(let me know if this is not the right sub Reddit)
Hi everyone,
I want to invest and I’m curious what most people here actually use.
Do you invest through your bank (BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC/Bolero, ING, etc.) or do you use online brokers like DEGIRO or Trade Republic?
Trade Republic seems extremely popular, but I’ve also seen quite a few posts/comments about people temporarily not being able to access their money or accounts. That honestly worries me a bit.
So I’m wondering: Which broker do you personally use and why? Do you trust online brokers long term? What really happens if an online broker goes bankrupt or disappears? With a traditional bank, that can’t just disappear overnight, right?
Interested to hear real experiences from Belgians here. Thanks!
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I've been using BUX since 2022. Fees seem lower than the big brokers.
I use MeDirect to have a Belgian online bank. I don't have to take care of the Belgian taxes and everything related since it's automatic with MeDirect.
I tried Degiro at the same time for the low fees, and after selling some stocks, and took out the money, I got my account at -2,14€. Never understood how I had something in minus but I felt it was way to dangerous to put that much money on something I definitely don't understand. I closed my account, and stayed with MeDirect.
I personally invest through DEGIRO.
If you’re looking for the cheapest broker in Belgium, Saxo is often a strong option. Mexem might be my second option. Saxo's fees are relatively low, they offer automated ETF investment plans, and they handle the tax reporting for you, which can be a big plus.
If you’re looking for a low-cost international broker, DEGIRO is also a solid choice.
That said, there’s no single “best” broker for everyone. It’s worth comparing transaction costs, ongoing fees, and any hidden charges based on your own investing style and preferences before deciding.
Good luck!
Keytrade, because they have every single stock, even in OTC markets. A bit pricier, but I like the lathe portfolio. Very hard to find stuff like UUUU on other platforms. Also easier for options trading.
Started with re=bel, now Saxo cause it's cheaper. If you're interested in a referal link for Saxo, send me a DM. That way, you get €100 free transaction fees.
Good luck
I use Saxo for individual shares and MeDirect for ETFs. Lowest fees for both on those platforms, but like others said the UX experience on either isn't great (honestly, shame on the people who designed it). Since I don't really spend much time on there anyway, I'm not too fussed. I believe Saxo has a "pro" version if you want to do more trading, but I haven't used it so I can't comment.
Trade Republic here
Trading212 now, was unhappy with fees and customer experience at Degiro.
Trading212 is my best decision I have made last year
how do you use trading 212 in belgium? , i cant open an account?
It's always odd this pops up here. registration for Belgians on T212 has been closed for ages
How have you managed the transition?
Medirect
I use MeDirect and Bolero
Saxo here.
Am I the only one Bux ? Bux is part of ABN AMRO and I’m really satisfied so far.
Been happy with BUX since 2022.
Their new fee structure blows imo. Percentage costs that can rise more in the future, f that...
Started with Degiro 4y ago, especially for ETF and stocks. Few months ago Degiro stopped 'kernselectie' for ETF most used (like IWDA,...) so got more expensive. I went to Saxo for my ETFs (2€/month for all ETFs trough AutoInvest. And for stocks im now using IBKR. Have to do own TOB tax, but already made automated excel for that. Its much cheaper for stocks then for example Degiro (usually 3€/stock) vs like 40ct on IBKR
You can use Lynx (belgian) which is back to back with IBKR but that also do the TOB and I guess that will help out when selling with profit after new tax is introduced
Lynx is way to expensive
Started with bolero and now mexem. Bolero is great but way to expensive if you want to swap positions now and then.
I use Saxo - it's mostly fine but the UI the worst of any broker app I've ever seen. Like I'm genuinely embarrassed for the team that developed this app
if user experience matters to you I would suggest something else.
I use both Saxo and MeDirect and believe me, it can be waaay worse.
Try buying things on the latter platform for comparison. Free for ETFs though so I guess you can't complain too much.
Oh wait until u have to deal with customer support
Probably similar situation for all brokers tbh
I use Bolero. When I started investing, I lived in the UK and used FVreetrade. That was cool because the costs were low and it was easy to deal with in the app. When I moved to Belgium, I started using Bolero. Main reason being that they withold the roerende voorheffing whereas with Trading212 or Mexem, I would have to deal with that and I did not want to spend my time on that. I wouldn't mind switching to an online broker if they deal with the tax part.
saxo
Degiro
degiro is really ripping people off with currency conversion if you buy individual stocks
What is your cost ratio? Maybe you're buying and selling way too much?
You mean the 0,25% fee (autoFX)?
the fact they ask an additional +10€ if you manually convert them to keep your money in the foreign currency.
True dat. I have a 80% US focused portfolio and I feel it
I’m happy with both Saxo and Re=bel. Initially Saxo for the low fees, but now Re=bel is even cheaper for smaller transactions and it has better customer support. Also it’s super handy if you are at Belfius as all your finances are in one app.
I previously had Degiro but was not satisfied with their customer support and changing pricing structure. Also they will not help you as much with the CGT as the Belgian brokers.
I'm using Bolero
1) Interactive Brokers 2) Saxo Bank and 3) Bolero (being the worst one)
Upvote for IBKR.
Could you please extra-plate why ?
I'm using bolero and it's more than enough for passive investments.
* High commissions
* 0.25 % cost on currency exchanges (albeit the same at Saxo)
* 2 % cut on net dividends
* In the past a rather arrogant attitude. I didn't feel a "customer is king" vibe, rather a "kneel, you peasant" one.
Thank you !
started investing about four years ago. At that time DEGIRO was attractive because of their core selection and they still are today. For savings I use Trade Republic.
I don’t believe there is such a thing as thebest broker. A broker is simply a tool, and the “best” one depends on the person and personal preference.
Regarding your second question about trust: what do you mean exactly? All licensed brokers operate under strict regulation and must comply with many legal and financial requirements. Client assets are segregated and there are investor protection schemes in place.
Trading 212 and Bolero.
DEGIRO works well for me. Their fee structure is good for larger transactions and they automatically withhold the TOB. They are available in many countries and moving tax residencies should be possible (which is an issue with Trade Republic). Transferring portfolios should also be possible if ever needed. The Dutch financial supervisors are more experienced than the Belgian financial supervisors in my view.
The large banks don’t offer much added value in my view. Some may prefer them to automatically withhold the CGT in the future. They can always stop offering certain services, like any other financial institution.
If a broker closes for whatever reason, you can probably request portfolio transfer. Legally, you should have an ownership claim on your assets which is unaffected by any bankruptcy.
Saxo (stocks & pro) and MeDirect (ETF)
First off I only work with brokers regulated in Belgium. So offshore accounts like Degiro and Trade Republic are an instant no for me
Then from that point Saxo and MeDirect have the best fees (0 fee on ETFs on MeDirect hard to do better)
Trade republic, had no issues, doing the taxes is a lil annoying tho
Bolero and saxo. Bolero for etf's on the playlist. Saxo for xetra and the occasional stock/option picking.
Playlist isn't a thing on bolero nowadays. All etf have the same fees.
Wtf I didn't notice, when did this happen? Thanks for the information
Last October or so :-)
You're welcome !
Degiro