Relai vs Smartbroker+ Comparison

Relai has established itself in the DACH region as one of the best-known Bitcoin-only apps and is especially appreciated by the Bitcoin community. The Swiss company follows a consistent self-custody approach: Bitcoin is held directly in the in-app wallet, and transfers to external wallets, including hardware wallets, are possible. Customers in the EU are served by Relai EU SASU, which has held a MiCA authorisation from the French financial markets authority AMF since 23 October 2025 and, according to the ESMA register, may operate in all 27 member states via the EU passport; in Switzerland, Relai AG is a member of the self-regulatory organisation VQF. Relai is therefore considered to be on solid regulatory footing.

The savings plan functionality is particularly valued, enabling automatic Bitcoin purchases with direct transfer to your own wallet or a hardware wallet. For investors who see Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and place importance on self-custody, Relai is regarded as one of the most accessible solutions. The fee is 1 % per purchase, or 0.9 % with an invite code; the first monthly auto-invest plan up to €100 remains fee-free. Paying by credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay adds 3.0 %.

Since only Bitcoin can be traded, Relai is not suitable for investors interested in altcoins, something occasionally criticized by some users. The minimum amount of 50 € and the setup of external wallet transfers are also seen as room for improvement. Relai is therefore especially suited to Bitcoin-focused investors who want to combine self-custody and automated saving with a regulated provider.

Smartbroker+ is perceived in the DACH region as a multi-asset broker that combines cryptocurrencies with stocks, ETFs, and derivatives on one platform. With 39 tradable cryptocurrencies and custody via Tangany GmbH, which has held a MiCAR authorisation from BaFin since August 2025, the provider is considered to be on solid regulatory footing. Smartbroker AG has notified BaFin under MiCAR that it receives and transmits crypto orders, which are executed via Baader Bank. Trading fees of 0.9 % for crypto are in the mid-range among German neobrokers; the trading venue's mark-up or mark-down and a €1 small-order surcharge below €500 come on top.

Users appreciate that crypto can be bought from as little as €0.01, which enables an especially accessible entry point. Regular investing works through savings plans on 35 crypto ETPs, which run without an order fee. The platform is available via app and web and is aimed at investors who want to manage different asset classes centrally. For users who already invest in stocks and ETFs and want to add crypto as an additional component, Smartbroker+ is seen as a practical solution.

Transfers to or from personal wallets are not possible, and staking is not offered for directly held cryptocurrencies; both are occasionally criticized by users. Deposits come only from the registered reference account, either by SEPA direct debit with funds available within seconds or by bank transfer. Users see room for improvement in the waiting time after registration, and the crypto wallet requires residence in Germany. Smartbroker+ is therefore particularly suitable for securities investors in the DACH region looking for a German broker with BaFin-regulated crypto custody and a broad product range.