Trading Accounts for Expats
Navigating the German financial system can be tricky if you don't speak the language. This is especially true when it comes to choosing a trading account as an expat. We're here to help! This site offers simplified guidance tailored for non-German speakers looking to start trading in Germany. With our comparison tool, you'll easily find the brokerage that suits your needs and avoid common obstacles faced by expats.
Top Trading Accounts for Expats
Scalable Free Broker
Trade stocks, ETFs, funds, derivatives, crypto
2 trading venues (Gettex, Xetra)
Very low fees
Over 2000 free ETF savings plans
Up to €2500 switching bonus
Easy and quick account opening
Everything in English
Software & App
English support
Annual fee
€0
Order costs
€0.99
| Stock exchange: | Gettex |
|---|---|
| Order price: | €0.99 |
Credit interest
0%
3% + EURIBOR on credit
| General information | |
| Vendor | Scalable Capital GmbH |
| Product name | Scalable Free Broker |
| Depositary bank | Baader Bank |
| Custody account management | |
| Anual management fee | €0 |
| Interest on credit balance | 0% |
| Order fees Gettex | |
| Base price per order | €0.99 |
| Order fees Xetra | |
| Base price per order | €3.99 |
| Variable fee per order | 0.01% |
| Minimum fee per order | €1.50 |
| ETF savings plans | |
| Number of ETF savings plans | 2200 |
| Number of free ETF savings plans | 2200 |
| Execution costs ETF savings plan | — |
| Minimum rate per savings plan execution | €1 |
| Maximum rate per savings plan execution | — |
| Note on savings plans | |
| Dynamic increase | Dynamische Anpassungsraten können prozentual in folgenden Schritten festgelegt werden: 2 %, 3 %, 5 % oder 8 % p. a. |
| Execution interval | monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually |
| Mobile apps | |
| Apple iOS App | |
| Google Android App | |
| Safety and security | |
| Financial supervision | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) |
| Deposit protection | €100,000 |
Trade Republic Depot
Trade stocks, ETFs, derivatives, bonds, crypto
1 trading venue (Lang & Schwarz)
Very low fees
Over 2000 free ETF savings plans
Over 2000 free stock savings plans
4% interest for balances up to €50,000
Easy to use app
Everything in English
Bindung an Lang & Schwarz Exchange
Software & App
English support
Annual fee
€0
Order costs
€1
| Stock exchange: | Lang & Schwarz |
|---|---|
| Order price: | €1 |
Credit interest
4%
Remark
Zinssatz von 4 % für Guthaben bis 50.000 €
| General information | |
| Vendor | Trade Republic Bank GmbH |
| Product name | Trade Republic Depot |
| Custody account management | |
| Anual management fee | €0 |
| Interest on credit balance | 4% |
| Note on interest on credit balances | Zinssatz von 4 % für Guthaben bis 50.000 € |
| Order fees Lange & Schwarz Exchange | |
| Base price per order | €1 |
| ETF savings plans | |
| Number of ETF savings plans | 2250 |
| Number of free ETF savings plans | 0 |
| Execution costs ETF savings plan | — |
| Minimum rate per savings plan execution | €1 |
| Maximum rate per savings plan execution | — |
| Note on savings plans | |
| Dynamic increase | |
| Execution interval | weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly |
| Mobile apps | |
| Apple iOS App | |
| Google Android App | |
| Safety and security | |
| Financial supervision | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) |
| Deposit protection | €100,000 |
ING Direct Depot
Trade stocks, ETFs, funds, derivatives, bonds, crypto
13 trading venues in Germany (Tradegate, Xetra, Frankfurt, etc) & other in the USA, Canada
Over 2000 free ETF savings plans
Automatic reinvestment of dividends
Easy integration with other bank products (checking accounts, credit cards)
Everything in German
Software & App
Annual fee
€0
Order costs
€4.90 + 0.25%
| Stock exchange: | Tradegate |
|---|---|
| Order price: | €4.90 + 0.25% |
| Maximum price: | €69.90 |
Credit interest
0%
| General information | |
| Vendor | ING-DiBa AG |
| Product name | ING Direct Depot |
| Custody account management | |
| Anual management fee | €0 |
| Interest on credit balance | 0% |
| Order fees Tradegate Exchange | |
| Base price per order | €4.90 |
| Variable fee per order | 0.25% |
| Maximum fee per order | €69.90 |
| Order fees Munich, Stuttgart, Xetra, EUWAX | |
| Base price per order | €4.90 |
| Variable fee per order | 0.25% |
| Maximum fee per order | €69.90 |
| Trading venue fee | €1.90 |
| Order fees Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover | |
| Base price per order | €4.90 |
| Variable fee per order | 0.25% |
| Maximum fee per order | €69.90 |
| Trading venue fee | €2.90 |
| Mobile apps | |
| Apple iOS App | |
| Google Android App | |
| Safety and security | |
| Financial supervision | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) |
| Deposit protection | €100,000 |
Commerzbank DirektDepot
Trade stocks, ETFs, funds, derivatives, bonds, crypto
12 trading venues in Germany (Tradegate, Xetra, Frankfurt, etc) & other in Europe, USA, Australia, Asia
Automatic reinvestment of dividends
Easy integration with other bank products (checking accounts, credit cards)
Receive personal advice in branches
Banking app in English
Accepts most nationalities
Im Vergleich zu Discount-Brokern recht hohe Gebühren
Software & App
English support
Deposit costs
1.75%
Annual minimum price: €19.80
Order costs
€4.90 + 0.25%
| Stock exchange: | Xetra |
|---|---|
| Order price: | €4.90 + 0.25% |
| Minimum price: | €9.90 |
Credit interest
0%
| General information | |
| Vendor | Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft |
| Product name | Commerzbank DirektDepot |
| Custody account management | |
| Deposit costs | 1.75% |
| Annual minimum price | €19.80 |
| Interest on credit balance | 0% |
| Order fees Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart, Xetra, Tradegate Exchange | |
| Base price per order | €4.90 |
| Variable fee per order | 0.25% |
| Minimum fee per order | €9.90 |
| Mobile apps | |
| Apple iOS App | |
| Google Android App | |
| Safety and security | |
| Financial supervision | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) |
| Deposit protection | €100,000 |
Understanding German Brokerages
Before diving into specific brokers, here are key things to be aware of:
- Requirements: You’ll likely need proof of German residency, a tax ID number, and valid identification to open an account.
- Language: Not all brokerages have English interfaces or support teams. We’ll highlight the ones that do!
- Regulation: Ensure your chosen broker is regulated by BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)—this protects your investments.
Choosing the Right Brokerage
Consider the following factors as you compare options:
- Fees & Commissions: Look for transparent fee structures, including trading costs, platform usage fees, and any inactivity charges.
- Investment Products: Consider what you want to trade (stocks, ETFs, etc.) and ensure the broker offers those options.
- Platforms & Usability: An intuitive platform is even more essential if your German is limited. Look for clear navigation and the option for English settings.
- Customer Support: Ensure English-language support is available through your preferred contact method (phone, email, etc.).
- Research and Tools: Good brokerages should provide educational resources or market insights to help you make informed decisions.
Additional Considerations
- Taxation: Be aware of German capital gains tax. (Link to a relevant resource).
- Resources: Check out BaFin’s website and [insert expat finance blog links] for extra guidance.
Ready to find your ideal trading account? Start comparing the best trading accounts for expats now!