So You Want to Be James Bond... Of the Investment Variety? How to Buy Bonds on Degiro
Let's face it, stocks are all well and good for the thrill-seekers, the heart-pounding market dips and soar highs. But what if you crave a smoother ride, something with a bit more...stability, like a sharply dressed secret agent with a martini in one hand and a briefcase full of, well, not explosives this time? Enter Bonds. Not the tuxedo-wearing, Walther PPK-wielding kind (although that's a cool option too), but financial bonds – the debt securities that pay you back with interest.
Degiro, the Dutch brokerage known for its low fees, can be your Moneypenny in this mission. But before you strap on your imaginary license to invest, let's crack the code on buying bonds through Degiro.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.![]()
How To Buy Bonds Degiro |
Forget "Shaken, Not Stirred," It's "Nominal Value" and "Limit Price"
Unlike stocks where you buy a set number of shares, bonds are a bit different. Here, you'll be dealing with two key terms:
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.![]()
- Nominal Value: This is the fancy way of saying the face value of the bond, kind of like its pre-determined worth. Think of it as the amount James Bond would get if he cashed in that briefcase full of bearer bonds (please don't try this in real life).
- Limit Price: This is where you get to be a secret agent with a plan. It's the maximum price you're willing to pay for a portion of the bond's nominal value. So, if you're feeling particularly frugal, you can set your limit price a tad lower than the asking price – maybe they'll throw in a free exploding pen with the deal? (Okay, probably not, but a man can dream).
Pro Tip: Degiro has a handy dandy guide on placing bond orders [Degiro how to place an order for a bond].
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.![]()
Seeking Out Your Bond on Degiro: A Licence to Browse
Now that you're armed with the lingo, it's time to find your perfect bond. Degiro offers a vast selection, much like a well-stocked MI6 armory. You can browse by government bonds (think reliable like Q Branch) or corporate bonds (offering a bit more variety, like all those cool gadgets Bond uses).
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.![]()
Here are some ways to filter your search and find your ideal investment:
- Issuer: Do you want to back a government or a corporation? Maybe a shady organization with a hidden lair (not recommended)? Degiro lets you filter by issuer.
- Maturity Date: This is when you get your initial investment back, plus all that sweet interest earned. You can choose bonds maturing in a few years or further down the line, depending on your investment goals.
- Credit Rating: Just like Bond wouldn't trust a double agent, you shouldn't trust a risky investment. Degiro lets you see the credit rating of the bond's issuer – AAA being the most trustworthy (think M), and lower ratings indicating a higher chance of default (think Le Chiffre).
Remember: A little research goes a long way. Don't just throw your money at the first bond that shines. Read the prospectus, understand the risks, and make an informed decision.
So You've Found Your Bond, Now What? Placing the Order
Once you've chosen your investment, it's time to place the order. Degiro's platform is pretty user-friendly, but here's a quick rundown:
- Find your chosen bond and click "Buy."
- Enter the nominal value you want to invest (how much of the bond you want to buy).
- Set your limit price (the maximum you're willing to pay).
- Double-check everything and hit "Buy."
And voila! You've just purchased your first bond on Degiro. Now you can sit back, relax, and collect your interest payments like a true financial secret agent. Just remember, with great returns comes great responsibility. Invest wisely, and who knows, maybe you'll even be able to afford that real Aston Martin.