My review of the XTB broker (April 2025)

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XTB, founded in 2002 in Warsaw, is a publicly traded multi-asset broker with a presence in 13 countries. With a rating of 3.7 on Trustpilot from over 1,589 reviews, the platform enjoys a solid reputation with retail investors, particularly in the United Kingdom where it attracts users with its commission-free model on stocks and ETFs, and the quality of its proprietary xStation platform.

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing and thoroughly analysing XTB, and I’ve sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in the United Kingdom.

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can you trust XTB? Is the platform easy to pick up, intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with XTB and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the trader offer vs. other online brokers?

So I went through everything with a fine-tooth comb: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, features, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools etc. Below is my in-depth analysis of the broker XTB (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of XTB?

My overall opinion on XTB

After several months of testing, I can say that XTB is a platform that has truly convinced me with its balance between accessibility and performance. I appreciated the richness of the offer, which gives access to over 5,900 CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, currencies, ETFs and cryptos, but also to stocks and ETFs with no commission (up to £85,000 traded per month). This is rare enough to be highlighted, especially for long-term investors.

The xStation 5 platform pleasantly surprised me. Fluid, clear and equipped with many tools, it allows you to monitor your positions, analyse the markets with around thirty technical indicators, and even filter assets via an integrated screener. Everything is done from a single interface, accessible in both desktop and mobile versions. For those who have never used MetaTrader, the xStation experience is frankly pleasant and more intuitive.

Regarding fees, I've noticed competitive spreads, especially on major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD. The absence of deposit, withdrawal, or custody fees on shares is also a real strong point. However, as is often the case, you need to remain vigilant about overnight fees on CFDs, as well as the £10 charged after 12 months of inactivity.

Finally, in terms of security, there's nothing to complain about. XTB is a publicly traded broker, regulated in the United Kingdom. Client funds are segregated, and clients benefit from negative balance protection. It's a trustworthy environment in which I felt safe to test several strategies, both short and long term.

Which trader profiles is XTB suited for?

=> For novice traders, XTB is an excellent starting point. The interface is clear, uncluttered, and there are numerous educational tools available: video tutorials, live webinars, daily market analysis. In just a few days, I was able to get to grips with the platform without difficulty. The free demo account is also a good way to take your first steps without risk.

=> For long-term investors, access to stocks and ETFs on a commission-free basis is a real asset. I was able to build a diversified portfolio without having to worry about custody or brokerage fees. This is a relevant choice for those who want to invest passively or schedule regular orders.

=> For active CFD traders, XTB offers good market depth, with over 5,900 instruments available, leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients, and fast execution. xStation's charting tools are sufficient for daily technical analysis, and the responsiveness of the support is reassuring when multiplying orders.

However, XTB will be less suitable for traders specializing in copy trading or algorithmic trading. There is no built-in functionality to automatically follow other traders, nor direct access to MetaTrader or an open API to automate complex strategies.

XTB in a few seconds, is:

My review of XTB's security and reliability

XTB is, from my point of view, a very reliable broker for UK investors. It is a well-established player, present in the markets for over 20 years, regulated by solid authorities and registered with the FCA. I have never had the slightest doubt about the security of my deposits or the integrity of the platform. The environment offered is reassuring, especially for traders who want to invest with discipline and seriousness.

My review of the fees, spreads and commissions applied on XTB

What I immediately noticed about XTB was the simplicity of their fee structure. There's no choice between multiple accounts: just one type of real account with identical fees for everyone, whether you're trading spot shares or leveraged CFDs. I was able to test different types of assets without ever having to worry about a change in conditions depending on my profile or the size of my orders.

For stocks and ETFs, there's 0 commission as long as you stay under £100,000 traded per month. Beyond that, it's 0.2%, which remains quite reasonable. In the CFD market, spreads are competitive — I observed an average of 0.6 pip on EUR/USD and transparent fees on cryptos. However, be careful of the £10 monthly inactivity fee after one year without operation.

Let's now look in detail at the broker's fee schedule.

What are the account fees?

I found the fee structure at XTB to be quite balanced. The fact that you don’t have to pay account opening or management fees allows you to focus on your trades. Inactivity is the only line to watch out for, but it only applies after a long period of pause. The 0.5% conversion fees are standard, but can add up if you trade a lot of non-GBP assets.

The minimum deposit is £0, which is very rare among regulated brokers. This allows you to test the platform in real conditions without constraints, even with a small amount, and gradually increase your exposure.

Trader Tip

To avoid conversion fees, I recommend using a service like Wise or Revolut to send your funds in the currency of the asset you plan to trade. And if you are not very active, schedule an alert every 11 months to place a symbolic order and avoid inactivity fees.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

In my opinion, XTB offers one of the most interesting models for investing directly in stocks and ETFs, without using CFDs.

I particularly appreciated the fact that there are no commissions to pay up to £85,000 per month, which allows you to invest regularly without cutting into profitability. No hidden fees, no custody or holding fees, which makes the platform very competitive for the long term.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

XTB allows trading in around fifty crypto-assets only via CFDs. The fees are integrated into the spread, and I found the levels to be quite reasonable on major cryptos like BTC and ETH.

However, this remains less competitive than platforms like Binance for active traders or those looking to stake. But for simple exposure without asset conversion, XTB remains a good integrated solution.

What are the fees on CFDs?

I found the spreads at XTB to be very competitive for most CFD underlyings, especially on Forex and indices. On EUR/USD, I was able to trade around 0.6 pips without commission, which remains among the best of regulated brokers.

On share CFDs, the fees are clear (from 0.08%) and clearly visible before each order. However, as often happens, overnight fees accumulate if you keep a position open for too long, especially on cryptos.

Trader's Tip

If you trade indices or Forex, favour intraday or short-term strategies. This avoids overnight fees, which can quickly eat into your profits if you keep positions open for several days.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on XTB

What I appreciated about XTB was the balance between real investing and active trading. You can build a long-term portfolio of stocks or ETFs without fees, while having access to hundreds of CFDs on all major global markets. I was able to easily switch between spot purchases and leveraged strategies, all on one platform.

The range of indices is particularly comprehensive (more than 40 available), allowing you to diversify your strategies with geographical and sector-specific indices. On the crypto side, we are limited to around fifty assets and only via CFDs, which is sufficient for a classic exposure, but not for staking or a physical portfolio.

Overall, the depth of the XTB offering allowed me to test different approaches, from swing trading to DCA on stocks, without ever feeling limited.

My opinion on the platform

As a trader, I really appreciated the user experience on the xStation 5 platform. It's a very successful proprietary interface, fluid, ergonomic, with all the essential functionalities integrated directly. I didn't feel any lack, even coming from universes like MetaTrader or TradingView, because the tools are there: indicators, interactive chart, screener, statistics on your performance, etc.

What I found particularly useful was the ability to manage everything from a single interface, whether on desktop or mobile. Even when monitoring my orders on the go, I was never frustrated. The only drawback is the lack of automation or native copy trading. For very technical or algorithm-oriented profiles, you will have to turn to the API, which requires a certain level.

Trader Tip

Take the time to configure your workspace on xStation 5 with your favourite assets, filters and chart types. Once everything is set up, you save valuable time at each trading session and avoid execution errors related to rushing.

Customer reviews: what users think of XTB

XTB has an average rating of 3.7/5 on Trustpilot, based on 1,589 reviews at the time of analysis. The feedback is mostly positive, although some users express specific criticisms. Overall, the level of satisfaction remains good, especially on the educational aspects and the ease of use of the platform.

The most frequently cited positive points by users are the simplicity of the interface, the quality of customer service, and the effectiveness of the educational tools offered (videos, webinars, analyses). Many also appreciate the commission-free access to stocks and ETFs, the speed of account opening, and the fluidity of the mobile application.

However, some reviews raise criticisms about customer service, including longer than expected response times. Some users also mention some complexity in placing CFD orders, or the lack of advanced tools for technical analysis compared to other platforms such as TradingView or MetaTrader.

Examples of customer reviews:

• SCHULLI (16 February 2025): "The platform is ergonomic, easy to use, and the tools are numerous. Execution is fast, and customer service is dynamic. I give it 5 stars." 
• Ouassini Bekaddour (25 February 2025): "For me, this is the best broker, by far. Top-notch customer service, excellent platform, no problems for years." 
• Anonymous Client (23 February 2025): "With XTB for 6 years, never had a withdrawal problem. Lots of training videos, and an advisor always available without abusive reminders." 

Account Opening, Deposits and Withdrawals on XTB

Account Opening

In my experience, opening an account with XTB was one of the fastest on the market. I completed my registration in less than 10 minutes, and my account was validated within hours. Here are the main steps:

• Complete the online form with your personal and tax information.
• Answer a financial knowledge questionnaire to validate your investor profile.
• Upload your identity document (card or passport) and proof of address (bill, receipt, bank statement).
• Wait for validation (usually within 24 hours).
• Immediately access the client area with the possibility to test the platform in demo mode or make a first deposit.

✅ Good to know

The XTB demo account is unlimited in time and can be reloaded at will, which is perfect for thoroughly testing xStation 5 without pressure.

XTB Deposits and Withdrawals

I found the deposit and withdrawal system at XTB to be very clear and secure. Bank transfer remains the primary method, with execution within 1 to 3 business days. I tested a deposit by card: it was credited instantly. Withdrawals are also easy to make from the client area, and always sent to an account in your name.

Trader Tip

If you regularly make partial withdrawals, remember to always withdraw at least £100, otherwise a fixed fee of £10 will apply. To avoid this cost, consolidate your withdrawals or wait until you have reached this minimum threshold.

Account Types Available on XTB

XTB offers a very simple and transparent account structure. Unlike other brokers that offer multiple account types depending on spreads or commissions, here everything goes through a single account, whether you are a beginner or a more active trader. I appreciated this approach: no surprises, no differentiation based on the client, the same conditions apply to everyone. There is still a distinction between access to the live account, the demo account, and the instruments available (spot or CFD).

✅Good to know

The real account with XTB gives access to all available instruments: CFDs, shares and ETFs on the spot market, from a single platform (xStation 5), with a single login. It's practical and uncomplicated.

Conclusion: should you invest with XTB?

After several months of testing XTB daily, I can say that it is a platform I readily recommend, especially if you are looking for a reliable, transparent and accessible broker. I liked its ease of use, the efficiency of the xStation 5 platform, and especially its commission-free model for investing in stocks or ETFs in cash (up to £100,000 per month).

The absence of a minimum deposit is also a real plus for small portfolios. And in terms of CFDs, the spreads are competitive, the instruments numerous, and the security is irreproachable thanks to full regulation in the United Kingdom and registration with the FCA.

In short, whether you are a long-term investor or an active trader, XTB is a serious, well-designed, and sufficiently comprehensive platform to cover all trading styles.

Nishadh Mohammed

Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.