Why Open a CTO?
The Compte-Titres Ordinaire (CTO) is an essential investment tool for anyone looking to access a wide range of financial assets without the restrictions of the PEA. Unlike the PEA, it has no deposit limit and allows investments worldwide.
Advantages of a CTO
- No deposit limit: Invest as much as you want, without a cap like the PEA.
- Access to global markets: US stocks (Apple, Tesla...), Asian markets, bonds, commodities, cryptocurrencies...
- Ability to buy fractional shares: Invest in expensive stocks like Amazon with just a few euros.
- Leverage and derivatives: Some brokers allow you to amplify your positions (use with caution).
- No withdrawal restrictions: Your money remains available at any time, unlike the PEA, which has a holding period.
Disadvantages of a CTO
- Less favorable taxation: Gains are subject to the 30% flat tax (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions), whereas the PEA offers tax exemption after 5 years.
- Risk of hidden fees: Some brokers charge currency conversion, inactivity, or withdrawal fees that must be monitored.
- Less incentive for long-term investing: Without tax benefits for holding investments, some investors may be tempted to trade frequently, which can reduce profitability.
What Assets Can You Buy with a CTO?
A CTO provides almost unlimited access to financial markets:
- Stocks from all geographic regions: Europe, US, Asia, etc.
- Global ETFs: US indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100), Asian and emerging markets…
- Bonds and commodities: Invest in gold, oil, or government bonds.
- Derivatives: Options, futures, CFDs, etc. (for experienced investors).
- Cryptocurrencies: Some brokers allow the purchase of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets.
👉 In summary, the CTO is a flexible and powerful tool, ideal for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and access all asset classes without restrictions. However, taxation and fees must be carefully managed to maximize returns.
CTO Comparison 2025
Brokers and Banks Analyzed
We compared the offers of 13 brokers and banks:
- Bourse Direct
- Boursobank
- Crédit Agricole
- DEGIRO
- eToro
- Fortuneo
- Interactive Brokers
- Saxo Bank
- Scalable Capital
- Shares
- Trade Republic
- Trading 212
- XTB
Country of Domicile and Investor Protection
| Broker / Bank | Country | Year Founded | Investor Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourse Direct | France | 1996 | €70,000 |
| Boursobank | France | 1998 | €70,000 |
| Crédit Agricole | France | 1885 | €70,000 |
| DEGIRO | Netherlands | 2008 | €20,000 |
| eToro | Israel | 2007 | €20,000 |
| Fortuneo | France | 2000 | €70,000 |
| Interactive Brokers | USA | 1993 | €20,000 |
| Saxo Bank | Denmark | 1992 | €70,000 |
| Scalable Capital | Germany | 2014 | €20,000 |
| Shares | France | 2021 | €70,000 |
| Trade Republic | Germany | 2015 | €70,000 |
| Trading 212 | UK | 2004 | €20,000 |
| XTB | Poland | 2004 | €20,000 |
⚠️ Note: Foreign brokers require a tax declaration in France (Form 3916).
Available Stocks and ETFs
| Broker / Bank | Stocks Available | ETFs Available | Automated Investment | Fractional Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourse Direct | +22,000 | +19,000 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Boursobank | +3,500 | +645 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Crédit Agricole | ? | ? | ❌ | ❌ |
| DEGIRO | +30,000 | +7,000 | ❌ | ❌ |
| eToro | +6,000 | +700 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fortuneo | ? | +2,300 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Interactive Brokers | +47,000 | +15,000 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Saxo Bank | +23,000 | +7,000 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Scalable Capital | +7,800 | +2,000 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shares | +1,700 | +280 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trade Republic | +7,500 | +2,000 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trading 212 | +8,000 | +2,000 | ✅ | ✅ |
| XTB | +3,000 | +350 | ✅ | ✅ |
👉 Interactive Brokers and DEGIRO offer the widest selection of stocks. 👉 eToro, Trade Republic, and XTB allow fractional share investing.
Fees and Account Opening Conditions
| Broker / Bank | Minimum Deposit | Custody Fees | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourse Direct | €0 | 0.036% per year (excl. Euronext) | €10 |
| Boursobank | €0 | €0 | €100 |
| Crédit Agricole | €0 | 0.25% per year (max €2.50) | ? |
| DEGIRO | €0.01 | €0 | €0 |
| eToro | $50 | €0 | $10 |
| Fortuneo | €100 | €0 | €0 |
| Interactive Brokers | €0 | 0.05% | €0 |
| Saxo Bank | €0 | 0.08% | €0 |
| Scalable Capital | €1 | €0 (Prime ETFs) | €0 |
| Shares | €5 | €0 | €2 |
| Trade Republic | €0 | €0 | €1 |
| Trading 212 | €10 | €0 | €1 |
| XTB | €1 | €0 | €10 |
👉 DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, and Trade Republic have the lowest entry fees. 👉 Boursobank and Fortuneo are ideal for long-term investing with no custody fees.
Useful Links
💡 Still unsure which broker is best for you? Try our interactive simulator to compare fees based on your investment strategy!