Lightyear review 2026: fees, features, and verdict

Last verified: 2026-03-23

Quick summary

Lightyear is a next-generation European investment app founded in 2020 by ex-Wise and ex-Bolt executives. It charges 0% commission on stock and ETF trades with a 0.35% FX fee, making it competitive for European investors. Available in 17 European countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Portugal, Lightyear suits investors who want simplicity, transparent pricing, and access to global markets without hidden fees.

What is Lightyear?

Lightyear is an Estonian investment app regulated by the FCA (UK) and EFSA (Estonia) that launched in 2020. The founders previously worked at Wise and Bolt, bringing fintech expertise to retail investing. The platform focuses on eliminating hidden fees and making global investing accessible to everyday European investors.

The app offers access to 3,000+ free ETFs and stocks across major exchanges including NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, Euronext, and XETRA. It supports fractional share investing, meaning you can buy a portion of an expensive stock with any amount of money.

Lightyear is available in 17 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.

Fees and costs

Lightyear's fee structure is straightforward, which sets it apart from legacy brokers:

Fee type	Cost
Stock and ETF commissions	0%
Account opening	Free
Foreign exchange (FX)	0.35%
Annual account fee	Free
Minimum deposit	€1
Account closure	Free

The 0.35% FX fee applies when you trade stocks or ETFs denominated in currencies other than your account currency. This is competitive compared to traditional brokers, which often charge 1-2% for currency conversions.

No hidden fees: there are no annual account fees, dormant account fees, or charges for withdrawing your money. The platform is transparent about all costs upfront.

Investment universe

Lightyear provides access to:

• 3,000+ free ETFs from major providers (iShares, Vanguard, SPDR, etc.)
• Stocks on US (NYSE, NASDAQ), UK (LSE), and European exchanges (Euronext, XETRA)
• Fractional shares so you can invest small amounts in expensive stocks

You cannot trade bonds, commodities, options, or cryptocurrency on Lightyear. If you need exposure to these asset classes, you'll need a separate platform.

Platform features

Mobile app and web: Lightyear offers both a mobile app (iOS and Android) and web platform. The mobile app is the primary interface, designed for simplicity and speed.

Tax reporting: Lightyear provides annual tax reporting documents for European investors. For Dutch investors, it generates tax reports compatible with Dutch tax authorities.

Deposit protection: Your cash deposits are protected up to €20,000 through the Estonian ICF (Investor Compensation Fund). This is lower than the €100,000 standard in many EU countries, which is a notable limitation for larger accounts.

Payment methods: You can fund your account via bank transfer, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Withdrawals are processed to your bank account.

No demo account: Unlike some competitors, Lightyear does not offer a demo or practice account. You must fund a real account to explore the platform.

No API or automation: The platform does not offer API access or automated investment plans. You must manually select and execute trades.

Who should choose Lightyear

Lightyear suits you if you:

• Want a simple, mobile-first app with zero commissions on stocks and ETFs
• Are based in a supported European country (17 countries available)
• Invest primarily in US or European stocks and ETFs
• Appreciate transparent fees with no hidden costs
• Are comfortable with minimal features (no derivatives, options, or crypto)
• Have less than €20,000 in cash (due to limited deposit protection)

You should consider alternatives if you:

• Need copy trading or social trading features (try eToro)
• Want access to bonds, options, or commodities (try Interactive Brokers)
• Need a lower annual account fee (Lightyear is free, but DEGIRO and Trade Republic are also commission-free)
• Want higher deposit protection (€100,000+)
• Live outside the 17 supported countries

Lightyear vs other neobrokers

Compared to other popular European neobrokers, Lightyear sits in the middle on price and features:

Broker	Commission	FX fee	Deposit protection	Fractional shares
Lightyear	0%	0.35%	€20,000	Yes
Trade Republic	0%	0.5%	€20,000	Yes
Scalable Capital	0%	0.5%	€100,000	Yes
DEGIRO	€2–8	0.1%	€20,000	No

Lightyear's main advantage is its 0.35% FX fee (cheaper than Trade Republic at 0.5%) and ex-Wise team expertise in currency handling. Its main disadvantage is the limited deposit protection (€20,000 vs €100,000 at Scalable Capital).

Regulation and safety

Lightyear is regulated by two authorities:

• FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK - oversees investment services and consumer protection
• EFSA (Estonian Financial Supervision Authority) - regulates the local licence in Estonia

Your cash deposits are protected up to €20,000 through the Estonian Investor Compensation Fund (ICF). This is a legitimate safeguard, but it is lower than the €100,000 standard in many EU countries. If you plan to deposit more than €20,000, consider this limitation.

Our verdict

Lightyear is a solid choice for European investors who want a simple, commission-free app with transparent fees. The 0.35% FX fee is competitive, the platform is easy to use, and the ex-Wise founders bring credibility around currency handling.

However, the limited deposit protection (€20,000) and lack of advanced features may push experienced investors toward Scalable Capital or Interactive Brokers. For beginners and casual investors in Europe, Lightyear is a strong option.

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.

Related guides

• Best ETF brokers in the Netherlands 2026
• What is an ETF? A simple guide
• How to start investing in the Netherlands as an expat

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.