporting well. Interactive Brokers and DEGIRO both have decent support for Irish investors, but it’s worth checking the specifics before committing.

One thing I’d push back on. A lot of people say you should just stick with one broker and not overcomplicate things. That’s generally good advice. But there’s nothing wrong with having two accounts. You could use Trade Republic for your automated ETF savings plan and Interactive Brokers for individual stock picks. The overhead is minimal, and you get the best of both worlds.

The Tax Question Nobody Wants to Talk About

Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention in broker comparisons. Tax reporting varies wildly between brokers, and it can make a real difference in how much time you spend on paperwork each year.

DEGIRO provides a tax report, but it’s not always formatted for your specific country’s tax authority. If you’re in Germany, you might need to manually adjust the numbers before filing. If you’re in France, the situation is even more complicated because of the specific French tax treatment of foreign brokers.

Trade Republic and Scalable Capital, being German companies, tend to have better tax reporting for German investors. They generate reports that align with German tax requirements, which saves time and reduces the chance of errors. Lightyear, being UK-based, is better suited for UK tax reporting.

Interactive Brokers provides detailed tax reports, but they’re designed for a US-centric tax system. European investors often need to do their own calculations or use a third-party service. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an extra step that some people don’t anticipate.

If you’re switching brokers mid-year, be aware that transferring a portfolio between brokers can trigger taxable events in some countries. In Germany, for example, transferring shares in-kind between brokers is generally tax-free, but you should confirm this with a tax advisor before initiating a transfer. The last thing you want is an unexpected tax bill because you moved your investments.

What About Safety and Regulation

All the brokers mentioned in this article are regulated by reputable authorities. But regulation isn’t the same as protection, and it’s worth understanding the difference.

DEGIRO’s European clients are served by flatexDEGIRO AG, regulated by BaFin in Germany. Client funds are held at Deutsche Bank and other partner banks. The deposit guarantee scheme protects up to 100,000 EUR per client. For securities, the custody is segregated, meaning your stocks are held separately from the company’s own assets.

Interactive Brokers is regulated by the FCA, SEC, and multiple other authorities. The Irish entity serves most EU clients and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. SIPC protection covers US securities up to 500,000 USD. European securities are covered under the applicable national investor compensation schemes.

Trade Republic holds client assets through Solarisbank, a fully licensed German bank. The deposit guarantee applies. Securities are segregated under German law. It’s a clean setup.

eToro’s European entity is regulated by CySEC. Investor compensation covers up to 20,000 EUR. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks. The protection level is lower than what you’d get with a German or UK-regulated broker, which is something to keep in mind.

The bottom line. All of these brokers are safe enough for normal retail investing. None of them are likely to run off with your money. But the level of protection varies, and if you have a large portfolio, it’s worth understanding exactly what protections apply to your specific situation.

My Honest Take on the Whole Thing

I’ve used DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, and Trade Republic at various points. Each has strengths and weaknesses. DEGIRO is still a solid choice for a lot of people, especially if you’re cost-conscious and don’t need fancy tools. But it’s not the only option, and it’s not always the best option.

If I had to pick one alternative that offers the best balance of features, cost, and usability for most European investors, I’d say Interactive Brokers. Yes, the platform is complex. Yes, there’s a learning curve. But once you’re comfortable with it, the combination of low fees, multi-currency support, and unmatched market access is hard to beat.

For people who want something simpler, Trade Republic is the best neobroker option in Germany and expanding markets. The app is good, the fees are low, and the tax reporting is better than DEGIRO for German investors.

And here’s a counterintuitive thought. Sometimes the best move is to stay with DEGIRO. If your portfolio is small, you’re making infrequent trades, and you’re happy with the platform, switching brokers might not be worth the effort. The transfer process takes time, there might be fees involved, and you’ll need to learn a new interface. Don’t switch just because a blog post told you to. Switch because DEGIRO genuinely isn’t meeting your needs anymore.

“The best broker isn’t the one with the lowest fees or the most features. It’s the one you’ll actually use consistently without getting frustrated. For most people, that’s a simple app with low costs, not a professional trading terminal.”

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FAQ

Is DEGIRO still a good broker in 2024? – DEGIRO alternatives Europe

DEGIRO is still a solid low-cost broker for European investors. The fees are competitive, the market access is broad, and the flatex acquisition has added a layer of banking regulation that wasn’t there before. However, the platform is basic, customer support can be slow, and the tax reporting isn’t always optimized for your specific country. If those things matter to you, it’s worth looking at alternatives.

Which DEGIRO alternative has the lowest fees? – DEGIRO alternatives Europe

For stock and ETF trading, Trade Republic and Trading 212 offer commission-free trading with minimal additional costs. For larger portfolios and multi-currency trading, Interactive Brokers often comes out ahead because of its interbank FX rates. The “cheapest” broker depends on what you’re trading, how often, and in which currencies.

Can I transfer my DEGIRO portfolio to another broker?

Yes, you can transfer your holdings between brokers using an in-kind transfer. This means your stocks and ETFs are moved directly without selling them first. The process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks and may involve a transfer fee from DEGIRO, usually around 10 EUR per line of stock. Check with your new broker for their specific transfer process and any fees they charge on their end.

Are these alternatives available in my country?

Availability varies by broker and country. Trade Republic is available in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, and a few other EU countries. Interactive Brokers is available in most European countries. eToro and Trading 212 have broad European availability. Lightyear is expanding but currently available in the UK and select EU markets. Always check the broker’s website for the most current list of supported countries.

What about crypto trading as a DEGIRO alternative?

DEGIRO doesn’t offer cryptocurrency trading. If you want to trade crypto alongside stocks, eToro is the most established option on this list. However, dedicated crypto exchanges like Kraken or Bitvavo often offer better pricing and more features for crypto-specific trading. Consider whether you need crypto in your brokerage account or if a separate exchange makes more sense.

Which broker is best for US stock trading from Europe?

Interactive Brokers and Lightyear are the strongest options for European investors who frequently buy US stocks. IBKR offers the best FX rates and the most direct market access. Lightyear offers multi-currency accounts that let you hold USD and avoid repeated conversions. Both are significantly cheaper than DEGIRO for US stock purchases when you factor in FX fees.

Sources

• DEGIRO Fee Schedule
• Interactive Brokers Pricing
• Trade Republic Fee Information

Conclusion

Finding the right DEGIRO alternative in Europe comes down to understanding what you actually need from a broker. Here’s what I’d suggest you do next.

First, write down your top three frustrations with DEGIRO. Is it the platform? The fees on specific trades? The tax reporting? The customer support? Be specific. Second, match those frustrations to the alternatives on this list. If it’s platform quality, look at XTB or Interactive Brokers. If it’s tax reporting, look at Trade Republic or Scalable Capital. If it’s FX costs on US stocks, look at Lightyear or IBKR. Third, open a demo or small account with your top choice and test it with a small amount of money before transferring your full portfolio.

Don’t rush the decision. A broker you’ll use for years is worth spending a few hours researching. And remember, you can always keep your DEGIRO account open while testing a new broker. There’s no rule that says you have to close one before opening another. The best DEGIRO alternative Europe has for you is the one that fits your specific situation, not the one with the most features or the flashiest app.