⏱️ 19 min read · 3,638 words · Updated Jun 13, 2026

Understanding DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers is essential for making informed decisions in today’s market.

Let’s get something out of the way first.

“If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of Broker comparison articles that read like press releases.”

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Half of them are affiliate-fuelled machines designed to funnel you toward whoever pays the highest referral bonus. The other half are written by people who’ve never placed a single trade on either platform.

This isn’t that. I’ve used both DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers, sometimes simultaneously, and I have opinions about both. Some of those opinions will probably annoy fans of either platform. That’s fine. You’re here for clarity, not comfort.

The DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers debate has been going on for years, and the answer has never been as simple as “one is better.” It depends on who you are, what you trade, how often you trade, and what you actually care about. So rather than pretend there’s a universal winner, I’m going to break down exactly where each Broker shines, where each one falls flat, and which one makes sense for your specific situation.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explore DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers and how it directly impacts your financial future.

Where DEGIRO Gets It Right – DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers

DEGIRO built its reputation on one thing: low fees for European investors. And to be fair, they delivered on that promise. For years, if you were sitting in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or most of Western Europe and wanted cheap access to European exchanges, DEGIRO was the obvious answer. Their fee structure for ETF purchases on primary exchanges was genuinely hard to beat, especially for buy-and-hold investors who weren’t trading frequently.

The core appeal is straightforward. You can buy shares on Xetra, Euronext, or the London Stock Exchange for a few euros per trade. There’s a connectivity fee, sure, a €2.50 annual fee per exchange connection, but if you’re only trading on one or two exchanges, that cost is negligible. For someone building a simple portfolio of European-domiciled ETFs, the total annual cost of ownership through DEGIRO can be remarkably low.

Now, DEGIRO’s platform. It’s clean. It’s functional. It won’t win any design awards, but it gets the job done. You search for a ticker, you place your order, it executes. There’s a basic watchlist, basic charting, and a portfolio overview that shows you what you own. For a passive investor who checks their holdings once a month, this is more than sufficient.

But here’s where the limitations start to show. DEGIRO’s platform lacks the depth that active traders need. There are no advanced order types beyond the basics. No trailing stops on most instruments. No conditional orders. The charting is bare bones, and if you’re the kind of person who likes to run technical analysis before making a trade, you’ll find yourself exporting data to another tool almost immediately. DEGIRO is built for simplicity, which is a design choice, not a flaw, but you should know what you’re getting.

Where Interactive Brokers Dominates – DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers, or IBKR as most people call it, is the Broker for people who take trading seriously. Full stop. It’s not the prettiest platform. It’s not the simplest to set up. But the depth of what it offers is in a completely different league from DEGIRO.

Let’s start with market access. IBKR gives you access to markets in over 150 countries across 33 currencies. You want to trade Japanese equities at 2 AM? Done. You want to buy bonds on the Brazilian exchange? Possible. You want options, futures, forex, mutual funds, single stocks, ETFs, warrants, structured products, it’s all there. DEGIRO gives you a solid selection of European and major US exchanges. IBKR gives you the entire map.

The fee structure is where things get nuanced. IBKR has two pricing tiers: IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro. IBKR Lite offers zero-commission trades on US stocks and ETFs, which sounds amazing until you realize it’s primarily aimed at US residents. If you’re in Europe, you’re almost certainly looking at IBKR Pro, which charges per-share or per-trade fees that are competitive but not always cheaper than DEGIRO for small European equity trades.

For US stock purchases specifically, IBKR Pro charges $0.005 per share with a $1 minimum. That’s cheap. For European trades, fees vary by exchange but tend to run slightly higher than DEGIRO’s base rates. So if your portfolio is heavily weighted toward European-domiciled ETFs, DEGIRO might still edge out on raw cost. But the gap has narrowed significantly since IBKR revamped its European pricing.

“Interactive Brokers won the broker war years ago for serious traders. DEGIRO won it for passive European investors. The gap is closing fast.”

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The Platform Experience: Night and Day

I need to be blunt about this because it’s the single biggest differentiator. DEGIRO’s platform and IBKR’s Trader Workstation are not in the same category. Not even close.

Trader Workstation, or TWS, is the desktop application that serious IBKR users rely on. It’s dense, it’s complex, and it has a learning curve that will genuinely frustrate new users. The first time you open it, you’ll feel like you’ve accidentally launched a Bloomberg Terminal clone. But once you learn it, the level of control you have over your orders, your risk management, your real-time data feeds, and your portfolio analysis is unmatched at this price point.

You can set up bracket orders, algo orders, conditional triggers, one-cancels-other strategies, and a dozen other execution methods that DEGIRO simply doesn’t offer. The charting is professional grade. You can run scans across entire markets, build custom watchlists with hundreds of columns of data, and access real-time fundamentals. If you trade options, the options chain tool in TWS is excellent.

IBKR also has a mobile app that’s surprisingly capable. It’s not as stripped down as DEGIRO’s mobile experience, but it handles complex order types and gives you decent charting on the go. There’s also a web-based client portal that’s designed for casual investors who don’t need the full TWS experience. So IBKR actually covers both ends of the spectrum, even if the web portal still feels like a compromise compared to TWS.

DEGIRO’s mobile app is simple and quick. That’s the nicest thing I can say about it. It works. You can buy and sell. You can check your portfolio. But if you’ve used IBKR’s mobile app and then switch back to DEGIRO, the difference in analytical capability is jarring.

Fees: The Part Everyone Cares About

Let’s put some actual numbers on the table because fee comparisons without specific figures are useless.

DEGIRO’s standard stock trade fee on European exchanges is €3 plus €1 connectivity fee per trade in some cases, though the structure has shifted over time. For US exchanges, they charge $0.50 plus a 0.25% FX conversion fee on the traded amount. Their ETF selection includes a core list of “free” ETFs once per quarter, one buy and one sell with no transaction fee, which is genuinely useful for passive investors.

IBKR Pro pricing for US stocks is $0.005 per share, minimum $1, maximum 1% of trade value. For European equities, fees vary: on Xetra it’s €3 minimum or 0.05% of trade value, whichever is greater. On Euronext, similar structure. The FX conversion fee at IBKR is 0.20% of the converted amount, which is slightly better than DEGIRO’s rate.

For someone making a €500 trade on a European exchange, DEGIRO might charge around €3 to €5 depending on the specific exchange and current fee schedule. IBKR Pro would charge roughly €2.50 to €3.50. The difference is small. For larger trades, IBKR’s percentage-based pricing can actually become more expensive than DEGIRO’s flat-ish structure, but the FX fee savings at IBKR often offset that.

Here’s the thing most comparison articles miss. The fee difference between these two brokers, for most retail investors, amounts to maybe €20 to €50 per year. If you’re making a handful of trades per month, the total cost gap is not life-changing. What matters more is whether the platform you’re using helps you make better decisions, because a bad trade costs you far more than a €2 fee difference.

Asset Selection and What You Can Actually Buy

DEGIRO offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures on a limited number of exchanges. You get access to major European exchanges, the NYSE, NASDAQ, and a handful of others. For most retail investors building a diversified portfolio of index ETFs and blue-chip stocks, this is enough. You can buy VWCE, SWRD, CSPX, and the usual suspects without any issues.

But there are gaps. DEGIRO doesn’t offer mutual funds. Their bond selection is limited compared to IBKR. If you want access to specific Asian markets, emerging market bonds, or certain structured products, you’ll hit a wall. They also don’t offer fractional shares, which matters if you’re trying to invest a small amount into a high-priced stock like Amazon or Berkshire Hathaway.

Interactive Brokers offers fractional shares on US stocks and ETFs. They offer mutual funds from thousands of fund families. Their bond inventory is enormous, including government bonds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and international debt. You can trade options on virtually every liquid market. Futures, forex, even cryptocurrency through Paxos for US clients.

If your investment strategy is “buy a global ETF and hold for 20 years,” DEGIRO’s asset selection is fine. If you want to build a more nuanced portfolio with bonds, options hedging, international diversification, or direct stock picking across multiple markets, IBKR is the only real choice.

Regulation, Safety, and the Stuff That Matters When Things Go Wrong

Both brokers are regulated, but the specifics matter. DEGIRO is regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and BaFin in Germany. Client assets are held in segregated accounts, and DEGIRO participates in the Dutch investor compensation scheme, which covers up to €20,000 per person if the broker fails. That’s notably lower than the €100,000 coverage you’d get with a bank deposit guarantee in many European countries.

Interactive Brokers is regulated by multiple authorities, including the SEC and FINRA in the US, the FCA in the UK, and various European regulators depending on which entity you’re a client of. IBKR’s European entity, Interactive Brokers Central Europe Zrt., is regulated by the Hungarian National Bank and participates in the Hungarian investor compensation scheme, which covers up to €100,000. For US clients, SIPC protection covers up to $500,000.

IBKR is also a publicly traded company with a market cap north of $70 billion. DEGIRO was acquired by flatexDEGIRO AG, which is also publicly listed, but the financial stability of IBKR is on another level. If broker solvency is something that keeps you up at night, IBKR is the safer bet by a wide margin.

One thing worth mentioning. DEGIRO has had regulatory issues. In 2020, they were fined by the AFM for failing to properly segregate client assets. They’ve since addressed this, but it’s a data point. IBKR has a cleaner regulatory record, though no broker is perfect.

Customer Support: The Uncomfortable Truth

Neither broker is known for outstanding customer support, but DEGIRO’s is worse. This is one area where I’ll state my opinion clearly: DEGIRO’s customer service is a bottleneck that actively harms the user experience. Response times can stretch to days for non-urgent issues. Phone support is limited. The help center is adequate but not comprehensive.

IBKR’s support is better but still not what you’d call warm. They have phone support, live chat, and a ticket system. Wait times vary, but you’ll generally get a response within hours rather than days. Their knowledge base is extensive, and there’s an active user community forum where experienced traders help newcomers navigate TWS.

If you’re the kind of investor who never needs to contact support, this doesn’t matter. But when something goes wrong, a failed transfer, a corporate action question, a tax document issue, the quality of support becomes the most important feature of your broker.

Tax Reporting and the Annual Headache

Tax reporting is one of those things you don’t think about until April, and then it consumes your life. DEGIRO provides an annual tax report that covers dividends, interest, and capital gains. It’s functional but basic. If you’re a tax resident in the Netherlands, Germany, or Austria, the integration with local tax systems is smoother. For other countries, you may need to do manual calculations.

IBKR’s tax reporting is more comprehensive. They provide detailed transaction reports, realized and unrealized gain/loss statements, and dividend withholding tax summaries. The reports are customizable, which is helpful if your accountant needs specific formats. IBKR also handles US dividend withholding tax more efficiently for non-US residents, automatically applying treaty rates where applicable.

For anyone with a multi-country portfolio, IBKR’s tax tools save hours of work. DEGIRO’s are adequate for simple portfolios but become cumbersome as complexity increases.

Who Should Actually Choose DEGIRO

I’m going to say something that might surprise people who’ve read the usual “IBKR is always better” takes. DEGIRO is the right choice for a specific type of investor, and that type is more common than the trading community wants to admit.

If you’re a passive investor in Europe who buys one or two ETFs per month, holds for the long term, and doesn’t need advanced tools, DEGIRO works. The fees are low enough that they won’t meaningfully impact your returns. The platform is simple enough that you won’t waste time learning it. The “free” ETF program is a nice bonus for core holdings.

If you’re just starting out and the idea of TWS makes your eyes glaze over, DEGIRO is a gentler on-ramp. You can always migrate to IBKR later when your strategy demands more. Starting simple isn’t a failure. It’s a choice.

But if you’re reading this article and you already know you want to trade options, access Asian markets, or build a portfolio with more than three ETFs, DEGIRO will frustrate you within six months. Save yourself the migration hassle and start with IBKR.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers Without Hesitation

Active traders. Options traders. Multi-market investors. Anyone who needs more than basic charting. Anyone who trades more than a few times per month. Anyone who values platform depth over platform simplicity.

IBKR is also the better choice if you’re not based in Europe. Their global infrastructure is built for international investors in a way that DEGIRO, which remains fundamentally a European broker, simply can’t match. If you’re in Asia, Latin America, or Africa, IBKR is likely your best option among mainstream brokers.

The learning curve is real. I won’t sugarcoat that. TWS takes weeks to feel comfortable with, and months to master. But the payoff is a platform that grows with you. You won’t outgrow IBKR the way you’ll outgrow DEGIRO.

“The best broker isn’t the one with the lowest fees. It’s the one that doesn’t get in the way of your strategy.”

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The Comparison Table You Actually Need

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the key differences. I’ve focused on the factors that matter most for retail investors, not the edge cases that only affect institutional traders.

The Migration Question

A lot of people start with DEGIRO and eventually wonder whether they should switch to IBKR. The answer depends on what’s frustrating you. If it’s the platform limitations, yes, switching makes sense. If it’s the fees, do the math first because the difference might be smaller than you think.

Transferring holdings between brokers is possible through ACATS for US assets or manual transfer requests for European assets. It’s not instant. Expect a few weeks of processing time, during which your assets may be frozen. Plan accordingly. Don’t initiate a transfer right before you need to make a trade.

One thing I’d recommend: if you’re considering the switch, open an IBKR account and use it alongside DEGIRO for a few months. Fund it with a small amount, place a few trades, learn TWS at your own pace. There’s no rush. The best time to migrate is when you’re comfortable with the new platform, not when you’re frustrated with the old one.

What Nobody Talks About: The Psychological Factor

Here’s an aside that doesn’t fit neatly into a comparison table. The platform you use affects your behavior. A simple platform like DEGIRO can actually be an advantage for passive investors because it removes the temptation to tinker. When you can’t see real-time P&L flashing in red and green, when you can’t set up complex alerts, you’re less likely to make emotional decisions.

IBKR’s depth is a double-edged sword. The same tools that help experienced traders manage risk can encourage overtrading in inexperienced hands. If you know you have a tendency to check your portfolio too often, to panic-sell on dips, or to chase momentum, a simpler platform might serve your psychology better than a more powerful one.

This isn’t a reason to avoid IBKR. It’s a reason to be honest about your own tendencies before choosing.

The Verdict, Such As It Is

If I had to pick one broker for myself, it would be Interactive Brokers. Not because DEGIRO is bad, but because my trading style demands the tools that only IBKR provides. I trade options occasionally, I hold assets across multiple currencies, and I value the ability to analyze my portfolio in depth.

But I’ve recommended DEGIRO to friends and family members who are passive investors, and they’ve been happy with it. The fees are low, the platform is simple, and it does exactly what they need it to do. There’s no shame in choosing the simpler tool when the simpler tool is the right tool.

The DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers debate doesn’t have a universal winner. It has a winner for you, and that depends on your strategy, your experience level, and your willingness to learn a complex platform. Be honest about where you fall on that spectrum, and the choice becomes obvious.

FAQ

Is DEGIRO cheaper than Interactive Brokers? – DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers

For small, infrequent European equity trades, DEGIRO can be slightly cheaper. For US trades, multi-currency portfolios, or active trading, IBKR’s fee structure is generally more competitive, especially when you factor in the lower FX conversion fee. The difference for most retail investors is modest, often less than €50 per year.

Can I use Interactive Brokers if I’m not a US resident? – DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers

Yes. IBKR serves clients in over 200 countries. European residents can open accounts through IBKR’s European entities, such as Interactive Brokers Central Europe Zrt. in Hungary. The signup process is straightforward, though identity verification can take a few days.

Does DEGIRO offer fractional shares?

No. DEGIRO does not currently offer fractional share trading. If you want to invest small amounts into high-priced stocks, IBKR supports fractional shares for US-listed stocks and ETFs.

Which broker is better for beginners?

DEGIRO is easier to start with due to its simpler platform and lower learning curve. However, beginners who are willing to invest time in learning will benefit more from IBKR in the long run, especially if they plan to expand their strategy beyond basic ETF investing.

Is my money safe with DEGIRO?

DEGIRO is regulated and client assets are held in segregated accounts. The Dutch investor compensation scheme covers up to €20,000 per person. While DEGIRO is a legitimate broker, the investor protection limit is lower than what IBKR offers through its European entity, which covers up to €100,000.

Can I transfer my DEGIRO holdings to Interactive Brokers?

Yes, you can transfer holdings between brokers. For European assets, this typically involves a manual transfer request and can take several weeks. For US assets, the ACATS system can facilitate faster transfers. Check with both brokers for specific procedures and any associated fees.

Sources

• DEGIRO Fee Schedule
• Interactive Brokers Pricing
• AFM Regulatory Actions

Conclusion

Choosing between DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers comes down to matching the broker to your actual needs, not to some abstract ranking. Here’s what I’d suggest you do right now.

First, write down your investment strategy in one sentence. If it’s “buy global ETFs and hold,” DEGIRO is probably sufficient. If it involves anything more complex, lean toward IBKR.

Second, open a demo or paper trading account with IBKR if you haven’t already. Spend a weekend with TWS. If it feels overwhelming but exciting, that’s a good sign. If it feels unbearable, DEGIRO might be your home for now.

Third, calculate your actual expected annual fees on both platforms based on your real trading volume. Use the fee structures I outlined above. You might find the difference is smaller than you assumed, which means the decision should be based on platform quality rather than cost.

Both are legitimate brokers. Neither is a scam. Neither is perfect. The best choice is the one that aligns with how you actually invest, not how you think you should invest. Make that choice, commit to it, and spend your energy on the thing that actually grows your wealth: picking good investments and holding them.