DEGIRO Review and Opinions: The King of Low-Cost Brokers in Europe?

If you ask any European investor where they bought their first stocks, there is a very high probability that the answer is DEGIRO. Founded in 2008 in the Netherlands and recently acquired by the German bank flatex, DEGIRO democratized investing in Europe by offering institutional rates to the retail investor.

Today, it has more than 2.5 million clients. But in a world full of new "neo-brokers" promising zero commissions, is DEGIRO still the best option for your investment portfolio? We analyze it in detail.

Why is DEGIRO so popular?

DEGIRO is not a broker for short-term speculation or for using complex algorithms; it is the ultimate tool for long-term investing (Buy & Hold). Its pillars are:

True Global Access: While neo-brokers limit you to one or two European exchanges, DEGIRO connects you with more than 50 exchanges in 30 countries. You can buy stocks in New York, Tokyo, London, or Frankfurt directly on their original exchange.
The "Core Selection" of ETFs: They have a list of popular ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) where you only pay a €1 handling fee per trade. It is ideal for those who follow the passive investing philosophy (Bogleheads) and buy global indices every month.
Minimalist Interface: Its web platform and mobile app get straight to the point. You search for the company, click buy, and that's it. No complicated charts or flashing lights.

Regulation and Security of your Funds

With the merger with flatex, DEGIRO leveled up in terms of banking security:

German and Dutch Regulation: They operate under the strict supervision of the BaFin (Germany) and the AFM (Netherlands).
Bank Guarantee: Your cash (up to €100,000) is deposited in a real bank account at flatexDEGIRO Bank AG, protected by the German Deposit Guarantee Fund.
Asset Segregation: Your investments (stocks and ETFs) are kept in a legally separate entity from the broker. If DEGIRO goes bankrupt, your shares are untouched; they remain yours.

Fee Structure: Low and Transparent

DEGIRO is no longer 100% free, but its fees are still ridiculously low compared to a traditional bank:

US and European Stocks: You generally pay a flat fee of around €1 to €2 per order (handling costs included), regardless of the trade size.
AutoFX (Currency Conversion): If you buy Apple shares (in dollars) with your euros, DEGIRO charges you 0.25% for the automatic currency conversion. It is one of the lowest rates on the market.
Market Connectivity: They charge €2.50 annually for each international exchange you trade on (e.g., New York Stock Exchange). The exchange in your country of residence is always free.

Pros and Cons of DEGIRO

Pros:

Extremely competitive fees for international stocks.
Access to a huge number of global exchanges and products.
Its "Core" ETF list is perfect for building passive portfolios for €1.
Maximum regulatory security backed by a German bank.
Easy processing of international tax forms (such as the W-8BEN to collect US dividends while paying fewer taxes).

Cons:

Does not allow automated purchases (no real automatic investment plans).
Real-time quotes for some US or secondary exchanges come at a cost (otherwise, they are 15 minutes delayed).
Its charting platform is very poor; you will need to use TradingView separately to analyze.

Conclusion

DEGIRO is the workhorse of the European investor. It doesn't have the automation options of Trade Republic, nor the technology of Interactive Brokers, but it offers a perfect balance between ultra-low cost, extreme security, and access to global markets.

If you want to buy Microsoft shares, an S&P 500 ETF, and an Australian mining company, and hold them for the next 10 years, DEGIRO is undoubtedly one of the smartest decisions you can make.