Unsere Dienstleistungen auf depotkonto.de finanzieren wir durch Partnerprogramme mit verschiedenen Anbietern von Wertpapierdepots.
Wenn Sie als Nutzer über unsere Seite den Antrag auf die Eröffnung eines Depotkontos stellen, Ihr Antrag genehmigt wird und Sie das Angebot tatsächlich in Anspruch nehmen, erhalten wir dafür von einigen Anbietern eine Provision.
Auf unsere Produktbewertungen und Empfehlungen nehmen die Anbieter von Depotkonten jedoch weder durch Provisionen noch auf andere Weise Einfluss. Auch der Preis, den Sie für ein Angebot bezahlen, erhöht sich durch solche Provisionen nicht – sie werden vollständig durch den Anbieter der Leistung getragen.
Die Depotkonten, die wir Ihnen präsentieren, wählen wir ausschließlich aufgrund ihrer Qualität und ihrer Leistungsprofile aus. Mehr dazu finden Sie hier: Redaktionskodex
ETF Broker
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €1 Via Lange & Schwarz Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | 2.25% Tracks
EZB-Leitzins (2.25%) |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 3.760 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 2. / 9. / 16. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.200 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.200 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Tradegate Exchange. Maximum €69.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 524 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.850 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.850 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €499.99: €1. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 8.000 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 6. / 14. / 21. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.600 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.600 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €3.95 + 0.08% Via Frankfurt. ab 5.001 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.08%, von 4.001 bis 5.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.1%, von 3.001 bis 4.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.12%, von 2.001 bis 3.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.15%, von 1.001 bis 2.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.18%, von 501 bis 1.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.22%, von 26 bis 500 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.25%, von 1 bis 25 Order p.a.: €4.95 + 0.25%. Maximum €29. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.224 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | from 2,5% up to 10% p.a. |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | BNP Paribas S.A. |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 3.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.324 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €500: €0.95. |
| Interest on cash | 1.75% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 8.046 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 10. / 15. / 22. / 28. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free from €250, below €0.99 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €0.99 Via Gettex. |
| Interest on cash | 2.5% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.500 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 01. / 02. / 04. / 07. / 10. / 13. / 16. / 19. / 22. / 25. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.100 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.100 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €499.99: €1. |
| Interest on cash | 1.75% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 7.560 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 3. / 6. / 9. / 18. / 21. / 27. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 470 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 470 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €9.95 Via Frankfurt. bis €1,200: €9.95, von €1,200.01 bis €2,600: €17.95, von €2,600.01 bis €5,200: €29.95, von €5,200.01 bis €12,499.99: €39.95, von €12,500 bis €24,999.99: €54.95, ab €25,000: €69.95. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €25 |
| Maximum rate | €1,000 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.350 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 980 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €0.95 Via Lange & Schwarz Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €5 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 5. / 15. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €59.88 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free from €250, below €0.99 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €250: , bis €249.99: €0.99. |
| Interest on cash | 2.5% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.500 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 2. / 4. / 7. / 10. / 13. / 16. / 19. / 22. / 25. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 180 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 180 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Tradegate Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly |
| Execution days per month | 1. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Sutor Bank GmbH |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 480 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | €1.50 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €10 Via Gettex. bis €5,000: €10, bis €5,000: €10, von €5,000.01 bis €20,000: €15, von €5,000.01 bis €20,000: €15, ab €20,000.01: €30, ab €20,000.01: €30. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.342 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 5. / 15. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 550 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €23.40 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 1.50% |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Xetra. Minimum €9.90. Maximum €59.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.724 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Commerzbank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
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Convenience & plan |
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Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.150 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 170 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 1.50%, min. €1.50, max. €14.90 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Frankfurt. Minimum €9.90. Maximum €54.90. |
| Interest on cash | 2.8% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.151 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | up to 10% per year |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.400 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 0 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 2.50%, min. €1.50, max. €3 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | 0.25% Via Xetra. Minimum €8.90. Maximum €34.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 85 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 15. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 280 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 10 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | €2.50 + 0.25% |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Frankfurt. Minimum €9.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 155 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 15. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
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ETF range |
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Convenience & plan |
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Safety & tax |
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How we rate and rank ETF depots
We rate every depot across four criteria, each scored from 0 to 100. The weighted sum gives the overall score by which we rank the providers. All data comes from our editorial research.
| Criterion | Weight | How we score it |
|---|---|---|
| Order costs & execution | 40% | Effective per-execution cost at a 100 € reference order (incl. min/max fees), scored against a 3,00 € ceiling: 0 € → 100 points, ≥ 3,00 € → 0. Running custody fees are deducted pro rata per month, and plans that are free only below/above an amount get a deduction versus permanently-free plans — "free up to" harder, since the fee above the cap is usually uncapped. |
| ETF range | 30% | Number of ETFs that can be saved free of charge: from 2,500 full marks (100), from 1,000 high (70), from 300 medium (40). |
| Convenience & savings plan | 20% | Savings-plan comfort, additive (max. 100 points): direct debit (20) + automatic reinvestment (20) + dynamic rate increase (15) + interval flexibility (15, more intervals = better, monthly weighted highest) + low minimum rate from 1 € (15) + execution-day flexibility (15, more selectable days = better; free choice = full marks); plus a modern-deposit-methods tiebreaker (2 each, max 8). |
| Safety & taxes | 10% | Automatic settlement of the capital-gains tax (30) + financial supervision (BaFin 25 / EU 12 / other 3) + deposit insurance by country (Germany 25 / EU 12) and by amount (from 100,000 € 20, from 20,000 € 10). |
| Total | 100 % | As of 2026 · Source: editorial research |
From the weighted overall score we derive a school grade from 1 (excellent) to 5 and show it as a star rating. For fairness we never publish a "not recommended" verdict – the lowest displayed rating is "sufficient". Missing data is not treated as a shortcoming.
- Low-cost investing: Many ETF brokers offer commission-free ETF savings plans and do not charge custody fees.
- Different provider types: Neobrokers, direct banks, and traditional banks differ in terms of costs, services, and available features.
- Costs are only one factor: Fees matter, but ETF selection, platform quality, and additional services can be equally important.
- Long-term investing: For many ETF investors, savings plan conditions and the range of available ETFs are more relevant than occasional trading costs.
- Security and regulation: Investor protection, regulatory oversight, and the treatment of cash balances should always be considered when choosing an ETF broker.
As a financial journalist with more than 15 years of experience, I focus on long-term investing, transparent costs, and practical usability rather than short-term promotions. When comparing ETF brokers, the most important question is not which provider is cheapest, but which one best fits your investment strategy.
Types of ETF Brokers in Germany
Not all ETF brokers follow the same business model. While some providers focus on low-cost investing and mobile apps, others combine brokerage services with a broader range of banking products. Understanding these differences can help you choose a broker that matches your investing habits, preferred features, and long-term goals.
Neobrokers
Neobrokers are digital-first providers that focus on simple account management, mobile investing, and low costs. Many offer commission-free ETF savings plans and low trading fees.
If you primarily want to build wealth through ETFs and prefer to manage your investments digitally, a neobroker may be a suitable choice. Individual features, trading options, and additional services can vary considerably between providers.
Direct Banks
Direct banks combine brokerage accounts with other financial products such as current accounts, savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. As a result, they appeal to investors who prefer to manage multiple financial activities with a single provider.
Compared with most neobrokers, direct banks generally charge higher fees. In return, they often provide access to a broader range of securities, additional trading venues, and more extensive customer support.
Traditional Banks
Traditional banks remain a presence in the brokerage market, particularly for investors who value personal advice or already have an established banking relationship. They combine brokerage services with branch-based banking and personal support. ETF and other securities orders are also placed online with these banks.
Branch banks charge higher fees than direct banks or neobrokers. For investors focused on long-term ETF investing, the additional services are not always a priority.
Choosing an ETF Broker Based on Your Investment Style
The best ETF broker depends on how you invest and which features matter most to you. Some investors prioritize low costs and simple account management, while others look for additional trading options, banking services, or a broader range of investment products.
Beginners
If you are opening your first brokerage account, simplicity and low costs are often the most important factors. Many new investors start with an ETF savings plan and invest small amounts regularly. An easy-to-use platform, straightforward account management, and affordable investing options are often more important than advanced trading tools.
Long-Term ETF Investors
Long-term investors typically focus on ETF savings plans, low ongoing costs, and a broad selection of ETFs. Over many years, savings plan fees and available investment options can have a greater impact than occasional trading costs. For this type of investor, the broker primarily serves as a platform for building wealth consistently over time.
Mobile Investors
Many investors prefer to manage their portfolios entirely through a smartphone app. Mobile-focused brokers offer account management, savings plans, and trading functions within a digital environment. Ease of use, fast access, and a streamlined user experience are key considerations for this investor group.
Active Investors and Traders
For active investors and traders, ETFs are typically only one part of a broader portfolio. In addition to costs, factors such as trading venues, available securities, order types, and platform functionality become increasingly important. The right broker depends on whether it supports the trading activity and investment approach you intend to pursue.
What to Compare When Choosing an ETF Broker?
ETF brokers differ in many areas beyond headline pricing. While costs are an important consideration, factors such as available ETF savings plans, ETF selection, platform functionality, and regulatory oversight can have an equally significant impact on your long-term investing experience. Comparing these features can help you identify a broker that aligns with both your investment goals and preferred investment approach.
ETF Savings Plans
ETF savings plans are the most important feature for long-term investors. When comparing brokers, consider the number of available savings plan ETFs, minimum investment amounts, and execution intervals. Minimum savings rates can start at just €1 per month, although the options available vary by provider. Some brokers also offer additional features such as flexible execution dates, automatic increases in the savings rate, or the direct reinvestment of distributions.
Costs and Fees
Broker costs can include savings plan fees, trading commissions, custody fees, and other account-related charges. While many providers offer free ETF savings plans and custody accounts, pricing structures vary considerably. Looking beyond individual promotions and focusing on long-term costs often provides a more realistic picture of a broker’s overall value.
If you invest €200 per month over 20 years, you will contribute a total of €48,000. A savings plan fee of €1.50 per execution would add up to €360 over that period. Even small differences in fees can become noticeable over the long term. With a free ETF savings plan, investors would avoid these fees entirely.
ETF Range
The number of available ETFs can vary significantly between providers. A broad ETF selection gives investors greater flexibility when building diversified portfolios and adjusting investment strategies over time. While many investors focus on a limited number of ETFs, access to a larger range of products can become increasingly important as investment needs evolve.
Platform and Usability
The quality of the trading platform affects the overall investing experience. Important considerations include account management, order placement, savings plan administration, portfolio monitoring, and mobile functionality. A platform should make it easy to manage investments efficiently, whether you invest occasionally or monitor your portfolio regularly.
Security and Regulation
Security remains a key consideration when choosing an ETF broker. Brokers operating in Germany and the European Union are generally subject to EU financial regulations and supervision by the relevant regulatory authorities. Investors should nevertheless review the provider’s regulatory status, investor protection framework, and the treatment of cash balances held within the account.
ETFs themselves are generally held as segregated assets and remain separate from the broker’s own assets. Cash balances are managed through a linked settlement account and, within the European Union, are protected by statutory deposit protection schemes covering up to €100,000 per depositor.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right ETF Broker for Long-Term Investing
Choosing an ETF broker involves more than comparing fees. ETF selection, savings plan features, platform usability, regulatory oversight, and the overall investing experience can all influence how well a broker fits your needs over the long term.
In my experience, investors often focus on individual fees while overlooking the features they are likely to use for many years. A broker that fits your investment style, offers the right ETF selection, and provides a reliable investing experience can be the better long-term choice, even when another provider appears slightly cheaper at first glance.
The best ETF broker is ultimately the one that supports your investment goals and allows you to invest consistently over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ETF savings plan?
An ETF savings plan allows you to invest a fixed amount into one or more exchange-traded funds on a regular schedule, such as monthly or quarterly. The investments are executed automatically, making ETF savings plans a popular option for long-term wealth building.
Are free ETF savings plans really free?
Many brokers offer ETF savings plans without charging an execution fee. However, investors should still review the overall pricing structure, available ETFs, and platform features. A free savings plan does not automatically mean that a broker is the best choice for every investor.
What costs apply when buying and selling ETFs?
Depending on the broker, costs may include order fees, exchange fees, and spreads (the difference between the buying and selling price of a security). Some brokers focus on commission-free investing, while others charge fixed or percentage-based fees. The total cost depends on the broker, order size, and trading venue.
What is the cost-average effect?
The cost-average effect occurs when the same amount is invested regularly through a savings plan. Investors buy more ETF units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high, resulting in an average purchase price over time. However, this does not guarantee higher returns.
Can I automatically increase my ETF savings plan?
Many brokers offer savings plan features that allow investors to increase their contributions automatically at regular intervals. Availability and flexibility vary between providers, so it is worth checking the specific options offered by each broker.
Are ETF brokers safe?
ETF brokers operate under financial regulation and supervision. ETF holdings are generally kept separate from the broker’s own assets as segregated assets. Cash balances on settlement accounts are usually protected under the applicable deposit protection scheme of the partner bank.
Can I hold multiple ETF savings plans?
Yes. Most brokers allow investors to create multiple ETF savings plans within a single account. This makes it possible to invest in different regions, asset classes, or investment strategies simultaneously.
What should I look for when comparing ETF brokers?
Important factors include ETF savings plan costs, the number of available ETFs, platform usability, account fees, security, and regulatory oversight. The best broker depends on your investment goals, preferred features, and investing style.