XTB review
92%
XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and CYSEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission). The company uses segregated accounts to protect client funds and offers two-factor authentication for enhanced security. It provides bankruptcy protection up to £85,000 for UK clients, €20,000–€22,000 for EU clients, and $0 for other clients.
90%
XTB allows free trading in stocks and ETFs up to a monthly volume of €100,000. Most bank transfers for withdrawals are free, and uninvested funds earn interest. Other fees are highly competitive.
92%
The XTB xStation 5 mobile app is user-friendly, modern, and supports price alerts. The desktop version offers the same features and design as the web platform, allowing for seamless device transitions.
Introduction of the broker XTB
X-Trade Brokers, operating under the name XTB, is a company with Polish origins. Founded in Poland in 2002, it expanded internationally in the following years. Today, it maintains several branches across Europe. According to online reviews and user ratings, XTB is suitable for complete beginners, as it requires no minimum deposit, offers a user-friendly application, and provides a wide range of trading tools and assets.
What XTB Offers
When it comes to financial instruments like Stocks and ETFs, trading conditions are highly competitive. The broker charges various fees, but all costs can be minimized easily. Investing with XTB is cost-effective, especially since you can place orders from as little as €10. This enables fractional share trading, allowing investments in portions of stocks or ETFs. Applies to monthly turnovers up to 100,000 EUR. Transactions exceeding this limit incur a 0.2% commission (minimum 10 EUR).
A currency conversion fee of 0.5% may also apply. Financial instruments offered by XTB are risky. Invest responsibly. Another key offering is CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which let you speculate on price movements of instruments like currencies, stocks, indices, commodities, or cryptocurrencies. However, CFD trading involves high risk and is not recommended for beginners.
If you're not an active trader, focus on real stocks, ETFs, or investment plans, which include automated investing. XTB S.A. supports automated, recurring orders for financial instruments or fractional shares under a customized investment plan. Investment decisions—including fund allocation, frequency, payment amounts, and instructions—are entirely yours. Investing is risky. Trade responsibly. With the Auto Invest feature, set your target amount, timeline, and deposit method to systematically invest in chosen ETFs according to your plan.
Regulation
Regulation safeguards clients' funds, which are insured against company insolvency. At XTB, your deposit is protected by the Polish Guarantee Fund (KDPW), covering up to 20,100 EUR (100% insured up to 3,000 EUR + 90% above that, up to 22,000 EUR).
XTB operates under oversight from key European regulators, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It is supervised by dozens of European authorities, enhancing fund security. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from company assets, for added protection.
Education
XTB hosts extensive educational webinars and materials on investing and trading. They regularly share market insights and commentary on their official YouTube channel. The platform is regulated by multiple financial authorities like CySEC (Cyprus), KNF (Poland), FCA (UK), and IFSC (Belize), bolstering its trustworthiness. Users can trade over 8,600 investment assets. For more details, read our full review, tested based on real trading experience.
W-8BEN for Dividends
The W-8BEN form allows you to apply a reduced withholding tax rate (typically 15% instead of 30%) on dividend equivalents from US stock/ETF CFDs or dividends from US companies. The exact tax rate depends on the double-taxation agreement between the US and your tax-resident country, so it may differ.
The company is registered and fully regulated under European law. Investors can use the highly localized website for support beyond physical branches. Key global regulators include the FSC (Belize) and DFSA (Dubai).
User Reviews and Experiences with XTB
XTB holds a 4.0 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on 964 reviews, with 59% awarding 5 stars. Users praise the platform’s ease of use and customer support, though some note issues with frozen accounts or position closures. The mobile app has over 5 million downloads on Google Play, with a 4.4 average from nearly 47,000 reviews. On Apple App Store, it scores 4.7 from over 6,500 reviews—users highlight usability but request lower withdrawal fees and feature updates.
Is XTB a Scam or a Safe Broker?
XTB has been in the online trading market for years and is fully regulated by several reputable authorities, including the FCA (UK), KNF (Poland), and CySEC (Cyprus). These regulators ensure strict compliance with security standards, making XTB a safe broker. For the international market, XTB is regulated by several international institutions, including the FSC (Financial Services Commission) in Belize and the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority).
Risk warning CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Regulations |
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| Number of CFD asset classes | 6 |
| Broker type | MM |
| Customer support |
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| Deposit from | No minimum deposit |
| Spreads | 0.9 EUR/USD *The value is indicative from the broker's website. The spread amount is variable. |
| Real Stocks and ETFs | |
| Platforms |
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| Instruments CFD | Commodities, Share CFDs, Forex, ETF, Cryptocurrency traded as CFD, Indicies |
| Established | 2002 |
| Web | www.xtb.com |
| Location | Boudníkova 2506/3180 00 Praha 8-Libeň |
| Phone | +420 800 900 110 |
| sales@xtb.cz | |
| Country | Poland, Cyprus, UK |
| Last update: | |
Pros
- Offers real stocks and ETFs
- Automatic investing
- Pays interest on uninvested funds
- Regulated by FCA (UK) and Cysec and under supervision
- Video content and webinars for clients
- XTB is a trustworthy brand established in 2002
Cons
- Does not offer real Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, only as CFDs
Licences and regulation
Broker XTB is authorized and licensed by a number of regulatory bodies around the world, including:
- XTB Limited - FCA (UK) registration no. 522157
- XTB Limited - KNF (Poland)
- XTB International Limited (XTB) - FSC (Belize) License No.: 000302/46
- XTB MENA Limited is authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) under number F006316.
Trading Platform xStation 5
The popular platform xStation 5 is available to its clients, providing access via desktop, tablet, and even mobile phone. Thanks to the practical Web Access system, there is no need to download or install anything. All you need to trade is your internet browser. Advanced charts and technical analysis can be used for efficient trade execution.
The xStation 5 trading platform from broker XTB is a comprehensive tool that meets the needs of both beginner and experienced traders. It offers a range of advanced features and tools that facilitate trading and market analysis.
An essential part of proper risk management is setting Take Profit (profit realization level) and Stop Loss (loss limitation level) levels. The trading calculator helps determine these levels in line with the trader's strategy and risk profile. The trading calculator on the xStation 5 platform from broker XTB simplifies the process of planning and executing trades. This calculator is designed to provide traders with a fast and accurate calculation of key aspects of their trading positions.
The "Advanced Charts and Technical Analysis" feature on the xStation 5 trading platform from broker XTB is a key tool for traders relying on technical analysis for their trading decisions. This feature offers extensive options for analyzing market trends and planning trading strategies. The xStation 5 platform provides a variety of technical indicators and oscillators, such as moving averages, Bollinger Bands, MACD, RSI, and many others. These tools enable traders to identify potential trend changes and recognize support areas.
The "Trade Statistics" feature on the xStation 5 trading platform from broker XTB is an essential tool for evaluating and improving trading strategies. It provides traders with a detailed overview of their trading activity results and offers valuable insights for future decisions. It helps identify which markets a trader excels in and whether they perform better in long or short positions.
Market Depth on the xStation 5 platform is an advanced analytical tool that displays the distribution of buy and sell orders at different price levels, helping traders better understand current market activity and possible future developments. This clear feature is available on both desktop and mobile applications (excluding cash stocks), where it can be activated in the settings. Additionally, the platform offers daily market news via notifications, ensuring you have all important market information and updates directly in the app without searching elsewhere.
Mobile and Desktop Versions
The desktop version of the xStation 5 trading platform from broker XTB is specifically designed to deliver maximum performance and efficiency for serious traders. This platform offers several key advantages:
- Performance and speed: Optimized for desktop computers, xStation 5 ensures a fast response to market events and smooth handling of large data volumes.
- Advanced features: Users have access to all advanced tools and features, including advanced technical analysis, trading calculators, and market depth.
- Stability: The application is stable and reliable, which is crucial for trading in volatile markets.
- User-friendly interface: Intuitive design and easy navigation allow for efficient trade management and market analysis.
For traders who need flexibility and access to markets on the go, XTB offers the xStation 5 mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The mobile version provides:
- Access anytime, anywhere: The mobile app allows traders to monitor markets and execute trades from anywhere, ideal for those away from a computer.
- Full functionality: The app offers most features of the desktop version, including live prices, charts, analysis, and trade management.
- Instant alerts: The mobile app provides instant notifications on important market events or price changes, enabling traders to react quickly.
You can trade non-stop, 7 days a week, however on weekends this only applies to cryptocurrency CFDs. The high liquidity of CFDs is in this case balanced by higher risk, which you should not forget during your activity in the markets.
Through the XTB broker, you can trade stocks, commodities, currency pairs, ETFs and stock indices with a total of more than 8,600 instruments. With spreads starting from 0 pips, which can be both variable and fixed, with financial leverage of 1:30. The minimum transaction volume depends on the individual instrument.
Stocks and ETFs at XTB
Trading real stocks and ETFs with no fees - that's what makes XTB broker appealing for anyone looking to invest in stocks without unnecessary costs. Here, you'll find all the well-known brands like Tesla, Netflix, Amazon, or Apple. And it’s not just about these giants - you can choose from over 4598 stocks across 14 global exchanges plus dozens of ETF funds.
- For a monthly volume of up to 100,000 EUR, you pay no fees. If you exceed this limit, you’ll pay 0.2% (at least 10 EUR) - but by then, we’re talking about significant amounts.
When you buy stocks with XTB, you’re purchasing actual shares in companies - no CFDs or other substitutes. Prices are displayed in real-time, and you don't pay a single extra cent for that. The platform is designed for easy navigation. There's also a sophisticated stock search tool to help you find the exact companies you're looking for.
All stocks in one place, so you don’t have to switch between different platforms. If you encounter any issues, there’s 24/5 customer support to help you resolve them during trading days.
The major markets include the US, Germany, as well as Poland, Switzerland, Norway, or France. Whether you prefer direct investments in stocks or ETF funds, you'll surely find something to suit your needs.
What if you want to buy stocks but can’t afford a full share? That’s exactly what fractional shares are for - you can purchase just a part of a stock. This is particularly useful for expensive stocks, where a single share might cost thousands of dollars.
Thanks to these tools, XTB allows you to invest smaller amounts in large companies. It’s an excellent way to diversify your portfolio across multiple companies, even if you don’t have substantial capital. This means you can include stocks of companies that would otherwise be financially out of reach in your portfolio.
Trading accounts
The foundation of every trading journey is a quality account, and in this regard, XTB truly excels. Account management is entirely free for all active clients, regardless of the account balance. Additionally, there are no restrictions on deposits – they are not only free but there is no minimum amount required for the first deposit. When it comes to withdrawals, XTB is generous as well – withdrawals in major currencies (EUR and USD) over $150 are provided without fees.
XTB’s flagship offering is their STANDARD account, which serves as a comprehensive solution with access to all offered instruments. Since 2020, XTB has also provided the option to trade real stocks with zero commission. All trading takes place on the award-winning xStation 5 platform or its mobile version, xStation mobile. This platform stands out for its intuitive interface and high customizability, making it particularly popular among experienced traders. Users will appreciate advanced chart customization options and regular market commentary.
Trading and Investment Opportunities
Trading and investing no longer require being tied to a computer. XTB has embraced this reality and adapted to modern needs – their platform can go virtually anywhere. Whether you’re lounging at home with a tablet, sitting in a café with a laptop, or checking your positions on the subway via mobile.
So what can you trade? The portfolio is truly diverse. Interested in Forex? No problem. Are you more into indices or commodities? They’re here too. Fascinated by cryptocurrencies or classic stocks? You can choose from over +8600 instruments. If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll appreciate the option to trade over 4598 real stocks from global exchanges.
Investing in real stocks and ETFs is commission-free up to a monthly volume of $100,000, beyond which a fee of just 0.2% applies, with a minimum of $10. You can start investing in stocks with as little as $10, making it accessible to practically everyone. For trading in different currencies, you’ll benefit from a competitive currency conversion fee of 0.5%.
| Assets | Description |
|---|---|
| 4598 Stocks from Around the World | Extensive offering of global stocks covering all major sectors and regions. Ideal for long-term investing and active trading on world markets. |
| 2225 Stock CFDs | Rich selection of CFD contracts on stocks enabling leveraged trading and short selling. Suitable for experienced traders seeking short-term opportunities. |
| 71 Currency Pairs | Complete offering of forex pairs including major currencies and exotic pairs. Low spreads and quality execution for forex trading. |
| 27 Indices | All key global indices including DAX, S&P 500, and NASDAQ. Ability to trade entire regional economies with one click. |
| 27 Commodity CFDs | From gold through oil to agricultural products. Easy access to commodity markets through CFDs with competitive fees. |
| 40 Cryptocurrency CFDs | Wide selection of cryptocurrency CFDs including Bitcoin and altcoins. Ability to speculate on both rises and falls with leverage. |
| 1343 ETFs | Diverse portfolio of ETF funds for passive investing. Great way to diversify with low costs. |
| 218 ETF CFDs | CFD contracts on popular ETFs. Combines the advantages of ETF investing with leveraged trading possibilities. |
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Demo Account
Want to try trading without risk first? XTB offers a free demo account directly within the xStation 5 platform. It’s the ideal starting point for beginners or a testing ground for trying out new trading strategies – and the best part? You risk nothing.
With virtual capital, you can explore how financial markets work in practice. The only limitation? The demo account is available for 30 days. During this period, you can test various trading approaches, strategies, and get familiar with every feature of the trading platform.
Pro tip: If you need to adjust the balance on your demo account, just contact customer support – they’ll gladly assist you.
Leverage for XTB Accounts
The table below provides a clear overview of the maximum allowed leverage values for various types of investment instruments. These values are set in compliance with regulatory requirements and vary based on the risk level of the asset. The highest leverage is available for major Forex pairs, while riskier instruments like cryptocurrencies have significantly lower leverage to protect investors.
| Instrument | Leverage |
|---|---|
| Stock CFDs | 5:1 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 2:1 |
| Gold CFDs | 20:1 |
| Other Currency Pairs | 20:1 |
| Commodity CFDs | 10:1 |
| Precious Metals and Energy CFDs | 10:1 |
| Major Forex Pairs | 30:1 |
Fees
XTB offers highly competitive fees, with spreads on major currency pairs starting at 0.1 pips. Fee transparency applies to all traded instruments. Spreads on cryptocurrency markets are generally wider compared to other instruments. On the other hand, stock and ETF traders can enjoy commission-free stock purchases.
| Name | Fee Description |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | No fee charged |
| Account Management | Free |
| Money Deposit | No fee for deposits via bank transfer. Payment cards - >0.77% of deposited amount (GBP), 0.70% (EUR), 0.95% (USD); 0.85% for PayPal usage |
| Money Withdrawal | No fee above £2,500 |
| Account Inactivity | If the account is not used for 12 months, approximately £220 is charged monthly |
| CFD Overnight Fees | Fee depends on asset type and position (buy/sell) |
| CFD Rollover | Fee dependent on asset type |
| EUR/USD Spread | Variable spreads |
| Cryptocurrency CFD | Trading at very low costs, with minimal spreads starting at 0.22% |
| Real Stocks and ETFs | No fees are charged for transactions with total monthly volume up to 100,000 EUR. However, if the total transaction volume exceeds this limit, a small fee of 0.2% is charged for each additional transaction, with a minimum fee set at 10 EUR. |
| ETF Funds | Completely free up to monthly volume of 100,000 EUR |
| European and US Stocks | Completely free up to monthly volume of 100,000 EUR |
| Czech Stocks | Completely free up to monthly volume of 100,000 EUR |
| Commodities | Variable spreads |
| Currency Conversion, if required | Fee from 0.5% |
XTB also applies the following fees in various situations. The inactivity fee is charged after 12 months of inactivity on the client’s account. As for deposit fees, XTB does not charge any fees for depositing funds into the trading account. However, for withdrawals below $150, a withdrawal fee is applied. This fee does not apply to larger withdrawals.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Deposits to all account types can be made using three payment methods. The first is the traditional bank transfer, followed by card payments. The final option is an online wallet – PayPal.
Deposits can be made in euros, dollars, or other currencies. Conversely, withdrawals can be made by logging into your profile or by calling the customer support line.
Multi-currency Card
XTB, a global fintech player and investment platform, now offers a multi-currency card available directly within the XTB app. This card combines investing and payments into a single super-app, allowing investors to manage their finances efficiently and conveniently. The company also plans to expand by adding more currencies and introducing the option to receive a physical card. This new feature aligns with the company’s strategy to provide users with practical financial tools and strengthen its market position.
- Virtual Mastercard Debit Card – available for cashless payments, online transactions, and cash withdrawals worldwide.
- Integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay – the ability to add the card to your mobile wallet.
- Transactions in 7 currencies – supported currencies include CHF, YEN, THB, NOK, MXN, EUR, PLN, GBP, HUF, RON, USD, CZK, with more currencies planned for the future.
- Free wallet management and transfers – instant transfers between XTB accounts are free of charge.
- Security features – two-factor authentication (2FA), customizable card limits, temporary card freezing, and the ability to generate new cards within the app.
XTB continues to expand its services in European markets, now offering the multi-currency card and eWallet to investors in the Czech Republic and Portugal, with plans to expand to other European markets soon.
Education and customer service
The broker XTB offers a sophisticated educational system that is appreciated by both beginners and advanced traders. XTB likely understands that quality education is the foundation of successful trading, which is why it provides comprehensive learning materials and tools for free.
- Free demo account for safe practice
- Interactive tutorial videos for the platform
- Specialized educational videos
- Regular webinars
- Extensive library of e-books and articles
This consists of online lessons designed to help beginners understand the issues and overcome various challenges. You will also become familiar with the basic principles of both platforms and learn how to operate them. The academy offers a series for those who have already taken their first steps in the world of trading but still welcome the opportunity to learn something new.
These are also categorized by level. Beginners can use them to gain their first experience, while advanced users will also gain new knowledge.
If you need to resolve any discrepancies or couldn't find answers to your questions on the website, the broker provides 24/5 customer support. Customer support is available continuously during business days (24/5), whether you need assistance by phone through a toll-free line, email, or live chat.
What to watch out for?
CFD positions are automatically closed one year after opening. If you plan longer-term investments, it's good to know that there is no such limitation for regular stocks or ETFs, and you can hold them for as long as you want.
Bitcoin, ethereum and other cryptocurrencies are available at XTB only as CFDs. For longer-term holding of cryptocurrencies, it is better to use ETNs (the European version of ETFs), which do not have the time limit for holding positions like CFDs do.
You will pay a 0.5% fee for currency conversions. This applies when you trade instruments in a different currency than the one your account is held in. For example, when purchasing US stocks for 1000 USD from a EUR account, the conversion fee will be 5 USD.
Withdrawals under the equivalent of 150 USD are subject to a 15 USD fee (this may vary depending on the client’s country). For this reason, it’s more advantageous to make less frequent, but larger withdrawals to minimize fees.
Pay attention to whether you are buying real stocks or CFD contracts. Although they may seem similar at first glance, their characteristics and, most importantly, risks are significantly different.
With CFD contracts, the broker is your counterparty in trades. This creates a natural conflict of interest – when you make a profit, the broker loses, and vice versa. It is essential to thoroughly study all associated risks before trading CFDs.
Conclusion and Summary
XTB is a major European broker with over 1 million clients, operating in 13 countries worldwide. Still unsure about your decision? Try trading first with a demo account – it's free and will help you better understand the platform and your trading skills.
The broker offers over 8600 different investment instruments – from stocks to commodities, currency pairs, ETFs, and stock indices. This allows you to spread risk across various types of investments. You can trade both whole stocks and fractional shares (known as fractional rights).
XTB attracts investors with very low fees – spreads (the difference between the buy and sell price) start from just 0 pips. It also offers leverage up to 1:30, meaning you can trade with 30 times the amount of money you actually have. This increases potential profit but also significantly raises the risk of loss. The minimum investment amount varies across different types of investments, so you can choose according to your financial capabilities.
European investors can take advantage of an interesting benefit – commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs up to a monthly volume of 100,000 EUR. Forex CFD fees are also very favorable. Deposits and withdrawals to your account are usually free and processed quickly. Account registration is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes.
However, XTB also has its weaknesses. If you're looking for detailed fundamental stock analysis, you might be disappointed – the platform offers only a limited number of basic indicators and chart tools. And although CFD contracts are appealing for their fast buy and sell options, it's important to remember that they are a high-risk investment tool where you can lose a significant portion of your invested funds.
FAQ
As with any investment, there is a risk of losing money here too. However, it all depends on your investment decisions – XTB itself will not take your money. That’s why it’s important to start cautiously and carefully consider each investment.
It’s simple – just create a demo account on the XTB website. It’s completely free and works just like a real account. This way, you can calmly try out all the features and learn how to trade without the risk of losing real money.
Previously, you could get a free stock, but that offer has ended. Now, you can receive 30€ for referring a friend. XTB currently does not have any promo codes, but occasionally launches interesting time-limited promotions – you can always find them on their website.
Yes, XTB is one of the safest brokers on the market. It is supervised by strict financial institutions such as the Czech National Bank, the UK's FCA, and the Polish KNF. Moreover, they have gained the trust of over a million clients worldwide. For additional peace of mind, they offer deposit insurance – in the EU, your money is protected up to 20,100 € (more precisely, 90% of deposits up to 22,000 €).
Standard account maintenance is free. The only fee you might have to pay is 10 € per month for inactivity. This fee is charged only if you haven’t traded for a year or haven’t deposited any money into the account for 90 days. As long as you trade actively or deposit money into the account, you don’t need to pay anything.
