XTB at a glance
Short verdict: XTB combines an accessible xStation interface with real shares and ETFs in supported markets and a separate leveraged CFD range. It is not one identical global account: the serving entity, product list, fee schedule and compensation scheme depend on residence.
| Scope | Entity | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | XTB Limited | FCA-regulated account with eligible FSCS claims and local product terms. |
| European Economic Area | XTB Limited or another disclosed group branch | CySEC or local branch terms; compensation and product availability must be checked in onboarding documents. |
| International fallback | XTB International Limited | Belize FSC entity; segregation is disclosed but UK and EU compensation limits do not transfer. |
Editorial verdict
XTB is strongest for investors who want a simpler platform than a professional workstation and can verify whether an instrument is marked as a real stock or ETF rather than a CFD. xStation, education and research are strong retail features. The main risk is treating a brand-level product headline as a universal local offer.
The neutral rating remains 8.5/10. Usability and platform quality support the score; entity variation, FX costs, inactivity conditions and leveraged-product risk limit it.
Decision summary
- Choose XTB if your local entity offers the real shares or ETFs you need and you value xStation.
- Compare alternatives if you require exchange-traded futures, a consistently broad listed-options range or one global legal structure.
- Main rule: confirm the instrument label and entity before funding or trading.
Who XTB is best for
- European and UK investors using supported real shares and ETFs.
- Beginners who will avoid leverage until they understand CFDs and margin.
- Active users who value xStation charts, news and education.
- International users who have checked the Belize entity and accepted its protection framework.
Entity and country matrix
UK clients are served by XTB Limited, company 07227848, authorised by the FCA under firm reference 522157. XTB's official regulation page identifies XTB Limited under CySEC licence 169/12 for EU residents, although local branches and disclosures can further determine the actual contract. XTB International Limited is registered in Belize under number 000000587 and authorised by the FSC under licence 6442514.
This profile does not promise account availability in every country and does not imply availability to residents of Russia. The account agreement shown during onboarding is controlling.
Real shares and ETFs
XTB distinguishes real stocks with the STC marker from stock CFDs marked STC CFD. Real shares and ETFs are available only where the local entity and product catalogue support them. Fractional Rights are fiduciary economic rights in whole securities held by XTB rather than a separate exchange-traded instrument; they do not create tokenised shares.
Official fee material states zero commission for real stocks, ETFs and Fractional Rights until combined monthly turnover reaches EUR 100,000. Above the threshold the stated commission is 0.2% with a EUR 10 minimum. Local currency and market terms still apply.
CFDs forex and crypto exposure
XTB offers leveraged CFDs on markets including forex, indices, commodities, shares and cryptocurrencies under applicable local terms. Crypto exposure on the reviewed XTB pages is through CFDs: the client does not own or withdraw the underlying cryptoasset. Direct crypto custody is therefore not marked as available.
CFDs can lose money rapidly because of leverage. Retail negative-balance rules and leverage limits depend on entity and status. XTB does not become an exchange-traded futures broker merely because a CFD references a futures market.
Regulation and investor protection
Eligible UK claims against XTB Limited may fall within the FSCS. XTB's current UK client-money page states an investment protection limit of GBP 120,000 per eligible person; eligibility and claim type matter and market losses are excluded. For the CySEC entity eligible retail claims may fall within the Investor Compensation Fund up to EUR 20,000 under its rules.
The international entity discloses segregated client funds under Belize regulation. No UK FSCS or Cyprus ICF limit should be attached to that scope. Segregation and a compensation scheme are different protections.
Fees and account conditions
The reviewed international schedule states a 0.5% currency-conversion margin on transactions and 0.5% fund conversion on business days rising to 0.8% on weekends and holidays. It also states an EUR 10 monthly inactivity fee only when both conditions are met: no position opened or closed for 365 days and no cash deposit for 90 days. Exceptions apply and local documents can differ.
CFD spreads, overnight financing, margin, withdrawals and tax treatment require separate local checks. A zero stock commission headline does not remove FX or product costs.
xStation and account workflow
xStation is available through web, mobile and a supported desktop workflow. It combines orders, charting, market information and education. Users should create watchlists that separate real assets from CFDs and verify the instrument information screen before every first trade.
Red flags to check
- A crypto CFD is described as owned cryptocurrency.
- A UK or Cyprus compensation limit is applied to the Belize entity.
- The EUR 100,000 commission threshold is presented as universal without a local schedule.
- Fractional Rights are described as tokenised or independently transferable shares.
- CFD margin and overnight financing are ignored.
FAQ
Does XTB offer real stocks?
Yes in supported jurisdictions and instruments. Confirm the STC label and local account terms; STC CFD is a derivative.
Can I buy crypto at XTB?
The reviewed official offer provides cryptocurrency price exposure through CFDs rather than direct ownership or withdrawal.
Does XTB charge an inactivity fee?
The reviewed schedule states EUR 10 per month only when both the 365-day trading and 90-day deposit conditions are met, with exceptions. Check the local schedule.
Is XTB protected by FSCS?
Eligible claims under the UK entity may be covered. The protection does not apply globally and does not cover market losses.
Sources and methodology
We reviewed official entity, legal, product, fee, crypto-CFD, Fractional Rights, client-money and compensation materials. Every claim is scoped to a jurisdiction, legal entity and product.
Last checked and update policy
Last checked: 15 July 2026. Recheck after a fee schedule, licence, entity, product catalogue, compensation limit or xStation change.