My review of the XTB broker (April 2025)

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XTB, founded in 2002 in Warsaw, is a publicly traded multi-asset broker with a presence in 13 countries. With a rating of 3.7 on Trustpilot from over 1,589 reviews, the platform enjoys a solid reputation among retail investors, particularly in Ireland, where it appeals with its commission-free model on stocks and ETFs, and the quality of its proprietary xStation platform.

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing, and thoroughly analysing XTB, and I've sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in Ireland.

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

So I scrutinised everything: 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 XTB broker (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of XTB?

My overall opinion of XTB

After several months of testing, I can say that XTB is a platform that has really convinced me with its balance between accessibility and performance. I appreciated the breadth of the offer, which gives access to more than 5,900 CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, currencies, ETFs and cryptos, but also to stocks and ETFs in cash without commission (up to €100,000 traded per month). This is rare enough to be highlighted, especially for long-term investors.

The xStation 5 platform surprised me positively. Fluid, clear and equipped with many tools, it allows you to monitor your positions, analyse the markets with around thirty technical indicators, and even filter assets via an integrated screener. Everything is done from a single interface, accessible in both desktop and mobile versions. For those who have never used MetaTrader, the xStation experience is frankly pleasant and more intuitive.

Regarding fees, I've observed competitive spreads, especially on major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD. The absence of deposit, withdrawal, or custody fees on shares is also a real strength. However, as is often the case, you need to be vigilant about overnight CFD fees, as well as the €10 charged after 12 months of inactivity.

Finally, regarding security, there's nothing to complain about. XTB is a publicly traded broker, regulated in Ireland. Funds are segregated, and clients benefit from negative balance protection. It's a trusted environment where I felt safe to test various short-term and long-term strategies.

Who is XTB suitable for?

=> For novice traders, XTB is an excellent starting point. The interface is clear and uncluttered, and there are numerous educational tools available: video tutorials, live webinars, and daily market analysis. In just a few days, I was able to get to grips with the platform without any difficulty. The free demo account is also a good way to take your first steps without risk.

=> For long-term investors, access to commission-free cash equities and ETFs is a real asset. I've been able to build up a diversified portfolio without having to worry about custody or brokerage fees. It's a good choice for those who want to invest passively or schedule regular orders.

=> For active CFD traders, XTB offers good market depth, with over 5,900 instruments available, leverage of up to 1:30 for retail traders, and fast execution. xStation's charting tools are sufficient for daily technical analysis, and the reactivity of the support is reassuring when multiplying orders.

On the other hand, XTB is less suited to traders specializing in copy trading or algorithmic trading. There's no built-in functionality to automatically follow other traders, no direct access to MetaTrader or open API to automate complex strategies.

XTB in just a few seconds:

My review of XTB's security and reliability

XTB is, from my point of view, a very reliable broker for Irish investors. It is a well-established player, present in the markets for over 20 years, regulated by solid authorities and registered with the Central Bank of Ireland. I have never had the slightest doubt about the security of my deposits or the integrity of the platform. The proposed environment is reassuring, especially for traders who want to invest with discipline and seriousness.

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

What I immediately noticed about XTB is the simplicity of their fee structure. No choice between multiple accounts: only one type of real account with identical fees for everyone, whether you trade spot shares or leveraged CFDs. I was able to test different types of assets without ever wondering about a change in conditions depending on the profile or the size of my orders.

For stocks and ETFs, it's €0 commission as long as you stay under €100,000 traded per month. Beyond that, it's 0.2%, which is still quite reasonable. On the CFD market, spreads are competitive – I observed an average of 0.6 pip on EUR/USD and transparent fees on cryptos. However, be careful with the inactivity fee of €10 per month after one year without a transaction.

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

What are the account fees?

I found XTB's fee structure to be quite balanced. The fact that you don't have to pay account opening or management fees allows you to focus on your trades. Inactivity is the only line to watch out for, but it only applies after a long period of inactivity. The 0.5% conversion fees are standard, but can add up if you trade a lot of non-euro assets.

The minimum deposit is €0, which is very rare among regulated brokers. This allows you to test the platform in real conditions without constraint, even with a small amount, and gradually increase your exposure.

Trader Tip

To avoid conversion fees, I recommend using a service like Wise or Revolut to send your funds in the currency of the asset you intend to trade. And if you are not very active, set an alert every 11 months to place a symbolic order and avoid inactivity fees.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

In my opinion, XTB offers one of the most interesting models for investing directly in stocks and ETFs, without going through CFDs.

I particularly appreciated the fact that you don't pay any commission up to €100,000 per month, which allows you to invest regularly without cutting into profitability. No hidden fees, no custody or holding fees, which makes the platform very competitive for the long term.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

XTB allows trading of around fifty crypto-assets only via CFDs. The fees are integrated into the spread, and I found the levels quite reasonable on major cryptos like BTC and ETH.

However, this remains less competitive than platforms like Binance for active traders or those looking to stake. But for simple exposure without asset conversion, XTB remains a good integrated solution.

What are the fees on CFDs?

I found the spreads at XTB to be very competitive for the majority of CFD underlyings, especially on Forex and indices. On EUR/USD, I was able to trade around 0.6 pips without commission, which remains among the best of regulated brokers.

On CFD shares, the fees are clear (from 0.08%) and clearly visible before each order. However, as is often the case, overnight fees accumulate if you keep a position open for too long, especially on cryptos.

Trader Tip

If you trade indices or Forex, favour intraday or short-term strategies. This avoids overnight fees, which can quickly eat into your profits if you hold positions for several days.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on XTB

What I appreciated about XTB was the balance between real investing and active trading. You can build a long-term portfolio of stocks or ETFs without fees, while having access to hundreds of CFDs on all major global markets. I was able to easily switch between spot buying and leveraged strategies, all on a single platform.

The selection is particularly dense in indices (more than 40 available), which allows you to diversify your strategies with geographical and sector indices. On the crypto side, we are limited to around fifty assets and only via CFD, which is sufficient for classic exposure, but not for typical staking or physical portfolio use.

Overall, the depth of the XTB offering allowed me to test different approaches, from swing trading to DCA on stocks, without ever feeling limited.

My opinion on the platform

As a trader, I really appreciated the user experience on the xStation 5 platform. It's a very successful proprietary interface, fluid, ergonomic, with all the essential functionalities integrated directly. I didn't feel any lack, even coming from universes like MetaTrader or TradingView, because the tools are there: indicators, interactive chart, screener, statistics on your performance, etc.

What I found particularly useful was the ability to manage everything from a single interface, whether on desktop or mobile. Even when monitoring my orders on the move, I was never frustrated. The only drawback is the lack of automation or native copy trading. For highly technical or algo-oriented profiles, you will have to turn to the API, which requires a certain level.

Trader Tip

Take the time to configure your space on xStation 5 with your favourite assets, filters, and chart types. Once everything is set up, you save valuable time with each trading session and avoid execution errors due to haste.

Customer Reviews: What Users Think of XTB

XTB has an average rating of 3.7/5 on Trustpilot, based on 1,589 reviews at the time of analysis. Feedback is mostly positive, although some users express occasional criticisms. Overall, the level of satisfaction remains good, especially regarding the educational aspects and ease of use of the platform.

The positive points most often cited by users are the simplicity of the interface, the quality of customer service, and the effectiveness of the educational tools offered (videos, webinars, analyses). Many also appreciate the commission-free access to stocks and ETFs, the speed of account opening, and the fluidity of the mobile application.

On the other hand, some comments raise criticisms about customer service, including longer response times than expected. Some users also mention a certain complexity in placing CFD orders, or the lack of advanced tools for technical analysis compared to other platforms like TradingView or MetaTrader.

Examples of customer reviews:

• SCHULLI (16th February 2025): "The platform is ergonomic, simple to use, and the tools are numerous. The execution is fast, the customer service is dynamic. I've given it 5 stars."
• Ouassini Bekaddour (25th February 2025): "For me, it's the best broker, by far. Top-notch customer service, excellent platform, no problems for years."
• Anonymous Client (23rd February 2025): "Been with XTB for 6 years, never had a withdrawal problem. Lots of training videos, and an advisor always available without abusive follow-up."

Opening an Account, Deposits and Withdrawals on XTB

Account Opening

From my experience, opening an account with XTB was one of the fastest on the market. I completed my registration in less than 10 minutes, and my account was validated within hours. Here are the main steps:

• Complete the online form with your personal and tax information.
• Answer a financial knowledge questionnaire to validate your investor profile.
• Upload your identification document (card or passport) and proof of address (bill, receipt, bank statement).
• Wait for validation (usually within 24 hours).
• Immediately access the client area with the possibility to test the platform in demo mode or make an initial deposit.

✅ Good to know

The XTB demo account is unlimited in time and can be reloaded at will, which is perfect for testing xStation 5 in depth without pressure.

XTB Deposits and Withdrawals

I found XTB's deposit and withdrawal system very clear and secure. Bank transfer remains the primary method, with execution within 1 to 3 business days. I tested a deposit by card: it was credited instantly. Withdrawals are also easy to make from the client area, and always sent to an account in your name.

Trader Tip

If you are used to making partial withdrawals, remember to always withdraw at least €100, otherwise a fixed fee of €10 will apply. To avoid this cost, group your withdrawals or wait until you have reached this minimum threshold.

Account Types Available on XTB

XTB offers a very simple and transparent account structure. Unlike other brokers that multiply account types based on spreads or commissions, here everything goes through a single account, whether you are a beginner or a more active trader. I appreciated this approach: no surprises, no differentiation based on the client, the same conditions apply to everyone. There is still a distinction between access to the real account, the demo account, and the instruments available (cash or CFD).

Good to know

XTB's real account gives you access to all available instruments: CFDs, equities and spot ETFs, from a single platform (xStation 5), with a single login. It's convenient and uncomplicated.

Conclusion: should you invest with XTB?

After several months of testing XTB daily, I can say that it is a platform that I readily recommend, especially if you are looking for a reliable, transparent, and accessible broker. I liked its ease of use, the efficiency of the xStation 5 platform, and especially its commission-free model for investing in stocks or ETFs in cash (up to €100,000 per month).

The absence of a minimum deposit is also a real plus for smaller portfolios. And in terms of CFDs, the spreads are competitive, the instruments are numerous, and the security is impeccable thanks to full regulation in Ireland.

In short, whether you are a long-term investor or an active trader, XTB is a serious, well-designed, and sufficiently comprehensive platform to cover all trading styles.

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.