Freedom24 Review 2026: Fees, Safety, Pros and Cons

Freedom24 is the European brokerage arm of Freedom Holding Corp, a company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker FRHC. Regulated by CySEC in Cyprus, Freedom24 gives European investors access to 15 global stock exchanges from a single account. That includes major US, UK, and European markets, along with products like bonds, options, and futures that most retail-focused brokers skip entirely. It is a solid option for investors who want broader market access than the typical commission-free platforms offer, though it comes with a few trade-offs worth understanding before you open an account.

Pros and Cons

After testing Freedom24 and comparing it against other European brokers, here is where it stands out and where it falls short.

Who Is Freedom24 For?

Freedom24 works best for European investors who have outgrown the basics and want more than just stocks and ETFs. If you are looking to trade US stock options, invest in bonds, or access exchanges like the Athens Stock Exchange or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that most retail brokers do not cover, Freedom24 fills a gap that few competitors address.

It is also a reasonable choice for investors who value having a NASDAQ-listed parent company behind their broker. The combination of CySEC regulation and Freedom Holding Corp's public reporting requirements adds a layer of transparency that smaller, privately held brokers cannot match.

That said, Freedom24 is probably not the right fit if you are a beginner investing small amounts. The lack of fractional shares means you need enough capital to buy whole shares, and the per-trade commission structure makes it less cost-effective for frequent small orders. If you want commission-free trading with fractional shares, platforms like Trading 212 or Interactive Brokers may serve you better.

Fees and Commissions

Freedom24 offers two fee plans for new clients: Smart and All-inclusive. Neither plan has a monthly subscription fee, which is a positive. However, the commission structures are quite different, so the right choice depends on your trading style and account size.

For most retail investors, the Smart plan is the better choice. With a flat EUR 2 base commission plus EUR 0.02 per share, it is straightforward and affordable for occasional trades. If you buy 50 shares of a stock, you pay EUR 3 total. That is competitive, though not as cheap as commission-free brokers.

The All-inclusive plan makes more sense for high-net-worth investors or those who want a personal account manager and the DAS (Direct Access System) trading platform. The percentage-based fee structure can add up quickly on larger orders, so run the numbers before committing.

Other Fees to Know About

Beyond trading commissions, Freedom24 charges a few fees that are worth flagging:

• Withdrawal fee: EUR 7 per bank transfer, or 0.65% for card withdrawals (minimum EUR 2). This is not unusual, but compared to brokers like Trading 212 that offer free withdrawals, it is a drawback.
• Portfolio transfer: EUR 100 per security. If you hold 10 different stocks and want to transfer them elsewhere, that is EUR 1,000. This creates meaningful lock-in and is one of the highest portfolio transfer fees we have seen.
• Account closure: EUR 100. Another cost that makes leaving expensive. Worth being aware of before opening an account.
• Real-time market data: EUR 1.25 per month. A small fee, but one that most competitors include for free.
• Custody fee: None.
• Inactivity fee: None.

The absence of inactivity and custody fees is a genuine positive, especially for long-term, buy-and-hold investors. But the withdrawal, transfer, and account closure fees add friction that could be annoying if your situation changes.

Market Access and Products

This is where Freedom24 genuinely stands apart from most European retail brokers. With access to 15 stock exchanges, the platform covers markets that competitors like Trading 212 and many others simply do not offer.

The full list of exchanges includes:

• US: NYSE, NASDAQ, OTC Markets
• UK: London Stock Exchange (LSE)
• Germany: Xetra
• France, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal: Euronext (Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon)
• Spain: BME
• Italy: Borsa Italiana
• Austria: Vienna Stock Exchange
• Greece: Athens Stock Exchange
• Asia: Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)

Beyond stocks, Freedom24 offers over 1,500 ETFs, government and corporate bonds, US stock options, NANOS options (smaller-sized options contracts), and futures. This range of products is closer to what you would find at Interactive Brokers than at a typical mobile-first broker.

However, there are some notable gaps. Freedom24 does not offer fractional shares, which means you cannot invest small amounts into expensive stocks like those in the S&P 500 that trade at several hundred dollars per share. There is no crypto trading either, and no CFDs. For investors who want everything under one roof, these absences may be a dealbreaker.

Platform and Apps

Freedom24 provides its own proprietary trading platform called TraderNet, available as a web application, desktop software for Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Huawei devices.

The web platform is clean and functional. It includes real-time quotes, charting tools, an order book, and portfolio analytics. We found the interface straightforward enough for everyday investing, though it is not as polished or intuitive as some of the newer mobile-first platforms. Active traders may appreciate the desktop application, which offers more screen space and faster order execution.

One thing Freedom24 does not support is MetaTrader (MT4 or MT5). If you rely on MetaTrader for your trading workflow, this is not the broker for you. However, for most stock and ETF investors, the native platform covers what you need.

Freedom24 also provides in-house analyst research, including investment ideas and market analysis. This is a feature you typically only see at full-service brokers, and it can be valuable for investors who appreciate professional insights alongside their own research.

Safety and Regulation

Freedom24 is operated by Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, which holds a CySEC license (CIF 275/15) and is authorized across the European Economic Area. As a member of the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), clients are protected up to EUR 20,000 if the firm becomes insolvent.

What sets Freedom24 apart from many European brokers is its parent company. Freedom Holding Corp is publicly listed on the NASDAQ (ticker: FRHC), which means it is subject to US SEC reporting requirements and regular audits. The company also holds an S&P credit rating of BB. While that is not investment grade, it places Freedom Holding Corp firmly in the speculative grade category rather than junk territory, and it provides more transparency than you get with privately held brokers.

Freedom Finance Europe has physical offices in multiple European countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Bulgaria. This is a positive indicator of operational commitment to the European market.

That said, EUR 20,000 in investor protection is the standard CySEC minimum. It is notably lower than the GBP 85,000 offered by FCA-regulated brokers in the UK or the EUR 100,000 cash protection available through some banking-licensed brokers. For large account balances, this is worth considering.

Customer Service

Freedom24 offers customer support Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 21:00 CET. You can reach the team by phone, email, or through the in-app chat. Support is available in over 24 languages, which is a strong point for a broker serving investors across Europe.

If you are on the All-inclusive plan, you also get a dedicated personal account manager. This can be helpful for complex queries about options trading, portfolio transfers, or tax-related questions. We found response times reasonable during business hours, though outside of market hours, responses can be slower.

One common criticism we have seen in user feedback is that support quality can vary depending on the office and the complexity of the question. Simple account queries are handled quickly, but more technical or compliance-related issues may take longer to resolve.

Welcome Bonus

Freedom24 currently offers a welcome bonus of up to 20 free stocks, each worth between $3 and $800. This promotion has been running for some time and keeps getting extended, so it may be available when you read this, but we recommend checking the latest terms.

For full details on how the bonus works, eligibility requirements, and how to claim it, we have a dedicated Freedom24 welcome bonus article with everything you need to know.

How Freedom24 Compares

To put Freedom24 in perspective, we compared it against two popular alternatives for European investors: Trading 212 (commission-free, mobile-first) and Interactive Brokers (professional-grade, global access). Each broker serves a different type of investor, so the "best" choice depends entirely on your priorities.

Freedom24 vs Trading 212: Trading 212 wins on cost, offering commission-free stock trading, free withdrawals, and fractional shares. Freedom24 wins on market access and product range, particularly with options and bonds. If you are a beginner or investing small amounts, Trading 212 is likely the better starting point. If you need broader exchange coverage, Freedom24 has the edge.

Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers: IBKR offers access to over 150 exchanges, lower FX fees, fractional shares, and is generally considered the gold standard for serious investors. Freedom24's advantages are a simpler interface, the welcome bonus, and arguably easier onboarding. If you are an experienced investor willing to navigate a more complex platform, Interactive Brokers offers more for less. Freedom24 sits somewhere in between as a middle-ground option. For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, see our Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers comparison.

The Bottom Line

Freedom24 occupies an interesting niche in the European brokerage landscape. It offers significantly more market access and product variety than most mobile-first brokers, while being simpler to use than professional platforms like Interactive Brokers. The CySEC regulation, NASDAQ-listed parent company, and S&P BB rating provide a reasonable level of credibility and transparency.

The main drawbacks are the commission-based fee structure (in a market where many competitors offer commission-free trading), the lack of fractional shares, and the high costs for portfolio transfers and account closure. These exit fees deserve careful thought before committing.

For European investors who specifically want access to multiple global exchanges, options trading, bonds, or analyst research, and who trade in moderate volume, Freedom24 is a legitimate option worth considering. But for investors who primarily want to buy and hold stocks and ETFs with minimal fees, other brokers likely offer a better overall package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freedom24 safe and legitimate?

Yes. Freedom24 is operated by Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, which is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license CIF 275/15. It is also backed by Freedom Holding Corp, a company publicly listed on the NASDAQ (ticker: FRHC) with an S&P credit rating of BB. Clients are protected under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) for up to EUR 20,000.

What are Freedom24's main fees?

On the Smart plan, stock commissions are EUR 2 + EUR 0.02 per share. There is no monthly fee, no inactivity fee, and no custody fee. Withdrawals cost EUR 7 via bank transfer. Portfolio transfers cost EUR 100 per security, and account closure costs EUR 100. Real-time market data is EUR 1.25 per month.

Does Freedom24 offer fractional shares?

No. Freedom24 does not support fractional share investing. You need to purchase whole shares, which can be a limitation when investing in high-priced stocks. If fractional shares are important to you, brokers like Trading 212 or Interactive Brokers offer this feature.

How long does account opening take?

Opening a Freedom24 account typically takes 1 to 3 business days. The process involves completing an online application, submitting identity verification documents, and passing a suitability assessment. Once approved, you can fund your account and start trading.

Which countries does Freedom24 accept?

Freedom24 accepts clients from most European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The company has physical offices in Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Bulgaria. It is not available to residents of the United States.

Does Freedom24 offer cryptocurrency trading?

No. Freedom24 does not offer cryptocurrency trading. The platform focuses on traditional financial instruments including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures. If you want crypto alongside stocks, you would need a separate platform.

What is the Freedom24 welcome bonus?

Freedom24 offers a welcome bonus of up to 20 free stocks, each worth between $3 and $800. The promotion is available to new clients and has been extended multiple times. For full details and eligibility requirements, see our Freedom24 welcome bonus guide.

How does Freedom24 compare to Trading 212?

Trading 212 is better for cost-conscious investors, offering commission-free trades, free withdrawals, and fractional shares. Freedom24 is better for investors who need broader market access (15 exchanges vs Trading 212's more limited selection), options trading, or bonds. The right choice depends on whether low fees or product range matters more to you.

Can I transfer my portfolio to Freedom24?

Yes, Freedom24 supports incoming portfolio transfers. However, be aware that the cost is EUR 100 per security transferred. If you hold many different stocks or ETFs, the total transfer cost can add up significantly. It is worth calculating the total fee before initiating a transfer.

Trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may lose some or all of your initial investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.