This comparison contrasts DEGIRO and FBS on price, market access, and tools. The tension centers on exchange reach and feature sets.
DEGIRO outperforms FBS in editorial score, driven by broader exchange access and a built-in stock screener. FBS remains appealing for MT4/MT5 users with a $1 minimum deposit, but its regulatory scope is weaker.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
DEGIRO wins for safety & regulation with BaFin, AFM oversight, and MiFID II compliance.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $1 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | DEGIRO | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
DEGIRO is the stronger choice: it rates 4.3/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
FBS starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for DEGIRO. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FBS requires $1. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for DEGIRO.
DEGIRO holds top-tier regulation (BaFin, AFM), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. DEGIRO holds top-tier regulatory status, which provides a stronger safety baseline for newer traders. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
DEGIRO lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for DEGIRO are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform, while FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. DEGIRO has exclusive access to DEGIRO Platform. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither DEGIRO nor FBS is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
DEGIRO supports dividend reinvestment, aiding long-term accumulation.
DEGIRO offers access to 50 exchanges, far more than FBS.
DEGIRO offers flat-fee pricing and Europe's lowest stock commissions.
| N/A |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | BaFin AFM | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | DEGIRO Platform | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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