BrokerCue

Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs DEGIRO

Compare Alpaca Trading and DEGIRO side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
DEGIRO

DEGIRO

Self-directed investors seeking low account costs

DEGIRO is an execution-only broker with low account costs, ETF and stock trading, options, bonds, funds and c…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs DEGIRO
Feature Alpaca Trading DEGIRO
Minimum deposit - £0.01
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions US Shares: € 1 commission + € 1 handling per trade
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN BaFin, DNB, AFM
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Self-directed investors seeking low account costs
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
-
Demo Account
-
Funds
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
DEGIRO

DEGIRO

Pros

  • No deposit or withdrawal fees
  • No monthly service fees
  • ETF Core Selection has € 0 commission plus € 1 handling
  • Tradegate access allows pre-market and after-hours trading
  • 10-layer Euronext order book supports detailed price depth
  • Analyst Views from LSEG and Infront add research context
  • Custom favourites and notes help track investment ideas

Cons

  • US shares cost € 1 commission plus € 1 handling
  • ETF Core Selection still carries € 1 handling per trade
  • Currency, connectivity and spread costs may apply
  • Investors are not protected by the UK FSCS
  • flatexDEGIRO Bank SE is not authorised by the FCA
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

DEGIRO

DEGIRO

DEGIRO is an execution-only broker with low account costs, ETF and stock trading, options, bonds, funds and crypto investing on web and mobile platforms.

Visit DEGIRO Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Not the right match?

Line up any two brokers side by side, or browse the full list to find your next platform.

Compare another broker Browse all brokers