DEGIRO vs Freedom24: which broker is better for European investors? (2026)

At a glance

DEGIRO and Freedom24 are both popular online brokers serving European investors, but they take different approaches. DEGIRO is a Dutch-founded, no-frills broker known for ultra-low ETF fees and a straightforward platform. Freedom24, the EU arm of NASDAQ-listed Freedom Holding Corp, stands out with IPO access and a D-account savings product. This comparison breaks down fees, features, regulation, and use cases to help you decide which broker may suit your needs.

Feature	DEGIRO	Freedom24
Annual fee	EUR 0	EUR 0
Trading fee (US stocks)	EUR 1 handling fee + exchange commission	From EUR 0.02 per share
Trading fee (EU stocks)	EUR 1 handling fee + exchange commission	0.12% per trade (EUR 2 min)
Core selection ETFs	EUR 1 handling fee (no commission) on 1,000+ ETFs	No free ETFs
Minimum deposit	EUR 0.01	EUR 0
Regulated by	BaFin (DE), AFM (NL)	CySEC (CY), BaFin (DE)
Deposit protection	EUR 100,000 (DNB) + EUR 20,000 investor compensation	EUR 20,000 (ICF Cyprus)
Best for	Low-cost ETF investors and buy-and-hold portfolios	IPO access, US stock trading, and savings interest

Introduction

If you are an expat or local investor in Europe looking for an affordable online broker, DEGIRO and Freedom24 likely both appear on your shortlist. Both were founded in 2008, both charge no annual account fee, and both give you access to major US and European exchanges. However, the similarities end there.

DEGIRO has built its reputation on stripped-down, low-cost trading, particularly for ETF investors who benefit from its core selection of over 1,000 commission-free ETFs. Freedom24 takes a different approach, offering features you will not find at most European brokers, including IPO participation and a D-account that pays interest on uninvested cash.

This comparison is written for European investors, including expats, who want a factual breakdown of how these two brokers stack up on fees, features, regulation, and overall suitability. All data is sourced from the Capmap platform database. Last verified: 2026-03-23.

DEGIRO overview

DEGIRO is a Dutch online broker headquartered in the Netherlands, now owned by flatexDEGIRO AG. It serves over 2.5 million clients across 24 European countries. The platform is regulated by BaFin in Germany and the AFM in the Netherlands, giving it a strong regulatory standing with a Capmap regulatory score of 8 out of 10.

DEGIRO is known for its competitive pricing. The standout feature is the core selection of over 1,000 ETFs that can be traded with just a EUR 1 handling fee and no commission (on Tradegate). For other ETFs and stocks, the base cost is a EUR 1 handling fee plus exchange-specific commission. There is no annual management fee and no inactivity fee.

The platform supports stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and warrants across seven major exchanges, including Euronext, XETRA, NYSE, NASDAQ, and the London Stock Exchange. It accepts deposits via bank transfer and iDEAL (convenient for Dutch users). Currency conversion costs 0.25%, and there is a connectivity fee of EUR 2.50 per year for each non-Tradegate exchange you trade on.

One limitation: DEGIRO does not offer fractional shares, savings plans, a demo account, or API access. It is very much a "you know what you want to buy" platform aimed at self-directed investors who value low fees over bells and whistles. Deposit protection includes EUR 100,000 under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DNB) and EUR 20,000 under the German investor compensation scheme.

Freedom24 overview

Freedom24 is the European-facing broker of Freedom Holding Corp, a company listed on the NASDAQ (ticker: FRHC). It is headquartered in Cyprus and regulated by CySEC, with an additional BaFin registration in Germany. Its Capmap regulatory score is 6 out of 10, reflecting the CySEC primary regulation which, while legitimate, is generally considered less stringent than Dutch or German primary oversight.

Freedom24 serves investors in 27 European countries and provides access to six major exchanges: NYSE, NASDAQ, Euronext, XETRA, the London Stock Exchange, and the Hong Kong Exchange. It supports stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options. Trading fees start from EUR 0.02 per share for US stocks and 0.12% per trade for European stocks.

What makes Freedom24 distinctive is its feature set. The platform offers IPO participation, allowing retail investors to take part in initial public offerings, something very few European brokers provide. It also offers a D-account, essentially a savings account that pays interest on uninvested cash. Additionally, Freedom24 supports savings plans, which DEGIRO does not.

Freedom24 accepts bank transfers and credit card deposits with no minimum deposit requirement. Investor protection is EUR 20,000 under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) in Cyprus. The platform has both a web interface and a mobile app, but does not offer a demo account or API access.

Fee comparison

Fees are where these two brokers diverge most clearly. The table below compares the key cost components side by side.

Fee type	DEGIRO	Freedom24
Annual account fee	EUR 0	EUR 0
US stock trading	EUR 1 handling fee + exchange commission	From EUR 0.02 per share
EU stock trading	EUR 1 handling fee + exchange commission	0.12% per trade (EUR 2 minimum)
Core selection ETFs	EUR 1 handling fee only (1,000+ ETFs)	No free ETF selection
Other ETFs	EUR 3 per trade	Same as stock fees
Currency conversion	0.25%	Information not available on Capmap
Exchange connectivity	EUR 2.50 per exchange per year (not Tradegate)	Information not available on Capmap
Inactivity fee	EUR 0	Information not available on Capmap
Minimum deposit	EUR 0.01	EUR 0

For ETF investors, DEGIRO has a clear cost advantage. The core selection allows you to build a diversified portfolio with just a EUR 1 handling fee per trade and no commission. If you are buying a single global ETF monthly, your annual trading cost at DEGIRO could be as low as EUR 12 (twelve transactions at EUR 1 each).

For US stock trading, the comparison is more nuanced. DEGIRO charges a flat EUR 1 handling fee plus a small exchange commission, while Freedom24 charges from EUR 0.02 per share. For small orders of a few shares, Freedom24 can be cheaper. For larger orders, the fixed-fee structure at DEGIRO may work out better. The exact cost depends on your order size and frequency.

For European stock trading, DEGIRO's EUR 1 handling fee plus exchange commission is typically cheaper than Freedom24's 0.12% rate for smaller trades. On a EUR 1,000 European stock purchase, Freedom24 would charge approximately EUR 2, while DEGIRO would charge EUR 1 plus a small exchange commission. The gap narrows as trade sizes increase.

Feature comparison

Feature	DEGIRO	Freedom24
Mobile app	Yes	Yes
Web platform	Yes	Yes
Fractional shares	No	No
Savings plan	No	Yes
Demo account	No	No
API access	No	No
IPO access	No	Yes
Interest on cash (D-account)	No	Yes
Tax reporting	Yes	Yes
Number of markets	7 exchanges	6 exchanges
Product range	Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, warrants	Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options
Countries served	24	27
Payment methods	Bank transfer, iDEAL	Bank transfer, credit card

DEGIRO offers a wider product range, including futures and warrants that Freedom24 does not support. It also connects to one more exchange (seven vs six), including the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange, giving broader geographic coverage for stock pickers.

Freedom24 counters with three features DEGIRO lacks entirely. The savings plan functionality lets you automate regular investments, which is valuable for long-term investors who prefer a hands-off, regular contribution approach. The IPO access feature is rare among European retail brokers and may appeal to investors interested in new market listings. The D-account savings product offers interest on uninvested cash, a useful feature in the current rate environment.

Both platforms provide tax reporting tools, which is helpful for filing annual tax returns in your country of residence. Neither offers fractional shares, so you will need to buy whole shares or ETF units at both brokers.

Regulation and safety

Both brokers are regulated within the European Union, but the strength of their regulatory oversight differs.

DEGIRO is dual-regulated by BaFin (Germany) and the AFM (Netherlands). These are widely regarded as two of the most rigorous financial regulators in Europe. Deposit protection at DEGIRO includes EUR 100,000 under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme through De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), plus EUR 20,000 under the German investor compensation scheme. This dual-layer protection gives DEGIRO a Capmap regulatory score of 8 out of 10.

Freedom24 is primarily regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), with a secondary BaFin registration in Germany. CySEC regulation is fully EU-compliant under MiFID II, meaning your investments are protected by EU rules. However, investor compensation is limited to EUR 20,000 through the Cyprus ICF, which is lower than what DEGIRO offers. Freedom24 has a Capmap regulatory score of 6 out of 10. It is worth noting that Freedom Holding Corp (the parent company) is publicly listed on NASDAQ, which adds a layer of financial transparency through mandatory SEC reporting.

Who should choose which?

The right choice depends on your investing style and priorities. Here are some common scenarios.

If you primarily invest in ETFs and want the lowest possible costs, DEGIRO is likely the better fit. The core selection of over 1,000 commission-free ETFs (just a EUR 1 handling fee) makes it one of the cheapest ways to build a diversified portfolio in Europe. Freedom24 does not offer a comparable free ETF selection.

If you want to set up automatic monthly investments, Freedom24 has the advantage. Its savings plan feature lets you automate recurring purchases, which DEGIRO does not support. For investors who prefer a disciplined, regular contribution strategy, this is a meaningful difference.

If you are interested in IPOs, Freedom24 is one of the very few European retail brokers that gives you access to initial public offerings. DEGIRO does not offer this feature at all.

If you want to earn interest on uninvested cash, Freedom24's D-account pays interest on your cash balance. DEGIRO does not offer a comparable product, and uninvested cash sitting in your DEGIRO account earns nothing.

If regulatory strength is your top priority, DEGIRO's dual BaFin and AFM oversight plus higher deposit protection (EUR 100,000 + EUR 20,000) may give you more peace of mind than Freedom24's CySEC regulation with EUR 20,000 protection.

If you trade futures, warrants, or want access to Asian and Australian exchanges, DEGIRO offers these products and markets while Freedom24 does not. DEGIRO connects to seven exchanges including the TSE and ASX, versus Freedom24's six exchanges that do include the Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX).

If you prefer paying by credit card, Freedom24 accepts credit cards for deposits. DEGIRO only accepts bank transfers and iDEAL.

Frequently asked questions

Is DEGIRO cheaper than Freedom24?

For ETF investing, yes. DEGIRO's core selection of over 1,000 ETFs costs just EUR 1 per trade (handling fee, no commission). Freedom24 has no equivalent free ETF selection. For US stock trading, the answer depends on order size, as Freedom24's per-share pricing can be cheaper for small orders.

Does Freedom24 offer free ETFs like DEGIRO?

No. Freedom24 does not have a commission-free ETF selection. All ETF trades at Freedom24 are charged at the standard stock trading rate (0.12% for EU, from EUR 0.02 per share for US).

Is Freedom24 safe to use?

Freedom24 is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and registered with BaFin (Germany), both within the EU regulatory framework. Its parent company, Freedom Holding Corp, is listed on the NASDAQ, adding financial transparency. Investor protection is EUR 20,000 through the Cyprus ICF.

Can I use DEGIRO and Freedom24 in the Netherlands?

Yes. Both brokers are available to Dutch residents. DEGIRO is headquartered in the Netherlands and regulated by the AFM. Freedom24 operates in the Netherlands under its CySEC license with EU passporting rights.

Which broker is better for beginners?

Both platforms are relatively simple to use, but neither offers a demo account. DEGIRO's straightforward fee structure and core ETF selection make it easy for beginners to start investing at low cost. Freedom24's savings plan feature may appeal to beginners who want to automate regular investments without thinking about timing.

Does either broker offer fractional shares?

No. Neither DEGIRO nor Freedom24 currently offers fractional share trading. You need to purchase whole shares or ETF units at both platforms.

Conclusion

DEGIRO and Freedom24 serve different investor profiles despite operating in the same space. DEGIRO is the stronger pick for cost-conscious ETF investors who want the lowest possible fees and value strong regulatory oversight from BaFin and the AFM. Freedom24 may be more suitable for investors who want IPO access, automated savings plans, or interest on uninvested cash, and are comfortable with CySEC as the primary regulator.

Neither platform is objectively "better." The right choice depends on what you value most: rock-bottom ETF costs and regulatory depth (DEGIRO) or unique features like IPO participation and savings automation (Freedom24). Many European investors use both for different purposes.

Explore both platforms in detail on Capmap: DEGIRO and Freedom24. You can also browse all investing platforms on Capmap to compare more options.

This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change. Verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-23.

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• Best ETF brokers in the Netherlands 2026
• How to start investing in the Netherlands as an expat
• 30% ruling Netherlands 2026

Disclaimer

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.