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Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025

Author
Author Avatar
Franklin Silva
Co-Founder & Fintech Analyst
Fact checked by
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Pedro Braz
Co-Founder, Forbes 30 under 30
Fact checked by: Pedro BrazUpdated on Feb 5, 2025

Are you embarking on an investment journey and looking for the best broker in the Netherlands? We’ve curated a comprehensive overview of the top online brokers to streamline your decision-making process.

In this guide, we unveil the strengths and weaknesses of leading platforms, from our experience with them. The selection is made taking into consideration factors like fees, investment platforms, the range of markets and instruments available, and education resources.

Best online brokers in the Netherlands

Can’t wait to start investing? Here are our bullet-point suggestions for the best online brokers in the Netherlands:

  1. eToro: Top online broker in the Netherlands with commission-free ETF investing
  2. Interactive Brokers: Best trading platform in the Netherlands overall
  3. Freedom24: Best for earning interest on uninvested cash
  4. Plus500: Leading broker with demo accounts
  5. XTB: One of the best brokers in the Netherlands for Forex
  6. Saxo Markets: Best for experienced investors in the Netherlands
  7. DEGIRO: Among the best stock brokers in the Netherlands with low fees
  8. Trading 212: Leading online broker with commission-free ETFs
  9. Lightyear: Best emerging low-cost broker

Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss.

Award Winner

eToro logo
#1 Top online broker in the Netherlands with commission-free ETF investing
Min. deposit of $50
$0 for ETFs (other fees apply)
Demo account
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion FeeFrom 1.50%
Fractional sharesYes
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC and ASIC.
Interest on uninvested cashUp to 5.3% in USD
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, cryptos (only crypto CFDs in some countries) and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, Forex, indices.
Visit BrokerRead review

51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Award Winner

Interactive Brokers logo
#2 Best trading platform in the Netherlands overall
Min. deposit of €0
Offers interest on uninvested cash balances
Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion FeeUp to 0.0020%
Fractional sharesYes
RegulatorsFINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, IIROC, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS and MNB.
Interest on uninvested cashEUR: 2.492%; USD: 3.83%; GBP: 4.310% (as of February 2025)
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, options, futures, Forex, commodities, bonds and funds.
Visit BrokerRead review
Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 1
#3 Best for earning interest on uninvested cash
Min. deposit of €0
Offers high interest on uninvested cash balances
Demo account
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee~0.005%
Fractional sharesNo
RegulatorsCySEC
Interest on uninvested cashEUR: Up to 4.60%; USD: Up to 7.18%
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, bonds, options and futures
Visit BrokerRead review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Award Winner

Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 2
#4 Leading broker with demo accounts
Min. deposit of €100
Demo Account
Accessible app
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion FeeUp to 0.70%
Fractional sharesNo
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC, FSCA, FMA and ASIC.
Interest on uninvested cash0%
Products and MarketsStocks (Plus500 Invest) and CFDs on indices, Forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, options and ETFs.
Visit BrokerRead review

82% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Award Winner

XTB logo
#5 One of the best brokers in the Netherlands for Forex
Min. deposit of €0
0% Commission on stocks and ETFs
Demo Account
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee0.50%
Fractional sharesYes (in some countries)
RegulatorsFCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and FSC
Interest on uninvested cashEUR: 1.75%; USD: 2.00%; GBP: 4.75%
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, Forex and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities.
Visit BrokerRead review

76-83% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Award Winner

Saxo Bank logo
#6 Best for experienced investors in the Netherlands
Demo Account
Excellent reputation
Wide range of financial products
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee0.25%
Fractional sharesNo
RegulatorsASIC, FSA, FCA, SFC, MAS, FINMA, DFSA.
Interest on uninvested cashUSD: Up to 3.11%; EUR: Up to 1.67%; GBP: Up to 3.45% (as of February 2025)
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, crypto ETPs, options, futures, Forex, Forex options, crypto FX, CFDs and commodities
Visit BrokerRead review

62% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Award Winner

Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 3
#7 Among the best stock brokers in the Netherlands with low fees
Min. deposit of €0
No Withdrawal Fees
Mobile App
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee0.25%
Fractional sharesNo
RegulatorsAFM, DNB
Interest on uninvested cash0%
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, investment funds, futures, leveraged products, bonds and warrants.
Visit BrokerRead review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Award Winner

Trading 212 logo
#8 Leading online broker with commission-free ETFs
Free share bonus with code "IITW"
Commission-free investing
Minimum deposit: €10
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee0.15%
Fractional sharesYes
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC, ASIC and FSC.
Interest on uninvested cashEUR: 3.40%; USD: 4.10%; GBP: 4.90%
Products and MarketsStocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs on stocks, crypto, indices and ETFs. Fractional shares, automatic investment system.
Visit BrokerRead review

When investing, your capital is at risk.

Award Winner

Lightyear logo
#9 Best emerging low-cost broker in Europe
Minimum deposit of €1
No Lightyear execution fees for ETFs (other fees may apply)
Interest on EUR, USD and GBP cash
See broker summary
Visit BrokerRead review
Broker summary
Currency Conversion Fee0.35%
Fractional sharesYes (only for US Shares)
RegulatorsEFSA, FCA
Interest on uninvested cashEUR: 2.00%, GBP: 3.00%, USD: 3.00% (as of February 2025)
Products and MarketsStocks, Funds and Money Market Funds.
Visit BrokerRead review

Terms apply, seek guidance if necessary. When you invest, your capital is at risk.

Comparison of best brokers in the Netherlands

Broker
Fees on US stocks
Interest offered
Financial products
Demo account
$0Per trade; in some countries the fee is $1
Up to 5.3% in USD
Stocks, ETFs, cryptos (only crypto CFDs in some countries) and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, Forex, indices.
From $/€50It varies between countries
Tiered plan: Up to $0.0035 per shareMin. $0.35; Max. 1% of trade value.
EUR: 2.492%; USD: 3.83%; GBP: 4.310% (as of February 2025)Only applicable to accounts with a Net Asset Value (NAV) above USD 100,000 (or equivalent); Accounts with NAV of less than USD 100,000 (or equivalent) receive interest at rates proportional to the size of the account. There will be no interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash.
Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, Forex, commodities, bonds and funds.
€/$/£0
From: €0.012 per shareWith a minimum of €/$1.2 per order.
EUR: Up to 4.60%; USD: Up to 7.18%As of February 2025 - It varies.
Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options and futures
€/$0
$0.006 per shareOn Plus500 Invest only
0%
Stocks (Plus500 Invest) and CFDs on indices, Forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, options and ETFs.
€/$/£100
€0Up to €100.000 in monthly volume transactions - Only applicable in some countries.
EUR: 1.75%; USD: 2.00%; GBP: 4.75%These rates maybe vary between countries.
Stocks, ETFs, Forex and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities.
€/$/£1
From 0.03% (min. $1)Depending on account type
USD: Up to 3.11%; EUR: Up to 1.67%; GBP: Up to 3.45% (as of February 2025)The interest rates are only paid above the first $/€/£10,000 in cash
Stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, crypto ETPs, options, futures, Forex, Forex options, crypto FX, CFDs and commodities
$0 to $10,000, depending on the country$/€2,000 for international accounts; £500 (UK)
€/£1+€/£1 flat handling fee
0%
Stocks, ETFs, investment funds, futures, leveraged products, bonds and warrants.
€/£1
€/£0
EUR: 3.40%; USD: 4.10%; GBP: 4.90%
Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs on stocks, crypto, indices and ETFs. Fractional shares, automatic investment system.
€/£10
0.1% ($1 max)$1 max; $0.10 min
EUR: 2.00%, GBP: 3.00%, USD: 3.00% (as of February 2025)Lightyear also offers Savings/Vaults which yield: EUR: 2.93%, GBP: 4.85%, USD: 4.45% (as of February 2025)
Stocks, Funds and Money Market Funds.
€/$/£1

For a list of brokers we do not recommend, you can visit our full list of broker reviews, and filter by “Not recommended”.

Other resources

Broker reviews

eToro at a glance

eToro logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies and CFDs on Stocks, ETFs, Commodities, Forex, Indices and Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC, ASIC
Minimum Deposit$50
Fees$0 for ETFs and from $1 for stocks
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit eToroRead review

51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

One of the best trading platforms in the Netherlands is eToro, an international online broker with over 30 million users who trade stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, CFDs, and ETFs. It is known for its social trading feature where you can copy the trades of other experienced traders. There are thousands of verified traders on eToro, and you can pick the best trader based on past Return on Investment (ROI), risk profile, or other factors.

The eToro platform gives users access to over 3,000 different financial instruments, including stocks and ETFs. Additionally, users can invest in ready-made investment portfolios (Smart Portfolios), a group of several assets or traders combined together based on a theme or strategy.

Plus, eToro offers commission-free ETF trading in the Netherlands (other fees apply). Besides, it charges only $1 per trade for US, EU and UK stocks. Other stocks have a $2 commission per trade.

Opening an account and depositing is easy, and you can even try it out with virtual money (a demo account). On the downside, spreads can be high for some products and there is a withdrawal fee of $5.

eToro is fully regulated and supervised by top-tier regulators such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. The subsidiary in Europe, formerly known as “eToro (Europe) Ltd,” is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC).

If you want to learn more, check out our eToro Review.

eToro's dashboard

Pros

  • Low stock trading fees (from $0 per trade)
  • Commission-free ETFs (other fees apply)
  • Social trading and other innovative products
  • Wide variety of financial products
  • Slick, modern, and easy for anyone to use
  • European users have access to three account currencies: EUR, USD and GBP
  • Top tier regulators

Cons

  • Limited disclosed financial information
  • Withdraw and inactivity fees
  • Spread, overnight, inactivity, and currency conversion fees higher than average
  • Doesn’t offer bonds, futures, or options

Interactive Brokers at a glance

Interactive Brokers logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Forex, Commodities, Bonds and Funds
RegulatorsFINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, IIROC, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS, MNB
Minimum Deposit€0
Fees$0.0035 per US stock (min. $0.35 per order)
Demo AccountAvailable
View BrokerRead review

Another exceptional trading platform in the Netherlands 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.

Interactive Brokers Web App

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

Freedom24 at a glance

Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 1
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, Options, Futures and ETFs.
RegulatorsCySEC
Minimum Deposit€0
FeesFrom $/€1.20 per order in stocks and ETF
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit Plus500Read review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Freedom24, part of the Freedom Holding Corp., has emerged as a cost-effective brokerage option for retail investors compared to traditional brokerage firms. This broker provides access to a diverse range of global financial products, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options. 

Freedom24 also offers Long-Term Funds Placement Securities Swap* that lets you generate returns on uninvested cash (up to 4.81% in EUR and up to 7.21% in USD, as of January 2025). In this regard, it sets itself apart from its competitors.

The platform’s web and mobile interfaces are intuitive and straightforward, complemented by market analysis tools (“Investideas”) and educational resources (“Freedom Academy”) to support investment decisions. Furthermore, it offers a signup promotion of up to 20 free stocks.

With no minimum deposit, it presents two pricing plans: “Prime in EUR”, which you can get access to a personal manager and “Smart in EUR”, which is more adequate for investors with lower trading volumes. On the downside, it charges a withdrawal fee of €7 and offers no cryptocurrencies.

Freedom Finance Europe Ltd is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). In the unlikely event that the segregated assets cannot be returned to clients, Freedom24 falls under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which compensates for any losses from non-returned investments up to €20,000.

Want to learn more? Check out our Freedom24 Review or visit Freedom24 directly!

Freedom24 "Trade" window

Pros

  • Low commissions on stock and ETF trading
  • No minimum deposit for general trading
  • Demo trading
  • Daily interest on uninvested cash in EUR and USD up to 4.70% and 7.19%, respectively, as of JFebruary 2025
  • Slick, modern, and easy for anyone to use
  • No custody fee

Cons

  • €7 per withdrawal
  • No cryptocurrencies

*This product is an investment in OTC swaps, and may not be appropriate for every investor. This product is not a banking service and is not related to a bank deposit or a bank account. The ability to provide access to a particular financial instrument is subject to an appropriateness test.

Plus500 at a glance

Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 2
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableReal Shares (Plus500 Invest) and CFDs on Indices, Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Shares, Options and ETFs.
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC, FSCA, FMA and ASIC
Minimum Deposit€100
Fees$0.006 per share on Plus500 Invest only (On the Plus500CFD platform, Plus500 is compensated by the spread and additional fees)
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit Plus500Read review

82% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Founded in 2008, Plus500 is an online broker offering a wide range of financial products, including real shares and CFDs on forex, indices, shares, commodities, options, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It is available in over 50 countries and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

There are two distinct account types:

  • Plus500 CFD: It only focuses on CFD products;
  • Plus500 Invest: Where you can trade stocks (real shares);

The web platform you will use is the WebTrader, Plus500’s proprietary platform, offering a stable trading experience and reliable access from multiple devices, including a mobile app. All platforms are accessible and responsive, and you can start testing the features by opening a demo account.

Their customer support is helpful and readily assesses through a chat that is always shown on the trading platform. Their spreads are low, offering accounts in sixteen currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP. Still, they charge a 0.70% currency conversion fee and a $10 monthly fee following three months with no activity. On Plus500 Invest, they only charge a small commission per trade (US market: $0.006/share).

Finally, it is regulated by financial regulators like the FCA and CySEC, meaning that Plus500 is appropriately supervised and that there is an investor protection scheme under the entity in which you open an account. For instance, If you open an account as a European investor through Plus500CY Ltd, you are protected up to €20,000. Additionally, Plus500 provides negative balance protection for CFD trading on a per-account basis – only to retail clients from the European Union (regulatory requirement).

Want to know more about Plus500? Check our Plus500 Review.

Plus500 dashboard

Pros

  • Acessible and responsive platform
  • Low spreads
  • No dealing commissions
  • Demo Account
  • Top-tier regulators

Cons

  • No ETF offering
  • Inactivity fee ($10 per month after no login activity in 3 months)
  • High overnight funding fees
  • Very little research and education provided

XTB at a glance

XTB logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, and CFDs on stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies
RegulatorsFCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and FSC
Minimum Deposit€0
Fees€0 (per US share)
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit XTBRead review

76-83% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Founded in 2002, XTB is a major player in the brokerage industry with extensive worldwide experience, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – plus other relevant regulatory bodies – and listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. 

You can invest through xStation 5 and xStation Mobile in different investment products, such as stocks, ETFs, and CFDs on stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (this product offering may vary slightly from country to country). It offers 0% commission on stocks and ETFs, but only in some countries*. Nonetheless, all investors get a 0% commission on stock and ETF CFDs. 

Opening an account and transferring money is a quick and hassle-free process. For beginners, it presents a demo account where you can trade as if it were real money to help you feel the investment platform firsthand, and you get access to educational tools. For intermediate and advanced investors, you will find plenty of technical and fundamental tools to help you better assess your investment decisions.

*Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, South America (all countries), UAE and UK.

XTB xStation 5 platform

On November 6th, 2023, it started offering interest on uninvested cash in EUR at 3.80% in the first 90 days of opening an account and then reduced to 2%.

On the downside, you will face an inactivity fee of €10/month after one year of non-trading, and if you have not deposited in the last 90 days, it charges high commissions on CFDs of cryptocurrencies but low costs for Forex. 

Want to know more about XTB? Check our XTB Review.

Pros

  • Free stocks trading (only applicable to some countries)
  • Customizable trading platform (charts and workspace)
  • Low Forex Spreads
  • Demo account
  • No minimum account deposit
  • Valuable education materials
  • Top-tier Regulators

Cons

  • Complex trading platform for a beginner
  • High Stock CFD spreads
  • Limited product portfolio
  • Withdrawal fees for transfers below $100
  • Inactivity fee (€10/monthly after 1+ year with no activity plus no deposit in the last 90 days)

Saxo at a glance

Saxo Bank logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Crypto ETPs, Options, Futures, Forex, Forex Options, Crypto FX, CFDs and Commodities
RegulatorsASIC, FSA, FCA, SFC, MAS, FINMA, DFSA
Minimum Deposit€0 (for Netherlands)
FeesUp to 0.08% (min. $1) for US stocks
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit Saxo MarketsRead review

62% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

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 71,000 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.
SaxoTraderGo dashboard

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.

Do you want to know more about Saxo? Check out our Saxo review!

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

DEGIRO at a glance

Best online brokers in the Netherlands in 2025 3
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, Funds, ETFs, Futures, Leveraged Products, Bonds, and Warrants
RegulatorsAFM, DNB
Minimum Deposit€0
Fees0% commissions on ETFs (external fees apply)
Demo AccountNot Available
Visit DEGIRORead review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Founded in 2013, DEGIRO is a low-cost brokerage firm that has become very popular due to its low rates! With over 3 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 within the Core Selection list at a low cost (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.

DEGIRO dashboard

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

  • ETF Core Selection list (external fees apply)
  • 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 ISA account (for UK residents)
  • Low-quality customer support
  • No interest paid on cash balances

Trading 212 at a glance

Trading 212 logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableReal Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs on stocks, crypto, indices and ETFs. Fractional shares, automatic investment system
RegulatorsFCA, CySEC and FSC
Minimum Deposit€10
Fees€0
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit Trading 212Read review

When investing, your capital is at risk.

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.

Portfolio tab

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 (other fees may apply. See terms and fees)
  • AutoInvest & Pies feature
  • Fast and easy account opening process
  • Demo account
  • Top Tier Regulators
  • Free fractional shares worth up to €100
  • High interest on uninvested cash

Cons

  • Limited product portfolio (no Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Futures)
  • No relevant Fundamental tools
  • 0.15% of Foreign exchange fees

Lightyear at a glance

Lightyear logo
Visit brokerRead review
Products availableStocks, ETFs, MMFs
RegulatorsEFSA and FCA (As an AR)
Minimum Deposit€1
Fees0.1%, up to $1 max (min $0.10 per order)
Demo AccountAvailable
Visit Trading 212Read review

Terms apply, seek guidance if necessary. When you invest, your capital is at risk.

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: EUR: 2.00%, GBP: 3.00%, USD: 3.00% (as of February 2025).

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, or Forex), and there is no demo account.

Do you want to know more about Lightyear? Check out our Lightyear review!

Lightyear Dashboard

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
  • 0% Lightyear execution commission on ETF trading (other fees may apply)
  • No account opening, inactivity, or withdrawal fees
  • High interest on uninvested cash
  • Fractional Shares
  • Account opening promotion with the promo code INVESTINGINTHEWEB

Cons

  • Limited trading options
  • No demo account
  • Only available in 22 european countries (not available internationally)
  • 0.35% currency conversion fee

How to buy stocks in the Netherlands (Step-by-step)

Buying stocks in the Netherlands involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Educate Yourself: Before investing, educate yourself about the stock market, various investment options, and understand your risk tolerance.
  2. Create a Financial Plan: Develop a financial plan that includes your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. This will help guide your investment decisions.
  3. Choose a Broker: Select a reputable stock brokerage platform. Popular options in the Netherlands include DEGIRO, eToro, and Interactive Brokers. Consider factors such as fees, user interface, and available features.
  4. Open a Brokerage Account: Once you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to open an account. This typically involves providing personal information, proof of identity, and linking a bank account.
  5. Deposit Funds: Fund your brokerage account with the amount you’re comfortable investing. Most brokers allow bank transfers for this purpose.
  6. Research Stocks: Conduct thorough research on the stocks you’re interested in. Consider the company’s financial health, performance, and future prospects.
  7. Place an Order: Once you’ve decided on the stocks to buy, log in to your brokerage account and place an order. You can choose between market orders (buy at the current market price) or limit orders (set a specific price).
  8. Review and Confirm: Before confirming your order, review the details to ensure accuracy. Confirm the transaction.
  9. Monitor Your Investments: Keep an eye on your investments regularly. Monitor market trends, company news, and any developments that might affect your stocks.
  10. Consider a Diverse Portfolio: To manage risk, consider diversifying your portfolio by investing in different sectors and types of assets.
  11. Stay Informed: Stay informed about market trends, economic developments, and any changes in your chosen stocks. Continuous learning is key to successful investing.

Remember, investing in stocks always carries risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor if you’re uncertain about your investment decisions.

Bottom line

As we finish exploring the best brokers in the Netherlands for 2025, it’s clear that you have diverse options. Whether you prefer eToro’s social trading, Interactive Brokers’ advanced tools, or DEGIRO’s low fees, there is something for everyone.

Remember, the right choice depends on what you need and like. Take a close look at each option, think about what matters most to you, and get ready for a successful investment journey in the Netherlands. Good luck with your investments!

Other FAQs about brokers in the Netherlands

What are the types of investments you can make with a brokerage account?

You can trade stocks, ETFs, Forex, Bonds, Futures and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities.

What is the cheapest stock broker in the Netherlands?

DEGIRO is widely regarded as one of the cheapest stock brokers in the Netherlands, offering a low-cost platform with competitive fees for trading stocks, ETFs, and other financial instruments.

Is Forex trading legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, forex trading is legal in the Netherlands. It is regulated by the Dutch financial regulatory authority, the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM). Traders can engage in forex trading through authorized and regulated brokers in compliance with Dutch financial laws.

Is DEGIRO better than eToro?

The choice between DEGIRO and eToro depends on your preferences. DEGIRO is known for low fees and a user-friendly interface, while eToro offers social trading features. Consider your priorities—fees, social trading, or other factors—when deciding which platform better suits your investment goals in the Netherlands.

Where to invest in the Netherlands?

Consider investing in diverse options like stocks, bonds, or real estate in the Netherlands. Evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. Consult with financial advisors or use reputable online brokers like DEGIRO, eToro, or Interactive Brokers to access various investment opportunities in the Dutch market.

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About the author
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Franklin Silva
Co-Founder & Fintech Analyst

Franklin has three years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst, has passed the CFA level II, and is the host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube channel.

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