DEGIRO vs eToro: fees, features, and safety compared (2026)
Updated 19 May 202613 min read
DEGIRO and eToro are two of Europe's most popular investment platforms, but they serve quite different types of investors. DEGIRO focuses on low-cost, traditional brokerage with access to global exchanges, while eToro pioneered social trading and offers a broader mix of stocks, ETFs, and crypto. If you are deciding between the two in 2026, the right choice depends on what you trade, how much you value copy trading, and how sensitive you are to currency conversion fees.
Last verified: 2026-03-22
| Feature | DEGIRO | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | EUR 0.00 | EUR 0.00 |
| Stock trading fee | EUR 2.00 + 0.03% | $1 flat per trade |
| ETF fee | EUR 2.00 + 0.02% (200 free ETFs) | 0% commission |
| Minimum deposit | EUR 0.01 | Information not available on Capmap |
| Regulated by | BaFin (DE), AFM (NL) | CySEC (CY), FCA (UK) |
| Best for | Low-cost stock and ETF trading across global exchanges | Social trading, copy trading, and crypto alongside stocks |
Choosing the right broker is one of the most impactful financial decisions for European investors. DEGIRO and eToro consistently rank among the most popular options, yet they appeal to different investor profiles. DEGIRO is a Netherlands-based broker known for its straightforward, low-cost access to major stock exchanges worldwide. eToro, headquartered in Israel and regulated across Europe, carved out its niche through social trading features that let you follow and copy the portfolios of other investors.
This comparison breaks down the fees, features, regulation, and practical differences between the two platforms so you can decide which one fits your investing style. We focus on facts and data from both platforms as of March 2026, rather than subjective opinions.
Both platforms are available across much of Europe, making them accessible to expats and local investors alike. Whether you are building a long-term ETF portfolio or want to explore copy trading and crypto, this guide will help you understand exactly what each platform offers and what it costs.
DEGIRO was founded in 2008 in the Netherlands and has grown to serve over 2.5 million clients across 24 European countries. It is regulated by BaFin in Germany and the AFM in the Netherlands, giving it a strong regulatory foundation with a regulatory score of 8 out of 10 on Capmap. Your deposits are protected up to EUR 100,000 through the Dutch central bank (DNB), plus an additional EUR 20,000 through investor compensation schemes.
The platform's core appeal is its low fee structure. DEGIRO charges no annual account fee, and stock trades start at just EUR 2.00 plus 0.03% of the transaction value. For ETF investors, there is a selection of 200 commission-free ETFs, while other ETFs cost EUR 2.00 plus 0.02%. The platform provides access to major exchanges including Euronext, XETRA, NYSE, NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the ASX.
DEGIRO's product range covers stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and warrants. The platform is available through both a web interface and a mobile app. It also provides tax reporting support, which is particularly useful for European investors dealing with cross-border tax obligations. Payment methods include bank transfer and iDEAL (for Dutch users).
On the limitations side, DEGIRO does not offer fractional shares, a demo account, savings plans, or API access. The platform is focused purely on traditional brokerage services. There is no social trading or crypto trading available. For investors who want a simple, cost-effective way to access global stock markets, DEGIRO delivers on that promise without unnecessary extras.
eToro was founded in 2007 in Israel and has become one of the world's largest social trading platforms, serving over 30 million users. In Europe, eToro is regulated by CySEC in Cyprus and the FCA in the United Kingdom, earning a regulatory score of 6 out of 10 on Capmap. The platform supports security features including two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for crypto assets, and insurance coverage.
eToro's headline feature is social and copy trading. You can browse the portfolios and performance of other investors on the platform and automatically replicate their trades. This makes eToro particularly appealing to newer investors who want to learn from experienced traders, or to anyone who prefers a more hands-off approach.
The fee structure at eToro differs from traditional brokers. Stock trades cost a flat $1 per trade, while ETF trading is commission-free (0%). Crypto trading carries a 1% fee, with 80 supported coins and staking capabilities. However, because eToro operates in US dollars, European users typically face currency conversion fees when depositing euros, pounds, or other non-USD currencies. These conversion costs can add up, especially for frequent traders.
eToro accepts a wider range of deposit methods than DEGIRO, including bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, and iDEAL. The platform is available in 30 European countries. While eToro offers a versatile mix of traditional investing, crypto, and social features, it does not currently offer a debit card or an earn programme.
Fees are often the deciding factor when choosing a broker. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of the key costs on both platforms.
| Fee type | DEGIRO | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual account fee | EUR 0.00 | EUR 0.00 |
| Stock trading fee | EUR 2.00 + 0.03% per trade | $1 flat per trade |
| ETF trading fee | EUR 2.00 + 0.02% (200 free ETFs available) | 0% commission |
| Crypto trading fee | Not available (no crypto trading) | 1% per trade |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.25% (auto-converted at execution) | Varies (typically 0.5% or higher for non-USD deposits) |
| Deposit fee | EUR 0.00 (bank transfer, iDEAL) | EUR 0.00 (bank transfer); fees may apply for card/PayPal |
| Withdrawal fee | Information not available on Capmap | $5 per withdrawal |
| Inactivity fee | Information not available on Capmap | $10/month after 12 months of inactivity |
For stock trading, the cost comparison depends on trade size. On DEGIRO, a EUR 1,000 stock trade costs approximately EUR 2.30 (EUR 2.00 + 0.03% of EUR 1,000). On eToro, the same trade costs $1 (approximately EUR 0.92 at current exchange rates), but you also need to account for the currency conversion fee on your deposit. For larger trades, eToro's flat fee becomes more attractive, while DEGIRO's percentage component increases the cost proportionally.
For ETF investors, DEGIRO's selection of 200 commission-free ETFs is a strong advantage. If your chosen ETFs are on that list, you pay nothing per trade. eToro offers 0% commission on all ETFs, which is simpler but again comes with the USD conversion consideration for European users.
| Feature | DEGIRO | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Web platform | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Copy/social trading | No | Yes |
| Crypto trading | No | Yes (80 coins) |
| Staking | No | Yes |
| Demo account | No | Yes |
| Savings plan (auto-invest) | No | Information not available on Capmap |
| Tax reporting | Yes | Information not available on Capmap |
| API access | No | Information not available on Capmap |
| Number of global markets | 7+ major exchanges | Information not available on Capmap |
| Product range | Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, warrants | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, CFDs |
| Deposit protection | EUR 100,000 (DNB) + EUR 20,000 (investor compensation) | Information not available on Capmap |
| Deposit methods | Bank transfer, iDEAL | Bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, iDEAL |
| European countries available | 24 | 30 |
The feature sets reflect each platform's philosophy. DEGIRO focuses on providing broad market access at low cost, with a traditional product range that includes bonds, options, futures, and warrants alongside stocks and ETFs. eToro, on the other hand, prioritises accessibility and social features, offering copy trading, fractional shares, crypto, and staking. If you want to trade derivatives or access Asian and Australian markets, DEGIRO is the stronger option. If you value the ability to follow other investors, trade crypto, or start with small amounts through fractional shares, eToro provides those capabilities.
DEGIRO is regulated by two authorities: BaFin (the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) and the AFM (the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets). This dual regulation reflects the platform's Dutch origins and its current corporate structure under the Flatex AG umbrella in Germany. Client funds are protected up to EUR 100,000 through the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme and an additional EUR 20,000 through investor compensation. DEGIRO earns a regulatory score of 8 out of 10 on Capmap.
eToro is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) for its European operations and by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) for UK clients. The platform holds additional licences globally. eToro implements security features including 2FA, cold storage for crypto assets, and insurance coverage. eToro earns a regulatory score of 6 out of 10 on Capmap, reflecting its CySEC-primary regulatory structure.
Both platforms are legitimate, regulated brokers. The difference in regulatory scores reflects the perceived strength of the primary regulators rather than any specific safety concern. Both BaFin/AFM and CySEC/FCA operate under European MiFID II rules, which provide standardised investor protections across the EU.
If you primarily invest in stocks and ETFs on European and global exchanges and want to minimise costs, DEGIRO may be more suitable. Its fee structure is transparent, with no annual fee, a competitive commission of EUR 2.00 + 0.03%, and 200 commission-free ETFs. The platform operates in euros, so Dutch, German, and other eurozone investors avoid currency conversion charges entirely. DEGIRO is also the stronger choice if you want access to bonds, options, futures, or warrants.
If you are interested in social trading, want to copy the strategies of experienced investors, or would like to combine stock investing with crypto trading on a single platform, eToro may be more suitable. Its flat $1 stock trading fee and 0% ETF commission are competitive, and features like fractional shares make it accessible for investors starting with smaller amounts. eToro is also the better option if you prefer paying by credit card or PayPal rather than bank transfer.
If you are a European expat who trades frequently in EUR-denominated securities, be aware that eToro's USD base currency will add conversion costs to every deposit. For a buy-and-hold ETF investor in the Netherlands or Germany, DEGIRO's free ETF list could save significantly over time compared to eToro's conversion overhead.
If you are new to investing and value educational or social features, eToro's demo account and copy trading functionality provide a way to learn while investing. DEGIRO does not offer a demo account or social features, which means you will need to be more self-directed.
It depends on the trade size and your base currency. For eurozone investors making trades under approximately EUR 3,000, DEGIRO's EUR 2.00 + 0.03% fee is typically comparable to eToro's $1 flat fee. However, eToro's currency conversion fees for non-USD deposits can make it more expensive overall for European users. For larger trades, eToro's flat fee structure becomes more cost-effective before conversion costs are factored in.
No. DEGIRO does not offer cryptocurrency trading. If you want to trade crypto alongside stocks and ETFs, eToro supports 80 cryptocurrencies with staking available on selected coins.
Yes. eToro charges $5 per withdrawal. DEGIRO's withdrawal fee information is not available on Capmap, but withdrawals to your linked bank account are typically free.
DEGIRO is regulated by BaFin and the AFM, earning a regulatory score of 8 out of 10 on Capmap. eToro is regulated by CySEC and the FCA, earning a score of 6 out of 10. Both platforms comply with EU MiFID II requirements. The scores reflect perceived regulatory strength, not specific safety concerns.
No. Copy trading and social features are exclusive to eToro. DEGIRO is a traditional broker without social trading capabilities.
DEGIRO offers 200 commission-free ETFs, which can result in zero trading costs if your preferred ETFs are on the list. eToro offers 0% commission on all ETFs but charges currency conversion fees for non-USD deposits. For eurozone investors building a long-term ETF portfolio, DEGIRO's free ETF list may be more cost-effective.
DEGIRO and eToro are both strong platforms that serve different investing needs. DEGIRO excels as a low-cost, traditional broker with broad market access, strong European regulation, and a transparent fee structure that works particularly well for eurozone investors. eToro stands out for its social trading ecosystem, crypto integration, fractional shares, and flexible deposit methods, making it appealing to investors who want more than just stock and ETF trading.
Neither platform is universally superior. The right choice depends on your investing style, what assets you want to trade, and how important features like copy trading or tax reporting are to your workflow. You can explore detailed profiles for both platforms on Capmap: DEGIRO and eToro. If neither platform fully meets your needs, consider Interactive Brokers for broader global market access or Trade Republic for automated savings plans. Browse all options in the investing platform directory.
This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change, so verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-22.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform - we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.
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Compare DEGIRO and eToroWritten by Capmap Editorial · Independent financial guides for expats in Europe.