DEGIRO and XTB square off in a test of cost, reach, and trading tools. The axis of tension lies between exchange coverage and platform capabilities.
DEGIRO and XTB are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is exchange access, with 50 exchanges for DEGIRO and 16 for XTB.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
XTB wins for low-cost trading due to zero-commission real stocks up to EUR 100K monthly.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | N/A |
| Spreads from | N/A | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | DEGIRO | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: DEGIRO rates 4.3/5 and XTB rates 4.1/5. DEGIRO has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Both DEGIRO and XTB hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, XTB provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
DEGIRO lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while XTB lists up to 1:5. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform, while XTB supports xStation 5. DEGIRO has exclusive access to DEGIRO Platform. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
Yes, you can open an account with XTB independently of your DEGIRO account. There is no formal transfer process for open positions; you would need to close existing trades with DEGIRO before funding and trading with XTB.
XTB offers commission-free stock trading while DEGIRO does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
XTB scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
XTB wins for safety & regulation with compensation scheme and FCA, CySEC, KNF oversight.
DEGIRO wins for long-term investing thanks to dividend reinvestment.
XTB wins for active traders with advanced charting and research tools.
DEGIRO wins for global market access with 50 exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | BaFin AFM | FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DEGIRO Platform | xStation 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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