What buying an ETF costs
For shares and ETFs on the German exchanges (Xetra), in euros:
| Tiered | Fixed | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 0.05% of the amount + exchange and clearing fees | 0.05% of the amount |
| Minimum per order | €1.25 | €3.00 |
| Maximum per order | €29 | |
| Fractional shares (minimum) | €1.25 | €1.25 |
Source: Interactive Brokers, "Commissions Stocks, Europe", 2 Nov 2026. Amsterdam (Euronext) is similar.
What this means in practice:
- At €100 a month the €1.25 minimum is 1.25% of each purchase, more than the yearly fee of almost any broad fund. The minimum stops mattering at larger amounts: at €2,500, 0.05% is already €1.25.
- For less frequent, larger purchases Interactive Brokers is among the cheaper options.
- Currency exchange: 0.002% of the amount, but at least $2 per conversion. For small amounts, buy the euro listing.
Pros and cons
- Wide choice: many UCITS funds on many European exchanges, searchable by ISIN.
- Where each trade ran: the Interactive Brokers statement shows the exchange or venue of every trade, which matters for tax in some countries.
- A more complex app and statements that take some getting used to.
How to choose a broker
Compare three things: whether it offers exactly your fund (by ISIN), what each purchase costs at your monthly amount, and what it costs to leave. Compare: Trading 212, eToro, Revolut.
Compare two funds How much of the money is the same, fees, countries and the largest holdings side by side. VWCE vs IWDA
Frequently asked questions
How much does buying an ETF at Interactive Brokers cost?
On Xetra in euros: 0.05% of the amount, minimum €1.25 on the Tiered plan (plus exchange and clearing fees) or minimum €3 on the Fixed plan (Interactive Brokers, 2 Nov 2026).
Is Interactive Brokers good for small monthly amounts?
It depends on the amount. At €100 a month the €1.25 minimum is 1.25% of each purchase. Above about €2,500 per purchase the minimum no longer weighs.
How much does currency exchange cost at Interactive Brokers?
0.002% of the amount, minimum $2 per conversion (Interactive Brokers, 2 Nov 2026). For small amounts it is cheaper to buy funds in euros.
Can I buy fractional shares at Interactive Brokers?
Yes, for some shares and ETFs. The minimum commission for a fractional order is €1.25 on the German exchanges.
Sources
- Interactive Brokers, "Commissions Stocks, Europe", Germany section, 2 Nov 2026
- Interactive Brokers, "Commissions Spot Currencies", 2 Nov 2026
This page is educational and not investment advice. Fees change: check them with the broker before you buy.