Order types are the different ways you tell a broker to buy or sell an investment. The type you choose affects price, speed, and whether your trade executes immediately or only when conditions you set are met.

Common order types

Market order. Buy or sell right away at the best available price. Fast and simple, but the final price can differ slightly from what you saw on screen, especially in volatile markets.

Limit order. Set the maximum you’ll pay when buying, or the minimum you’ll accept when selling. The trade only executes if the market reaches your price, or better.

Stop order / stop-loss. Triggers a sale (or buy) when the price hits a level you choose. Often used to limit losses on a position.

Stop-limit order. Combines a stop trigger with a limit price, more control, but no guarantee of execution if the market moves quickly past your limit.

Which order type to use

Market orders suit liquid stocks when you want in or out now. Limit orders help when you care about exact price and can wait. Stop orders support risk management, pair them with a clear plan and risk tolerance.

Order types at bunq

When you trade through bunq Stocks, the app guides you through placing orders with clear pricing. Check in-app help for supported order types and how execution works in your market.

Frequently asked questions

Can a limit order never fill?Yes. If the market never reaches your price, the order stays open or expires according to your settings.

Are market orders riskier?

They’re faster but less price-controlled. In thinly traded stocks, slippage can be larger than expected.

Do order types work the same for ETFs?

Generally yes, ETFs trade on exchanges like stocks during market hours.