For investors based in Germany, choosing the right brokerage is about more than low trading fees. It’s about finding a platform that aligns with local regulatory standards, supports domestic exchanges like Xetra and Frankfurt Stock Exchange and ensures tax efficiency under German law.
These are the best stock brokers serving German investors, with a focus on BaFin-regulated platforms that provide EUR-denominated accounts, access to global and local equities and streamlined onboarding for residents. Whether you’re an experienced trader or a new investor building your first portfolio, the right broker can improve both access and outcomes.
How We Chose the Best German Stock Brokers
We applied a methodology customized to assess brokers for Germany-based clients. Key evaluation criteria included:
- Commission structure: We evaluated brokers based on their total cost to trade across asset classes including equities, ETFs and crypto. Brokers with low or no commissions, fair FX rates and transparent pricing on domestic exchanges like Deutsche Börse ranked higher.
- Platform usability: The quality of the trading experience – on both desktop and mobile – was a key factor. We prioritized platforms that offer intuitive design, German-language interfaces and seamless order placement.
- Account options and minimums: We looked for brokers that support EUR-denominated accounts, low or no minimum deposits and straightforward onboarding for German residents.
- Customer service and availability: Access to responsive German-speaking customer support, clear contact channels and assistance with account setup and tax documents was essential.
- Asset class coverage: We considered platforms that provide broad access to German stocks, ETFs and international securities with some offering exposure to crypto, commodities and derivatives.
- Educational content and support: For both new and experienced investors, platforms with built-in tutorials, market research tools and educational resources in German earned higher marks.
All brokers listed below are regulated by BaFin or an equivalent European authority, ensuring compliance and investor protection.
Best German Stock Brokers
The brokers listed below offer strong regulatory compliance, local market access and the tools German investors need to trade confidently across asset classes.
Plus500 — Best for Leveraged Trading
Plus500 has a platform that advanced traders in Germany who are looking for the best place to manage complex portfolios. You can manage client assets in this space, and there are several assets available like CFDs on indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, options and ETFs. A $100 minimum makes it easier to get started and fees are very low.
Key Features:
- Seamless trading experience with a sophisticated yet intuitive interface
- Appeals to both beginners and experienced traders.
- Regulated by key financial authorities, ensuring a high level of security and reliability for its customers.
- Excellent educational tools for investors
- Massive range of assets from which you may construct your portfolio
Trade Republic – Best for Commission-Free Trading
Trade Republic is one of Germany’s leading neo-brokers, offering commission-free trading on thousands of stocks and ETFs listed on German and international exchanges. The platform is BaFin-regulated and designed for mobile-first investors who prioritize simplicity and cost-efficiency.
Trade Republic supports trading on Xetra, Frankfurt and other European exchanges, with a €1 flat fee per transaction to cover third-party costs. It also offers fractional share investing, a growing feature among cost-conscious users. The platform automatically generates tax reports for German residents and handles withholding at source, making tax filing more straightforward.
Key Features:
- Fees: €1 external cost fee per trade; no commissions
- Asset Access: German stocks, ETFs, crypto and derivatives
- Platform Tools: Mobile-first interface, order scheduling, push notifications
- Account Options: EUR-denominated, tax-compliant for German residents
- Drawbacks: Limited desktop interface; fewer advanced trading tools for professionals
Scalable Capital – Best for Low-Cost ETFs
Scalable Capital offers an all-in-one investing platform regulated by BaFin and ideal for German investors focused on ETFs and equities. Through its Prime Broker plan, users can trade stocks and ETFs without commission for a fixed monthly fee, while occasional investors can opt for pay-per-trade pricing.
The platform provides direct access to Xetra and other German markets with optional robo-advisory services for those who prefer guided investing. Scalable Capital supports automatic investment plans (Sparpläne), tax documentation in accordance with German requirements and a clean web and app interface in German.
Key Features:
- Fees: €0 per trade with Free plan; €4.99 per month with Prime+ pricing
- Asset Access: German and international equities, ETFs, crypto ETPs
- Platform Tools: ETF screener, portfolio rebalancing, automated plans
- Account Options: BaFin-regulated, EUR accounts, Sparpläne supported
- Drawbacks: Advanced traders may find fewer customization tools
DEGIRO – Best for International Market Access with Low Fees
DEGIRO is a Dutch-regulated broker that serves German clients with low-cost access to international markets including U.S. stocks, global ETFs and German-listed securities. While not BaFin-regulated directly, DEGIRO operates under MiFID II and is fully compliant for use in Germany.
The platform is known for its competitive fee structure, charging minimal commissions on trades across Xetra, Euronext and U.S. exchanges. DEGIRO also offers tools for managing multi-currency portfolios and provides downloadable annual tax statements (Jahressteuerbescheinigung), though some tax handling like automatic capital gains offsetting must be done manually.
Key Features:
- Fees: €1 –€2 per stock trade on Xetra; competitive U.S. and ETF pricing
- Asset Access: Global stocks, ETFs, options, bonds
- Platform Tools: Basic charting, order books, tax report downloads
- Account Options: EUR base currency; suitable for taxable and pension accounts
- Drawbacks: No integrated tax withholding; lacks fractional shares
flatex – Best for German Residents Seeking Full-Service Brokerage
flatex is a full-service German brokerage regulated by BaFin, offering robust tools for active investors. The platform allows access to all major German exchanges including Xetra, Frankfurt and regional Börsen and supports a wide array of asset classes.
flatex charges a flat €5.90 fee per trade and includes a variety of features like model portfolios, advanced order routing and access to structured products. It offers strong tax integration for German residents including automatic capital gains tracking and the ability to file Verlustbescheinigung forms directly through the platform.
Key Features:
- Fees: €5.90 flat per order
- Asset Access: Stocks, ETFs, bonds, certificates, structured products
- Platform Tools: Advanced order types, market research, tax reporting
- Account Options: Full tax integration, EUR base currency, Sparpläne
- Drawbacks: No free trading tier; interface less modern than newer apps
eToro – Best for Social Trading
eToro offers a unique value proposition by combining traditional stock and ETF trading with social investing tools and cryptocurrency access. The platform is popular among younger German traders who value community insight and diversified access from a single app.
eToro supports trading in EUR, has translated interfaces for German users and includes access to international markets including U.S. and U.K. stocks with no commission on most equity trades. Crypto trading is also available, though eToro uses CFD structures for certain assets. While tax reporting must be handled manually, downloadable transaction histories are provided.
Key Features:
- Fees: 1% fee for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, $1 or $2 commission for stock trades
- Asset Access: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, CFDs, commodities
- Platform Tools: CopyTrader™, investor profiles, economic calendar
- Account Options: EUR-denominated; suited for self-directed investors
- Drawbacks: Tax documentation is not fully automated for German standards
Why German Investors Should Prioritize Domestic Access and Tax Compliance
For residents of Germany, selecting a brokerage is not only about product access, it’s also about staying compliant with local tax regulations and exchange preferences. Domestic brokers that offer integration with Deutsche Börse and generate BaFin-aligned tax forms simplify the filing process and reduce the risk of administrative errors.
Using platforms that offer EUR-denominated accounts and low FX fees helps protect capital from unnecessary currency conversion costs. Additionally, support for Sparpläne (investment plans) and fractional investing can make it easier to build disciplined, long-term strategies even with modest monthly contributions.
German traders should also consider the user experience including access to German-language interfaces and support as well as mobile access for real-time trade execution. A locally focused platform ensures smoother onboarding, stronger regulatory protections and more relevant features for German residents.
Choose a Broker That Aligns with German Standards
Whether you prioritize commission-free trading, robust tax support or access to global markets, the right German stock broker depends on your investing style and compliance needs. Trade Republic and Scalable Capital lead for mobile-first and cost-conscious users while flatex delivers a comprehensive platform with full tax integration. DEGIRO remains a strong choice for international diversification at low cost and eToro stands out for those interested in combining crypto and social trading strategies.
As a German investor, ensure your broker supports EUR accounts, BaFin-aligned compliance and domestic exchange access, these features will streamline your experience and support long-term investing success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all stock brokers available to German residents?
No. Brokers must comply with EU regulations and local requirements. Using BaFin-regulated or EU-passporting platforms ensures legal access and investor protection.
Do German brokers automatically handle taxes?
Many do. Brokers like Trade Republic and flatex handle capital gains withholding and issue annual tax documents. Others, such as DEGIRO or eToro, may require users to self-report.
What is a Sparplan and why is it useful?
A Sparplan is an automated investment plan, commonly used in Germany to invest regularly in ETFs or stocks. It supports disciplined investing and long-term wealth building with fixed monthly contributions.
