RS
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Zero-commission trading across five asset classes backed by a quarter-century of Japanese market expertise.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:3
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 11/2/2026
Rakuten Securities vs DEGIRO: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Choosing between Rakuten Securities and DEGIRO comes down to cost structure, leverage, and market breadth. Rakuten Securities edges ahead with a 3.4/5 rating, commission-free trading, and wider asset coverage, while DEGIRO holds its own with solid FCA regulation.
D
DEGIRO
3.3 / 5Score: 1 / 3
A European-regulated platform offering straightforward access to stocks, indices, and commodities under FCA oversight.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FCA
Overall Winner
Rakuten Securities
Best for Beginners
Rakuten Securities
Lowest Fees
Rakuten Securities
Top Regulation
Rakuten Securities
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | RS Rakuten Securities | D DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Regulation | FSA | FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $1.75/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices | Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Rakuten Securities
$0
DEGIRO
$0
Spreads From
Rakuten Securities
0 pips
DEGIRO
0 pips
Commission
Rakuten Securities
None
DEGIRO
$1.75/lot
Deposit Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
DEGIRO
None
Withdrawal Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
DEGIRO
None
Pros & cons
RS
Rakuten Securities
Pros
- Commission-free trading structure removes a major cost barrier for active traders
- Overall rating of 3.4/5 places it ahead of DEGIRO in our independent assessment
- Leverage up to 1:3 gives traders more flexibility than DEGIRO's 1:1 cap
- Broader market access spanning five asset types versus DEGIRO's three
- Zero minimum deposit makes the account accessible to traders at any budget level
- No deposit or withdrawal fees reduce friction when moving funds in and out
- Long operating history since 1999 suggests institutional stability
Cons
- Leverage of 1:3 is still relatively conservative compared to some global forex brokers
- Regulated only by Japan's FSA, offering less geographic regulatory diversity than multi-licensed brokers
- MarketSpeed II may present a learning curve for first-time traders unfamiliar with professional-grade tools
- Primary focus on the Japanese market may feel less tailored to traders outside that region
D
DEGIRO
Pros
- FCA regulation provides a well-recognized layer of oversight for European traders
- No minimum deposit lowers the barrier to opening an account
- No deposit or withdrawal fees keep funding costs predictable
- Transparent per-lot commission structure makes cost calculation straightforward
- Simple two-platform offering keeps the trading experience uncomplicated
Cons
- Lower overall rating of 3.3/5 compared to Rakuten Securities' 3.4/5
- Maximum leverage capped at just 1:1, far below Rakuten Securities' 1:3
- Charges a per-lot commission of $1.75 versus Rakuten Securities' commission-free model
- Narrower market access with only three asset classes versus five at Rakuten Securities
- Lacks a dedicated professional-grade desktop platform like MarketSpeed II
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Rakuten Securities
Lowest fees Rakuten Securities
Best regulation Rakuten Securities
Better for beginners Rakuten Securities
Rakuten Securities is our recommended pick in this matchup, earning a 3.4/5 overall rating compared to DEGIRO's 3.3/5. It wins on cost efficiency with a commission-free structure, offers higher leverage up to 1:3, and provides access to a broader range of five asset classes including crypto and forex. DEGIRO remains a credible alternative for traders who specifically value FCA regulation or prefer a simpler, more narrowly focused market selection.
Regulation & Safety
Rakuten Securities operates under the oversight of Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), a well-established regulator known for strict compliance standards within the Japanese financial sector. DEGIRO, by contrast, is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), one of the most respected financial watchdogs globally.
Both regulators offer credible investor protections, so the safety comparison largely comes down to where you're based and which jurisdiction's legal framework you'd rather rely on. Traders operating primarily in Asia may find added comfort with Rakuten's FSA oversight, while those in Europe may prefer DEGIRO's FCA coverage.
Neither broker currently holds multiple licenses across several jurisdictions, which slightly limits geographic regulatory diversity for both platforms. Still, both FSA and FCA are tier-one regulators, so neither choice represents a meaningful compromise on safety.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Cost is where Rakuten Securities pulls ahead most clearly. It charges no per-trade commission at all, while spreads start from 0 pips, making it a highly efficient choice for frequent traders.
DEGIRO also advertises spreads from 0 pips, but adds a $1.75 per-lot commission on top of that, which can meaningfully increase costs for higher-volume or high-frequency traders over time.
Both brokers tie in terms of account funding costs, charging no deposit fees and no withdrawal fees. Neither broker requires a minimum deposit, so both are equally accessible to traders starting with limited capital.
Overall, Rakuten Securities offers the more cost-efficient package for active traders, while DEGIRO's commission model may still suit lower-frequency investors who don't mind a transparent per-lot charge.
Trading Platforms & Tools
Rakuten Securities provides three platform options: a Proprietary Web terminal, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the more advanced MarketSpeed II desktop software aimed at serious traders who want deeper charting and execution capabilities.
DEGIRO keeps things simpler with just two platforms — a Proprietary Web interface and a Proprietary Mobile app — which may appeal to traders who prefer a streamlined, no-frills experience.
For traders who want professional-grade tools without migrating to a third-party platform, Rakuten Securities' inclusion of MarketSpeed II gives it a clear edge in platform versatility.
Market Access & Leverage
Rakuten Securities supports a notably wider range of markets, covering stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices — five asset classes in total. DEGIRO's offering is more limited, covering stocks, indices, and commodities.
On leverage, Rakuten Securities again leads with a maximum of 1:3, compared to DEGIRO's 1:1 cap, which effectively means DEGIRO traders cannot leverage positions beyond their deposited capital.
For traders who want exposure to crypto or forex alongside traditional assets, or who want at least modest leverage flexibility, Rakuten Securities is the more accommodating platform of the two.
Company Background & Track Record
Rakuten Securities was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, giving it over two decades of operating history within one of the world's largest financial markets. DEGIRO was founded more recently in 2013 and is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
While both companies are established players in their respective regions, Rakuten Securities' longer track record may offer additional reassurance to traders who weigh institutional longevity as part of their due diligence process.
Our Verdict
After weighing regulation, fees, platform depth, and market access, Rakuten Securities comes out as the stronger overall choice, backed by our rating of 3.4/5 versus DEGIRO's 3.3/5. It offers a commission-free cost structure, higher leverage, and broader market coverage across five asset classes.
DEGIRO remains a solid option for traders who specifically value FCA regulation or who prefer a simpler platform focused on stocks, indices, and commodities. But for the majority of traders seeking value, flexibility, and platform depth, Rakuten Securities offers the stronger overall package.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Rakuten Securities wins overall
Rakuten Securities edges out DEGIRO overall based on our expert rating score.
RS
Highest Rated
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Rakuten SecuritiesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Rakuten SecuritiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Rakuten SecuritiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Rakuten Securities
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Rakuten Securities edges out DEGIRO with a score of 3.4/5 compared to DEGIRO's 3.3/5. Rakuten Securities wins on fee structure, leverage, and market breadth, while DEGIRO still holds appeal for traders who specifically want FCA regulation or a narrower, simpler market focus. Your ideal choice depends on which markets and platform features matter most to your personal trading strategy.
Rakuten Securities offers a commission-free trading structure with spreads starting from 0 pips, making it the more cost-efficient option for frequent traders. DEGIRO also starts spreads at 0 pips but adds a $1.75 per-lot commission on top, which can add up for higher-volume traders. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so funding costs remain equal between the two.
Both Rakuten Securities and DEGIRO require a $0 minimum deposit, meaning either platform is accessible regardless of your starting capital. This makes both brokers suitable for beginners who want to start small and scale their trading activity over time. Since neither charges deposit fees, you can fund your account without incurring extra costs.
Rakuten Securities is regulated by Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), while DEGIRO operates under the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Both are recognized, reputable regulators, so the better fit often comes down to your geographic location and which jurisdiction's investor protections you prefer. Traders based in Europe may lean toward DEGIRO's FCA coverage, while those trading in Asian markets may favor Rakuten's FSA oversight.
Rakuten Securities provides three platform options: a Proprietary Web terminal, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the professional-grade MarketSpeed II desktop software. DEGIRO offers a more streamlined lineup with just a Proprietary Web platform and a Proprietary Mobile app. Traders wanting more advanced charting and execution tools may prefer Rakuten's additional MarketSpeed II option.
Rakuten Securities offers leverage up to 1:3, while DEGIRO caps leverage at 1:1. This makes Rakuten Securities the more flexible option for traders who want to amplify their position sizing, though both leverage levels are conservative compared to many global forex-focused brokers.
Rakuten Securities supports a broader range of five asset classes: stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices. DEGIRO offers a narrower selection focused on stocks, indices, and commodities. Traders seeking crypto or forex exposure alongside traditional assets will find Rakuten Securities the more versatile platform.
Yes, nothing prevents you from maintaining accounts at both Rakuten Securities and DEGIRO simultaneously. Many experienced traders diversify across multiple brokers to take advantage of different market access, platform tools, and regulatory jurisdictions. This strategy can also serve as a practical way to compare execution quality and platform usability firsthand.
Rakuten Securities is generally the stronger pick for beginners thanks to its commission-free structure, zero minimum deposit, and broader market access that allows new traders to explore different asset classes without committing to one. DEGIRO remains a viable beginner option too, particularly for those who want a simpler platform focused on traditional stock and index trading under FCA regulation.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.