Relai vs XTB 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. With a VASP license in Switzerland and an ongoing MiCAR license application, Relai is 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. Fees of 0.9 % are in the mid-range of the brokers compared.

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 Swiss regulation.

XTB stands out as an established, publicly listed multi-asset broker with more than 20 years of market experience and over 2.5 million clients. Its main strengths are a clear, easy-to-use interface and an unusually broad offering of more than 12,300 instruments - including 39 crypto Contracts for Differences alongside real stocks, ETFs, forex and commodities. The 0% commission on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000 in monthly volume, the XTB card and payment account, locally regulated European branches with support in the local language, and the depth of educational material all add to its appeal.

The key thing to understand is how XTB offers crypto: as Contract for Differences rather than as actual coins. That's a deliberate product design, not a defect - Contracts for Differences let you go long or short with leverage and built-in risk controls. But it does mean you never own the underlying crypto and can't move it to a personal wallet. If your goal is self-custody or long-term holding of real coins, a dedicated crypto platform fits better; if you want regulated, flexible price exposure within a single multi-asset account, XTB's approach is a sensible match. Some users also note room for improvement in support responsiveness and app stability.

Overall, XTB is best suited to investors who want a regulated, broadly positioned broker with locally supervised European branches, strong stock and ETF conditions, and integrated crypto Contracts for Differences trading - and who value a simple, clear and intuitive interface over direct crypto ownership.

**Contracts for Differences are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading Contract for Differences with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how Contracts for Differences work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.