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7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed)

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Franklin Silva
Co-Founder & Fintech Analyst
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Pedro Braz
Co-Founder, Forbes 30 under 30
Fact checked by: Pedro BrazUpdated on Sep 13, 2026

Many investors are constantly searching for innovative ways to boost returns, generate income, or hedge their portfolios. One of the most popular strategies is options trading.

An option is a contract linked to an underlying asset (stock, ETF, or index) that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying at a specific price (strike) before a set expiration date. Unlike stocks or ETFs which trade in single units, one standard options contract typically represents 100 shares of the underlying.

Unfortunately, the number of brokers offering genuine options trading remains limited for European investors: most retail platforms only offer CFDs or simplified equity products rather than true exchange-listed options.

In this article, we review the leading options brokers available in Europe to help you determine the right platform for your strategy. Our criteria include the trading platform, regulation, number of options contracts available, commissions per contract, minimum deposits, and customer service. Note that brokers differ widely in how they offer options: some provide full option chains and multi-leg strategies (spreads, straddles, iron condors), while others offer a simpler buy-only product. We flag this distinction where it matters.

Best options trading platforms in Europe

Options brokers are what you came looking for, so here are our top picks for European investors in 2026:

Interactive Brokers

Founded in 1978 and a NASDAQ-listed S&P 500 constituent, IBKR is one of the world’s most trusted brokers and the gold standard for European options traders. It offers full option chains and multi-leg strategies across stocks, ETFs, indices, and futures on US, European (Eurex, Euronext), and Asia-Pacific exchanges. US equity options cost $0.65 per contract for most retail trades (less for low-premium contracts, with a $1 minimum per order), and European options €0.90 to €3.00 per contract on fixed pricing depending on the exchange. Professional-grade tools include the Trader Workstation (TWS) Options Strategy Builder and Probability Lab.

💡 Interactive Brokers also offers IBKR GlobalTrader, a mobile trading app that includes options alongside stocks and ETFs, ideal for novice options traders dipping their toes in.

Freedom24

Part of Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), Freedom24 offers stocks, ETFs, bonds and US stock options under two plans. On the Smart in EUR plan, US options cost $0.65 per contract with no per-order fee. The All Inclusive in EUR plan, which adds a personal manager, charges $3 per contract + €10 per order. Long-term investors can also use its ETF Investment plans to buy selected ETFs regularly with €0 commission. New clients can also get up to 20 gift shares, depending on their first deposit (T&Cs apply). CySEC-regulated and passported across the EEA.

Disclaimer: options are complex instruments with a high risk of loss and are not suitable for all investors. €0 commission applies only to purchases made within the Freedom24 Recurring Investment function. Other fees apply according to the Freedom24 Fee Schedule. The WELCOME promotion is subject to Terms and Conditions. Gift Shares are allocated randomly from a selection of eligible stocks, with higher-value shares awarded less frequently.

DEGIRO

A low-cost European broker, part of flatexDEGIRO (3.5 million customer accounts across 16 European countries) with a German banking licence (flatexDEGIRO Bank SE). DEGIRO offers options on European and US markets for €0.75 per contract on European exchanges and $0.75 per contract on US exchanges, plus a €5 monthly connectivity fee for US derivatives markets. Suitable for cost-conscious buy-and-hold investors who occasionally trade options, though the platform lacks the advanced multi-leg strategy tools of IBKR.

Disclaimer: investing involves risk of loss.

XTB

One of Europe’s largest retail brokers (more than 2 million clients at the end of 2025, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange), XTB added a vanilla options product to its xStation platform in 2026. It works differently from the others on this list: clients can only buy (go long on) call and put options, with no option writing and no multi-leg strategies. Contracts are American-style and cash-settled, covering 110 US stocks and ETFs, and are only available in selected EU countries. There is no per-contract commission: XTB’s cost is a 0.25% markup built into the option premium. Best suited for directional traders rather than income-generation or hedging strategies.

Disclaimer: investing involves risk of loss.

Firstrade

A US-based broker offering commission-free US options trading (no per-contract fees) to residents of a list of supported countries, which includes several European countries. Provides full option chains and multi-leg strategies on US stocks and ETFs. The main drawback for European investors is the $25 outgoing wire transfer fee and the lack of EU/MiFID II investor protections (clients are covered by US SIPC up to $500,000 instead).

tastytrade

A US-based brokerage dedicated to stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, futures, and options trading, founded by the team behind thinkorswim and part of IG Group since 2021. Options pricing starts at $1 per contract to open (capped at $10 per leg) and $0 to close, plus a $0.10 clearing fee per contract. This structure favours active options traders and short premium strategies. Known for its options-focused educational content and analytical tools.

TradeStation

A US broker offering a wide range of products plus advanced analytical and charting tools through its proprietary platform. Since June 2026, EU residents are served by TradeStation Europe B.V., regulated by the Dutch AFM, where US equity options cost $5 per trade plus $0.80 per contract (falling to $0.10 per contract above 10,000 contracts a month). Best suited for experienced active traders who value powerful screening and back-testing capabilities.

Comparison of European brokers that offer options trading

Broker
Options fees
Best for
$0.65 per US contract ($1 min. per order)
Best overall
$0.65 per US contract (Smart in EUR)
Best for US stock options
€0.75 per EU contract, $0.75 per US contract (+ €5 per month for US markets)
Best for low-cost EU options
0.25% markup built into the premium
Best for simple, capped-risk options
$0 per contract
Cheapest option
$1 per contract to open, $0 to close
Best for active options traders
$5 per trade + $0.80 per contract (EU clients)
Best for advanced analysis

Video summary

Watch a short recap of our highest rated choices in the video below:

1# Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers logo
Visit brokerRead review

IB at a glance

Options
Options Pricing$0.65 per US contract
Minimum Deposit€0
RegulatorsFINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS, MNB
Visit Interactive BrokersRead review

Founded in 1978 and publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR, an S&P 500 constituent since August 2025), Interactive Brokers is a global online broker that has weathered every major financial crisis since its founding, demonstrating exceptional resilience and a rigorous risk management process.

IBKR is widely regarded as the gold standard for serious options traders in Europe. The platform provides access to options on stocks, ETFs, indices, and futures across 30+ market centres, including the US (CBOE, NASDAQ, NYSE), Europe (Eurex, Euronext Amsterdam, LSE), and Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia), all accessible from a single account.

Options commissions are highly competitive:

  • US equity options: $0.65 per contract for most retail trades, falling to $0.15 to $0.50 for low-premium contracts or higher monthly volumes, with a $1 minimum per order plus exchange and clearing fees.
  • European options: €0.90 to €3.00 per contract on fixed pricing, depending on the exchange (e.g. €1.10 for Eurex stock options, €1.50 for Euronext Amsterdam and €3.00 for Italian index options).
  • Index options and futures options: per-contract pricing varies by venue.

IBKR offers full option chains, multi-leg strategies, and advanced order types through its professional-grade tools: the OptionTrader (consolidated chain + order entry interface), Strategy Builder (multi-leg construction with risk/reward visualisation), Probability Lab (probability-based position analysis), Options Wizard (strategy suggestions), and the Rollover Options Tool. The IBKR Campus (formerly Traders’ Academy) provides extensive options education for both beginners and advanced traders.

Interactive Brokers Options window

For investors who prefer a simpler mobile experience, Interactive Brokers also operates IBKR GlobalTrader, a mobile app geared toward newcomers that supports stocks, options, and ETFs. The app offers automatic currency conversions, fractional shares, and a $10,000 demo account, making it a beginner-friendly entry point to options trading on the IBKR ecosystem.

Want to know more about Interactive Brokers? Check our Interactive Brokers review.

2# Freedom24

7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed) 7
Visit brokerRead review

Freedom24 at a glance

Options
Options PricingFrom $0.65 per contract
Minimum Deposit€0
RegulatorsCySEC
Visit Freedom24Read review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Freedom24 is operated by Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, licensed by CySEC since 2015 and part of NASDAQ-listed Freedom Holding Corp. (ticker: FRHC, founded in 2008). It gives access to more than 1 million instruments on 15 exchanges in Europe, Asia and the US, including 40,000+ stocks, 3,600+ ETFs, 145,000+ bonds and US stock options.

Freedom24’s trading platform is accessible through web (PC) and mobile versions. Both are well-designed and intuitive for placing trades but offer limited customisation compared to professional-grade platforms like IBKR. Helpful additional features include InvestIdeas (curated investment ideas) and News integrations.

Freedom24 offers US stock options under two pricing plans:

  • Smart in EUR plan: $0.65 per contract, $0 per order.
  • All Inclusive in EUR plan (includes a personal manager): $3 per contract plus €10 per order.

The Smart in EUR plan is the cheaper choice for options at any trade size. All Inclusive in EUR makes sense if you value having a personal manager. Until 30 October 2026, new clients can also receive up to 20 gift shares through Freedom24’s welcome promotion, depending on the size of their first deposit (T&Cs apply).

Freedom24 Options – Dashboard

Beyond options, Freedom24 offers ETF Investment plans: you can invest in selected ETFs regularly (weekly or monthly) with €0 commission. The €0 fee applies only to purchases made within the Freedom24 Recurring Investment function, and other fees apply according to the Freedom24 Fee Schedule.

In selected countries (the Netherlands, Germany, Lithuania, Spain, Greece and Italy), Freedom24 clients can also ask their personal manager for investment advice. The only prerequisite is completing the suitability test.

Freedom24 is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and passported across the EEA under MiFID II. Client funds are protected up to €20,000 under the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund (ICF).

Disclaimer: options are complex instruments with a high risk of loss and are not suitable for all investors. Commission-free investing applies exclusively to specific recurring investment plans. Other fees apply according to the Freedom24 Fee Schedule.

Want to know more about Freedom24? Check our Freedom24 review.

3# DEGIRO

7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed) 8
Visit brokerRead review

DEGIRO at a glance

Options
Options Pricing€0.75 per EU contract, $0.75 per US contract
Minimum Deposit€0
RegulatorsBaFin, DNB, AFM
Visit DEGIRORead review

Investing involves risk of loss.

Founded in 2013 and part of flatexDEGIRO since 2020, DEGIRO is a low-cost brokerage firm popular for its competitive rates. The group has 3.5 million customer accounts across 16 European countries, and the platform is widely known for its “do-it-yourself” philosophy: you have everything at your disposal to invest on your own. DEGIRO offers a wide range of financial assets including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, warrants, investment funds, and some leveraged products.

DEGIRO allows you to trade options on European exchanges (Eurex, Euronext, MEFF, Nasdaq Nordic) and US exchanges (CBOE, CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX). Options pricing:

  • €0.75 per contract on European exchanges and $0.75 per contract on US exchanges (US exchange costs are charged on top).
  • €5 connectivity fee per calendar month for US derivatives markets, charged when you trade or hold a position there.
  • €1 per contract when an option is exercised, assigned or cash-settled.

To trade options you need an Active, Trader or Day Trader profile: the default Basic profile does not allow options.

DEGIRO Options Dashboard

DEGIRO’s platform is intentionally minimalist. While functional for placing options orders, it lacks the advanced analytical tools that serious options traders typically need (no probability analysis, no integrated multi-leg strategy builder, no Greeks visualisation). In short, the platform is suitable for execution-only options trading (buy or sell single contracts), not for designing complex multi-leg strategies or managing a sophisticated options book.

Still have doubts? Go through our DEGIRO review.

4# XTB

XTB logo
Visit brokerRead review

XTB at a glance

Options
Options Pricing0.25% markup built into the premium
Minimum Deposit€0
RegulatorsFCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and FSC
Visit XTBRead review

69-80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Founded in 2002 and listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ticker: XTB), XTB is one of Europe’s largest retail brokers, with more than 2 million clients at the end of 2025, historically focused on CFDs and commission-free stock investing. In January 2026 it launched a vanilla options product on xStation, first in Cyprus and then in Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is a notable expansion of its offering, though with significant limitations.

XTB’s options work differently from the other brokers on this list. They are American-style and settled exclusively in cash, with no physical delivery of the underlying asset. Crucially, clients can only buy (go long on) call and put options: there is no option writing, no full option chains, and no multi-leg strategies such as spreads, straddles, or iron condors. The selection currently covers 110 US stocks and ETFs, including same-day expiry (0DTE) contracts on selected underlyings.

There is no per-contract commission. Instead, XTB’s fee table (29 June 2026) applies a 0.25% markup that is built into the option premium, with no currency conversion margin. Your maximum loss is limited to the premium paid for the option. Options are not available at XTB in every country, so check availability in yours before opening an account.

XTB options - Abbot Laboratories example

This makes XTB a reasonable fit for investors who want a simple, capped-risk directional bet on a major US name without opening a full options account elsewhere. It is not a replacement for a dedicated options broker if you need writing capability, multi-leg strategies, or access to European-listed options.

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

5# Firstrade

7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed) 10
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Firstrade at a glance

Options
Options PricingFrom $0 per contract
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorsSEC, FINRA
Visit Firstrade

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in New York, Firstrade is a US-based discount broker offering commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds, with solid order execution, a long track record, and a good reputation. International accounts are only open to residents of a list of supported countries, which includes several European countries, so check eligibility before applying. Its product range covers only US-listed financial products, and it lacks some features valued by European investors: no cryptocurrencies, no forex, no futures and no CFDs.

Options trading on Firstrade is among the most cost-effective in the industry: $0 commission, $0 per contract fee, and no exercise or assignment fees (regulatory fees still apply). The trading platform is mid-to-advanced level for options traders, providing option chains, risk/reward visualisation for each strategy, and a fully integrated OptionsPlay tool (a popular third-party analytics platform). Free options education courses are also available within the platform.

Firstrade Options Dashboard

One important consideration: Firstrade’s base currency is USD. If you deposit funds in another currency, you’ll incur currency conversion fees on both deposit and withdrawal. To minimise these costs, European investors typically use a low-cost currency conversion service such as Wise or Revolut to convert EUR/GBP to USD first, then transfer in USD via wire. Note also that Firstrade is regulated by FINRA and SEC in the US, so European clients are not protected by EU MiFID II or FSCS. Instead, SIPC coverage up to $500,000 applies (with a $250,000 cash sub-limit).

6# tastytrade

7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed) 11
Visit broker

tastytrade at a glance

Options
Options Pricing$1 per contract to open, $0 to close
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorsSEC, FINRA, NFA
Visit tastytrade

tastytrade, formerly known as Tastyworks, is a US-based brokerage firm focused on options trading, with access also available to stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, futures, and micro futures. The platform was developed by the same team that built thinkorswim (now part of Charles Schwab following its 2020 acquisition of TD Ameritrade), giving tastytrade strong roots in professional-grade options tools. It has been part of the UK-listed IG Group since 2021.

Options pricing on tastytrade:

  • Stock and ETF options: $1 per contract to open (capped at $10 per leg), $0 to close.
  • Broad-based index options (e.g. SPX, RUT, VIX): $1 per contract to open, $0 to close, excluded from the $10 cap and subject to an extra exchange fee per contract (e.g. $0.60 for SPX).
  • Futures options: $1.25 per contract to open and $1.25 to close ($0.75 each way for micro futures options).
  • Other costs: a $0.10 clearing fee per options contract plus regulatory fees, and $5 per option exercise or assignment.

The “$0 to close” model is particularly attractive for active options traders and short-premium strategies, where positions are frequently closed before expiration.

Tastytrade Options Dashboard

On the downside, the low fees don’t make up for the limited account amenities and investment selection for casual traders or passive investors: no mutual funds, no bonds and no European-listed instruments. Additionally, an outgoing foreign wire costs $45 per transfer, which can erode returns for European investors moving funds in and out of the platform.

While tastytrade can be intimidating for beginners, it offers a wide range of educational materials and research tools (including the tastylive financial network) designed to deepen your options trading knowledge. Like Firstrade, European clients are not covered by EU MiFID II protections. Instead, US SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (with a $250,000 cash sub-limit) applies.

7# TradeStation

7 Best Options trading platforms in Europe (reviewed) 12
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TradeStation at a glance

Options
Options Pricing$5 per trade + $0.80 per contract
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorsAFM (TradeStation Europe), SEC, FINRA
Visit TradeStation

Founded in 1982, TradeStation is a US broker committed to providing a sophisticated trading experience through its award-winning platforms and brokerage services. In June 2026 it launched TradeStation Europe B.V., a MiFID investment firm regulated by the Dutch AFM and available in the 30 countries of the European Economic Area. Through it, European clients can trade US stocks, ETFs, options, futures and futures options.

For options, TradeStation Europe’s pricing combines a ticket charge with a per-contract fee that falls as your monthly volume grows:

  • Ticket charge: $5 per trade.
  • Single-leg options: $0.80 per contract up to 500 contracts a month, $0.60 from 501 to 1,000, $0.50 from 1,001 to 10,000 and $0.10 above 10,000.
  • Multi-leg options: from $0.40 down to $0.05 per contract, depending on the same volume tiers.
  • Index options: an extra $0.60 to $1.00 per contract.
  • Exercise or assignment: $14.95.

The platform is designed for both intermediate and advanced traders. The in-house OptionStation Pro lets you quickly build option chains, analyse multi-leg strategies (spreads, butterflies, condors, etc.), visualise risk/reward profiles, and place trades directly to the market, all within a single interface. Particularly valued by traders for its back-testing capabilities and customisable scanning tools.

Tradestation option Dashboard

To complement, TradeStation offers a variety of multimedia educational and training resources, including webinars, in-platform tutorials, and a strategy testing environment, designed to help traders continually develop their skills. Because EU clients hold their accounts with TradeStation Europe, a Dutch investment firm, they fall under EU rules rather than US SIPC coverage: client assets must be kept segregated and the Dutch investor compensation scheme covers up to €20,000 per investor.

What makes a good broker for options

When choosing an online options broker, several factors should be considered. For options trading specifically, the following criteria are particularly important:

  • 📈 Trading platform: while many brokers allow you to buy stocks or ETFs, options trading requires a more complex platform infrastructure. To assess the best strategy for your market expectations, you need access to key information such as option chains (call and put prices across multiple strikes and expirations), the Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega), implied volatility, time to expiration, and probability-of-profit metrics. Having an intuitive platform with advanced analytical tools is crucial, particularly for multi-leg strategies.
  • 💰 Fees: options trading typically involves more frequent transactions than buy-and-hold equity investing (due to the finite life of contracts and roll/adjustment requirements), meaning transaction costs add up quickly. Lower per-contract commissions and the absence of exercise/assignment fees give you more flexibility to place trades efficiently. Pay attention to whether the broker charges to close positions ($0 to close, like tastytrade, is more attractive for active traders).
  • 🛡️ Regulatory protection: for European investors using US-based options brokers (Firstrade, tastytrade), be aware that your funds are protected by SIPC up to $500,000 (with a $250,000 cash sub-limit), not by EU MiFID II or FSCS schemes. EU-regulated brokers (IBKR Ireland, Freedom24, DEGIRO, XTB, TradeStation Europe) provide MiFID II passporting plus local investor compensation schemes (typically €20,000 to €100,000).
  • 📥 Notifications and risk management: receiving timely emails or push notifications about events affecting your underlying assets is critical for options traders. For example, if you hold a call option on Apple expiring on a date close to an upcoming Q4 earnings report, you may want to close the position beforehand to avoid the volatility crush that often follows earnings releases. Look for brokers that offer expiration alerts, earnings calendars, and assignment notifications.
  • 📚 Education: options trading has a steep learning curve. Brokers offering structured educational content (such as IBKR Campus, tastytrade’s tastylive, or Firstrade’s options courses) can meaningfully accelerate your learning, particularly for understanding the Greeks and risk management.

Bottom line

To sum it up, these are our top picks:

  1. Interactive Brokers
    International full-service broker
  2. Freedom24
    European broker (US stock options)
  3. DEGIRO
    European discount broker (execution-only)
  4. XTB
    European broker (simple buy-only options)
  5. Firstrade
    US discount broker
  6. tastytrade
    US options-focused broker
  7. TradeStation
    US broker with an EU entity (TradeStation Europe)

Options trading can be intimidating at first, but as soon as you fully understand its dynamics, it opens up investment options that you cannot find in mainstream investments such as stocks and ETFs. When you buy an option, your maximum loss is the premium you pay, and you control a larger position with a smaller investment. Writing (selling) options works the other way round: the premium is your maximum gain and losses can be far larger, which is why brokers only allow it after an appropriateness check.

Keep in mind that there are some caveats regarding options trading in Europe that you should be aware of. Some platforms advertise their pricing structure geared towards the US market and are only applicable to US residents. Higher fees may apply for EU-based investors (we’ve noted these instances in our platform breakdowns above).

We hope you’ve found this article and the information we’ve shared quite helpful and valuable. Do you have any feedback on what we’ve written?

FAQs

Can you buy options in Europe?

Yes. European investors can trade both US and European options, for example through Interactive Brokers or DEGIRO. Freedom24 offers US stock options only.

Where can you trade options in the Netherlands?

Dutch investors can trade options with Interactive Brokers, Freedom24, DEGIRO and TradeStation Europe. Freedom24 clients in the Netherlands can also ask their personal manager for investment advice after completing the suitability test. XTB’s options product is not yet available in the Netherlands, and US brokers such as Firstrade and tastytrade only accept residents of their supported countries.

Where can you trade options in Ireland?

Irish investors can trade options with Interactive Brokers (through its Irish entity), Freedom24, DEGIRO and TradeStation Europe. XTB’s options product is not yet available in Ireland.

Can you trade options in Germany?

Yes. German investors can trade options with all the European brokers above, including XTB, which launched its options product in Germany in April 2026. Freedom24 clients in Germany can also ask their personal manager for investment advice after completing the suitability test.

Can you trade options on Trading 212?

No, you can’t trade options on Trading 212 at the time of writing (September 2026).

Can you trade options on Stake?

No, you can’t trade options on Stake at the time of writing (September 2026).

Can you trade options on Revolut?

No. Revolut does not offer options trading to European customers at the time of writing (September 2026).

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Author Avatar
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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