Best Online Brokers for Beginners
in the Netherlands (2026)
Looking for the best brokers in the Netherlands in 2026? Finding the right platform as a beginner can feel overwhelming. In this guide we compare three of the best brokers available to Dutch investors — eToro, DEGIRO and Plus500 — across the metrics that matter most: fees, safety, usability and regulation. Every broker listed here is authorised by the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) or operates under a passported European licence recognised in the Netherlands. Our independent editorial team tests every platform hands-on.
Whether you are putting away your first €100 or building a structured monthly investing habit, choosing among the best brokers in the Netherlands affects both your costs and your experience. This comparison cuts through the marketing noise and gives you the actual numbers, so you can make an informed decision without needing a finance degree. New to investing altogether? Start with our complete beginner’s guide to investing first.
We update this page monthly and recalculate all fee examples with real rate data. No broker pays to be included here — our methodology is explained in full below. You can also read about the risks and rewards of investing before choosing a platform.
eToro — Best for Simplicity & €0 Commissions
Start with just $50. €0 commission on stocks and ETFs. Copy experienced investors with one click. Virtual demo account to practice before risking real money.
★ Open Free eToro Account →Affiliate link — we earn a commission if you open an account. This does not affect our review. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Want the lowest fees? DEGIRO charges from €0 for ETFs. Open DEGIRO — No Minimum Deposit →
Want a demo account first? Try eToro’s virtual portfolio — $100,000 in virtual funds, no real money needed.
Quick Broker Comparison — Fees, Features & Safety
Side-by-side overview of fees, features and safety for the best brokers in the Netherlands for beginners.
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eToro
★ Our Pick
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DEGIRO
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Plus500
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|---|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Best social & copy trading platform for Dutch starters | Best low-cost broker for self-directed beginners | Simple app for ETF investors; higher minimums |
| Best for | Copy trading, social investing, crypto | Low fees, wide instrument range | Clean mobile UX, ETF investing |
| Stock commission | €0 (real stocks, USD positions) | €3.90 + €0.006/share (US) / €3.90 (NL) | 0.045%, min €2 per trade |
| ETF commission | €0 | €0 core ETFs (Tradegate) / €3.90 others | 0.045%, min €2 per trade |
| Currency conversion | 0.5% spread (USD account) | 0.1% + €2.50 flat (Auto FX) | 0% on EUR-denominated ETFs |
| Minimum deposit | $50 (≈ €46) | €0 | €100 |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month after 12 months inactivity | €0 | €0 (Invest account) |
| Withdrawal fee | $5 (≈ €4.70) | €0 | €0 |
| Interest on cash | Up to 4.9% (Club members) | 0% | 0% |
| Demo account | Yes — $100,000 virtual | No | Yes (CFD demo only) |
| Regulation | CySEC / FCA / ASIC — passported to NL | BaFin (DE) — passported to NL; AFM registered | FCA / CySEC / AFM registered |
| Investor protection | ICF up to €20,000 (CySEC) | German Investor Compensation Scheme up to €20,000 | FSCS up to £85,000 (FCA entity) |
| Open Free eToro Account → | Open DEGIRO — No Minimum Deposit → | Try Plus500 Invest — Free Demo Available → |
eToro
DEGIRO
Plus500 Invest
Fee Scenarios: What You’d Pay on a €1,000 or €5,000 Investment
| Scenario | eToro | DEGIRO | Plus500 Invest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy €1,000 of Dutch ETF (iShares AEX) | €0 commission + 0.5% FX fee if EUR→USD = ~€5 | €2.00 transaction fee | Spread-based (approx. 0.1–0.3%) |
| Buy €5,000 of US ETF (Vanguard S&P 500) | €0 commission + 0.5% FX fee = ~€25 | €1.00 flat fee (US market) | Spread-based |
| Monthly ETF saving (€200/month, 12 months) | €0 commission | €0 on free ETF selection or €2.00/trade | Spread-based |
| Annual inactivity fee (no trades) | $10/month after 12 months inactivity | €0 | €0 |
| Withdrawal | $5 per withdrawal | €0 | €0 |
FX fee note: eToro’s 0.5% currency conversion fee applies when depositing euros or buying USD-denominated assets. For EUR-denominated ETFs purchased with EUR, no FX fee applies.
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Match your investing style to the right platform. These decision blocks help you pick the best broker in the Netherlands for your situation in under a minute.
Choose eToro If…
- You are a complete beginner and want the simplest possible start
- You want €0 commission on stocks and ETFs
- You want to copy other investors’ portfolios automatically
- You want a free demo account to practice first
- You are comfortable with a $50 minimum deposit and a $5 withdrawal fee
- You want access to crypto alongside stocks and ETFs
- Not ideal if you trade frequently and the FX conversion fee is a concern
- Not ideal if you need access to European bonds or options
51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading with eToro.
Choose DEGIRO If…
- You want the absolute lowest trading fees in Europe
- You are a self-directed investor comfortable picking your own investments
- You want access to 50+ exchanges worldwide
- You want to trade European stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds
- You have no minimum deposit requirement — start with any amount
- Not ideal if you are a complete beginner who needs guidance
- No demo account available
- Does not offer CFDs or crypto
Choose Plus500 Invest If…
- You want a clean, mobile-first platform for ETF investing
- You want negative balance protection on all positions
- You want an unlimited demo account to test the platform
- You are comfortable with a CFD-only provider expanding into investment products
- Plus500 is primarily a CFD broker — ensure you use Plus500 Invest (not CFD)
- Not ideal for frequent ETF investors due to spread-based pricing
- Limited to ETFs and a smaller range of instruments vs DEGIRO
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading with Plus500.
How We Choose and Rank Brokers
Every broker on this page was independently tested and researched by the StockTradeMastery Team. Here is exactly how we evaluate platforms to find the best brokers for Dutch investors:
Regulatory Status First — AFM, CySEC, BaFin & ESMA Rules
Only brokers authorised by the AFM or operating under a passported European licence recognised in the Netherlands are considered. No exceptions. Learn more on our about page.
Real Fee Calculations — What You Actually Pay
We calculate the total annual cost for a €200/month ETF investing scenario, including all commissions, FX fees, handling fees and withdrawal costs.
Hands-On Platform Testing
We open real accounts, test deposit and withdrawal workflows, evaluate mobile apps, customer support response times and overall user experience.
Affiliate Transparency
Some links on this page are affiliate links — this is fully disclosed and does not influence our rankings, scoring or editorial content. Read our full affiliate disclosure policy for details.
Detailed Broker Reviews
In-depth analysis of each broker’s fees, features, strengths and weaknesses — covering the best brokers in the Netherlands for beginners.
eToro — Best for Beginners & Social Trading OUR PICK
Copy real investor portfolios · Free ETF trading · $50 minimum deposit FREE DEMO
Who Is eToro Best For?
eToro is ideal for:
- Complete beginners who want an intuitive, visual platform
- Investors interested in copy trading and social investing
- People who want €0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Those looking for crypto exposure alongside traditional assets
- Anyone who wants a free demo account to practice first
eToro is the world’s largest social trading platform with over 30 million registered users. Founded in 2007 and regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), it operates in the Netherlands under a passported European licence. The platform offers commission-free trading on real stocks and ETFs, a unique CopyTrader feature that lets you mirror experienced investors, and access to 70+ cryptocurrencies — all from one account. For more context on how investing works for beginners, see our basics guide.
The main cost to be aware of is the 0.5% currency conversion spread since your account is denominated in USD. There is also a $5 withdrawal fee and a $10/month inactivity fee that kicks in after 12 months of no activity. Deposits via iDEAL are supported, making it convenient for Dutch users.
Pros
- €0 commissions on stocks & ETFs
- CopyTrader — follow expert portfolios
- Free $100,000 demo account
- 70+ cryptocurrencies
- iDEAL deposits supported
- CySEC regulated, passported to NL
- Up to 4.9% interest on cash (Club)
Cons
- 0.5% FX conversion spread
- $5 withdrawal fee
- $10/month inactivity after 12 months
- Account denominated in USD only
- CFDs available (risk for beginners)
- Customer support can be slow
eToro Fee Example — €200/month ETF Investing
| Fee component | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| ETF commission | €0 |
| Currency conversion (~€1/month) | ~€12 |
| Withdrawal fee (1× per year) | ~€5 |
| Total estimated annual cost | ~€17 |
eToro Safety & Regulation
Regulator: eToro (Europe) Ltd is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, licence 109/10). It operates in the Netherlands under EU passporting via MiFID II. eToro is not directly AFM-licensed but is legally authorised to operate in the Netherlands.
Investor protection: Dutch retail investors are covered by the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000 per client. This covers broker insolvency only — not investment losses. Note: this is the CySEC ICF, not the more generous UK FSCS (£85,000). eToro also offers supplementary private insurance through Lloyd’s of London for eligible European clients (up to €1,000,000).
Asset segregation: Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks, separate from eToro’s corporate assets.
| Entity | Regulator | Licence | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| eToro (Europe) Ltd | CySEC | 109/10 | ICF up to €20,000 |
| eToro (UK) Ltd | FCA | — | FSCS up to £85,000 |
| eToro AUS Capital Ltd | ASIC | AFSL 491139 | No specific fund |
DEGIRO — Best Low-Cost Broker for Self-Directed Investors LOWEST COST
€0 core ETFs · €0 withdrawal · No inactivity fee · Dutch-language support
Who Is DEGIRO Best For?
DEGIRO is ideal for:
- Cost-conscious investors who want the lowest trading fees
- Self-directed investors comfortable picking their own investments
- Dutch investors who value a Dutch-language interface and tax overview
- Long-term ETF investors using the free core selection list
- Investors who want access to 50+ exchanges worldwide
DEGIRO was founded in the Netherlands and is now regulated by BaFin (Germany) following its acquisition by flatex. It operates in the Netherlands under a passported licence and is registered with both the AFM and DNB. The platform is known for its rock-bottom fees, giving access to 50+ exchanges worldwide.
For ETF investors, DEGIRO’s core selection list is hard to beat — popular ETFs like Vanguard FTSE All-World trade for just €1.00 in handling fees on Tradegate. There is no minimum deposit, no inactivity fee, and no withdrawal fee. The Dutch-language interface and annual tax overview (jaaroverzicht) make it particularly convenient for Dutch investors. DEGIRO is also eligible for KiFiD dispute resolution.
Pros
- €0 core ETFs on Tradegate
- No minimum deposit
- Free withdrawals
- Full Dutch-language interface
- Annual tax jaaroverzicht
- 50+ exchanges worldwide
- KiFiD eligible for disputes
Cons
- No demo account
- 0.1% + €2.50 FX conversion fee
- No social or copy trading
- App less polished than competitors
- €20,000 investor compensation limit
- No cryptocurrency trading
DEGIRO Fee Example — €200/month ETF Investing
| Fee component | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| ETF handling fee (€1/month) | ~€12 |
| FX conversion (EUR ETF) | €0 |
| Withdrawal fee | €0 |
| Total estimated annual cost | ~€12 |
DEGIRO Safety & Regulation
Regulator: flatexDEGIRO Bank AG (parent) is regulated by BaFin (Germany). The Dutch branch (trading as DEGIRO) is supervised by both the AFM (conduct supervision) and DNB (integrity supervision) within the Netherlands — a stronger local regulatory footprint than EU-passported brokers.
Investor protection: The German Investor Compensation Scheme covers up to 90% of unprotected client assets, with a maximum of €20,000 per individual client. Uninvested cash held in the flatex bank account is separately protected by the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000.
Asset segregation: Client assets (stocks, ETFs) are held in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), segregated from DEGIRO’s corporate assets.
| Entity | Regulator | Jurisdiction | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| flatexDEGIRO Bank AG | BaFin | Germany | German ICS up to €20,000 |
| DEGIRO (Dutch Branch) | AFM + DNB | Netherlands | Same via parent entity |
| Cash accounts | BaFin / German DGS | Germany | Up to €100,000 |
Looking for a head-to-head? Read our full DEGIRO vs eToro comparison.
Plus500 Invest — Clean Mobile App for ETF Investors
No ETF inactivity fee · €0 withdrawal · Simple mobile-first interface
Who Is Plus500 Best For?
Plus500 Invest is ideal for:
- Mobile-first investors who want a clean, simple interface
- ETF investors who want €0 FX costs on EUR-denominated products
- Investors who want an unlimited demo account to test the platform
- Those who value negative balance protection on all positions
Plus500 is widely known for its CFD platform, but Plus500 Invest is a separate, non-leveraged account for buying real stocks and ETFs. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250) and regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus) and registered with the AFM in the Netherlands.
The Invest account charges 0.045% commission with a minimum of €2 per trade. There is no inactivity fee for the Invest account, no withdrawal fees, and EUR-denominated ETFs incur no currency conversion costs. The minimum deposit is €100. Note that Plus500’s 80% retail investor loss rate applies to their CFD product only — not to the Invest account.
Pros
- No inactivity fee (Invest)
- Free withdrawals
- Clean, intuitive mobile app
- LSE-listed company (FTSE 250)
- FCA + CySEC regulated
- 0% FX on EUR ETFs
Cons
- €2 minimum commission per trade
- €100 minimum deposit
- Smaller ETF & stock selection
- No demo for Invest account
- No social or copy trading
- Limited Dutch tax documentation
Plus500 Fee Example — €200/month ETF Investing
| Fee component | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| ETF commission (~€2/month) | ~€24 |
| FX conversion (EUR ETF) | €0 |
| Withdrawal fee | €0 |
| Total estimated annual cost | ~€24 |
Plus500 Safety & Regulation (CFD Warning)
Regulator: Dutch investors use Plus500CY Ltd, regulated by CySEC (licence 250/14). Plus500UK Ltd is regulated by the FCA (licence 509909). Plus500 is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250), requiring annual financial disclosure.
Investor protection: Via the ICF (Investors Compensation Fund) up to €20,000 per client under the CySEC entity. Negative balance protection is provided for all retail clients under ESMA regulations (since August 2018).
Asset segregation: Client funds are ring-fenced and held in segregated accounts.
| Entity | Regulator | Licence | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500CY Ltd | CySEC | 250/14 | ICF up to €20,000 |
| Plus500UK Ltd | FCA | 509909 | FSCS up to £85,000 |
| Plus500 Ltd | LSE (FTSE 250) | — | Public company disclosure |
Are These Brokers Safe for Dutch Investors?
All three brokers are regulated and your assets are protected by European investor compensation schemes. Here is what that means in practice.
Regulatory Oversight — AFM Passporting, CySEC & BaFin Explained
In the Netherlands, a broker can operate either by holding a direct AFM licence or by using an EU-wide “passport” under MiFID II. eToro and Plus500 operate under passported CySEC licences, while DEGIRO holds a unique position with direct AFM and DNB supervision as the Dutch branch of BaFin-regulated flatexDEGIRO Bank AG. All three approaches are legally valid and provide regulatory oversight.
What Investor Protection Covers (and What It Does Not)
Investor Compensation Schemes (ICS) protect you if the broker becomes insolvent or commits fraud. They do not protect against normal investment losses. Your investments can still go down in value — that is market risk, not broker risk. eToro and Plus500 clients are covered by the Cyprus ICF (up to €20,000). DEGIRO clients are covered by the German Investor Compensation Scheme (up to €20,000) plus the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme for uninvested cash (up to €100,000).
Broker Safety Comparison Table
| Protection layer | eToro | DEGIRO | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory regime | CySEC (Cyprus) — EU passported | BaFin (Germany) — EU passported + AFM/DNB | FCA (UK) / CySEC (Cyprus) |
| Investor Compensation Scheme | ICF up to €20,000 | German ICS up to €20,000 | FSCS up to £85,000 (FCA) |
| Deposit guarantee | N/A (not a bank) | German DGS up to €100,000 (cash) | N/A (not a bank) |
| Additional insurance | Lloyd’s policy up to €1M (select clients) | None disclosed | None disclosed |
| Asset segregation | Yes — client funds held separately | Yes — assets held in SPV at flatexDEGIRO Bank AG | Yes — client funds ring-fenced |
How ESMA Rules Protect Retail Investors in the Netherlands
Since August 2018, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has required all EU-regulated CFD brokers to offer retail investors negative balance protection — meaning you cannot lose more than your deposited amount. This applies to eToro and Plus500 when used for CFD trading. DEGIRO does not offer CFDs and is not subject to this rule. ESMA also mandates standardised risk warnings (the loss percentages you see on this page), leverage limits, and a prohibition on CFD-related marketing bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions Dutch beginners have about choosing and using the best brokers in the Netherlands.
Yes. All three brokers on this page are authorized to operate in the Netherlands either directly via the AFM or through EU passporting under MiFID II. eToro (Europe) Ltd is regulated by CySEC (licence 109/10), DEGIRO operates as the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG under BaFin supervision with AFM and DNB oversight in the Netherlands, and Plus500CY Ltd is regulated by CySEC (#250/14). Each broker holds client funds in segregated accounts separate from company assets, and all Dutch retail investors benefit from their broker’s applicable investor compensation scheme (up to €20,000 under CySEC/ICF or the German ICS). Note: compensation covers broker insolvency only, not investment losses.
eToro is our top pick for beginners due to its €0 stock and ETF commissions, intuitive interface, and the ability to copy experienced investors. DEGIRO is the better choice if you want the lowest possible trading fees and are comfortable doing your own research — European ETF trades can cost just €2.00 or €0 on the core selection list. For a structured comparison, see our Which Broker Should You Choose? section above.
Minimum deposits vary by broker: eToro requires a minimum first deposit of $50 (approximately €46), DEGIRO has no minimum deposit, and Plus500 Invest requires a minimum of €100. You do not need thousands of euros to start — many Dutch investors begin with €50–€100 per month.
In the Netherlands, investments held at a broker are taxable under Box 3 (vermogen) of the Dutch income tax system. You report the value of your portfolio on 1 January each year. Your broker will typically provide an annual overview (jaaroverzicht) by late January or early February. eToro, DEGIRO, and Plus500 all provide these statements in your account dashboard. Note: Dutch tax rules change frequently — always verify your situation with a registered tax adviser or the Belastingdienst website.
When you buy a real stock or ETF, you own the underlying asset. Your investment grows if the asset rises in value, and you may receive dividends. CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are derivative products that track price movements without giving you ownership of the asset. CFDs involve leverage, which can magnify both gains and losses. eToro offers both real stocks/ETFs and CFDs. Plus500 is primarily a CFD platform. DEGIRO offers only real stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds — no CFDs. For beginners, real stock/ETF investing is generally recommended over CFDs. Read our guide to investment risks for more detail. Warning: 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. 80% lose money when trading CFDs with Plus500.
Yes. All three offer ETF investing. DEGIRO has a free ETF core selection where specific ETFs (one per ETF family per month) trade at €0. eToro offers €0 commission on ETF investing. Plus500 Invest offers ETF investing through their investment platform (separate from their CFD product). For long-term ETF investors, DEGIRO and eToro are the most cost-efficient options.
eToro is a legitimate, regulated broker — not a pyramid scheme or scam. eToro (Europe) Ltd is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, licence 109/10), which is an EU financial regulator operating under MiFID II. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks. Dutch retail investors are covered by the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000. Additionally, eToro offers supplementary private insurance through Lloyd’s of London for eligible European clients up to €1,000,000. The social trading and copy-trading features are regulated investment tools, not speculative referral schemes.
Portfolio transfers between brokers (in-kind transfers of securities) are possible but vary by broker. DEGIRO accepts incoming transfers, though transfer fees may apply depending on the sending broker. eToro does not currently support in-kind portfolio transfers in or out — you would need to sell, transfer cash, and repurchase. Plus500 similarly does not support in-kind transfers. Check each broker’s current transfer policy before switching, as fees and timelines vary.
DEGIRO and eToro serve different needs. DEGIRO is built for cost-conscious, self-directed investors who want access to a broad range of European and international stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options at low commissions. eToro is better for beginners who want a simpler, more visual experience and the option to copy other investors’ portfolios. DEGIRO charges per trade (e.g., €3.90 for Dutch stocks, €2.00 for most ETFs), while eToro charges €0 commission but applies a currency conversion fee and a $5 withdrawal fee. For a detailed comparison, see our full review section or visit our dedicated DEGIRO vs eToro comparison page.
eToro offers a virtual portfolio (demo) with $100,000 in virtual funds — useful for practising before investing real money. Plus500 CFD offers an unlimited demo account. DEGIRO does not offer a demo account; their onboarding quiz helps assess your experience level before you start. For complete beginners who want to practise first, eToro’s virtual portfolio is the most accessible option.
Your Next Steps
Now that you know the best brokers in the Netherlands, follow these five steps to go from zero to your first investment.
Decide Your Investment Goal
Long-term wealth building? Learning? Passive income? Your goal determines your broker choice. Our investing basics guide can help you define it.
Choose Your Broker
DEGIRO for low-cost ETFs. eToro for social/copy trading. Or both.
Open & Verify Your Account
You will need your ID, BSN number and a Dutch bank account. Takes 1–3 business days.
Make Your First Deposit
Deposit via iDEAL. Start with €50–€200 — enough to begin without overcommitting.
Place Your First Investment
Buy a broad-market ETF (e.g. Vanguard FTSE All-World) and set up monthly auto-invest if available.
Free to open · No commitment · iDEAL supported