Getting started with XTB
Are you a new investor considering opening a brokerage account at XTB but don't know how to do it? Are you wondering how long the process takes and how difficult it is?
Opening a brokerage account can seem daunting, but we'll show you it's often easier than you think. Account opening at XTB is in fact a great experience that needs no prior knowledge.
Together with my brokerage analyst colleagues, I have thoroughly tested the services of XTB by opening a real-money account. Here’s what you need to know about account opening if you want to start investing with XTB:
-
Account opening at XTB is fully online and takes 1 day.
-
You will need to prove your identity and residency with documents.
-
Choose an account type that suits your needs.
-
You can choose from multiple base currencies.
-
The minimum deposit at XTB is $0.
-
Browse the best brokers for beginners for some great alternatives.
Before we start, let's check if XTB is available in your country:
Account opening at XTB vs other competitors
Account opening at XTB is fully online, meaning you can do it from the comfort of your chair. In fact, you don't even need a chair: you can simply do it on the go on your mobile phone.
See how we rated the account opening experience and how long it takes to get started at XTB compared with its main competitors:
Account opening score
|
5.0 stars | 5.0 stars | 5.0 stars |
---|---|---|---|
Account opening fully online
|
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Time to open account
|
1 day | 1 day | 1 day |
Opening an account is always free of charge, but the time it takes differs from broker to broker. At some brokers, it's as quick as signing up for a new Gmail account. At others, it might take a couple of days as they run a background check on your data. At XTB, it usually takes 1 day to have your account up and running.
Visit broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
Navigating the complexities of trading can be challenging. If you're a new investor, you'll need a broker with a user-friendly trading interface and robust educational materials. So where to find such brokers? Start with our toplist of brokers we rated as good for beginners.
How to get a verified trading account at XTB?
First, you need to go to XTB's website and fill a registration form to apply for an account. It takes the broker a bit of time to review and verify your application - usually 1 day - after which you can make your first deposit and start trading.
Opening a brokerage account is not unlike opening a bank account. As you go through the steps, you’ll find that it is a simple and familiar process. Once your brokerage account is set up, you’ll find that the experience is similar to what you get with a bank account that you use for savings and transactions. See, it’s just another way of managing your money!
The sign-up procedure is usually self-evident; just follow the instructions carefully. Here's what awaits you at XTB:
XTB's account opening process is fully digital, fast, and straightforward. Filling out the forms and submitting all the documents takes around 30 minutes. Once you're done, your account will be verified within a day.
These are the 5 steps of opening an account at XTB:
- Provide your email address and country of residence.
- Add some personal information, like your date of birth and address.
- Select the trading platform and account base currency.
- Answer questions about your employment status, financial status and trading experience.
- Activate your account by verifying your identity and residency.
Some European clients can verify their identity via video chat, which is a great feature.
If video verification is not possible, you must upload a photo or scanned copy of your photo ID, passport or driver's license. Utility bills and bank statements are accepted as proof of residency.
The following steps are typical toward the end of the application process or after verifying your identity:
-
You'll have to fill out a trading experience survey. It might seem scary at first, but it is nothing to worry about. This is standard procedure, as brokers need to make sure that you have some basic financial knowledge and are aware of the risks of trading.
-
Next, you'll have to choose an account type and a base currency.
-
As a final step, you'll need to fund your account before you can start trading.
Visit broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
Which XTB account to choose?
Brokers usually provide multiple account types. When choosing an account, consider how experienced you are in trading, and pick an account that suits your needs. Some factors to take into account: your investment goals, risk tolerance, trading frequency, and any associated fees or account balance minimums.
At XTB, we tested the two most popular account type setups:
- If you are a beginner, go with the 'Standard' account - No commission on trades, 0.5 minimum spread.
- If you are more experienced, choose 'Swap free' account - Swap free setup, no commission on trades, 0.7 minimum spread.
The above apply to retail accounts opened by private individuals. If you're looking to open a brokerage account for your company, see our overview of whether you can open a business investment account at XTB and under what conditions.
Alternatively, find out more about XTB's specific account types in our comprehensive XTB review for 2025.
Which base currency should you choose?
At XTB, you can choose from the following base currencies: EUR, USD, GBP, HUF, PLN. If possible, try to deposit money to your brokerage account in your account's base currency. Better yet, choose a base currency in the first place that you plan to most often use for depositing.
Why is all this important? If you fund your trading account in the same currency as your bank account, you won't have to pay a conversion fee. Conversion fees apply if:
-
You make a deposit in a different currency than the currency of your brokerage account.
-
You trade assets denominated in a different currency than your brokerage account's base currency.
A convenient way to save on currency conversion fees is by opening a multi-currency bank account at a digital bank.
Visit broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
Fund your account and start trading at XTB
Once you have filled out the registration form, uploaded your documents, finished the trading survey and selected your account type and base currency, XTB will verify your account shortly. After successful verification, you need to fund your account to be able to begin trading.
-
Choose your funding method.
-
Enter the amount to be deposited and other necessary details for the transaction.
-
Double-check if payment details are correct.
-
If all looks OK, click to submit your deposit request.
At XTB, the minimum deposit is $0. This means that you can deposit as little money as you wish.
Brokers that don't require a minimum deposit do so to encourage people to try their services without requiring a large initial commitment. Many brokers no longer require a minimum deposit nowadays; so if you want to compare XTB and its rivals along other criteria, you can do so using our broker comparison tool.
At XTB, you have multiple funding methods to choose from when you want to deposit money to your account. Check these options in the following table; and choose the one that's most convenient for you.
Broker | Minimum deposit | Bank transfer |
---|---|---|
XTB | $0 | |
eToro | $100 | |
Capital.com | $20 |
After successfully funding your account, you're all set to start trading.
To explore XTB’s top competitors, head over to our top list of the best brokers for beginners, whose low fees and user-friendly features benefit new investors like you.
Visit broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
FAQ
How do I put money in my XTB account?
You can deposit money to your XTB account using a bank transfer, a credit/debit card, or an electronic wallet such as PayPal or Paysafe. Credit card deposits are fastest but may involve a fee in some countries; while bank transfers are free but take a bit longer. You can initiate deposits after logging in to the xStation platform or your Client Office.
How long does it take to open an account at XTB?
Completing the registration process should take about 15 minutes. Once XTB receives all your information and documents, your account will be approved usually in less than a day.
How long does it take for XTB to approve my account?
Once you have completed the registration form and uploaded all documents to verify your identity, XTB will usually approve your account in less than a day.
How do I know if my XTB account is approved?
You will be notified by email as soon as your account is activated by XTB. You can also log in to the Client Office to check the status of your account.
How much do I need to open an account at XTB?
XTB requires no minimum deposit for newly opened accounts. This means you can start trading with relatively small amounts.
Can I use a debit card to deposit to XTB?
Yes, you can deposit to your XTB trading account using a debit card. Debit card deposits are usually free, although in some countries you will be charged a small fee, usually about 1% or less of the deposited amount.
Can I use PayPal to deposit on XTB?
Yes, you can use PayPal to fund your XTB account if you live in the European Union. Deposits via PayPal are instant and usually free.
Does XTB have a demo account?
Yes, by completing a simple registration form, you'll be good to good for 4 weeks with a demo account. Find 'Demo' at the top of XTB's home page to start the process.
What platform does XTB use?
XTB has a unique web trading platform called the xStation. It's an in-house built solution.
On mobile, there's an app available for both iOS and Android.
If you'd like to download a client to your desktop, you can run a desktop app version of the web platform on Windows (32 and 64 bits) and Mac.
Is XTB good for long term?
If you invest in real stocks and ETFs, then it can be a suitable option. However, real assets are only available in certain European countries.
Investing in CFDs and holding them overnight will trigger a swap point charge or (overnight fee).
Check out this short video for a behind-the-scenes peek into how our experts personally test and evaluate brokers.
Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.