Best online brokers & trading apps in Germany (for expats)
Germany is Europe’s economic engine and home to some of the continent’s most active investors. Today, residents can choose from a wide variety of online brokers and trading apps, ranging from low-cost ETF savings plans (Sparpläne) to advanced platforms for active traders.
While low fees are important, the right broker should also align with your goals, offer access to the markets you want, and provide a secure and user-friendly experience. Regulation by BaFin and other EU authorities ensures investor protection, but usability and product range often make the most significant difference.
In this guide, we highlight the best online brokers and trading apps in Germany, comparing fees, features, safety, and ease of use, so you can find the platform that fits your strategy and start investing with confidence.
The best brokers & apps in Germany
- Interactive Brokers: The most complete broker in Germany, you can choose between desktop platforms, TWS, Web Portal & desktop, plus two investing apps, IBKR Mobile or IBKR GlobalTrader (based on your level of experience).
- eToro: Best if you want social elements, eToro has in-built features like CopyTrader and News Feed to copy and learn from other investors. On the downside, it's primarily a CFD broker.
- XTB: Best app for commission-free stock and ETF investing (some conditions apply), plus CFDs. The xStation app is most suitable for forex/short-term traders.
- DEGIRO: Great desktop and mobile app with a strong reputation. However, it can be more expensive than other apps and doesn't pay interest on cash.
- Trading 212: Best platform for beginners and earning interest on cash. Trading 212 is gaining popularity across Europe as a straightforward platform for investing. New users earn a free share.
- Lightyear: Offers cheap investing, high interest rates, and an excellent app with plenty of features. However, it has some limitations around investment options.
- Trade Republic: Ideal for those just starting and looking for an app to earn interest on uninvested cash. On the downside, the desktop and mobile apps are fairly basic.
- Scalable Capital: An affordable investing app popular with German investors, but it does have some unsavoury fees to watch out for.
For larger amounts, Interactive Brokers is a solid solution. It’s the broker with the highest level of assets under management and the most well-established.
Trade Republic and Trading 212 are great for earning interest.
If you’re a beginner or want to invest with low commissions, any of the other options are valid.
💡 Note on taxes in Germany: For German investors (or tax residents), one important distinction between brokers is how taxes are handled:
- German-regulated brokers (like Trade Republic and Scalable Capital) automatically withhold the German capital gains tax.
- International/EU brokers (such as Interactive Brokers, DEGIRO, eToro, Lightyear, XTB) do not withhold German taxes. You will need to declare your capital gains and dividends yourself in your annual tax return.
In addition to transaction fees, you may also encounter other costs, such as a connectivity fee or platform fees. In this case, DEGIRO is the only broker charging a connectivity fee (€2.50 per year per exchange).
Review of each broker
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Minimum deposit: €0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.002% ($2 min.)
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
- Demo account: Yes
Founded in 1978 and listed on NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR), Interactive Brokers is one of the most renowned and innovative brokers globally. It’s the industry benchmark when it comes to top-tier trading platforms.
Unlike many brokers that focus on a single interface, Interactive Brokers provides multiple platforms tailored to different needs and levels of expertise:
- Trader Workstation (TWS): Best suited for professional or highly active traders, TWS is the flagship platform with the most advanced functionality. It offers deep tools for research, charting, risk management, and order execution across global markets.
- Client Portal (Web Portal): Designed for accessibility and convenience, the Client Portal is perfect for everyday investors who want an easy-to-use interface. It provides access to portfolio monitoring and trading in stocks and ETFs, all from a browser without the need to install software.
- IBKR Desktop: A lighter, more modern alternative to TWS, IBKR Desktop combines power and simplicity. It’s designed for investors who want more than the Client Portal but prefer a less complex experience than TWS.
For mobile (iOS and android), Interactive Brokers offers two separate apps, depending on your level of investing experience:
- IBKR Mobile: This is for more experienced investors and is a mobile version of the flagship IBKR desktop platform. It has plenty of functionality for those who need full asset access on the go and want advanced tools and charts at their fingertips.
- IBKR GlobalTrader: This is ideal for those new to investing or those who prefer a straightforward strategy, investing in stocks, ETFs, and options. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, with a more stripped-back approach.
Interactive Brokers’ investment offering is unmatched in terms of global asset diversity, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex. For German residents seeking international exposure or looking to actively trade, IBKR stands out as a premium choice.
Interactive Brokers offers one of the most competitive fee structures available to German residents. For US stocks, commissions start at $0.005 per share ($0.35 minimum), while for European ETFs, costs are 0.05% of the order value (€1.25 minimum, €29 maximum).
In terms of regulation, "Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited," the subsidiary through which German residents register, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). Assets (including cash) are protected up to €20,000 as part of the Investor Compensation Scheme (ICCL).
In summary, Interactive Brokers is an excellent choice for beginner or experienced German residents and traders seeking a user-friendly, secure, and versatile apps for global investing.
Want to learn more? Check our Interactive Brokers review.
Note: Interactive Brokers offers two commission plans: "Tiered" and "Fixed". The commissions mentioned here refer to the "Tiered" plan, which, based on our experience, is the most cost-effective option.
Pros
- Low commissions for US stocks
- No commissions for some funds
- Wide range of global assets
- Demo account available
- Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
- Comprehensive research and educational tools
- Multiple platforms for beginners and experienced investors
- Supports multiple currencies and pays interest on uninvested cash
Cons
- Complicated and time-consuming account opening process (but entirely online)
- Difficult-to-navigate website
- Calculating fees can be complex
- Not the most intuitive mobile interface
eToro
- Minimum deposit: $50
- Currency conversion fee: 0.5% (EUR to USD)
- Regulator in applicable in Germany: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
- Demo account: Yes
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Founded in 2007, eToro has grown into one of the most widely used and beginner-friendly trading platforms globally. It recently went public with an initial public offering (IPO) listing on the Nasdaq exchange in the US (ticker: ETOR). It’s particularly well-known for pioneering social trading with its in-app “CopyTrader” feature, which allows users to follow and automatically copy the trades of other investors.
For German residents, eToro presents a compelling option, particularly for those new to investing or interested in global markets, cryptocurrencies, or copying the trades of others. The eToro app supports investing in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs across various global markets.
eToro’s biggest strength is its zero commissions on ETFs, making it a cost-effective way for German residents to build a diversified portfolio. However, it’s no longer completely commission-free, with most stock trades costing $1, and trades on Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi exchanges costing $2 per trade.
It's important to note that all accounts are USD-based, meaning a 0.5% currency conversion fee applies when depositing or withdrawing euros. This can be avoided if you deposit in Euros using eToro’s Money wallet (a separate app).
In Germany, eToro operates under a European license via CySEC, ensuring compliance with MiFID II regulations. This means that investor protection is in place, with compensation available for up to €20,000 under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) in Cyprus.
In summary, eToro is an ideal investing app for German residents seeking a user-friendly platform with a strong community aspect, access to a diverse range of markets, and the ability to copy experienced traders.
Pros
- Commission-free trading on ETFs
- Invest from $10
- Low commission for stocks
- Social and copy trading features
- User-friendly web and mobile apps
- Broad selection of cryptocurrencies and CFDs
- Demo account available
- Innovative thematic “Smart Portfolios”
- Regulated within the EU (CySEC)
Cons
- 0.5% EUR currency conversion fee on deposits/withdrawals - can be avoided by depositing using eToro Money wallet
- No access to Dutch stocks or full European exchange coverage
- Limited advanced charting and research tools
- Withdrawal fee of $5
- Inactivity fee of $10 per month after 12 months
- USD-only account base
- $50 minimum deposit
XTB
- Minimum deposit: €0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.5%
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
- Demo account: Yes
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Founded in 2002, XTB is a publicly traded company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and a global broker based in Poland, known for its robust trading app and extensive educational resources. It offers a wide range of over 7,000+ financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and indices. The platform is particularly appealing to active traders and those interested in CFD trading.
For beginners, XTB offers a demo account that allows trading with virtual funds, providing hands-on experience with the platform. XTB's xStation is a natively designed mobile app optimized for mobile trading with its full range of assets. Suitable for both beginners and experienced traders based in Germany, XTB is probably best suited to intermediate-level investors.
For German residents, XTB’s app offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, with a monthly turnover limit of €100,000. Beyond this threshold, a commission of 0.2% (€10 minimum) applies.
There’s no platform fee to use XTB’s mobile trading app, and it doesn’t charge any fees for account maintenance or withdrawals above €50.
XTB also pays interest on uninvested funds and offers an eWallet, which provides a multi-currency card, allowing you to make payments without any account maintenance fees.
One downside is that XTB charges an inactivity fee of €10 per month after one year of no transactions, and if no deposits have been made in the last 90 days.
XTB operates under the subsidiary “XTB S.A. German Branch”, which is registered with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and is subject to the supervision and control of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
In summary, XTB is a strong choice for German residents seeking a comprehensive and robust investing app with a wide range of instruments and charting tools, particularly for those interested in active trading and CFDs.
If you want to find out more, you can read our in-depth XTB review.
Pros
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs (up to €100,000 monthly turnover)
- Advanced trading platform with comprehensive tools
- Wide range of tradable instruments
- Extensive educational resources
- No account opening or maintenance fees
- Offers a free share
Cons
- 0.5% currency conversion fee
- Limited product offerings for long-term investors
- Withdrawals under €50 cost €5
- Inactivity fee of €10 per month if your account is inactive for 12 months
DEGIRO
- Minimum deposit: €0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.25%
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)/Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)
- Demo account: No
DEGIRO, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Amsterdam, the heart of Europe, is a popular broker among German investors/residents. It offers a broad range of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures, across various global markets. However, there is a unique annual connectivity fee of €2.50 per exchange.
The platform is best known for its low-cost fee structure, which offers competitive fees on trades and no additional charges for account opening, inactivity, or withdrawals. DEGIRO provides access to a selection of €1 commission ETFs through its Core Selection, although external fees may apply. Stocks listed on Euronext Amsterdam and global ETFs incur a cost of €3 (€2 commission + €1 handling), while US stocks cost €2 (€1 commission + €1 handling).
While DEGIRO does not offer a demo account, it provides plenty of educational resources through its Investor's Academy, helping investors understand various financial products and strategies. The DEGIRO investing app is packed with features such as:
- Favourite lists
- The ability to write notes
- Economic calendar
- Interactive graphs
- ESG ratings
- Analyst views
- Dark mode
DEGIRO operates as the European branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG, which is primarily supervised by the German financial regulator BaFin. In the Netherlands, DEGIRO is registered with the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and is under the supervision of the Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
In summary, DEGIRO’s investing app is an excellent choice for German investors/residents seeking a low-cost, no-frills platform with access to a broad range of global markets.
Want to learn more? Check our DEGIRO review.
Pros
- Low trading fees and transparent pricing
- Access to a wide range of global markets
- Cheap ETFs available through Core Selection
- No account opening, inactivity, or withdrawal fees
- Regulated by Dutch financial authorities
Cons
- 0.25% currency conversion fee
- No demo account available
- Limited customer support options
- No access to more complex assets
- Fee structure is quite unusual
- €2.50 connectivity fees for each exchange where you are invested
- Doesn’t pay interest on uninvested cash
Trading 212
- Minimum deposit: €1 (€10 for CFD accounts)
- Currency conversion fee: 0.15%
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
- Demo account: Yes
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Trading 212 is a UK-based fintech company that offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and casual investors just starting out. The platform also offers a free fractional share worth up to €100!
Opening an account is quick and easy. Within the app, you will have access to two different account types:
- Trading 212 Invest: Allows commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs.
- Trading 212 CFD: Allows trading of leveraged financial products (CFDs).
One of Trading 212's standout features is its multi-currency account, allowing users to hold and trade in multiple currencies, potentially reducing currency conversion costs. It even offers a Trading 212 debit card, with no currency conversion fee for payments in different currencies. Additionally, you can earn 1.5% cashback on purchases, up to a maximum of €15 per month.
For German residents, Trading 212 provides access to a wide range of European and US stocks and ETFs. The platform charges a currency conversion fee of 0.15% when trading assets in a different currency from your base currency. The platform also supports fractional share trading and offers an automatic investment system, as well as its “Pies”, which enable you to build and share custom portfolios.
In Germany, Trading 212 operates under the supervision of the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Check our in-depth analysis on the safety of Trading 212 if you want to know more.
In summary, Trading 212 is an ideal choice for German residents seeking a user-friendly investing app with commission-free trading and features like fractional shares and Pies.
Want to learn more? Check our dedicated articles:
Pros
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- User-friendly interface with mobile and desktop apps
- Supports fractional shares and auto-investing
- Multi-currency account reduces FX costs
- Demo account available
- Unique customisable Pies feature
- Offers a free fractional share worth up to €100 with a promo code
Cons
- Limited advanced trading tools for experienced traders
- Fairly limited range of asset types
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Lightyear
- Minimum deposit: €0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.35%
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA)
- Demo account: No
Launched in Europe in 2022, Lightyear is an investment app designed for simplicity and transparency. It offers no Lightyear execution fee trading on a range of ETFs and low commissions for stocks, making it an appealing choice for German residents on a budget.
The platform supports fractional share trading for stocks, allowing investors to buy portions of high-priced shares. However, fractional trading is not yet available for the ETFs. With over 5,000 stocks available from the US, UK, and European markets, Lightyear is a solid option for gaining broad exposure to international stocks. The commissions are:
- European stocks: €1 per order
- UK stocks: £1 per order
US stocks: 0.1% ($0.10 minimum, $1 maximum) per order - ETFs: €0
It’s one of the slickest trading apps available when it comes to ease of use. There’s also plenty of free stock analysis packed into the app with access to financials and professional analyst opinions, for no extra cost.
Lightyear has also made waves for offering some of the highest interest rates around on cash (whether that's Euros, Dollars, or Pounds).
Lightyear is regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA), which means that German residents can access Lightyear's services through the European Union's passporting system.
Overall, Lightyear offers a straightforward and cost-effective app for European investors, with no Lightyear execution fees when investing in ETFs, along with the benefits of low-cost trading in international stocks and high interest rates on uninvested cash.
Pros
- Commission-free trading on a wide range of ETFs
- Fractional share trading for stocks and ETFs
- User-friendly mobile and desktop apps
- Free deposits (via bank transfer) and withdrawals
- High rates of interest on EUR/USD/GBP
- Free in-app stock analysis insights
Cons
- No demo account available
- Limited advanced trading tools
- Customer support is only via email
- Small commissions for stocks
- Recent company (short track record)
Trade Republic
- Minimum deposit: €1
- Currency conversion fee: Not applicable (for investments)
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
- Demo account: No
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Founded in 2015, Trade Republic is a low-cost brokerage based in Berlin, Germany. It offers an increasingly popular investing app that focuses on five types of financial assets: stocks, ETFs, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and derivatives.
Adopting the slogan "The smartest way to invest, spend, and save", Trade Republic’s investing app stands out as a commission-free platform for European investors.
However, it applies an external settlement fee of €1 per transaction (except for savings plans), meaning that, in practice, you will pay at least €2 (€1 to buy and €1 to sell). Despite this, it remains competitive, although not entirely fee-free. You can also invest in corporate and government bonds starting from just €1.
It also offers a virtual debit card (free), a Classic card (€5 to order), and a Mirror card (€50 to order). If you withdraw more than €100 from ATMs, you pay no fee. If you make a purchase in a currency other than euros, the exchange rate applied is the market rate. It also offers unlimited 2% interest on uninvested cash in your current account.
Trade Republic operates under the supervision of the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the Deutsche Bundesbank. If you would like to learn more about the platform's security, you can read our article analyzing Trade Republic's safety.
To summarise, Trade Republic is a compelling option for German residents seeking a low-cost, mobile-first platform with a broad range of investment products, other financial capabilities, and attractive interest rates on cash.
Do you want to know more about Trade Republic? Read our review!
Pros
- Investments starting from €1
- Commission-free savings plans for stocks and ETFs
- High interest rates on uninvested cash
- Wide range of investment assets
- User-friendly mobile app
- Automatic savings plans
Cons
- Fixed external fee of €1 per transaction (except for savings plans)
- No demo account
- Customer support is limited to email
- Additional fees for outgoing transfers of investments (€25 per position)
- Only one base currency (EUR)
- No direct access to U.S. stock exchanges
Scalable Capital
- Minimum deposit: €1
- Currency conversion fee: N/A (European investments only)
- Regulator applicable in Germany: Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
- Demo account: No
Scalable Capital is a German-based investment platform with over 1 million users, offering a low-cost brokerage platform for Dutch investors. It provides access to a wide range of ETFs, stocks, and cryptocurrency, with a focus on long-term investing. Unfortunately, the automated robo-advisor service isn’t yet available to investors in the Netherlands.
The platform offers a solid 2.25% interest on uninvested cash and savings plans starting from €1. There are over 8,000 stocks, 2,300 ETFs, and 1,900 funds - so plenty of choice to help you build a diverse portfolio.
The free account with Scalable Capital costs a flat €0.99 per trade, making it excellent value if you’re placing larger trades. But, it’s €0 for purchases of PRIME ETFs (all Amundi, iShares, Xtrackers ETFs) of €250 or more. If you subscribe to PRIME+ for €4.99 per month, you get access to more analyst insights and €0 for trades of €250 or more, otherwise €0.99.
However, the small print is a bit sneaky with Scalable Capital. For investments bought and sold on the Xetra exchange, a €3.99 order fee applies to all clients, including those using the PRIME+ Broker. Additionally, a trading venue fee of 0.01% of the executed volume (with a minimum of €1.50) is charged.
For German investors/residents, Scalable Capital offers a user-friendly interface and access to European markets. Scalable Capital is regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the Deutsche Bundesbank.
The bottom line is that Scalable Capital is a strong option for German investors/residents seeking a cost-effective platform (with a slightly complex fee structure) that offers a wide range of investment assets. However, it is expensive if you want to invest in the Xetra exchange.
Pros
- Flat-fee €0.99 pricing model for many investments
- Access to a wide range of investments
- User-friendly platform with excellent mobile app
- High interest paid on cash
- Savings plans from €1
Cons
- 0.15% Currency conversion fee
- No demo account available
- Limited access to non-European markets
- €4.99 monthly fee for PRIME+
- Robo-advisor not available in the Netherlands
- Additional fees for trading on the Xetra exchange
Criteria for the best investing apps in Germany
The summary of the broker selection in the list above was based on criteria that, in our view, meet the needs of most investors reading this article.
With that in mind, here are the factors considered:
1. Security and asset protection (including uninvested cash)
All selected investment apps available in Germany are supervised by a European Union financial regulators. We also analyzed fund protection mechanisms, such as deposit insurance or account segregation, to ensure that investors' assets are properly safeguarded.
2. Costs and fees
Costs can significantly impact any investor's returns. We evaluated trading fees (including spreads and commissions per trade), inactivity fees, currency exchange fees, platform fees, and any other associated charges for using these apps. Priority was given to brokers with competitive costs or even commission-free structures for certain products, such as stocks and ETFs.
3. Variety of available products
The diversity of assets available on any mobile trading platform is crucial for catering to different investor profiles. We considered platforms that offer German investors/residents a broad range of products, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and more specialised products such as CFDs (derivatives) and cryptocurrencies.
4. Ease of use
User experience is crucial, especially when you’re using an app to invest. We evaluated the platform's usability, from account registration and deposit process to trade execution and advanced features for experienced investors. Simple and intuitive interfaces were considered a positive factor as these elements are particularly helpful for beginners.
5. Quality of customer support
Customer support can make a difference in critical situations. We analyzed availability, speed, and effectiveness in resolving issues, as well as the available communication channels - whether that’s in-app chat, email, or over the phone.
Investor compensation scheme
The Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS) is the last safeguard for investors. When everything goes wrong, the ICS steps in to provide protection.
In the table below, we highlight the regulators of origin for each broker and the coverage limits (those applicable to German residents):
Which investment app to choose in Germany?
Choosing the best investing app isn’t a simple task, but your first decision to help you narrow down your options should be whether you want an app designed for beginner investors or more experienced traders. It’s also important to consider security, cost-effectiveness, and the selection of available assets in the app.
Unfortunately, there’s no single "perfect" German investing app; each has its strengths and weaknesses. Interactive Brokers is an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced investors who want to select an app tailored to their needs.
For those who prefer simple and accessible platforms, brokers like Trade Republic, Trading 212, or Lightyear are good options. However, if you're looking for an intermediate app, XTB is a solid option. Alternatively, if you’re interested in using your smartphone to access more niche assets, such as cryptocurrency, it may be worth considering eToro and Scalable Capital.
Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to consider factors such as security, costs, and available features when picking the best investing app or platform for your needs. Remember that a well-informed decision today can have a lasting impact on your investment portfolio. Carefully evaluate your options and choose the app that best suits your needs and financial goals.
