Scalable Capital vs Trade Republic vs Flatex Germany 2026
If you’re investing in Germany in 2026, you’ve probably stumbled across these three names. Scalable Capital, Trade Republic, and Flatex all dominate the German broker market, but they’re built for different types of investors. We’ll break down their fees, features, and real-world performance so you can pick the right one for your money.
Quick Comparison Table
| Broker | Starting Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Scalable Capital | €2.99 per trade | Active traders |
| Trade Republic | €1 per trade | Beginners |
| Flatex Germany | €4.95 per trade | Long-term investors |
Scalable Capital: Best for Active Traders
Pricing
Scalable Capital charges €2.99 per trade as their standard fee. If you’re an active trader making multiple trades daily, this adds up fast compared to competitors. They also offer a premium tier with slightly different pricing options for power users.
Their ETF savings plans come with very low fees, which is where they shine. You’ll save money if you’re building a long-term portfolio through automatic monthly investments.
Pros
- Lowest fees overall for active trading
- Best reputation according to user reviews
- Up to €2,500 switching bonus available
- Works smoothly for frequent traders
- Strong mobile app experience
Cons
- €2.99 per trade isn’t free like some competitors
- Steeper learning curve than Trade Republic
- Premium features cost extra
Who It Suits
You should pick Scalable Capital if you’re making trades weekly or more often. The €2,500 switching bonus alone can cover hundreds of trades, making it the smart choice for active investors. Their reputation is solid, and this sub is flooded with positive stories compared to their competitors.
If you’re comfortable with slightly more complex platforms and want to save money long-term, Scalable Capital wins. Professional traders and serious investors love this broker.
Trade Republic: Best for Beginners
Pricing
Trade Republic offers €1 per trade, which is the cheapest among these three. They market themselves as super simple and mobile-first, so lower costs make sense for their approach.
Commission-free ETF and stock savings plans are included, making it affordable for monthly investors too. The €1 flat fee is hard to beat for someone just starting out.
Pros
- Cheapest trades at €1 each
- Absolutely fabulous mobile app
- Perfect for beginners and first-time investors
- Evolving fast with new features
- Simple, simplifyd interface
Cons
- Limited stock selection available
- This sub has flooded with horror stories
- Customer support issues reported
- Less suitable for professional traders
Who It Suits
Trade Republic is perfect if you’re investing for the first time. You’ll love the clean app, low fees, and straightforward process. New investors shouldn’t overthink this choice.
However, read the reviews carefully. While the platform works smoothly most of the time, some users report serious customer service problems. If something goes wrong, you might struggle to get help quickly.
Flatex Germany: Best for Long-Term Investors
Pricing
Flatex charges €4.95 per trade, making them the most expensive of the three. This isn’t ideal if you’re trading frequently, but it’s reasonable for long-term buy-and-hold strategies.
Their strength lies in ETF savings plans and long-term portfolio building, where you’ll appreciate the flexibility and range of products available.
Pros
- Widest range of investment products
- Good for long-term wealth building
- Flexible account options
- Established, trusted brand
- Professional customer support
Cons
- €4.95 per trade is expensive
- Not ideal for active traders
- Interface feels dated compared to competitors
- Mobile app isn’t as polished
Who It Suits
You’ll want Flatex if you’re buying ETFs monthly and holding them for years. The extra fee doesn’t matter much when you’re trading just a few times per month.
If you value a traditional broker with customer support you can actually reach, Flatex delivers. They’re the most established of the three and perfect for conservative investors who want reliability.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Scalable Capital | Trade Republic | Flatex Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Fee | €2.99 | €1 | €4.95 |
| ETF Savings Plans | Very low fees | Commission-free | Flexible options |
| Stock Selection | Broad | Narrow | Very broad |
| Mobile App | Excellent | Fabulous | Good |
| Web Platform | Good | Limited | Excellent |
| Customer Support | Good | Poor | Excellent |
| Sign-Up Bonus | €2,500 | None | None |
| Switching Bonus | Yes | No | No |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy | Medium |
| Best For Frequency | Weekly+ trades | Monthly trades | Monthly trades |
Which One Should You Pick
Scenario 1: You’re a Complete Beginner
Trade Republic is your answer. You don’t need to overthink this. The app is beautiful, fees are lowest at €1 per trade, and everything is obvious. Download it today and start investing.
Just be aware that if you need help, customer service might be slow. But for your first few months of building good habits, you won’t need much support anyway.
Scenario 2: You’re an Active Trader Making 10+ Trades Monthly
Scalable Capital wins here. Your €2.99 fee per trade is worth it for the €2,500 switching bonus and better reputation. You’ll make back that fee difference quickly with the bonus.
The platform is built for traders like you. It’s faster, more reliable, and the community trust is noticeably higher. Don’t settle for cheap if you’re trading frequently.
Scenario 3: You’re Building Long-Term Wealth With ETFs
Flatex or Scalable Capital both work, depending on your needs. If you value customer support and want the widest product range, pick Flatex. If you want the best balance of fees and features, pick Scalable Capital.
Trade Republic’s narrow stock selection becomes a problem if you want to diversify beyond their limited offerings. You’ll outgrow it quickly.
Scenario 4: You Want to Switch From Your Current Broker
Scalable Capital’s €2,500 bonus makes this easy. That’s real money in your pocket. Even if you’re slightly more comfortable elsewhere, the bonus justifies the switch.
Calculate your switching bonus value. If you make just 20 trades, Scalable Capital pays for itself. This is a limited-time offer worth taking seriously.
Real-World Performance in 2026
According to real user data, Scalable Capital has the best reputation right now. Their platform works smoothly for active traders, and they’re constantly improving features.
Trade Republic works beautifully for beginners but has documented customer service issues when problems arise. The app is still evolving fast, which is positive, but you’re taking a small risk on support quality.
Flatex remains stable and trustworthy. They won’t blow your mind with innovation, but they won’t let you down either. This appeals to risk-averse investors who value predictability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple brokers at the same time?
Yes, absolutely. Many German investors use Trade Republic for casual ETF purchases and Scalable Capital for active trading simultaneously. There’s no rule against holding accounts with all three.
This approach lets you exploit each platform’s strengths. You’re not locked in, so don’t overthink the decision.
Which broker has the best mobile app in 2026?
Trade Republic edges out Scalable Capital here. The UI is cleaner, it loads faster, and navigation feels more intuitive. However, Scalable Capital’s app is close behind and improving regularly.
Flatex’s mobile app is functional but feels behind the times. If you’re trading mostly on your phone, Trade Republic or Scalable Capital win.
What happens if a broker goes bankrupt?
Your money is protected up to €100,000 per broker through German investor protection regulations. All three brokers are regulated and insured, so your investments are safe.
This is another reason why Flatex appeals to cautious investors. They’re fully established and the most unlikely to disappear.
Which broker has the cheapest ETF savings plan?
Scalable Capital and Trade Republic both offer commission-free ETF savings plans. Flatex offers flexible options but with slightly higher costs.
If you’re investing €100 monthly in ETFs, Scalable Capital and Trade Republic will save you money over a decade. That difference grows significantly with larger amounts.
The Final Verdict
There’s no single winner across all categories, but there is a clear winner for most people: Scalable Capital.
Here’s why. Scalable Capital balances low fees with excellent reliability and customer support. The €2,500 switching bonus is genuinely valuable. Their reputation is proven, unlike Trade Republic’s mixed reviews. They’re more modern than Flatex while remaining professional.
If you’re just starting out with your first €500, Trade Republic is fine. If you’re serious about building wealth and making informed investment decisions, Scalable Capital is the clear choice.
Flatex works if you specifically want the broadest product range and don’t care about modern design. Otherwise, you’re paying extra fees for an outdated experience.
Our recommendation: Start with Scalable Capital. Take the switching bonus. Use their platform for at least six months. You’ll understand why active traders prefer them once you experience the speed and reliability firsthand.