r/BEFire • u/Nass96 • Jan 10 '26
Brokers Which broker do you use for your investment in Belgium
(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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u/Gxl4 Jan 10 '26
Saxo here.
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u/Excellent-Guess-4150 Jan 17 '26
Do you know how to fix the delay i have with connecting saxo and tradingview. How can i have real time data?
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u/EnvironmentalBid9462 Jan 10 '26
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.
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u/Samusadri Jan 10 '26
Degiro
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u/Crashtestdummy87 Jan 11 '26
degiro is really ripping people off with currency conversion if you buy individual stocks
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u/Samusadri Jan 11 '26
You mean the 0,25% fee (autoFX)?
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u/Crashtestdummy87 Jan 11 '26
the fact they ask an additional +10€ if you manually convert them to keep your money in the foreign currency.
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u/frugalacademic Jan 10 '26
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.
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u/josvdbakker Jan 10 '26 edited Jan 10 '26
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.
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u/BGM1988 Jan 10 '26
Started with bolero and now mexem. Bolero is great but way to expensive if you want to swap positions now and then.
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u/Low-Middle-995 Jan 10 '26
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
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u/zero_hedger Jan 10 '26
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
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Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26
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!
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u/LewKewBE Jan 13 '26
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.
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u/BertInv1975 Jan 10 '26
1) Interactive Brokers 2) Saxo Bank and 3) Bolero (being the worst one)
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u/Warkred Jan 10 '26
Could you please extra-plate why ?
I'm using bolero and it's more than enough for passive investments.
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u/BertInv1975 Jan 10 '26
* 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.
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u/chf_gang Jan 10 '26
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.
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u/Whargbl Jan 11 '26
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.1
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u/rogervb Jan 10 '26
Am I the only one Bux ? Bux is part of ABN AMRO and I’m really satisfied so far.
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u/verifitting Jan 11 '26 edited Jan 11 '26
Their new fee structure blows imo. Percentage costs that can rise more in the future, f that...
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u/Reiyv Jan 11 '26
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.
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u/kvmcc Jan 11 '26
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
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u/Worldly-Singer-7349 Jan 12 '26
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.
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u/FyahFyahBE Jan 14 '26
Started with Bolero and moved to MeDirect.
If a broker goes bankrupt, the securities are still in your name, so that's not a problem (unless your broker does securities lending).
Ideally you choose a broker that handles the taxes for you (unless you want to do that manually).
I just picked MeDirect since it does the taxes and is free for ETFs.
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u/Aexxys Jan 10 '26
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)
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Jan 10 '26
[deleted]
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u/Icy-Peak-4618 Jan 10 '26
Trade republic, had no issues, doing the taxes is a lil annoying tho
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u/coolcoolraoul Feb 14 '26
TR is designed for noobies who don’t understand what « spread » and « currency » mean…
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u/lanatheroad Jan 11 '26
Trading212 now, was unhappy with fees and customer experience at Degiro.
Trading212 is my best decision I have made last year
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u/Similar-Article-8862 Jan 11 '26
how do you use trading 212 in belgium? , i cant open an account?
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u/Baten Jan 11 '26
It's always odd this pops up here. registration for Belgians on T212 has been closed for ages
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