DEGIRO Review: Low-Cost Investing for European Investors
DEGIRO built its reputation on being one of the cheapest ways for European investors to buy stocks and ETFs. Here's what that actually costs, in detail.
A broker built around one core promise: low fees
DEGIRO was founded in the Netherlands in 2008 and launched its retail brokerage service in 2013, growing quickly across Europe specifically on the strength of unusually low trading costs compared with traditional full-service brokers. In December 2019, German broker flatex acquired DEGIRO, and the combined group, flatexDEGIRO, now operates under a German banking license, regulated by BaFin, Germany's financial supervisory authority.
What it actually costs to trade
DEGIRO's fee structure varies by market: U.S. stock trades run about $2.32 (a $1 commission plus a $1 handling fee), UK trades around £2.75, and German stock trades about €4.90 — figures that are meaningfully lower than many traditional brokers charge, particularly for European investors trading across multiple markets. DEGIRO also offers a Core Selection list of ETFs that can be traded commission-free once per month, subject only to a small handling fee, which is a genuinely useful feature for investors making regular, smaller contributions.
- No account minimum or inactivity fee applies.
- A 0.25% currency conversion fee applies when trading in a currency different from your account's base currency.
- A separate monthly fee applies for U.S. derivatives trading, worth checking if that's relevant to you.
What it doesn't offer
DEGIRO's low costs come with narrower scope than some competitors. It doesn't offer forex trading, its research and educational tools are more limited than full-service brokers like Schwab or Fidelity, deposits by credit or debit card aren't supported, and it isn't available to residents of the United States at all.
Plain Investor score
DEGIRO
Scores reflect Plain Investor's own methodology as of September 2026 and are not personalized advice. Plain Investor is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or paid by DEGIRO. Always verify current fees, regulation, and features directly with the broker before opening an account. Methodology · How we make money
DEGIRO's whole pitch is a trade-off stated plainly: fewer bells and whistles, in exchange for meaningfully lower costs on the two things — stocks and ETFs — that most long-term investors actually need.
Who it's for
DEGIRO is well suited to long-term, cost-conscious European investors focused on stocks and ETFs, who don't need forex trading, extensive research tools, or U.S.-based service. Investors who want a broader single-account product range, including forex or extensive proprietary research, may find a broker like Interactive Brokers or XTB a better fit despite generally higher costs on some products. Fees and account features change over time; always confirm current terms on DEGIRO's own site.
This article is educational and general in nature. It isn’t personalized investment, tax, or legal advice — always weigh your own circumstances, or talk to a licensed professional, before making financial decisions.