Best Brokers in Germany (2026)
Compare top brokers tailored for the German market. Enjoy strict BaFin alignment, mandatory negative balance protection, tight spreads, and localized safeguards.
Broker features, fees and regulation compared.
IC Markets
Plus500
AvaTrade
XTB
XM
eToro
Exness
| Rank & Broker | Rating | Trading Fees | Min Deposit | Regulation | Platforms | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
IC Markets
Raw Spread Pick
|
4.8 / 5 (★★★★★) | $3.50/side Raw | $0 Standard | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, SCB | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Open Account → |
|
#2
Plus500
CFD Specialist
|
4.7 / 5 (★★★★★) | Zero Commission (Spread-based) | $100 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | Proprietary Web, Mobile App | Open Account → |
|
#3
AvaTrade
Multi-Regulated
|
4.6 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Zero Commission (Fixed Spreads) | $100 | CBI, ASIC, FSCA | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO | Open Account → |
|
#4
XTB
Top Web Platform
|
4.7 / 5 (★★★★★) | Low Spreads / Zero Commission | $0 | FCA, CySEC, KNF | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | Open Account → |
|
#5
XM
Low Entry
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Low (from 0.6 pips) | $5 | CySEC, ASIC, DFSA | MT4, MT5, XM App | Open Account → |
|
#6
eToro
Social Trading
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Spread-based & Crypto fees | $50 | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | eToro Web, Mobile App | Open Account → |
|
#7
Exness
High Leverage Pick
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Zero / Up to $3.50/side | $10 | FCA, CySEC, FSA | MT4, MT5, Exness Trade App | Open Account → |
Best online brokers in Germany in 2026
Choosing an online broker in Germany depends largely on what you want to do with your money. Someone investing regularly in ETFs may care most about savings-plan fees and the range of available funds. Someone buying individual shares may focus on order costs and exchange access, while a person comparing trading platforms will need to look more closely at spreads, leverage and financing charges.
Regulation is another important part of the decision. BaFin is Germany's main federal financial supervisory authority, but not every broker serving German residents is necessarily supervised directly by BaFin. Some firms are authorised in another EU or EEA country and provide services in Germany under the applicable cross-border framework. Check the company's legal name, regulatory status and permissions rather than relying on the broker's brand or website claims.
Everyday details can make a difference, too. A broker might advertise commission-free trading but still charge a spread or other transaction costs. Another might offer a wide range of international shares but charge for currency conversion. If you're investing in euros, building an ETF savings plan or expecting help with German tax reporting, compare those features alongside the headline price.
How to choose an online broker in Germany
The right comparison depends on how you plan to use the account. Before choosing a provider, look at the full cost of placing and holding investments, the products actually available to you, and the regulatory arrangements behind the service.
Verify the legal entity, regulatory status and authorised services. Not every broker is directly supervised by BaFin.
Compare order charges, spreads, currency conversion, custody fees and any ongoing financing costs.
Check EUR transfers, accepted payment methods, processing times and possible withdrawal fees.
Look at app usability, order types, reporting tools and compatibility with your preferred platform.
Confirm access to German and international exchanges, and whether products involve direct ownership or derivatives.
Check tax-document availability, withholding arrangements and the support available for your account.
Are online brokers safe to use in Germany?
Before comparing prices or features, find out which company would actually hold your account. Some broker brands operate through several legal entities, and the regulatory arrangements can differ depending on where you live and which account you open.
BaFin supervises financial institutions and markets in Germany, but EU rules also allow appropriately authorised firms from other member states to provide certain investment services across borders. That means a broker serving German residents may be regulated in another EU country. Check the relevant official register and confirm that the company is authorised to provide the service in question.
It is also important to distinguish investment risk from the risk of a financial institution failing. Eligible bank deposits may fall under a statutory deposit-guarantee scheme, subject to its conditions and limits. Investment compensation arrangements are different and do not cover ordinary market losses. Neither type of protection should be assumed to cover every asset or account in the same way.
If you are comparing CFD providers, check the protections that apply to retail clients under the relevant EU rules, including margin close-out requirements and negative balance protection. These measures do not make CFDs risk-free or prevent losses within the funds allocated to a CFD account. You can start by checking the official BaFin databases and the ESMA guidance on checking whether a firm is regulated.
What can you invest in or trade through German brokers?
The available products depend on the provider and account type. A broker that offers international market access does not necessarily offer every asset directly, so check how each investment is held and what costs apply.
- Shares and ETFs: Many investment platforms provide access to individual company shares and exchange-traded funds. Compare the exchanges available, order charges and any custody fees. If you plan to invest regularly, check the eligible ETF savings plans (Sparpläne), including whether execution fees or other costs apply.
- German and European markets: Depending on the broker, you may be able to access securities listed on venues such as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange or Xetra, as well as other European and international markets. Check the specific trading venue and its fees rather than assuming every German broker offers identical access.
- Forex and CFDs: Some providers offer currency pairs and CFDs linked to indices, shares, commodities or other markets. CFDs are derivatives rather than direct ownership of the underlying asset. Leverage magnifies both gains and losses, so review the product terms and risk warnings carefully.
- Funds and other investments: Depending on the platform, the available range may also include mutual funds, bonds and other investment products. Check the product's ongoing costs, trading conditions and eligibility for the account you intend to use.
Frequently asked questions
Compare products, total costs, exchange access, regulation and tax-document availability.
Check BaFin's register or the relevant EU regulator and verify the company's legal entity.
Requirements vary by provider and account. Check the current account terms.
Check euro transfers, accepted payment methods and any withdrawal conditions.
German tax residents may owe tax on investment income. The treatment depends on the income and personal circumstances.
Check available ETFs, minimum instalments, execution terms and any fees.
Important information about investment risk
Investing involves the risk of losing money. Share and ETF prices can fall, and leveraged products such as CFDs can lead to substantial losses. Regulatory authorisation does not guarantee investment returns or eliminate market risk. This page is for general information only and is not personalised financial, legal or tax advice. Check each provider's current terms and regulatory status before making a decision.