Broker comparison

Lightyear vs.
N26 Trading

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Lightyear has a higher rating of 4.1/5 compared to N26 Trading (3.7/5). Lightyear offers 3 instrument types, while N26 Trading offers 2. N26 Trading is BaFin-regulated, while Lightyear is supervised by FCA/EFSA. N26 Trading has been in the market since 2013, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Lightyear offers FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market, while N26 Trading offers Stocks/ETFs from €0.90 (10 free trades/month with Metal plan), crypto spread ~1.5%.

Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts

German neobank with integrated stock trading

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsLightyear App, Lightyear WebN26 App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Government BondsStocks, ETFs
Options tradingNoNo
Fee model€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee€0 commission (included in N26 Metal), spread-based
Minimum deposit1 €1 €
RegulationFCA/EFSABaFin
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Lightyear

Lightyear App, Lightyear Web

N26 Trading

N26 App

Product types

Lightyear

Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds

N26 Trading

Stocks, ETFs

Options trading

Lightyear

No

N26 Trading

No

Fee model

Lightyear

€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee

N26 Trading

€0 commission (included in N26 Metal), spread-based

Minimum deposit

Lightyear

1 €

N26 Trading

1 €

Regulation

Lightyear

FCA/EFSA

N26 Trading

BaFin

More information

Lightyear

Details

N26 Trading

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee

Published fee
€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
Minimum deposit
1 €
Spread figure
FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market
See terms at provider

€0 commission (included in N26 Metal), spread-based

Published fee
€0 commission (included in N26 Metal), spread-based
Minimum deposit
1 €
Spread figure
Stocks/ETFs from €0.90 (10 free trades/month with Metal plan), crypto spread ~1.5%
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsGovernment Bonds
StocksETFs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Lightyear App · Lightyear Web

Lightyear offers its own mobile app for iOS and Android as well as a web platform. The app impresses with a modern, minimalist design and intuitive user experience. Users can trade stocks, ETFs, and government bonds, create watchlists, and track their portfolio in real time. The platform supports multi-currency accounts and provides basic charting features.

Explore platform

N26 App

N26 Trading is exclusively available through the N26 banking app for iOS and Android. The trading feature is seamlessly integrated into the banking interface. Users can buy stocks and ETFs, view their portfolio, and purchase fractional shares. The user interface is extremely simplified, offering basic price information but forgoing professional charting or analysis tools.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

FCA/EFSA

Regulatory information

BaFin

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts

  • No commissions on stocks and ETFs
  • Multi-currency accounts without exchange fees
  • Modern, user-friendly app
  • Relatively new broker
  • Limited product range

German neobank with integrated stock trading

  • Integrated into N26 banking app
  • BaFin-regulated German bank
  • Fractional shares available
  • Very limited stock selection
  • No professional trading tools

Find the broker that fits

Lightyear oder N26 Trading?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Lightyear and N26 Trading?
Lightyear: €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee. N26 Trading: €0 commission (included in N26 Metal), spread-based. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Lightyear or N26 Trading?
Lightyear offers Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds. N26 Trading offers Stocks, ETFs.
How are Lightyear and N26 Trading regulated?
The broker profiles list FCA/EFSA for Lightyear and BaFin for N26 Trading. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Lightyear or N26 Trading better for beginners?
Lightyear lists a 1 € minimum deposit and offers Lightyear App, Lightyear Web. N26 Trading lists 1 € and offers N26 App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Lightyear vs N26 Trading: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Lightyear (4.1/5, 500 reviews) and N26 Trading (3.7/5, 450 reviews) depends on your needs. Lightyear: Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts. N26 Trading: German neobank with integrated stock trading.
How do spreads compare between Lightyear and N26 Trading?
Lightyear offers typical spreads of FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market. N26 Trading offers Stocks/ETFs from €0.90 (10 free trades/month with Metal plan), crypto spread ~1.5%. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.

Your next step

Your next step