Are you confused about whether to choose DEGIRO or Trading 212 as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse DEGIRO and Trading 212 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 Trading 212
- DEGIRO* is our recommended choice for low-cost trading in Europe
- Trading 212 is best for interest and commission-free stock and ETF trading
DEGIRO doesn’t offer interest on users’ cash balances, and is generally more expensive than Trading 212. But, on the other hand, DEGIRO is an older broker, with a stronger track record.
Trading 212, on the other hand, offers high interest on your cash, lower fees than DEGIRO, a debit card, and a modern trading app. It is also a great choice for any investor.
We would feel confident recommending both brokers, so explore their websites and decide for yourself!
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | DEGIRO | Trading 212 |
| Demo account | No | Yes |
| Account minimum | No | €/£10 |
| Interest on uninvested cash (annually) | 0% | EUR: 4.00%; USD: 4.60%; GBP: 5.10% |
| US stocks fees | €/£1 (+ €/£1 flat handling fee) | €/£0 |
| EU stock fees | €/£3.90 (+ €/£1 flat handling fee) | €/£0 |
| ETFs | ETF Core List: €/£0 (+€/£1 flat handling fee) – Other ETFs: €/£2 (+€/£1 flat handling fee) | €/£0 |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.25% | 0.15% (0.5% in CFDs) |
| Regulators | AFM, DNB | FCA, CySEC and FSC |
About DEGIRO
DEGIRO is a European low-cost brokerage firm that has become very popular due to its low rates! With over 2.5 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 (check the list of free 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’s 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
About Trading 212
Trading 212 is a fintech based in London that aims to democratize the entire investment process through a simple web and mobile application.
The company aims to do this by allowing its more than 15 million users to invest in over 10,000 stocks and ETFs, Forex, commodities, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.
You will find commission-free stocks and ETFs trading, fractional shares, and even an automatic investment system. New users get one free share worth up to €100 (promo code IITW). On the downside, it shows limitations regarding available products.
Trading 212 pros and cons
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
How to invest in the S&P 500 on DEGIRO and Trading 212
Want to learn how to invest in the S&P 500 on both DEGIRO, as well as Trading 212? Check our step-by-step videos below. It might also help you decide which app is more user-friendly and how you feel about each broker:
Trading 212 vs DEGIRO: our veredict
Trading 212
Best for interest and commission-free stock and ETF tradingDEGIRO
Best for low-cost trading in Europe
Choosing between these two online brokers isn’t always an obvious decision. The differences between DEGIRO and Trading 212 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 Trading 212? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table, and BrokerMatch tool.
*Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss.
