# How to Choose the Best Neobroker for Your Investments

Compare Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ to find the best neobroker for your trading needs.

Source: https://ssarm.shop/how-to-choose/ · based on the channel [Geldaura](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMdEGKQGh2UFJZcNNQtFPA) · Video: [Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELGE2jcN4RA) · 2026-09-28

![How to Choose the Best Neobroker for Your Investments](https://ssarm.shop/how-to-choose/how-to-choose.webp)

## Key takeaways

- Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ are top neobrokers in 2026
- PFOF ban in July 2026 reshaped fees, trading venues, and interest rates
- Order fees vary by size; some brokers charge small order surcharges, others do not
- Scalable offers the largest ETF savings plan selection with innovative features like Saveback and Pies
- Interest rates on cash differ; some brokers pay more but require cash to be held in specific accounts

Choosing the best neobroker for your investments requires careful evaluation of fees, available savings plans, interest rates, trading venues, and asset offerings. In 2026, major players like Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ compete closely, each excelling in different areas. The ban on payment for order flow (PFOF) in July 2026 has significantly impacted broker economics, leading to changes in costs and market execution quality. For a comprehensive and up-to-date comparison, check [the best online brokers comparison by Geldaura](https://geldaura.com/vergleiche/beste-online-broker-2026/).

## Order Fees and Small Order Surcharges
Order fees remain a crucial factor when selecting a neobroker. In 2026, all five brokers were compared based on the cost of executing 200- and 1,000-euro orders. Trade Republic and Trading 212 generally offer zero commission for standard orders, but small order surcharges vary:

1. **Trade Republic** charges no fees for small orders, making it ideal for investors who trade frequently in small amounts.
2. **Scalable Capital** has introduced a tiered pricing model; their free plan includes some surcharges on small trades, while the premium plan offers more commission-free trades.
3. **Trading 212** maintains zero commissions with no small order fees, appealing to beginners and active traders alike.
4. **finanzen.net zero** applies small order surcharges but compensates with a wide range of ETFs and savings plans.
5. **Smartbroker+** uses a mixed model, with some fees on smaller trades but competitive rates overall.

## ETF Savings Plans and Innovative Features
ETFs savings plans are particularly important for long-term investors focusing on cost-efficient portfolio building. Among the reviewed brokers:

- **Scalable Capital** leads with the most extensive ETF savings plan offering, including thousands of ETFs.
- They also feature Saveback, a cashback program on ETF purchases, and Pies, which allow automatic portfolio pie allocation, simplifying diversified investments.
- **Trade Republic** offers a solid range of ETF savings plans with no commission fees.
- **finanzen.net zero** also provides a competitive ETF plan selection with some unique features.

## Interest Rates on Cash Balances
Interest rates on cash parked in brokerage accounts can impact overall returns, especially in low-yield environments. Post-PFOF ban, brokers adjusted their interest policies:

- **Smartbroker+** offers the highest interest rates but requires funds to be held in specific cash accounts.
- **Trading 212** and **Trade Republic** provide reasonable interest but with different account conditions.
- **Scalable Capital** has a competitive interest offer aligned with premium subscription plans.
- **finanzen.net zero** offers standard rates without special conditions.

## Trading Venues and the Impact of the PFOF Ban
The July 2026 ban on payment for order flow reshaped where brokers execute trades and how they price them:

- Brokers like **Trade Republic** have shifted more volume to Xetra and other regulated exchanges, ensuring transparent pricing.
- **Scalable Capital** and **Trading 212** adjusted their routing policies to comply with the new regulations, sometimes affecting order execution speed.
- The ban benefits investors by reducing conflicts of interest but may slightly increase explicit fees.

## Cryptocurrency Availability
Access to real cryptocurrencies distinguishes some neobrokers:

- **Trade Republic** and **Trading 212** offer direct trading of real cryptocurrencies, not just derivatives.
- Other brokers like **Smartbroker+** and **finanzen.net zero** focus more on traditional assets but may offer crypto-related products.

## Matching Brokers to Investor Profiles
Choosing the best neobroker depends on your investment style:

- For cost-conscious, frequent small traders, **Trade Republic** and **Trading 212** stand out.
- Investors seeking broad ETF savings plans and innovative features will appreciate **Scalable Capital**.
- Those prioritizing interest on cash balances might prefer **Smartbroker+**.
- Beginners or those valuing a broad asset universe might consider **finanzen.net zero**.

## Useful Links
- [Best Online Brokers Comparison by Geldaura](https://geldaura.com/vergleiche/beste-online-broker-2026/)
- [Geldaura Homepage](https://geldaura.com/)

## Conclusion
Selecting the best neobroker in 2026 involves balancing fees, available products, interest rates, and trading conditions. The PFOF ban has improved transparency but changed fee and venue dynamics. Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ each have unique strengths suited to different investor needs. For detailed, up-to-date analysis, the [Geldaura comparison](https://geldaura.com/vergleiche/beste-online-broker-2026/) remains an excellent resource. This article is based on Geldaura's thorough review and reflects the latest market conditions and regulations.

## Questions & answers

**What impact did the PFOF ban have on neobrokers?**

The payment for order flow (PFOF) ban in July 2026 eliminated brokers' ability to receive payments for directing order flow to specific trading venues. This increased transparency and reduced conflicts of interest but led brokers to adjust fees and trading venues, sometimes increasing explicit costs for investors.

**Which neobroker offers the most ETF savings plans?**

Scalable Capital offers the widest selection of ETF savings plans among the neobrokers, including thousands of ETFs, along with innovative features like Saveback cashback and portfolio Pies that automate investment allocation.

**Are there fees for small orders with these neobrokers?**

Small order surcharges vary: Trade Republic and Trading 212 typically charge no fees for small orders, while Scalable Capital, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ may apply surcharges depending on the plan or trade size.

**Do all these neobrokers support cryptocurrency trading?**

Not all do. Trade Republic and Trading 212 provide access to real cryptocurrencies for trading, while others like Smartbroker+ and finanzen.net zero focus mainly on traditional assets but may offer crypto-related products or derivatives.
