Which is the Best Neobroker for Your Investment Needs

Key takeaways
- Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ compared
- PFOF ban changed fees, trading venues, and interest rates
- Order fees vary on 200€ and 1000€ trades with some brokers charging no small order fees
- ETF savings plans and Saveback/Pies features differ widely
- Crypto offerings and cash interest rates are key differentiators
When choosing the best neobroker, investors today must consider fees, trading platforms, ETF savings plans, interest on cash, and crypto availability. The top neobrokers in Germany — Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ — have been analyzed extensively to provide clear recommendations tailored to different investor profiles. You can access a full comparison and start registration here: best online brokers 2026.
Order Fees and Cost Efficiency
Order fees are a primary factor in evaluating neobrokers. The recent prohibition of Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) since July 2026 has reshaped fee structures and trading venues. For example, on a 200€ order, some brokers charge fixed fees, while others waive fees entirely for small orders. Specifically:
- Trade Republic generally charges low fixed fees but may apply small order surcharges in some cases.
- Scalable Capital offers flexible pricing models, including a flat monthly fee for unlimited trades.
- Trading 212 often features commission-free trading but may have currency conversion fees.
- finanzen.net zero is notable for zero order fees on many trades, particularly ETF savings plans.
- Smartbroker+ has competitive fees but may include charges on smaller trades.
Understanding these fees is critical to minimizing trading costs, especially for active traders or those making frequent small orders.
ETF Savings Plans and Investment Features
ETF savings plans (Sparpläne) are essential for long-term investors seeking cost-effective portfolio building. Among the neobrokers compared:
- Trade Republic supports a broad range of ETF savings plans with low or no fees.
- Scalable Capital offers various ETF plans plus innovative features like Saveback, which rewards users with cashback on selected ETFs.
- Trading 212 introduces Pies, customizable pie charts for easy portfolio diversification.
- finanzen.net zero provides extensive ETF options with no fees on many savings plans.
- Smartbroker+ has a solid ETF offering but with fewer zero-fee plans.
Investors should weigh the availability and cost of ETF savings plans alongside additional perks such as cashback or automatic rebalancing.
Interest on Cash Balances
Interest rates on uninvested cash have become a competitive feature following recent market shifts. Brokers differ in how they pay interest and on what cash balances:
- Scalable Capital offers some of the highest interest rates but requires cash to be held under specific conditions.
- Trading 212 and Trade Republic provide modest interest on cash holdings.
- finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ offer lower or no interest but compensate with other benefits.
Evaluating interest rates is advisable for investors who maintain substantial cash balances in their brokerage accounts.
Trading Venues and Impact of the PFOF Ban
The PFOF ban eliminated incentives for brokers to route orders to specific trading venues, affecting execution quality and costs. Now brokers primarily use regulated exchanges like Xetra, ensuring transparent pricing.
- Trade Republic and Scalable Capital have adapted by focusing on Xetra and other regulated venues.
- Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ also emphasize regulated exchanges to comply.
This shift enhances investor protection but may affect execution speed and liquidity.
Cryptocurrency Offerings
Crypto trading remains a growing segment but varies widely among neobrokers:
- Trading 212 offers direct trading in real cryptocurrencies.
- Trade Republic recently expanded crypto availability.
- Scalable Capital and finanzen.net zero have more limited crypto options, mostly through ETFs or derivatives.
- Smartbroker+ currently does not support crypto trading.
Investors interested in cryptocurrencies should check broker-specific offerings carefully.
Taxation and Security
All five brokers comply with German tax regulations and provide automated tax reporting. Security measures include segregated client accounts and regulatory oversight by BaFin.
Investors should verify the current terms and conditions as broker policies and market regulations can change.
Conclusion
The best neobroker depends on your trading frequency, investment style, and priorities. Trade Republic excels in low-cost ETF savings plans with broad accessibility. Scalable Capital is ideal for investors seeking innovative features and attractive interest on cash. Trading 212 stands out for commission-free trading and crypto access. finanzen.net zero offers zero fees on many ETF plans, appealing to cost-conscious savers. Smartbroker+ provides a traditional brokerage feel with competitive fees.
For detailed side-by-side comparisons and to find the best fit for your portfolio, visit best online brokers 2026.
This analysis is based on the comprehensive review by the channel Geldaura, which continues to offer independent and updated financial broker tests.
Useful Links
- Full broker comparison and registration: https://geldaura.com/vergleiche/beste-online-broker-2026/
- More independent financial tests: https://geldaura.com/
Source: Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+) · Markdown version
Questions & answers
What are the typical fees for small and large orders among these neobrokers?
Fees vary by broker; some charge fixed fees per trade, others offer commission-free trading for small orders. For example, finanzen.net zero often has zero fees on smaller trades, while Trade Republic charges low fixed fees but may add small order surcharges.
How has the PFOF ban affected trading at these neobrokers?
Since the PFOF ban, brokers no longer receive payments for order routing, leading to greater transparency and increased use of regulated exchanges like Xetra. This benefits investors by improving price fairness but may impact execution speed.
Which neobroker offers the best interest rates on cash balances?
Scalable Capital offers the highest interest rates on cash but requires specific conditions. Trade Republic and Trading 212 provide moderate interest, while finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ offer lower or no interest on cash holdings.
Do all these neobrokers support cryptocurrency trading?
No, cryptocurrency offerings differ. Trading 212 provides direct crypto trading, Trade Republic has expanded crypto options recently, while Scalable Capital and finanzen.net zero mainly offer crypto exposure via ETFs or derivatives. Smartbroker+ does not currently support crypto trading.