Is XTB good for investing?
Independent review by Boring Money
4 Feb, 2025
Investment expert’s opinion
This could be like catnip to more experienced traders. The app is busy and information-rich with a Hot section showing currencies, commodities, stocks, and more, alongside sentiment trackers, candlestick charts and research. This service has CFDs (hardcore derivate-based things) alongside more vanilla options so buyer beware. Not one for beginners. If you can resist the urge to get carried away, the costs for buying and holding UK shares and ETFs here are next to nothing, the interest on cash is super competitive and the News section is punchy for those who like to keep their fingers on the pulse.
*This is the view of investment expert Holly Mackay based on her first-hand customer experience as a test account holder. This does not constitute regulated advice. You can read more about Holly's investments here.
Who is XTB?
XTB is an international online trading platform founded in 2004 in Poland, now operating in multiple countries across Europe, South America and MENA. It's a well-established broker known for its comprehensive trading solutions, particularly in CFD trading and forex markets. It currently serves 2 million customers worldwide.
Who is XTB good for?
- Investors comfortable with more advanced instruments, such as CFDs and Forex
- Active traders looking to buy shares in an ISA for free
- Best for:
- Frequent share traders
- Those interested in leveraged trading
- Investors wanting access to international markets
Pros and cons
Investments
UK and Foreign Shares |
ETFs |
XTB's Investment Plans |
UK and Foreign Shares |
ETFs |
XTB's Investment Plans |
XTB's Investment Plans facilitate passive investment strategies through ETF-based portfolio construction. Account holders may configure automated investment schedules by selecting from 1919 available ETFs. The platform enables commission-free trading for monthly transaction volumes up to EUR 100,000.* Smart Save Plans provide a cost-efficient mechanism for achieving portfolio diversification across multiple market segments.
*For monthly turnover equivalent up to 100,000 EUR. Transactions above this limit will be charged a commission of 0.2% (minimum 10 GBP). 0.5% currency conversion cost may apply. Your capital is at risk. The value of your investments may go up or down.
Accounts
XTB offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and a General Investment Account
Stocks & Shares ISA | Pension (SIPP) | General Investment Account (GIA) | Lifetime ISA | Junior ISA |
✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
XTB launched a Stocks & Shares ISA in December 2024, after initially beginning to offer share dealing in the UK in the summer of 2023. The ISA is completely free, with XTB not charging any account administration charges or dealing fees, making it a compelling option on cost alone. In addition to this, investors have access to both foreign and domestic shares, including more niche European markets alongside the standard US big hitters. There are 1919 ETFs available for purchase.
One of the areas where XTB performed less well in our testing was the user experience on the website/app, where it lacks some of the slickness and navigational ease of competitors. However, for those happy to overlook this, it can be a great place to transact. The education section also offers some interesting pieces of general investment research, covering a wide range of topics, from commodities to forex to AI.
Fees and charges
XTB keeps things simple with no account fees or dealing charges. The only regular fee is a 0.50% charge on foreign exchange transactions. Withdrawals are free for amounts over £50, but you'll pay a £5 fee if withdrawing £50 or less.
Customer reviews
Your opinion matters!
Leave a review for XTB
One of the best brokers out there! great value with good interest and lots of stocks and ETFs - recommended by a friend when they had a great offer live - 10/10
Read More >The GA account website is great, but the ISA is only on a phone app for now. Until they're the same, I give it 3 stars.
Read More >Most asked questions
Is XTB safe?
xtb is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If a fund fails due to fraud or mismanagement, you may be eligible for compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS protection is capped at £85,000 per person, per fund manager (not per individual fund). However, if your investments lose value due to normal market conditions or your investment choices, this is part of the normal risk of investing and is not covered by FSCS compensation.
Can I invest in US stocks with XTB?
Yes, XTB offers stock trading across multiple international markets, including UK, US, and European exchanges.
What is xStation?
XTB's proprietary trading platform, is designed to offer advanced charting, quick execution, and comprehensive trading tools.
Visit the XTB website for more information
Glossary
Not 100% sure you understand something we’ve written in this review?
Discover jargon-free definitions of the most common words and technical terms used in the world of investing.
Risk warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% 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.
*For monthly turnover equivalent up to 100,000 EUR. Transactions above this limit will be charged a commission of 0.2% (minimum 10 GBP). 0.5% currency conversion cost may apply. Your capital is at risk. The value of your investments may go up or down.
All information in this review correct as at 01/02/2025.
