Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are a popular way to diversify an investment portfolio, and XTB is one of the platforms that offers access to real ETF investing. XTB charges 0% commission on real ETF trades up to a monthly trading volume of $108,000 (≈ €100,000), which may make it an attractive option for many retail investors, depending on their investment needs.
It is essential to become familiar with the ETF investing process at XTB before opening an account. XTB also provides access to a wide range of real ETFs (availability varies by region), giving investors a wide range of investment options across global markets and asset classes, while some users may instead have access to ETF CFDs, which work very differently and are generally not designed for long-term investing.
This XTB ETF investing review 2026 covers ETF fees, ETF types, and other aspects you need to consider as a long-term investor. According to our TradingCritique assessment, XTB earns a score of 8.02/10. For a complete overview of the broker, read our XTB guide.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
What is ETF investing, and why is it popular?
Exchange-traded funds, which are commonly referred to as ETFs, are a type of investment fund holding various assets, including stocks, bonds, and commodities, which are traded in the stock market as if they were ordinary shares. Rather than buying various securities, investors have the ability to invest in the market, industry, or any kind of asset via a single ETF.
The majority of ETFs usually track a certain index or segment of the market and are not actively managed. They are preferred by both novice and advanced investors due to their diversification, cost-effectiveness, and ease of buying and selling during the day. Therefore, ETFs have become a common investment instrument among investors.
Can you invest in ETFs through XTB?
Yes, XTB allows eligible clients to trade ETFs. However, the specific type of ETF offered will depend on the client’s location and the XTB entity that services their account. The most important factor for long-term investors is understanding the difference between real ETFs and ETF CFDs. Our guide to XTB stock trading (Real & CFD) explains this distinction in more detail.
Real ETFs
YOU OWN UNITS OF THE ETFLong-term investing. No leverage. No overnight financing. Dividends according to the ETF structure.
ETF CFDs
NO OWNERSHIP OF THE UNDERLYING ETFShort-term trading. Leverage often available. Overnight financing applies. Dividends reflected through CFD adjustments.
| Features | Real ETFs | ETF CFDs |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own units of the ETF | No ownership of the underlying ETF |
| Investment style | Long-term investing | Short-term trading |
| Leverage | No | Often available |
| Overnight financing | No | Yes |
| Dividend | According to the ETF structure | Reflected through CFD adjustments |
Before placing an order, check that you are buying a real ETF if your goal is to invest for the long term.
First-hand industry insight
Many investors think that XTB’s 0% commission means ETF investing is completely free. In reality, costs like the 0.5% currency conversion fee for foreign-currency ETFs and the inactivity fee can still apply. Understanding these charges before investing will help you estimate the true long-term cost of your ETF portfolio.
How does XTB ETF investing work?
Trading ETFs using XTB is quite straightforward. Once you have opened and verified your account, you will be able to trade ETFs either via the XTB investment platform, xStation 5, or the XTB mobile application. If you live in certain regions, you may be able to buy real ETFs and trade them just as you would trade stocks.
Furthermore, XTB provides investment plans for eligible clients that help to automate the process of investing in ETFs. Below you can see the standard procedure.
- Log in to xStation 5 or the XTB app.
- Find any ETF that is listed in your location.
- Ensure that it’s a real ETF, and not an ETF CFD.
- Determine how much money you wish to invest.
- Pick an order type (for example, a market or limit order).
- Check the estimated costs.
- The ETF will show up in your investment portfolio after executing the trade. If you’re unsure which account is suitable for ETF investing, our guide to XTB account types explains the available options.
Order types
XTB allows the use of all common order types that long-term traders would usually require:
- Market order: Buys and sells at the current market price.
- Limit order: Trades only when the price level of your choice is reached by the ETF.
- Stop orders: Used mainly for risk management purposes.
For traders who want to do regular investing rather than trade each time manually, XTB allows recurrent investments using the auto-invest service in investment plans. Those eligible for the program will be able to create ten plans and invest in selected ETFs according to the allocation.
ETF settlement
Just like any other traded security, ETFs generally follow the same settlement cycle set by the exchange. The settlement duration may vary depending on the ETF listing exchange and market rules. Thus, traders are advised to check ETF characteristics on the platform.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
XTB ETF fees and commission
XTB is able to make ETF investments affordable, especially for those who invest long-term. Even though real ETFs can be traded without a commission within the monthly limit, it may be useful to look at other possible commissions that may depend on your activity and the currency of your ETFs. For a complete breakdown of trading and non-trading costs, see our XTB fees and commission guide.
- Commission on real ETF: 0% up to $108,000 (≈ €100,000) monthly trading volume.
- Commission above the limit: 0.2% (min $11 ≈ €10).
- Currency conversion: 0.5% when purchasing ETFs in a currency other than your account currency.
- Inactivity fee: $11 (≈ €10) for each subsequent month without trading and deposits within 365 days and 90 days after the last deposit.
- Opening an account: $0.
- Custody fees: No custody fees on holdings up to $270,000 (≈ €250,000). Above this amount, a 0.02% annual custody fee applies, with a minimum charge of $11 (≈ €10).
Types of ETFs available on XTB
XTB offers access to a wide range of real ETFs, although the selection depends on your country and the XTB entity that manages your account. Rather than looking into specific funds, it is better to know what types of ETFs can be traded by traders.
| ETF category | Common use |
|---|---|
| Broad-Market Index ETFs | Diversified exposure to a wide range of companies |
| Sector ETFs | Focus on specific industries, such as technology or healthcare |
| Bond ETFs | Exposure to government or corporate bonds |
| Commodity ETFs | Invest in assets such as gold or energy |
| Dividend ETFs | Focus on companies that pay regular dividends |
| Regional ETFs | Exposure to companies in a specific country or region |
The ETFs you have access to will depend on your geographical position and your trading account. Make sure that an ETF is available in your XTB platform before trading it.
Is XTB good for long-term ETF investors?
XTB is a strong option for investors who want a straightforward way to build a long-term ETF portfolio. XTB charges no commission on real ETF trades up to a monthly trading volume of $108,000 (≈ €100,000). XTB is especially suitable for retail traders because of the low cost of transactions and ease of use of its platform.
There are a few aspects worth considering. The 0.5% currency conversion fee is applied when buying an ETF in a currency other than the one used for your account. An inactivity fee is charged on accounts that remain unused for some time. As XTB offers CFD contracts on ETFs, it is important to ensure that you deal with real ETFs if you invest long-term.
Finally, some dedicated investment platforms, such as Trading 212 or DEGIRO, may better suit investors whose sole focus is long-term investing. These platforms often provide investment-specific features that differ from brokers offering both investment products and CFDs.
What beginners commonly consider when choosing ETFs
Many beginners are looking for the best ETF to buy on XTB. In reality, there is no single ETF that is suitable for everyone. The right choice depends on your financial goals, investment horizon, and personal risk tolerance.
- Diversification: Many investors prefer ETFs that spread investments across numerous companies or markets rather than concentrating on a small number of securities.
- Total Expense Ratio (TER): It represents the annual cost of managing an ETF. While these costs are usually relatively low, they can accumulate over many years.
- Currency exposure: If an ETF trades in a different currency from your account, both exchange-rate movements and currency conversion fees may influence your overall investment costs.
- Income distribution: Some ETFs automatically reinvest dividends (accumulating), while others distribute dividends to investors (distributing).
Understanding these factors helps investors select an approach that aligns with their financial objectives. This information is purely informative and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to invest in any ETF.
Tips for beginners investing in ETFs
For beginners who have little or no experience with ETF investments, here are some useful tips to consider before your first investment.
- Learn to distinguish ETFs from ETF CFDs.
- Understand what the ETF invests in before buying it.
- Think about the effect of currency exchange charges when investing in foreign-currency ETFs.
- Be aware of all possible fees, not just trading charges.
- Invest in funds only with the money that you can afford to hold for a considerable period.
- Diversification can help spread risk, but it does not eliminate investment risk.
- Reassess your portfolio rather than react to market changes.
- If you’re new to the platform, opening an XTB demo account is a practical way to become familiar with xStation 5 before investing real money.
XTB ETF investing vs other brokers
Before selecting the trading platform, it may be worthwhile to compare XTB with some of the other well-known brokers that provide ETFs. The features, costs, and investments vary from one broker to another.
| Features | XTB | Trading 212 | eToro | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real ETFs | Yes (region dependent) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETF CFDs | Yes | Limited | Yes | No |
| Commission-free ETF | Yes (within monthly threshold) | Yes | Selected markets | Low-cost pricing |
| Fractional investing | Available in supported markets | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Automated investment plans | Available in supported markets | Yes | Limited | Varies |
| Best for | Long-term and short-term investing | Long-term investing | Social investing | Long-term investing |
Pros and cons of XTB ETF investing
Here is a quick summary of the key pros and cons of XTB ETF investing for beginners to experienced traders.
PROS
- ✓ 0% commission on real ETFs up to the monthly threshold
- ✓ Real ETF ownership available in supported regions
- ✓ User-friendly xStation 5 platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit requirement
- ✓ Regulated by multiple financial authorities
CONS
- ✕ The inactivity fee may affect long-term buy-and-hold investors
- ✕ 0.5% currency conversion fee on foreign-currency ETFs
- ✕ Real ETF availability varies by country and regulatory entity
- ✕ Primarily known as a CFD broker
- ✕ Commission applies above the monthly threshold
Conclusion
XTB is a solid choice for investors looking to build a long-term ETF portfolio. Its commission-free pricing for real ETFs, easy-to-use platform, and strong regulatory oversight make it a popular option for many retail investors.
Before investing, it’s important to understand the full fee structure, including currency conversion and inactivity fees, and to confirm that real ETFs are available in your region. Overall, TradingCritique gives XTB a TC-validated rating of 8.02/10, making it a strong option for investors seeking a regulated platform for long-term ETF investing.
Pro Tip
Don’t let 0% commission be the only factor you consider when choosing an ETF broker. For long-term investors, costs such as XTB’s 0.5% currency conversion fee and inactivity fee can gradually add up and have a greater impact than trading commissions. Always look at the total cost of investing, not just the headline commission-free offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ETF investing on XTB?
ETF investing on XTB lets eligible clients buy and hold real ETFs through the platform. ETFs give you exposure to investments, helping you diversify with a single purchase.
2. Can beginners invest in ETFs using XTB?
Yes, XTB’s easy-to-use platform and commission-free ETF investing (up to the monthly limit) make it suitable for beginners. Just make sure you understand the difference between real ETFs and ETF CFDs before investing.
3. Is XTB good for long-term ETF investing?
Yes, XTB is a good option for long-term investors for its low costs, real ETF investing (where available), and simple platform. However, keep the currency conversion and inactivity fees in mind.
4. How do I buy ETFs on XTB?
Open and verify your account, search for an ETF in xStation 5 or the mobile app, make sure it’s a real ETF, enter your investment amount, and place your order.
5. What ETFs are available on XTB?
XTB offers a range of ETF categories, including broad-market, sector, bond, commodity, dividend, and regional ETFs. The available ETFs depend on your country and account.
6. Can I invest in S&P 500 ETFs through XTB?
Yes, XTB provides access to ETFs that track major US indices, including the S&P 500, where available in your region. Availability depends on your local XTB entity.
7. Does XTB charge commission on ETF purchases?
XTB charges 0% commission on real ETF trades up to $108,000 (≈ €100,000) in monthly trading volume. Above that, a 0.2% commission applies, with a minimum charge of $11 (≈ €10).
8. What is the minimum amount to invest in ETFs on XTB?
XTB has no minimum deposit requirement in many regions. The minimum investment depends on the ETF price and whether fractional investing is available.
9. Can I set up an automated ETF investment plan on XTB?
Yes, in supported regions, XTB’s investment plans let you automatically invest in selected ETFs on a regular schedule.
10. How long does it take to settle ETF trades on XTB?
ETF settlement usually follows the settlement cycle of the exchange where it is traded. Depending on the market, settlement is typically T+1 or T+2. Check the settlement details for your chosen ETF in the XTB platform.
