Finding the best brokerage platform is crucial for investors seeking a seamless and secure trading experience. This article explores and compares the best online brokers available in Belgium. From user-friendly interfaces to diverse investment options, we delve into the key features, fees, and unique offerings of top trading platforms.
Stay informed about the latest financial developments as we guide you through the landscape of the best online brokers to assist you in making well-informed investment decisions in Belgium.
Discover the platforms that cater to diverse needs, from beginners seeking user-friendly interfaces to seasoned investors requiring advanced tools.
Best Online Brokers in Belgium
Don’t want to read the whole article? Here are our suggestions for the best online brokers in Belgium:
- Interactive Brokers: Best trading platform in Belgium overall
- Saxo Markets: Best for experienced investors in Belgium
- DEGIRO: Best online broker in Belgium for low fees
- Trading 212: Best broker with commission-free ETFs
- Lightyear: Best emerging low-cost broker in Europe
- BUX: Best trading platform in Belgium with no minimum deposit
- Revolut Trading: Top online broker with no inactivity fee
✔️ All of them are authorized to operate in Belgium by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).
As such, all are under investor protection schemes.
62% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Investing involves risk of loss.
Investing involves risk of loss.
Terms apply, seek guidance if necessary. When you invest, your capital is at risk.
Comparison of the Best Trading Platforms in Belgium
Online Broker | Minimum deposit | Financial products available | Fees on US stocks | Regulators |
Interactive Brokers | €0 | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Forex, Commodities, Bonds and Funds. | Between $0.0005 and $0.0035 per US share (min. $0.35) | FINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, IIROC, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS, MNB |
Saxo Markets | €0 | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Crypto ETPs, Options, Futures, Forex, Forex Options, Crypto FX, CFDs and Commodities | Up to 0.08%(min. $1) | ASIC, FSA, FCA, SFC, MAS, FINMA, DFSA |
DEGIRO | €0 | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Options, Futures Contracts, Warrants, Investment Funds, and some leveraged products | €1 Commission + €1 Handling | AFM, DNB, BaFin |
Trading 212 | €10 | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs on stocks, crypto, indices and ETFs. Fractional shares, automatic investment system. | €0 | FCA, CySEC, and FSC |
Lightyear | €1 | Stocks, ETFs, MMFs | 0.1%, up to $1 max (min $0.10 per order) | EFSA and FCA (As an AR) |
BUX | €0 | Stocks, ETFs and Cryptocurrencies. | €0.99 (For market and limit orders) | AFM and DNB |
Revolut Trading | €1 | Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Gold, and Silver | One free trade per month (Afterwards, it varies according to your country of residence) | SEC, FCA and FINRA |
#1 Interactive Brokers: Best trading platform in Belgium overall
Interactive Brokers at a glance
An exceptional trading platform in Belgium is Interactive Brokers. Founded in 1978 and publicly listed in NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR), Interactive Brokers is a global online broker that surpassed major financial crises, showing resilience and a rigorous risk management process.
Interactive Brokers offers an advanced investment platform that includes a wide range of products (stocks, options, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, bonds, and currencies) from +135 markets, solid trade execution (IB SmartRouting), and a set of technical and fundamental tools to help you in your investment decisions.
Beginners and intermediate investors have educational tools to explore, but the learning curve will be steep. Besides, customer service gives crystal clear answers to your doubts, so there is no need to go back and forth.
On the downside, Interactive Brokers’ fee structure is quite complex, the registration process is lengthy (but fully online), and the broker doesn’t offer commission-free trading. However, when considering FX fees, narrower spreads, and the stock loan program, Interactive Brokers’ clients still get significant savings compared to most brokers.
Interactive Brokers also launched IBKR GlobalTrader, a modern mobile trading app to trade stocks, ETFs, and options, ideal for beginner investors. Some of the features of IBKR GlobalTrader include automatic currency conversions, fractional shares, and a demo account.
Want to know more about Interactive Brokers? Check our Interactive Brokers Review.
Pros
- Low commissions on US stock trading
- No monthly inactivity fee
- The broadest product and markets range in the brokerage industry
- Demo account
- Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
- Extensive research and Education tools
- Has a modern mobile trading app to trade Stocks, Options and ETFs, ideal for novice investors, IBKR GlobalTrader.
- Offers interest on uninvested cash balances
Cons
- Complicated and lengthy account opening process (but fully online)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Website is difficult to navigate
- Interactive Advisors (Robo-advisor feature) is only available for US customers
#2 Saxo Markets: Best for experienced investors in Belgium
Saxo at a glance
Launched in 1992, Saxo Bank is one of the most solid financial entities in the brokerage industry, with a proven track record of success. It lets you trade over 70,000 financial instruments through their trading platforms: SaxoTraderPRO (for PC) and SaxoTraderGO (on mobile).
The wide range of cash and margin trading products across global markets includes stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, cryptos, options, futures, CFDs, forex, and more! Saxo Bank presents its advanced research tools for “Buy and hold or trade on leverage”.
The Saxo Bank account tiers are the following:
- Classic: A minimum €2,000 deposit is required (depending on the country of residency), giving you access to tight spreads and customer and technical support 24/5.
- Platinum: A minimum €200,000 deposit is required. In addition to Classic features, it also lowers trading prices by up to 30% and prioritizes local-language customer support.
- VIP: A minimum €1,000,000 deposit is required. Here, you will find the best prices, access to trading experts, and exclusive event invitations.
The pricing structure will vary according to your account tier. For instance, a US stock order will be 0.08% of the trade value, with a minimum of $1 in Classic. However, within the VIP tier, the same trade would be 0.03% of the trade value with the same minimum of $1. Plus, for accounts with stocks, ETFs/ETCs, or bond positions, a custody fee of up to 0.15% p.a. will apply.
The listed prices are approximate and will differ based on the resident country. For precise pricing details, refer to the platform’s trade tickets for a comprehensive overview.
Saxo Bank A/S is a fully licensed European bank under the supervision of the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA). Saxo Bank is a member of the Danish Guarantee Fund, which protects client cash deposits up to €100,000 and financial securities (stocks, ETFs,…) up to €20,000 per client.
Pros
- Excellent research materials
- Outstanding trading platforms (SaxoTraderPRO and SaxoTraderGO)
- Extensive range of investment products
- Long track record
- Supervised by worldwide top-tier regulators
Cons
- High minimum deposit (varies between countries)
- Fees higher than average
- Fee structure is complex
- Does not accept US residents
#3 DEGIRO: Best online broker in Belgium for low fees
DEGIRO at a glance
Founded in 2013, DEGIRO is a low-cost brokerage firm that has become very popular due to its low rates! With over 2.5 million users, the innovative platform has become widely known for its “do-it-yourself” philosophy in the sense that you have everything at your disposal to start investing on your own. It offers a wide range of financial assets to trade, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures contracts, warrants, investment funds, and some leveraged products (not quite the same as CFDs. More info here).
For instance, you can trade some ETFs for free (a €1.00 flat handling fee – external costs – still apply) with no minimum amount required. The web trading platform is basic, but it is efficient and straightforward to use. In a matter of minutes, you get used to it. The same applies to its mobile app. On the downside, there is an absence of significant fundamental research, a €1.00 commission for US stocks, a €2.50 connectivity fee applies, and pricing alerts are missing.
Regarding security, DEGIRO is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG (a German-regulated bank). In the unlikely event that the segregated assets cannot be returned to clients, DEGIRO falls under the German Investor Compensation Scheme, which compensates any losses from non-returned assets up to 90% (with a maximum of €20,000), so do bear this in mind if you are planning to invest much larger volumes. Furthermore, any money deposited on a DEGIRO Cash Account with flatexDEGIRO Bank AG will be guaranteed up to €100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
Still any doubts? Go through our DEGIRO Review!
Pros
- List of commission-free ETFs available
- User-friendly web and mobile app
- Wide range of investment options
- Education material: Investor’s Academy and Investing with DEGIRO
- Low overall commission structure
- No account opening, inactivity, or withdrawal fee
Cons
- 0.25% currency conversion fee (charged if you deposit or invest in a different currency than your base currency)
- €/£1 flat handling fee (charged in most transactions)
- €/£2.50 of connectivity fee (paid annually), per exchange where you’re invested
- Does not offer Forex, CFDs, and Cryptos
- No demo account
- Little research
- Low-quality customer support
#4 Trading 212: Best broker with commission-free ETFs
Trading 212 at a glance
Founded in 2006, Trading 212 is a fintech based in London that aims to democratize the entire investment process through a simple mobile application. The company aims to do this by allowing anyone to invest in over 10,000 stocks and ETFs, Forex, commodities, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. Over 15 million people have already downloaded the app.
In Trading 212, you will find commission-free stocks and ETFs trading, fractional shares, and even an automatic investment system (Robo-advisor). Opening an account is extremely quick and easy. On the downside, it shows limitations regarding available products, such as the lack of bonds and options. It charges a 0.15% currency conversion fee when buying assets in a currency different from your base account.
Within the app, you will notice two distinct sub-platforms: Trading 212 Invest, where you can trade a range of assets free of charge, and Trading 212 CFD, where you may trade leveraged financial products (CFDs).
On Trading 212 CFD, the currency conversion fee (FX fee) is higher (0.50%) than on Trading 212 Invest (0.15%).
The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts are both €10. There are no deposit fees if you use bank transfer (other options include cards and Google/Apple Pay). For withdrawals, there is no fee, regardless of the method used.
In terms of safety, every Trading 212 is regulated by the following regulators: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC).
If you want to learn more, check our Trading 212 Review.
Pros
- Commission-free Real Stocks and ETFs trading
- AutoInvest & Pies feature
- Fast and easy account opening process
- Demo account
- Top Tier Regulators
- One free share worth up to €100 using the promo code "IITW"
Cons
- Limited product portfolio (no Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Futures)
- No relevant Fundamental tools
- Spreads on Forex CFDs may be high in certain trading hours
- Foreign exchange fees (0.15% and 0.50% in “Invest” and “CFDs” accounts, respectively)
#5 Lightyear: Best emerging low-cost broker in Europe
Lightyear at a glance
Lightyear is a European investment app that operates via the entity Lightyear Europe AS, authorized and regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA – license number 4.1-1/31), with clients’ assets covered up to €20,000.
There are no Lightyear execution fees to trade ETFs. For stocks, commissions do not go over €/$/£1 per order, and there is a flat 0.35% fee for currency conversion (this fee can be minimized by their multi-currency account in EUR, GBP & USD). Lightyear offers one of the highest interest in uninvested cash: 4.50% in USD, 3.25% in EUR, and 4.50% in GBP (As of April 2024).
The investment platform is suitable for beginners and intermediate investors who can safely invest in fractional shares. With an easy-to-use app and more than 3,500 stocks available from the US, UK, European, and Asian markets, Lightyear is an excellent way to get exposure to the stock market.
There are, however, some downsides to Lightyear’s investing app: the product offering is limited (there are no options, commodities, and Forex) and there is no demo account.
Disclaimer: Capital at risk. The provider of investment services is Lightyear Financial Ltd for the UK and Lightyear Europe AS for the EU. Terms apply: lightyear.com/terms. Seek qualified advice if necessary.
Pros
- Minimum deposit of €/£/$1
- No Lightyear execution fees for ETFs (other fees may apply)
- Interest on EUR, USD and GBP cash
- Access to fractional shares and money market funds
Cons
- Limited product offering
- No demo account
#6 BUX: Best trading platform in Belgium with no minimum deposit
BUX at a glance
It allows users to trade US and EU stocks (Dutch, German, Belgian, French, and Austrian) and 30+ ETFs. New users will also benefit from one free share worth up to €200 (terms available on page 31 of the BUX Client Agreement). You also have access to fractional investing, making it easy to invest in companies with big share prices (Amazon, Tesla, Alphabet,…) starting for as little as €10.
In addition, crypto trading is also available for free! Investors can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, among other cryptocurrencies.
BUX is very transparent in its pricing structure: it charges no commission for zero orders for EU stocks and ETFs, but it will cost you €1.99 per market or limit Order in EU stocks and ETFs. US stocks charge €0.99 for market and limit orders. Besides, it also earns money through an FX markup (currency conversion fee) of 0.25% and a monthly service fee of €2.99.
On the downside, the only place to trade is its mobile app (no desktop or web trading platform available), the products available are limited, and it has no demo account.
BUX is regulated by the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten – AFM). If you want to learn more, check out our BUX Review.
Pros
- Low commissions on stock, ETF and crypto trading
- Offers one Free Share of up to 200€ upon deposit
- Fractional investing
- Modern and user-friendly mobile app
- No inactivity, custody, deposit or withdrawal fee
- No minimum required deposit
Cons
- Zero order execution delay
- No demo account
- Limited financial products
- Only available in eight countries
#7 Revolut Trading: Top online broker with no inactivity fee
Revolut Trading at a glance
Founded in 2019, Revolut Trading is part of the Revolut app (existing since 2015) and provides its users with an efficient way to invest (all in one place). It only allows investment in American stocks (+1,000 companies) free of charge for up to 1 transaction per month, cryptocurrencies with a charge of 1.99% or EUR 0.99 per trade (whichever is higher), and gold and silver with a spread of 0.25% when the market is open. On the other hand, there are no inactivity or withdrawal fees.
The app is super intuitive, and the account opening process is 100% digital, fast, and secure. Unfortunately, it still has a very low offer of financial products, and the account can only be denominated in dollars. Some of the non-accessible assets are the following ones: ETFs, CFDs, Forex, bonds, and options. Furthermore, it does not have any educational or market research material, and it charges an annual custody fee of 0.12%.
Learn more in our in-depth Revolut Trading Review.
Pros
- Simple trading platform
- Easy account opening process
- At least, one free trade per month
- Low trading commissions
- No inactivity fee
Cons
- Low product offering (ETFs and other financial products are missing)
- Investments not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Annual custody fee of 0.12%
What Broker has the Best Trading App in Belgium?
Selecting the best trading app in Belgium involves considering individual preferences.
DEGIRO is renowned for its low fees and straightforward interface. BUX, gaining popularity, focuses on user-friendly design and offers commission-free trading. Interactive Brokers provides a robust platform with extensive tools for experienced traders. Assess factors like user interface, security, available markets, and fees to determine the most suitable option. Recent reviews and ensuring regulatory compliance are crucial steps. DEGIRO is praised for affordability, BUX for simplicity, and Interactive Brokers for advanced features etc.
You might find out that none of the options mentioned here is a good fit for you. Explore each app to align with your specific trading needs, recognizing that the landscape may evolve, and new features could be introduced.
How to Buy Stocks in Belgium (Step-by-step)
To buy stocks in Belgium, follow these general steps:
- Research and Education: Understand the stock market, different companies, and the risks involved. Research potential stocks and stay informed about market trends.
- Select a Broker: Choose a reputable online broker that suits your preferences. DEGIRO, BUX, Interactive Brokers and other platforms mentioned in this article are some popular choices in Belgium. Ensure the broker is regulated by the relevant authorities.
- Account Setup: Open a trading account with the chosen broker. This typically involves providing personal information, financial details, and completing any necessary identity verification.
- Deposit Funds: Deposit funds into your trading account. Most brokers accept bank transfers or other payment methods.
- Stock Selection: Use the broker’s platform to search for and select the stocks you want to buy. Consider diversifying your portfolio for risk management.
- Place an Order: Once you’ve chosen the stocks, place a buy order through the broker’s platform. Specify the quantity and type of order (e.g., market order or limit order).
- Monitor Investments: Keep track of your investments and stay informed about market changes. Consider setting up alerts for significant price movements.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio and adjust your holdings based on your investment goals and market conditions.
Always be aware of fees, taxes, and any specific regulations related to stock trading in Belgium. If you’re unsure about any aspect, seek advice from financial professionals or consult the resources provided by your chosen broker.
Belgian Stock Exchange Tax
It is important to know that Belgium imposes a tax on stock exchange transactions known as the “Belgian Stock Exchange Tax” (BSET) or ‘taks op de beursverrichtingen’ or ‘taxe sur les opérations de bourse’ (TOB). This tax applies to both Belgian and foreign securities transactions carried out on a Belgian stock exchange or through a Belgian intermediary.
Key points about the Belgian Stock Exchange Tax include:
- Tax Rate: The tax rate is a percentage applied to the transaction value. The rate can vary depending on the type of transaction (purchase or sale) and the characteristics of the security.
- Applicability: BSET typically applies to the purchase of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments executed on a Belgian stock exchange or through a Belgian financial intermediary.
- Exemptions: Some transactions may be exempt from the Belgian Stock Exchange Tax. For example, transactions related to market makers, primary market transactions, and certain transactions involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be exempt.
- Payment and Reporting: The tax is often collected by the financial intermediary at the time of the transaction. Financial institutions are responsible for reporting and remitting the tax to the Belgian tax authorities.
It’s important to note that tax laws and regulations can change, and it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to the latest guidance from Belgian tax authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding the Belgian Stock Exchange Tax.
You can find more info on the subject here.
The bottom line
As we conclude our exploration of the best online brokers in Belgium, it’s evident that the landscape offers a spectrum of choices catering to diverse investor needs.
Our top pick include:
#1 | Interactive BrokersBest trading platform in Belgium overall. |
#2 | Saxo MarketsBest for experienced investors in Belgium. |
#3 | DEGIROBest online broker in Belgium for low fees. |
#4 | Trading 212Best broker with commission-free ETFs. |
#5 | LightyearBest Best emerging low-cost broker in Europe. |
#6 | BUXBest trading platform in Belgium with no minimum deposit. |
#7 | Revolut TradingTop online broker with no inactivity fee. |
The decision ultimately rests on your specific preferences, whether you’re seeking simplicity, advanced tools, or a balance of both. Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging features as you embark on your investment journey. Choose wisely, aligning your choice with your financial goals and trading style.
Some factors you should know when choosing an online broker are the fees charged if it is regulated by top-tier institutions, the range of products it allows you to trade (not all platforms allow you to trade EU stocks), among others.
A reminder that the above should not be seen as investment advice and should be considered information only. Investors should do their own research and diligence about the best-suited services and opportunities for their risk, returns, and impact strategy.
Happy investments!
FAQs about Brokers in Belgium
What is a brokerage company?
It is an entity designed to be the middleman between you and the people you are trying to buy or sell a stock, ETF, crypto,… you name it!
Which broker is best in Belgium?
There is no single answer. It depends on what you value most: fees, security, investment platform or any relevant feature.
What are the types of investments you can make with a brokerage account?
You can trade stocks, ETFs, Forex, Bonds, Futures, Cryptocurrencies and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities.
What is leverage in trading?
Leverage in trading involves using borrowed funds to amplify the potential returns of an investment. It allows traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital, but it also increases the risk of significant losses.
Is Forex trading legal in Belgium?
Yes, Forex trading is legal in Belgium. However, the regulatory environment may impose certain restrictions, and traders should ensure compliance with local regulations. It’s recommended to use licensed and regulated brokers when engaging in Forex trading in Belgium.
Can a resident of Belgium trade US stocks?
Yes, residents of Belgium can generally trade US stocks. They can do so through international brokerage platforms that offer access to US markets. However, they should ensure compliance with any regulatory requirements and tax implications associated with international stock trading.
What are pips in trading?
“Pips” in trading refer to the smallest price move that a given exchange rate can make based on market convention. In most currency pairs, one pip is equivalent to a one-digit movement in the fourth decimal place, e.g., from 1.2345 to 1.2346. It measures price changes in the forex market.