XTB vs DEGIRO: Compared in 2025 for fees, safety & more
Both XTB and DEGIRO have heavily invested in the European market through advertising on social media and traditional media. So, which one is better? We are users of both platforms, and what we’ve noticed is that each has its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. In this article, we will share our experience with both.
The goal is to help you understand which of these two platforms might be more suitable for your needs. We will explore in detail everything that XTB and DEGIRO have to offer.
Summary:
- XTB: Best for investing in stocks and ETFs without commissions and earning interest on uninvested cash;
- DEGIRO: Best for bonds, options, and for those who value the simplicity of the platform.
We feel comfortable investing using either broker.
XTB is ideal for those looking to invest in CFDs, Forex, or benefit from commission-free real stocks and ETFs. Additionally, it is an excellent option for earning interest on uninvested cash. XTB is a publicly listed company.
On the other hand, DEGIRO is the best choice for those seeking exposure to bonds and options, or for those who prefer an execution-only broker (without exposure to CFDs). Although it does not offer commission-free investing or interest on account balances, it remains a great alternative for investing in local stock markets (Portuguese stocks, for instance) at a low cost. Another positive point for DEGIRO is that it holds a banking license.
Comparison table
XTB - overview
Founded in 2002, XTB is one of the leading names in the brokerage industry, with extensive global experience. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), among other relevant regulatory bodies, and is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
You can invest through the xStation 5 and xStation Mobile platforms in various investment products, such as stocks, ETFs, and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
It offers 0% commission on stocks and ETFs up to a monthly volume of €100,000 (0.20% commission beyond that volume - minimum of €10) and interest on uninvested cash (in EUR and USD). Additionally, it charges a currency conversion fee of 0.50% (this applies when you buy assets in currencies other than EUR).
Want to know more? Check our in-depth XTB review.
Pros and cons of XTB
Pros
- Commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs
- Customizable trading platform (charts and workspace)
- Low spreads on Forex
- Demo account available
- Minimum deposit of just €1 to open an account
- Educational materials
- Reputable regulatory bodies
Cons
- Trading platform can be complex for beginners
- High spreads on stock CFDs
- Limited product portfolio – no options, bonds, or other products
- Inactivity fee (€10/month after more than 1 year of inactivity and no deposit in the last 90 days)
- The company still relies heavily on CFDs, which are riskier derivative instruments, which may be a downside for long-term "buy and hold" investors.
DEGIRO - overview
Founded in 2008, DEGIRO was one of the first brokers to offer low commissions to investors in Europe.
It is headquartered in the Netherlands, holds a banking license, and is supervised by European financial authorities such as the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
Like XTB, DEGIRO is also publicly listed (flatexDEGIRO AG - Frankfurt Stock Exchange). DEGIRO stands out for its low-cost model, allowing investors access to various financial instruments.
Pros and Cons of DEGIRO
Pros
- Selection List of popular ETFs (external fees apply)
- Intuitive web and mobile application
- Wide range of investment options
- Educational material: Investor Academy
- Overall low commission structure
- No account opening, inactivity, or withdrawal fees
Cons
- Currency conversion fee of 0.25%
- €1 handling fee per transaction (charged on most operations)
- €2.50 connectivity fee (annual) per exchange where you are invested
- Does not offer Forex, CFDs, or cryptocurrencies
- Limited quality customer support
- Does not pay interest on uninvested cash
Regulation and safety
Both offer a high level of transparency, as they are listed on stock exchanges, ensuring stricter scrutiny of their financial reports.
Financial instruments
Although DEGIRO offers a wider range of products in terms of stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options, XTB provides greater exposure to commodities, Forex, and cryptocurrencies (CFDs).
Investment platforms
XTB's xStation 5 platform offers more advanced trading tools and charts, while DEGIRO's platform is simpler and more suitable for long-term investors.
Fees
*Up to €100,000 in monthly trading volume. For investments above this limit, a commission of 0.20% applies (min. €10).
XTB is more competitive by offering commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, while DEGIRO has a more transparent fee structure with relatively low transaction costs.
Customer support
XTB
XTB's customer support is often highlighted as one of its strengths. It is available in several languages and offers several contact methods, including:
- Live Chat: Fast and effective for answering simple queries.
- Phone: Extended hours of service, useful for resolving more complex issues.
- Email: Ideal for less urgent matters.
XTB also stands out for offering dedicated account managers and focused technical support, especially useful for traders using the xStation 5 platform. In general, user feedback tends to be positive, with particular praise for the quick response times and the technical expertise of the team.
DEGIRO
DEGIRO's customer support tens to be more limited compared to XTB. Communication is primarily through:
- Email: Response times can vary depending on the volume of requests.
- Phone: Support is available in Portuguese, but with limited hours.
While the support is considered functional, users (including my own experience) often mention that the quality of service is inconsistent and that responses to more technical questions may not be as thorough. Additionally, DEGIRO does not offer live chat or as personalized support as XTB.
If customer support is a priority for you, XTB tends to be the more reliable choice.
Which one should I choose?
The choice between XTB and DEGIRO depends, above all, on your specific needs. Both brokers have unique advantages that make them appealing in different contexts.
XTB stands out for its commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs, advanced analysis tools through the xStation 5 platform, and the possibility of earning interest on uninvested cash.
On the other hand, DEGIRO offers a more diverse range of financial products, including bonds and options, and a competitive fee structure, especially when compared to traditional banking brokerage services. DEGIRO is also a broker that does not offer CFDs - which can be an advantage if you do not identify with this type of instrument.
If you are looking for a platform with better customer support and advanced trading features, XTB may be the best choice. However, if you prefer simplicity and access to a wider range of investment products, DEGIRO will be an excellent option.
Regardless of your choice, both brokers are regulated and offer transparency thanks to their presence on stock exchanges.
If possible, trying out both platforms can be a useful strategy to determine which one best suits your needs!
