Lightyear vs DEGIRO: New vs Established (2026)
Lightyear is a newer European broker gaining popularity for its low fees and multi-currency accounts. DEGIRO is the established veteran. Should you go with the newcomer or stick with the proven option?
Fee comparison
| Feature | Lightyear | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| ETF commission | €0 | €1 (Core Selection) |
| Stock commission | Max €1 per order | €2-5 |
| FX conversion | 0.35% | 0.25% |
| Annual fee | €0 | €2.50/exchange |
| Interest on cash | ~1.9% EUR, ~4.2% USD | €0 |
| Multi-currency account | Yes (EUR, GBP, USD) | No (Auto FX) |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Available stocks/ETFs | ~5,500 | ~5,000+ |
The multi-currency advantage
Lightyear's biggest selling point is its multi-currency account. You can hold EUR, GBP, and USD simultaneously. If you buy a US-listed ETF, you convert EUR to USD once, and keep the USD for future US trades. With DEGIRO's Auto FX, you pay the 0.25% conversion fee on every single trade. Over time, Lightyear's approach can save significant money for investors who trade in multiple currencies.
Cash interest
Lightyear pays interest on uninvested cash through money market funds — approximately 1.9% on EUR, 4.2% on USD as of early 2026. DEGIRO pays nothing on cash. If you keep a buffer in your brokerage account, Lightyear rewards you for it.
Track record and safety
DEGIRO has been operating since 2013, has millions of users, and holds a German banking license. Lightyear launched in 2022 and is regulated by the Estonian EFSA with investor protection up to €20,000. DEGIRO has a significant edge on track record and regulatory strength. For a brand-new investor putting their first €1,000 into the market, this matters.
Our verdict
Choose Lightyear if: You want zero-commission ETF trading, value multi-currency accounts, want interest on cash, or prefer fractional shares.
Choose DEGIRO if: You prioritize safety and track record, need access to options/futures, or want the confidence of a German banking license.
Lightyear is the better product on features and fees. DEGIRO is the safer, more established choice. For small to medium portfolios (under €25K), Lightyear is excellent. For larger portfolios, DEGIRO's safety record matters more.
How much do fees actually cost you over 20 years?