Online brokers compared: fees, markets and who each suits
Five widely used brokers for stocks and ETFs, side by side. Figures last checked 18 October 2026; always confirm in the provider's own price list before you open an account.
| Broker | Stocks and ETFs | Currency conversion | Fractional | CFDs | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEGIRO | Core ETF selection: €0 commission plus a €1 handling fee; US stocks €1 plus €1 handling; Prague Stock Exchange CZK 20 plus CZK 10 | 0.25% on currency conversion | No | No | flatexDEGIRO Bank (BaFin, AFM and DNB) |
| eToro | ETFs without commission; stocks may carry $1 to $2 on opening and closing a position | depends on membership level and payment method; no fixed figure is published | Yes | Yes | eToro (Europe) Ltd (CySEC, licence 109/10) |
| Interactive Brokers | Pro: fixed or tiered commissions by exchange; Lite is free only for US-listed stocks and ETFs | very low mark-up; check the exact level in the price list | Yes | Yes | Interactive Brokers Ireland (Central Bank of Ireland) |
| Trading 212 | 0% commission on stocks and ETFs | 0.15% on currency conversion (according to comparison sites) | Yes | Yes | Trading 212 Markets (CySEC) |
| XTB | 0% up to €100,000 of monthly turnover, 0.2% above that (minimum €10) | 0.5% on currency conversion | Yes | Yes | XTB S.A. (Polish regulator KNF), with branches in other EU countries |
A European broker with a very wide choice of exchanges
Best for: Investors who want access to many exchanges and do not need CFDs.
Copy trading and crypto in one app
Best for: People who want to copy other investors and hold crypto and stocks in one app.
The widest range of markets, aimed at advanced investors
Best for: Advanced and larger investors who need the widest range of markets.
Commission-free investing in a simple app
Best for: Regular investing of small amounts without commissions.
0% commission on stocks and ETFs, with local-language support in many EU countries
Best for: Beginners who want low costs on ETFs and support in their own language.
How to choose a broker
- Look at total cost, not just commission. Currency conversion, custody and exchange fees often cost more than the headline commission, especially if you buy foreign stocks.
- Check the regulator and where your assets are held. Regulated brokers must keep client assets separate; investor-compensation schemes differ by country.
- Match the product to what you will use. Fractional shares suit small regular investments; wide exchange access suits global portfolios.
- Be careful with CFDs. They are leveraged, complex products and most retail accounts lose money.
Investing carries risk and you can lose money. CFDs are complex and most retail accounts lose money. This is information, not investment advice.