My Review of the DEGIRO Broker (April 2025)

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DEGIRO is a Dutch broker founded in 2008, which has quickly established itself as a leading European online broker with low costs. In 2020, it joined the flatexDEGIRO banking group, which strengthened its stability. With a score of 3.5/5 on Trustpilot based on over 2,000 reviews, DEGIRO shows solid popularity despite some criticisms, especially regarding the tools offered.

I’ve spent the last 6 months intensively testing DEGIRO, comparing every aspect of the platform with other brokers available in Ireland. I analysed the fees, the simplicity of the interface, the diversity of instruments, the security of funds and of course the daily user experience.

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can DEGIRO be trusted? Is the platform easy to pick up and intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with DEGIRO and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the platform offer vs. other online brokers?

So I went through everything with a fine-tooth comb: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, features, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools etc. Below is my in-depth analysis of the broker DEGIRO (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of DEGIRO?

My overall opinion on DEGIRO

After several months of using DEGIRO, I must say that this platform has won me over with its simplicity, the richness of its asset offering, and especially its extremely low fees. I have rarely seen a broker offer such a wide range of instruments (more than 50,000) with such transparent pricing. You can buy shares from all over the world for €1 per order, with no custody fees or inactivity fees, making it one of the most competitive players I have tested for cash investment.

Regarding the platform, the Web interface is clean, intuitive, and very well-designed for regular use. The mobile application is also smooth, with essential functions well integrated, even if the graphic analysis remains limited. It is not a platform for pure day trading or advanced technical analysis, but for building a diversified long-term portfolio, it is clearly effective.

In terms of security, I have no complaints: the funds are held at flatexDEGIRO Bank, an entity regulated in Germany, with protection of up to €100,000 per client. You can feel that there is a solid banking structure behind it and a serious approach to risk management. The fact that DEGIRO is a publicly traded subsidiary also reinforces the transparency of the service.

Who is DEGIRO for?

=> For beginner investors who want to buy stocks or ETFs without breaking the bank on fees. The interface is clear, orders are simple to place, and the prices are unbeatable. In my opinion, it is one of the best brokers to take your first steps in stock market investing, without leverage or complex products.

=> For long-term investors who are building a diversified portfolio of stocks, ETFs, or bonds. DEGIRO allows access to dozens of international markets with reduced fixed fees and no commission on certain ETFs, which optimizes net performance over time.

=> For regular traders who want direct exposure to the stock markets, but without scalping or high-frequency trading. Execution is reliable and fees remain very low even if you place several orders each month on different stock exchanges.

On the other hand, DEGIRO will not be suitable for active or technical traders who need advanced tools for charting, automation possibilities or access to Forex or CFDs. There is no classic leverage or features like MetaTrader or TradingView, which limits the possibilities for a short-term trading-oriented profile.

DEGIRO in just a few seconds:

My opinion on the security and reliability of the DEGIRO broker

As a trader, I consider DEGIRO to be a very reliable platform for investing from Ireland. Its membership of the flatexDEGIRO banking group and its regulation in several European countries reinforce confidence. Although it does not offer private insurance like some brokers, the regulatory protection remains solid, especially with the deposit guarantee up to €100,000.

My opinion on the fees, spreads and commissions applied on DEGIRO

What immediately struck me when testing DEGIRO was the transparency and competitiveness of its fee schedule. The fees are clear, fixed and particularly advantageous for investing in shares and ETFs, especially if you invest regularly. I appreciated being able to buy US or European securities for just €1 per transaction, with no custody fees or inactivity fees. Even derivatives such as options or futures are very accessible in terms of pricing.

DEGIRO doesn't offer multiple account types like other CFD-focused brokers, but the single fee structure applied is perfectly suited to cash investment. The absence of opening or withdrawal fees further enhances the platform's overall competitiveness.

Let's now look in detail at the broker's fee schedule.

What are the account fees?

Using DEGIRO, I really found the experience smooth and unsurprising from a fee perspective. The fact that there are no inactivity or withdrawal fees is a huge plus, especially for retail investors like me who are building a long-term portfolio without placing orders every week.

The minimum deposit isn’t really a hindrance: a transfer of just €0.01 is enough to activate the account. You can then fund your portfolio at your own pace, without any minimum threshold obligation, which is rare in the online brokerage world.

Trader Tip

To limit conversion fees, I use an external service like Wise or Revolut to convert my funds beforehand, and then I deposit them directly in euros into DEGIRO. This easily saves 0.25% on each transaction on foreign exchanges.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

DEGIRO offers an extremely competitive service for investing in stocks and ETFs. The fixed fee of €1 on Euronext, and even free on a selection of ETFs, makes the broker ideal for building a long-term portfolio. The currency exchange fees (0.25%) should be monitored if you invest outside the Eurozone but remain well below the market average.

My review of the assets & markets available on DEGIRO

DEGIRO particularly impressed me with the depth of its offering in the stock, bond, and ETF markets. It is one of the most comprehensive platforms in Ireland if you are looking to build a long-term portfolio, with access to major global stock exchanges, including Euronext, Nasdaq, Xetra, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The absence of direct trading on Forex, commodities or cryptos may be a hindrance for active traders, but the presence of ETPs still allows you to expose your portfolio to these asset classes, without the complexity of leverage. For diversified buy & hold investors, DEGIRO's offer is hard to beat, especially given the applied fee schedule.

My opinion on the platform

The DEGIRO platform isn't aimed at technical traders or scalpers, but it excels in its simplicity and effectiveness for investing in the stock market. The interface is clean, without visual clutter, and the smooth navigation allowed me to execute my orders without latency. You can feel that the tool has been designed for investors who aim for long-term performance rather than high-frequency operations.

If you are used to platforms like MetaTrader or TradingView, DEGIRO may seem limited. However, for a private investor who follows their stocks and ETFs in their portfolio, it is one of the most practical interfaces I have tested.

Trader tip

Use the favourite lists to classify your shares by strategy (dividend, growth, geography). This has allowed me to effectively follow my investment themes, while saving time during periods of arbitrage.

Customer reviews: what users think of DEGIRO

DEGIRO enjoys an excellent reputation with its users, averaging 4.5/5 from over 2,100 reviews on Trustpilot. This high rating reflects a high level of customer satisfaction, particularly in Ireland, where the platform is often cited as one of the best brokers for investing in low-cost stocks and ETFs.

Positive reviews regularly highlight the platform's ease of use, the clarity of the interface, the competitiveness of the fees and the accessibility for beginners. Many also appreciate the possibility of investing in fractional shares, the reduced fees, and the richness of the offer for long-term investors. The mobile experience is also considered fluid, and users praise the speed of order execution.

Regarding criticisms, some regret the absence of cryptocurrencies in the current offering, or mention occasional slowness in the crediting of incoming transfers. Others mention difficulties during the identity verification process on the mobile application or point out the unavailability of certain foreign securities. Some comments mention customer service being difficult to reach in certain cases, especially during disputes related to referral offers.

Examples of customer reviews:

Romain MELATO (March 25, 2025) : « Low fees, intuitive platform, you can buy shares of stocks. »

Tony Cailbaut (March 12, 2025) : « Degiri is a stock market investment platform with low costs. Fun and effective if you also want to do swing trading and day trading. »

Gimel Agnès (March 3, 2025) : « Easy to use, only the application remains difficult with the photo of oneself which is difficult to take to be validated. For the rest it is interesting. »

Account Opening, Deposits and Withdrawals on DEGIRO

Account Opening

Opening an account with DEGIRO was particularly simple for me. Everything happens online, with no paperwork to send, and the interface clearly guides you through the steps. My account was validated the same day after submitting the documents.

Here are the specific steps I followed:

• Complete the online form with my personal and tax information.
• Choose the investor profile (knowledge, objectives, level of experience).
• Verify my identity by uploading the required documents.
• Make an initial transfer from a bank account in my name (required to activate the account).
• Wait for validation by DEGIRO (less than 24 hours in my case).
• Access the platform and start investing.

✅ Good to know

The account is activated only after receiving the first transfer. This deposit does not require a minimum amount, but it serves to confirm your bank identity. Remember to use a bank statement in your exact name to avoid any rejection.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Honestly, I found the deposit and withdrawal system at DEGIRO quite simple, although limited. Everything happens exclusively by bank transfer, which secures transactions but can lengthen the delays, especially for withdrawals. In practice, I have seen a processing time of 2 to 3 working days, without any additional fees added by the platform.

✅ Good to know

To ensure your deposit is accepted, it must originate from a bank account held in your name. I recommend making an initial transfer of 1 cent upon opening the account, as this speeds up the account verification process.

Account Types Available on DEGIRO

DEGIRO is a broker primarily aimed at investors looking to build a long-term portfolio through stocks, ETFs, and bonds at minimal cost. Its account structure is designed to simplify access to financial markets without unnecessary features.

✅ Good to know

With DEGIRO, the account offered is a classic securities account allowing you to directly buy shares, ETFs or bonds. It is therefore not a CFD broker but a genuine stockbroker, which makes it particularly suitable for long-term investors.

Conclusion: Should You Invest with DEGIRO?

After spending several months testing DEGIRO, I consider it one of the best choices for individual investors looking for simplicity and low costs. It is not an active trading or CFD broker, but an ideal solution for managing a portfolio of stocks, ETFs or bonds with clear and ultra-competitive pricing.

I particularly appreciated the access to numerous global stock exchanges, the low brokerage fees, and the absence of custody or withdrawal fees. The interface is clean, very intuitive, and portfolio management is smooth, even on mobile. Admittedly, there are a few advanced features missing for experienced traders (no demo account, no in-depth technical analysis), but that's not what DEGIRO promises.

In summary, if you are a self-directed, long-term investor, or if you are looking to diversify your portfolio without exploding your fees, DEGIRO is a serious, economical and reliable platform.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.