Broker Review
DEGIRO Review 2026 — Is DEGIRO Legit?
Score Summary
out of 10
DEGIRO is a low-cost European broker offering access to 50+ exchanges worldwide. Now part of flatexDEGIRO AG (a German-listed bank), DEGIRO provides some of the lowest fees in Europe for stock and ETF trading, though the platform is basic.
Overview
DEGIRO was founded in 2008 in Amsterdam by former employees of Binck Bank. Initially serving institutional clients, it opened to retail investors in 2013 and rapidly expanded across Europe by offering exceptionally low trading fees. In 2020, DEGIRO merged with the German online bank flatex, forming flatexDEGIRO AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
DEGIRO offers access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and investment funds across 50+ exchanges in 30 countries. The broker is available to retail investors in most European countries but does not serve US clients.
Tip
DEGIRO's core ETF selection includes a list of popular ETFs that can be traded once per month without commission fees, making it an excellent choice for European investors building long-term ETF portfolios.
Regulatory Status
- BaFin (Germany) — flatexDEGIRO AG is regulated as a licensed German bank
- AFM (Netherlands) — DEGIRO is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
- DNB (Netherlands) — Under supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank
- Bundesbank — Subject to Bundesbank oversight as part of a German banking group
As part of a BaFin-regulated banking group listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, DEGIRO benefits from robust regulatory oversight and the German deposit guarantee scheme.
Fee Structure
DEGIRO's fees are among the lowest in Europe, which is its primary competitive advantage.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| US Stocks | €1 + $1 per transaction |
| European Stocks | €1 + €1 per transaction |
| Core ETFs | €0 (1 free trade/month) |
| Other ETFs | €2 + €1 per transaction |
| Options (Eurex) | €0.75 per contract |
| Futures (Eurex) | €0.75 per contract |
| Connectivity Fee | €2.50/year per exchange |
| Account Fee | €0 |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
Note
DEGIRO charges a small connectivity fee per exchange per year (€2.50). If you trade on multiple exchanges, these fees add up, but they remain modest in absolute terms.
Platform & Tools
DEGIRO's platform is functional but intentionally basic:
- Web Platform — Clean interface with watchlists, portfolio overview, order entry, and basic charting. No advanced technical analysis tools or screeners.
- Mobile App — Streamlined app that covers essential functions: portfolio monitoring, order placement, price alerts
- No Desktop Platform — DEGIRO does not offer a dedicated desktop application
The platform lacks many features that active traders expect: no real-time streaming quotes on the basic plan (available as an add-on), limited charting tools, no research reports, and no paper trading. DEGIRO is clearly optimized for cost-conscious buy-and-hold investors rather than active traders.
Customer Support
Support is available via email and phone during business hours. No live chat is available.
- Email responses typically arrived within 24-48 hours during our testing
- Phone support is available but wait times were 10-15 minutes on average
- No weekend or holiday support
- Support quality was adequate for basic queries but limited for complex issues
Warning
DEGIRO's customer support is its weakest area. The lack of live chat, limited hours, and sometimes slow email response times can be frustrating, especially during volatile market conditions when timely support matters most.
Trustworthiness
Since merging with flatex and coming under BaFin regulation as part of a German banking group, DEGIRO's trustworthiness profile has improved significantly. The company had faced some criticism in its early years regarding its securities lending practices and complex corporate structure, but these concerns have been largely addressed through the flatex merger and increased regulatory oversight.
Conclusion
DEGIRO earns our Recommended verdict with a score of 7.7. For European investors who prioritize low costs above all else, DEGIRO is extremely hard to beat. The fee structure is among the most competitive available, and the core ETF selection makes long-term passive investing almost free. However, the basic platform and limited customer support mean it is best suited for self-directed investors who do not need hand-holding or advanced analytical tools.
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