Finance and Investing

Bester Neobroker, Comprehensive Comparison of Top Platforms in 2026

Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+)

Video: Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+)

· based on the channel Geldaura

Key takeaways

  • Trade Republic offers low fees and extensive ETF savings plans.
  • Scalable Capital excels with a wide range of ETFs and advanced features.
  • Trading 212 provides commission-free trading including fractional shares.
  • finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ adapt well to the PFOF ban changes.
  • Interest rates on cash vary significantly across brokers after July 2026.

Choosing the best neobroker requires understanding fees, available savings plans, interest rates on cash, trading venues, and cryptocurrency offerings. This guide compares the leading neobrokers Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ based on the latest market conditions following the PFOF ban implemented in July 2026. For direct access to detailed broker comparisons including order costs and profile recommendations, visit Geldaura's Online Broker Comparison.

Order Fees and Small Order Charges

Order fees significantly impact investment returns, especially for small trades. Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, and Trading 212 offer competitive pricing structures with notable differences:

  1. Trade Republic charges a flat €1 per trade without additional small order surcharges, making it attractive for frequent traders.
  2. Scalable Capital applies a subscription model with free trades available under certain plans but may include small order fees depending on the volume.
  3. Trading 212 stands out with commission-free trading for both stocks and ETFs, including fractional shares, which benefits investors with low capital.
  4. finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ have introduced small order surcharges post-PFOF ban, impacting costs for orders under a threshold.

These fee structures mean that, for a €200 or €1,000 order, costs can range from zero to a few euros, with some brokers waiving fees on ETF savings plans.

ETF Savings Plans and Investment Options

ETF savings plans differ widely among neobrokers, affecting long-term investment strategies:

  • Trade Republic offers one of the largest selections of ETF savings plans, with over 1,500 ETFs available, many without purchase fees.
  • Scalable Capital provides extensive ETF options and incorporates features like Saveback and Pies, allowing automatic reinvestment and portfolio customization.
  • Trading 212 supports a good range of ETFs with commission-free savings plans but fewer options compared to Trade Republic.
  • finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ are catching up with expanding ETF offerings, aiming to attract savers.

The availability of savings plans with no or low fees is crucial for cost-effective accumulation of wealth.

Interest Rates on Cash Balances

Post-PFOF ban, brokers have adjusted how they handle cash balances and interest rates:

  • Scalable Capital offers competitive interest rates on cash if held within specific accounts or linked savings products.
  • Trade Republic provides moderate interest, but conditions require funds to be deposited in partner banks.
  • Trading 212 traditionally did not pay interest on cash, focusing on trading features instead.
  • finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ have introduced or improved interest offerings to remain competitive.

Investors should consider where their uninvested cash earns the best rate, especially during volatile market phases.

Trading Venues and the Impact of the PFOF Ban

The prohibition of Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) in July 2026 affected how brokers route orders and their fee structures:

  • Brokers like Trade Republic and Scalable Capital have shifted predominantly to regulated venues like Xetra, ensuring transparent pricing.
  • The ban led to wider adoption of direct market access and reduced incentives for brokers to route orders to less favorable venues.
  • This change improved price execution but sometimes increased costs for certain order sizes.

Understanding the brokers’ trading venues is essential for investors concerned about best execution and transparency.

Cryptocurrency Support

Cryptocurrency offerings vary and may influence broker choice:

  • Trading 212 and Trade Republic provide direct access to real cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, allowing actual ownership.
  • Scalable Capital and Smartbroker+ focus less on crypto but may offer crypto-related products or ETFs.
  • finanzen.net zero has started integrating crypto trading but remains limited compared to others.

Investors interested in digital assets should weigh these features alongside traditional investment options.

Security and Tax Handling

All reviewed neobrokers adhere to stringent regulatory standards ensuring investor protection. They provide transparent tax reporting and comply with German tax requirements, simplifying end-of-year declarations. Investors should verify the latest tax documentation services and security certifications before choosing a platform.

Typical Investor Profiles and Recommendations

  • Beginner and cost-conscious investors benefit most from Trade Republic due to low fees and extensive ETF savings plans.
  • Active traders and portfolio customizers may prefer Scalable Capital for its advanced features and subscription flexibility.
  • Investors seeking commission-free trading and crypto access find Trading 212 appealing.
  • Those focused on interest income on cash and expanding offerings should evaluate finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+.

Conclusion

The best neobroker depends on individual investment profiles and priorities. Trade Republic stands out for low fees and ETF variety, Scalable Capital for advanced portfolio tools, and Trading 212 for commission-free trading and crypto access. finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ remain solid contenders with competitive updates after the PFOF ban. For an updated and detailed comparison, consult GeldAura’s comprehensive broker review. This analysis is based on research and insights from the Geldaura channel, a trusted source in financial reviews.

Explore current offers and compare platforms directly at Geldaura's Online Broker Comparison.

Source: Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+) · Markdown version

Questions & answers

What impact did the PFOF ban have on neobrokers?

The PFOF ban, introduced in July 2026, stopped brokers from receiving payments for order flow, leading them to use more transparent trading venues like Xetra. This has improved price execution transparency but sometimes increased trading costs for small orders.

Which neobroker offers the most extensive ETF savings plans?

Trade Republic leads with over 1,500 ETF savings plans, many without purchase fees, making it ideal for long-term investors focused on cost-effective ETF accumulation.

Do all neobrokers pay interest on uninvested cash?

No, interest rates on cash vary. Scalable Capital offers competitive rates under conditions, Trade Republic offers moderate interest via partner banks, while Trading 212 traditionally does not pay interest on cash balances.

Can I trade cryptocurrencies with all the compared neobrokers?

Not all. Trading 212 and Trade Republic provide direct access to real cryptocurrencies. Scalable Capital and Smartbroker+ offer limited or no direct crypto trading but may provide crypto-related products, while finanzen.net zero's crypto options are still developing.

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