Are you confused about whether to choose DEGIRO or Scalable Capital as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse DEGIRO and Scalable Capital to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
DEGIRO vs Scalable Capital
- DEGIRO is best for low cost trading
Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss. - Scalable Capital is best for beginners and commission-free savings plans
DEGIRO doesn’t offer interest on users’ cash balances, and is generally more expensive than Scalable Capital. But, on the other hand, DEGIRO is an older broker, with a stronger track record and a banking license. So it’s our recommendation overall if you’re a intermediate investors.
Scalable Capital, on the other hand, is best if you want quick exposure to popular stocks and ETFs or to earn interest on your cash.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | DEGIRO | Scalable Capital |
| Demo account | No | No |
| Account minimum | €/£1 | €1 |
| Interest on uninvested cash (annually) | 0% | EUR: 2.25% |
| US stocks fees | €/£1+ €1 settlement fee per trade | Not applicable |
| EU stock fees | €/$/£0+ €1 settlement fee per trade | Up to €3.99+0.01%, min. €1.50 (in Xetra exchange) |
| ETFs | €/$/£0+ €1 settlement fee per trade | Up to €3.99+0.01%, min. €1.50 (in Xetra exchange) |
| Currency conversion fee | 0% | 0% |
| Regulators | BAFIN | BaFin |
About Scalable Capital
Scalable Capital is an online broker (“Do-it-yourself” service) and Europe’s largest Robo-Advisor.
They help investors invest in stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies by themselves and also help investors get a personalized, globally diversified, and fully managed portfolio.
It is regulated by the BaFin, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany. It is supervised by both BaFin and the Deutsche Bundesbank.
Scalable Capital pros and cons
Pros
- Stocks and ETFs commission-free (in PRIME Broker)
- €1 minimum deposit
- Interest on idle cash
- No custody fee
- Regulated by Bafin
Cons
- No access to US stock exchanges
- No fractional shares
- Limited crypto available
- €3.99 per trade on Xetra
About DEGIRO
DEGIRO is a European low-cost brokerage firm that has become very popular due to its low rates! With over 3 million users, the platform has become widely known for its “do-it-yourself” philosophy.
It offers a wide range of financial assets to trade, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures contracts, warrants, investment funds, and some leveraged products.
The mobile app and web trading platform are basic but very efficient and straightforward to use. Some downsides are the absence of any significant fundamental research and the lack of pricing alerts.
DEGIRO pros and cons
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
DEGIRO vs Scalable Capital: our veredict
DEGIRO
Best for low cost trading and commission-free ETFsScalable Capital
Best for beginners and commission-free savings plans
Choosing between these two online brokers isn’t always an obvious decision. The differences between DEGIRO and Scalable Capital come from the trading platforms, products, fees, and security. Do you prefer a basic trading platform? Do you want to invest in ETFs only? Do you value security more?
Ultimately, the best online broker for you will depend on your profile, personal preferences, and objectives. Explore the websites above and decide for yourself!
Want to know more about DEGIRO and Scalable Capital? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table, and BrokerMatch tool.
Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss.
