DEGIRO Review (2026)
*Investing involves risk of loss. Exchange connectivity fees and AutoFX markups apply.
The Vibe Check
"DEGIRO remains one of Europe’s favorite brokers for a reason: it gives retail investors direct access to over 50 global stock exchanges at fractions of what traditional private banks charge. If you stick to their curated **Core Selection of ETFs**, it is very economical. But beware the hidden drags: DEGIRO charges a **€2.50 annual connectivity fee per exchange** and levies a **0.25% AutoFX conversion markup** on every foreign stock transaction."
The Fine Print: DEGIRO Fee Audit
DEGIRO charges no inactivity fees or ongoing custody charges, but uses modular handling and connectivity tolls. Here is Valerie's quantitative breakdown:
| Fee Type | DEGIRO Pricing | The Wingwoman Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Core Selection ETFs | €1.00 Handling Fee | €0 commission + €1 handling charge per trade (fair use policy applies). |
| US Equities & ETFs | €1.00 + €1.00 Handling | €2.00 total ticket charge per trade. |
| European Local Equities | €2.00 to €3.90 + Handling | Depends on exchange (e.g. Euronext Amsterdam vs. Xetra). |
| Exchange Connectivity | €2.50 / Exchange / Year | ⚠️ Billed annually for every exchange you trade on (excluding your home market). |
| AutoFX Currency Conversion | 0.25% Markup | ⚠️ Levied on both buy and sell orders for non-EUR assets (e.g. US stocks). |
| Uninvested Cash Interest | Low / Tiered Bank Account | Does not actively compete with neobroker high-yield cash sweeps. |
The Core Edge: 50+ Global Markets & The Core ETF Selection
DEGIRO’s standout strength compared to neobrokers like Trade Republic is **market breadth**. While app-based brokers limit you to a single domestic market maker, DEGIRO connects directly to over 50 primary exchanges across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific (including London, Frankfurt, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong).
For passive index investors, the **DEGIRO Core ETF Selection** features hundreds of popular funds (from Vanguard, iShares, and Amundi) that can be traded for a flat **€1 handling fee**, provided orders comply with their Fair Use Policy (minimum €1,000 order size for repeat monthly trades in the same direction).
Pros and Cons Breakdown
What We Love
- Direct trading access to 50+ regulated exchanges worldwide
- Over 200 popular global ETFs accessible for a flat €1 handling fee
- Clear separation of Basic vs. Trader custody profiles (margin/lending control)
- Strong institutional backing under flatexDEGIRO Bank AG (BaFin / AFM)
- Functional web portal with extensive financial reporting and tax exports
Where It Falls Short
- 0.25% AutoFX conversion markup adds hidden costs to foreign trades
- €2.50 annual connectivity fee levied per foreign exchange traded
- No fractional shares trading (must purchase whole units)
- Uninvested cash yield does not pass through full central bank rates
Valerie's Final Verdict
"DEGIRO is an outstanding middle-ground broker: far cheaper than legacy bank brokerages, yet significantly more comprehensive than single-venue neobrokers. If you trade European shares or accumulate ETFs from the Core Selection, costs remain minimal. Just keep your non-EUR trading contained to minimize the 0.25% AutoFX drag."
Open An Account If:
You want broad access to international exchanges and low-cost accumulation of standard UCITS index ETFs.
Skip It If:
You frequently trade US stocks in small sizes (AutoFX eats margins) or require high automated interest on uninvested cash.