Degiro Broker Expert Review – pros and cons

Expert Review: Unpacking DEGIRO Broker Services

As the quest for reliable, cost-effective brokerage services intensifies among investors globally, DEGIRO emerges as a notable contender. With a suite of services designed for various types of investors, DEGIRO offers a platform that combines efficiency, affordability, and a user-centric approach. In this expert review, we’ll delve deeply into the nuances of what makes DEGIRO stand out in the crowded brokerage space, excluding considerations of regulation, compliance, user experience testimonials, and case studies.

Overview of DEGIRO

DEGIRO is a Netherlands-based online brokerage firm launched in 2008, targeting retail investors. Its value proposition lies in providing low-cost trading, accessibility, and a seamless interface for a hassle-free trading experience. The platform’s services are extended to residents in 18 European countries, making it a popular choice among European investors.

Service Offerings

With a service model that caters to both newbie traders and seasoned investors, DEGIRO offers a spectrum of financial products and services. These include:

• Shares & ETFs
• Options
• Futures
• Bonds
• Mutual Funds
• Cryptocurrencies (via ETNs)

DEGIRO – Low-cost share trading

The platform focuses on providing straightforward access to global financial markets. With DEGIRO, investors can trade on more than fifty exchanges around the world, an impressive feature that provides users with extensive choices for building diversified investment portfolios. This global reach is complemented by competitive trading fees that appeal to cost-conscious traders.

Trading Platforms

DEGIRO offers two main platforms for trading – the web trader and the mobile app. The web trading platform boasts a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies the trading process. It is designed for ease of use, making it ideal for both new and experienced traders.

• Web Trader: Accessible via browsers without any need for software installation.
• Mobile App: For investors who prefer trading on the go, the mobile application offers a responsive, user-friendly design available for iOS and Android devices.

Distinctive Features of DEGIRO

As we delve further into DEGIRO’s offerings, it’s imperative to highlight the distinctive features that set the platform apart in the brokerage landscape.

Affordable Trading

The brokerage is renowned for its low-cost trading services. Investors benefit from competitively low commissions on trades, which is a substantial advantage for traders who execute a high volume of transactions. This pricing structure enables both active and passive investors to maximize their returns efficiently.

Global Market Access

With DEGIRO, traders have the opportunity to access a wide array of international markets. The ability to trade on various exchanges worldwide offers investors a golden opportunity to diversify their portfolios by including assets from different geographical locations and economic landscapes.

Educational Resources

DEGIRO is committed to empowering investors with knowledge. The platform provides a wealth of educational resources to assist traders in making informed decisions. From articles and tutorials to webinars, users have access to information that enhances their trading proficiency and market understanding.

Demo Account

The Demo Account feature offered by DEGIRO is an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned traders. This provision allows users to explore and understand the platform’s functionality without the risk of financial loss. The Demo Account replicates the live trading environment, providing a realistic experience for users to practice and develop their trading skills.

A key advantage of the DEGIRO Demo Account is the ability to execute simulated trades using virtual funds. This aspect is particularly useful for beginner traders who are not yet confident to invest real capital. It offers a risk-free learning environment where users can familiarize themselves with different asset classes, trading strategies, and the platform’s user interface. This hands-on experience is crucial in building a user’s trading competence and confidence.

Pros:

• Risk-free trading environment.
• Opportunity to practice trading strategies.
• Familiarization with the platform’s functionality.
• No financial commitment required.
• Accessible to all registered users.

Cons:

• Not reflective of emotional and psychological aspects of live trading.
• Limited virtual funds may not represent actual trading capital of users.
• Market conditions in the demo may not always perfectly mirror live market conditions.

iOS/Android Apps

DEGIRO understands the need for mobility in the modern trading landscape, thereby offering robust mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices. These applications are designed to provide a seamless trading experience on the go, with a user interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The mobile applications offer most of the functionality available on the web platform, allowing users to execute trades, monitor their portfolios, view market prices, and access financial news. The apps are regularly updated to improve performance and add new features, reflecting DEGIRO’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge mobile trading experience.

Pros:

• Trade on the go with real-time market access.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface designed for both novice and experienced traders.
• Secure access to your account and portfolio.
• Quick and easy order placement and account funding options.

Cons:

• Dependent on the device’s internet connectivity.
• Smaller screen may limit the visibility and analysis of complex charts and graphs.
• Not all web platform features may be available on the mobile app.

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a DEGIRO Account:

1. Visit DEGIRO’s Website:
   • Go to the official DEGIRO website.
   • Select your country of residence, as DEGIRO offers different services depending on your location.
2. Start the Application Process:
   • Click on the “Open an Account” or a similar call-to-action button.
   • You will be directed to the account opening page.
3. Fill in Your Details:
   • Provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, and tax identification number.
   • You may also need to provide employment information and financial details.
4. Choose Account Type:
   • DEGIRO offers different account types, including Basic, Custody, Active, Trader, and Day Trader. Select the one that best suits your trading needs and preferences.
5. Risk and Experience Assessment:
   • Complete a questionnaire assessing your trading experience and risk tolerance. This helps DEGIRO tailor its services to your profile.
6. Identity Verification:
   • To comply with regulatory requirements, you need to verify your identity. This usually involves uploading a copy of your passport or ID card, and sometimes a proof of address like a utility bill or bank statement.
7. Bank Account Linking:
   • Link a bank account to your DEGIRO account. This bank account will be used for transferring funds to and from your DEGIRO account.
8. Review and Confirm:
   • Review all provided information to ensure accuracy.
   • Agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
9. Account Activation:
   • After completing the application, DEGIRO will review your information. Once approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to activate your account.
10. Fund Your Account:
    • Once your account is activated, you can fund it using the linked bank account and start trading.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure you have all necessary documents on hand to streamline the process.
• The time for account approval may vary, so be patient as DEGIRO reviews your application.
• Always secure your account with a strong password and enable any additional security features offered by DEGIRO for enhanced protection.

By following these steps, you should have a smooth experience in opening and setting up your DEGIRO trading account. For specific issues or queries, reaching out to DEGIRO’s customer support is advised. They can provide assistance and guidance tailored to your situation.

Affiliate Program

DEGIRO’s Affiliate Program offers an opportunity for partners to earn commissions by referring new clients to the platform. The program is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, with DEGIRO providing all necessary marketing materials and support to help affiliates succeed.

Affiliates can earn commissions for every referred client who opens an account and commences trading. The program is open to various partners, including bloggers, influencers, and financial advisors, allowing a broad spectrum of individuals and entities to benefit from promoting DEGIRO’s services.

• Pros:
  • Opportunity to earn commissions for referred clients.
  • Access to marketing materials and support from DEGIRO.
  • Transparent and timely commission payout process.
  • Open to a wide range of affiliates.
• Cons:
  • Commissions are dependent on referred clients’ trading activity.
  • Requires effort and strategy to effectively refer and convert new clients.
  • Subject to approval and compliance with DEGIRO’s affiliate program terms and conditions.

Each of these features — the Demo Account, iOS/Android Apps, and Affiliate Program — bring unique value propositions to the table. While they have their own sets of advantages, potential users and partners should weigh the cons to make an informed decision regarding DEGIRO’s offerings.

Conclusion

With an eye on accessibility, affordability, and a broad range of service offerings, DEGIRO stands as a compelling choice for investors seeking a low-cost broker without compromising on service quality. The platform’s easy navigation, comprehensive educational resources, and access to global markets are features that resonate well with traders of all experience levels.

In summarizing this expert review, DEGIRO’s noteworthy attributes of low fees, global market access, and an array of financial products make it a formidable player in the brokerage space. Whether you are a novice trader embarking on your investment journey or a seasoned investor looking for cost-efficient trading options, DEGIRO offers solutions that are worth considering.

Popular Questions About DEGIRO Broker

1. How does DEGIRO’s fee structure work?

DEGIRO offers a competitive and transparent fee structure that appeals to many traders. The broker has low trading fees for stocks, ETFs, and most other asset classes. Costs depend on the market you’re trading in, and the type of asset.

• Transaction Fees: These are the fees applied to your trades. DEGIRO has notably low fees for stock and ETF trades.
• Currency Conversion Fees: If you’re trading in a currency different from your account’s base currency, DEGIRO charges a fee for the conversion.
• Other Fees: DEGIRO may charge additional fees for specific services like receiving real-time prices for particular exchanges.

2. How to open an account with DEGIRO?

Opening an account with DEGIRO is a straightforward online process. Users need to fill out the online application form, provide required identification documents, and once the account is verified, they can start trading.

3. Is there a minimum deposit required?

DEGIRO does not require a minimum deposit to open an account. This policy allows flexibility for investors at all levels to engage with the platform and start trading with an amount they’re comfortable with.

4. What types of accounts does DEGIRO offer?

DEGIRO offers several types of accounts to cater to different trading needs:

• Custody Account: An account where your securities are held in a segregated custodian entity.
• Basic Account: Offers a simple trading experience with the necessary features for trading.
• Active Account: For active traders, providing access to margin trading and more sophisticated trading functionalities.
• Trader Account: Suitable for frequent traders, offering all benefits of the Active account plus additional perks.
• Day Trader Account: Tailored for day traders, this account provides the highest level of trading functionality and margin trading options.

5. Does DEGIRO provide customer support?

Yes, DEGIRO offers customer support to assist clients with their queries and issues. The support team can be reached via phone or email, providing guidance on account opening, trading, and technical problems.

6. Can I trade cryptocurrencies with DEGIRO?

DEGIRO does not offer direct trading of cryptocurrencies. However, clients can invest in crypto-related products such as ETFs and ETPs that track the performance of cryptocurrencies or are exposed to the crypto industry. This allows investors to have indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency market.

7. How does DEGIRO ensure the security of my funds?

DEGIRO implements various measures to ensure the safety and security of client funds:

• Segregation of Funds: Clients’ funds are held separately from DEGIRO’s operational funds.
• SSL Encryption: The platform uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt and protect data transmission between the client and the server.
• Two-Step Authentication: An additional layer of security during the login process to protect clients’ accounts from unauthorized access.

8. What educational resources does DEGIRO offer to traders?

DEGIRO provides various educational resources to assist traders in making informed investment decisions:

• Knowledge Centre: A section dedicated to providing valuable insights, articles, and tutorials related to trading and investment.
• Investor’s Academy: An educational platform offering courses designed to help investors understand the basics of trading and investing.
• Webinars & Events: Regularly scheduled online events and webinars where experts share their knowledge and answer participants’ questions on various trading topics.

9. Can I access DEGIRO on mobile devices?

Yes, DEGIRO offers mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices, allowing clients to trade and monitor their investments on the go. The apps provide a user-friendly interface, real-time price quotes, and secure access to your DEGIRO account.

10. Does DEGIRO offer a demo account for practice?

DEGIRO currently does not offer a demo account. However, their platform is user-friendly, and they provide various educational resources to help new traders get acquainted with the trading environment.

11. How do I withdraw funds from my DEGIRO account?

Withdrawing funds from DEGIRO is simple and can be done through the online platform. After logging in, navigate to the “Deposit/Withdraw” section, choose “Withdraw Funds,” and enter the amount you wish to withdraw. The funds will be transferred to your linked bank account. It’s crucial to note that withdrawal requests may take a few business days to process.

12. Is DEGIRO available worldwide?

DEGIRO primarily serves clients within the European Economic Area (EEA) and is not available globally. However, it provides access to global financial markets, allowing European investors to diversify their portfolios with international assets.

13. Can I open a joint account with DEGIRO?

DEGIRO does not currently offer joint accounts. Each account opened with DEGIRO must be in the name of an individual, and that individual is solely responsible for the account.

14. What are the supported languages on the DEGIRO platform?

DEGIRO’s platform is multilingual to cater to its diverse European client base. It supports various languages, including English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and others to provide a comfortable and accessible trading experience for all users.

15. Does DEGIRO offer any research tools and analysis?

While DEGIRO provides basic research tools and resources, it might not be as extensive as those offered by other brokers. They offer:

• News Feed: Where users can stay updated on the latest financial news.
• Company Analysis: Providing insights and analysis on various companies and their stocks.
• Investment Ideas: Suggested investment opportunities based on market trends and performance.

16. How does DEGIRO handle dividends payments?

When you hold dividend-paying stocks in your DEGIRO account, dividends received are automatically credited to your account balance. Investors have the option to reinvest these funds or withdraw them as cash, providing flexibility in managing their investment returns.