🎯 In a nutshell, Trading 212 is a top choice for UK-based traders, offering zero-commission trading and a user-friendly platform. However, its research tools may be lacking compared to competitors.
Key Takeaways
| →Trading 212 offers zero-commission trading and an easy-to-use platform for UK investors. |
| →Access to stocks, ETFs, CFDs, and ISA accounts provides diverse investment opportunities. |
| →Research tools may be limited compared to other platforms, but the user-friendly interface makes up for it. |
| →Always perform your own research and consider your personal investment goals before using any trading platform. |
Introduction: Trading 212 – A UK Favourite?
Table of content
- Introduction: Trading 212 – A UK Favourite?
- What is Trading 212?
- Trading 212 Features and Benefits
- 🎓 A User-Friendly Platform for Beginners and Pros
- 💸 Zero-Commission Trading
- 🌍 Access to Global Markets
- 🏦 Stocks and Shares ISA
- Trading 212 Drawbacks
- 🔍 Limited Research Tools
- 📊 CFD Trading Risks
- Pros and Cons of Trading 212
- Conclusion: Is Trading 212 the Right Choice for UK Investors?
- Trading 212: • Learn more about Trading 212📝
- Trading 212 Overview:
- Trading 212 Guides:
- Trading 212 Reviews:
- Trading 212 Community:
- Disclaimer And General Risk Warning:
- Author & Expert Trader - Financial Analyst:
When it comes to trading platforms in the United Kingdom, Trading 212 has established itself as a popular contender. With its user-friendly interface, commission-free trading, and mobile app, it’s easy to see why it has attracted both experienced and novice traders. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the features and benefits of Trading 212 from a British perspective, as well as discuss some potential drawbacks. So, let’s crack on, shall we? 🇬🇧
What is Trading 212?
Trading 212 is a London-based fintech company that launched its online trading platform in 2013. The platform offers a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, catering to investors with varying levels of experience. Since its inception, Trading 212 has gained significant traction among UK investors, particularly due to its zero-commission trading model and user-friendly mobile app. Let’s dive into the platform’s features and how it compares to its competitors. 🚀
Trading 212 Features and Benefits
🎓 A User-Friendly Platform for Beginners and Pros
One of Trading 212’s main selling points is its user-friendly interface, designed for both beginners and experienced traders. The platform is easy to navigate, and new users can quickly familiarise themselves with the available tools and options. The mobile app, available for iOS and Android, has also received rave reviews for its intuitive design and smooth performance.
💸 Zero-Commission Trading
Trading 212 stands out in the UK market with its zero-commission trading model. Users can trade stocks and ETFs without incurring additional fees, which can lead to significant savings, particularly for active traders. This makes Trading 212 an attractive option for those looking to keep their trading costs to a minimum.
🌍 Access to Global Markets
With Trading 212, UK investors can access a wide range of financial instruments from global markets. Users can trade stocks and ETFs from major exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and NYSE. Additionally, the platform offers CFD trading on forex, commodities, and indices, further diversifying the investment options available.
Trading 212 also provides UK investors with the option to open a Stocks and Shares ISA (Individual Savings Account). This tax-efficient account allows investors to invest up to £20,000 per tax year without paying income tax or capital gains tax on their returns. This feature makes Trading 212 an attractive option for long-term investors looking to maximise their tax savings.
Trading 212 Drawbacks
🔍 Limited Research Tools
While Trading 212’s user-friendly platform is a significant advantage, its research tools may be limited compared to other platforms. For example, the platform offers basic charting tools and fundamental data, but more advanced tools like in-depth analyst reports and market news might not be as readily available. Investors looking for comprehensive research tools may find alternative platforms more suitable.
📊 CFD Trading Risks
It’s essential to note that CFD trading, which Trading 212 offers, carries inherent risks. CFDs are complex financial instruments that can result in rapid losses due to leverage. Therefore, novice investors should exercise caution and ensure they understand the risks involved before engaging in CFD trading.
Pros and Cons of Trading 212
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ User-friendly platform and mobile app | ❌ Limited research tools |
| ✔️ Zero-commission trading | ❌ CFD trading risks |
| ✔️ Access to global markets | ❌ May not be suitable for advanced traders seeking in-depth analysis tools |
| ✔️ Stocks and Shares ISA option | ❌ Customer support may be slow during peak times |
Conclusion: Is Trading 212 the Right Choice for UK Investors?
Trading 212 offers an attractive package for UK-based traders, with its user-friendly platform, zero-commission trading, and access to global markets. The availability of a Stocks and Shares ISA account further enhances its appeal for long-term investors. However, the platform’s research tools may be lacking compared to competitors, and CFD trading risks should be considered before engaging in such trades.
Ultimately, the decision to use Trading 212 will depend on your individual investment goals, preferred trading style, and the importance of research tools for your strategy. It’s crucial to perform your due diligence and explore alternative platforms to determine the best fit for your needs. Happy trading, and may the odds be ever in your favour! 🎩
By Bart Bregman
Fact checked: by Shrijan Dangol
Our broker rankings are based on thorough research and analysis. We put a strong emphasis on transparency, regulatory oversight, and client feedback.
(Data
last updated:
14-09-2023)
🏢Company Background:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance? | Yes | |
| Publicly traded company? | No | |
| Does it offer banking services? | No | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | |
| Country headquarters | UK | |
| Website Language Options | en, ar, de, es, fr, ne, pol, rom, ru, it, chi | |
| Separate Client Funds? | Yes | |
| Non-ESMA Branches Available? | Yes | |
| EU Clients Accepted? | Yes | |
| US Clients Accepted? | No | |
| Canadian Clients Accepted? | No |
📍Elite Signals offers real-time insights
➤ Elite Signals | Stock, Crypto, & Forex
Type of assets offered:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Forex (e.g. USDJPY or EURGBP) | Yes | |
| Options and futures (S&P500 Futures or Crude Oil Futures) | No | |
| Funds Van(ARK invest or BlackRock Equity Dividend) | Yes | |
| CFDs (Google Share in CFD form) | Yes | |
| Cryptos (BTC or ETH) | Yes | |
| Stocks and ETFs (TESL or AAPL) | Yes | |
| Commodities (Gold or Silver market) | Yes | |
| Beginner-friendly (demo-account access) | Yes | |
| Advanced /pro (High-frequency trading, algorithmic trading) | No | |
| Binary option (note this is non-regulated trading, considers EXTREME risk) |
🏛️Tier 1 Regulatory Bodies:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| FSA (Financial Services Authority) | (Body replaced by(FCA) in 2013) | |
| FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | yes | |
| MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) | No | |
| FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) | No | |
| CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) | No | |
| MIFID-ESMA (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) | Yes | |
| ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) | No | |
| IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) | No | |
| SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) | No |
🏛️Tier 2 Regulatory Authorities:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| FMA (Financial Markets Authority) | No | |
| CBR (Central Bank of Russia) | No | |
| FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) | No | |
| SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) | No | |
| DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) | No | |
| CBRC (China Banking Regulatory Commission) | No | |
| CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) | yes | |
| ISA (Israel Securities Authority) | No |
🏛️Tier 3 Regulatory Oversight:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore Regulators | No | |
| MMA (Maldives Monetary Authority) | No | |
| EDR (External Dispute Resolution) | No | |
| FSA (Seychelles Financial Services Authority) | No | |
| SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) | No | |
| FSC (Financial Services Commission, Mauritius) | No | |
| VFSC (Vanuatu Financial Services Commission) | Yes | |
| IFSC (International Financial Services Commission, Belize) | No | |
| CIMA (Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) | No | |
| SVG (St. Vincent & Grenadines Financial Services Authority) | No | |
| FSRC (Financial Services Regulatory Commission, St. Kitts & Nevis) | No | |
| BMA (Bermuda Monetary Authority) | No | |
| BVI (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission) | No |
Max Leverage Options:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Leverage for Non-EU Clients | 300:1 | |
| European Leverage Limits | 30:1 | |
| Leverage in Australia | 30:1 | |
| US Leverage Restrictions | - | |
| Canadian Leverage Rules | - |
📂Account Offerings:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Account Access | Yes | |
| Expiration of Demo Accounts | Yes | |
| Account Currency Choices | EUR, GBP, USD | |
| Standard Accounts | Yes | |
| Micro-lots Accounts | - | |
| Low-cost Account (nano lots) | No | |
| Variable Spread Accounts | Yes | |
| Fixed Spread Accounts | No | |
| Zero Spread Accounts | No | |
| ECN Accounts | No | |
| Swap-Free Accounts | No | |
| Islamic Accounts | No | |
| Professional Trading Accounts | Yes | |
| Active Trader Rewards Program | No |
💰Deposits and Withdrawals:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit Requirements | 1 | |
| Minimum Withdrawal Limits | 1 | |
| Credit Card Options | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro | |
| Bank Transfer Availability | yes | |
| PayPal Support | Yes | |
| Neteller Integration | No | |
| Skrill Compatibility | Yes | |
| Additional Payment Methods | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Giropay, iDeal, Dotpay, Gpay, Maestro, Carte Bleue | |
| Deposit Processing Time | Instant-24 hours | |
| Withdrawal Processing Time | 1-3 business days |
Fees and Charges:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit-related Fees | No | |
| Commissions on Withdrawals | No | |
| Overnight/Swap Charges | Yes | |
| Account Inactivity Fees | No | |
| Currency Conversion Costs | Yes | |
| Are bonus Programs Available? | Yes |
Security Protocols and Measures:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| (2FA) available? | Yes | |
| (SSL) security? | Yes | |
| (AML) Policy Compliance | Yes | |
| Know Your Customer (KYC) | Yes |
🌐Brand Influence:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter Follower Counts | 63.2K |
💹Forex Fixed Spreads:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/GBP Spread Range | 0.8 | |
| EUR/USD Spread Range | 0.8 | |
| USD/JPY Spread Range | 0.8 | |
| GBP/USD Spread Range | 1.8 | |
| USD/CHF Spread Range | 1.5 | |
| AUD/USD Spread Range | 0.8 | |
| USD/CAD Spread Range | 1.5 | |
| NZD/USD Spread Range | 1.3 |
Trade Execution Methods:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Market Access (DMA) | No | |
| Straight Through Processing (STP) | Yes | |
| Electronic Communication Network (ECN) Execution | No | |
| Market Maker Model | Yes | |
| Non-Dealing Desk (NDD) Approach | Yes | |
| First In, First Out (FIFO) Rule Application | No | |
| 4-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes | |
| 5-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes |
Order Types & Tools:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Loss Orders | Yes | |
| Take Profit Orders | Yes | |
| Limit Orders | Yes | |
| Fill or Kill (FOK) Orders | Yes | |
| Trailing Stop Orders | Yes | |
| Margin Call Alerts | Yes | |
| One Cancels Other (OCO) Orders | Yes | |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders | No | |
| Negative Balance Protection Measures | Yes | |
| Minimum Trade Sizes | 0.001 lots | |
| Maximum Trade Sizes | 100 Lots |
Available Asset Classes:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Currency Pairs | 200 | |
| Cryptocurrencies | - | |
| Commodities | 23 | |
| Equities | 3000 | |
| Market Indices | 1595 | |
| Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | 400 | |
| Futures Contracts | 80 | |
| Options Contracts | No | |
| Bonds | 64 | |
| Metals | 6 | |
| Agricultural Products | 10 | |
| Energy Resources | 5 | |
| Interest Rates | No | |
| Penny Stocks | Yes | |
| Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) | Yes | |
| Asset Blends | 0 | |
| Dow Jones Index | No | |
| FTSE 100 Index | Yes | |
| DAX Index | Yes | |
| Nikkei 225 Index | Yes | |
| Gold Market Trading | Yes |
Special Account Features:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Account Manager (MAM) | No | |
| Percentage Allocation Money Management (PAMM) | No | |
| Social Trading Integration | Yes | |
| Copy Trading Support | No | |
| Lot Allocation Money Management (LAMM) | No |
Supported Trading Techniques:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scalping Strategies | No | |
| Hedging Techniques | Yes | |
| Spread Betting Opportunities | No | |
| Automated Expert Advisor (EA) Integration | Yes | |
| Virtual Private Server (VPS) Options | No | |
| Application Programming Interface (API) Support | Yes |
Trading Tools and Features:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| One-Click Trade Execution | Yes | |
| Signal Trading Availability | No | |
| Price Alert Notifications | Yes | |
| Number of Chart Indicators Offered | 41 | |
| Number of Chart Drawing Tools Provided | 20 | |
| Direct Trading From Charts | Yes | |
| Customizable Watchlist | Yes |
Mobile Trading Compatibility:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | |
| iOS App | Yes | |
| Windows Mobile App | No | |
| Mobile Trading Signal Integration | Yes | |
| App for Smartwatches | No | |
| Forex Mobile Trading | Yes | |
| CFD Mobile Trading | Yes | |
| Alert Notifications on Mobile Devices | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting and Drawing Tools | Yes | |
| Languages Supported on Mobile App | en, ar, de, es, fr, ne, pol, rom, ru, it, chi | |
| Watchlist Feature on Mobile App | Yes |
Commodity Offerings:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil Trading | 10 | |
| Natural Gas Trading | 0.03 | |
| Silver Markets | 0.035 | |
| Platinum Trading | 0.9 | |
| Copper Trading | 0.0029 | |
| Soybean Contracts | No | |
| Corn Markets | No | |
| Gold Markets | 0.25 | |
| Lithium Markets | No |
Stock Trading Fees:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Shares | Zero | |
| Amazon (AMZN) Shares | Zero | |
| Invidia Shares | Zero | |
| META Shares | Zero | |
| Ford Motor Co Shares | Zero | |
| Alphabet (GOOGL) Shares | Zero | |
| BP Shares | Zero | |
| Tesco Shares | Zero | |
| Barclays Shares | Zero | |
| Lloyds Shares | Zero | |
| Adobe (ADBE) Shares | Zero | |
| Microsoft (MSFT) Shares | Zero | |
| Nvidia (NVDA) Shares | Zero |
Index Trading Fees:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| FTSE 100 Fee Structure | 0.01 | |
| S&P 500 Fee Structure | 0.005 | |
| Dow Jones Fee Structure | - | |
| Nasdaq Fee Structure | 0.01 | |
| CAC 40 Fee Structure | 0.03 | |
| DAX 30 Fee Structure | 0.04 | |
| Nikkei 225 Fee Structure | 0.015 | |
| Euro Stoxx 50 Fee Structure | 0.025 |
Cryptocurrency Trading Fees: Maker-Taker-Spread
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Ethereum Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Ripple Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Binance Coin Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Cardano Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Solana Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Polygon Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Dogecoin Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Chainlink (LINK) Fees | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Polkadot (DOT) | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% | |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | 0%, 0.10%, Up to 2.4% |
Available Trading Platforms:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| cTrader Desktop App | No | |
| cTrader Web Interface | No | |
| Mirror Trader Platform | No | |
| ZuluTrade Integration | No | |
| MT4 Desktop Interface | No | |
| MT4 Web Platform | No | |
| MT5 Desktop App | No | |
| MT5 Web Interface | No | |
| Tradingview | No | |
| Proprietary Desktop Software | No | |
| Proprietary Web-based Platform | No | |
| Mac-Compatible Platform Options | Yes | |
| Sirix Trading Platform | No |
Education Resources:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Education Offerings | Yes | |
| Webinar Offerings | No | |
| Platform Tutorial Videos | Yes | |
| Beginner-Level Trading Videos | Yes | |
| Expert-Level Trading Videos | No | |
| Tutorial guides | Yes | |
| Terminology Glossary | Yes |
Customer Support Options:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Callback Request Feature | No | |
| Email Support Availability | Yes | |
| Telephone Support | No | |
| Live Chat support | Yes | |
| Offered Support Languages | en, ar, de, es, fr, ne, pol, rom, ru, it, chi |
Research-Tools:
| Data | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Depth Professional Reports | Yes | |
| Social Trading Features - Social Newsfeeds | Yes | |
| Economic Event Calendar | Yes | |
| Daily Email With Trading Ideas | Yes | |
| Analysis From Trading Central (Recognia) | No | |
| Analysis From Delkos Research | No | |
| AutoChartist Tool | No | |
| Trader Sentiment Metrics | Yes | |
| Twitter-Based News Updates | No | |
| Facebook-Based News Updates | No | |
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes |
Trading 212: • Learn more about Trading 212📝
Trading 212 Overview:
Trading 212 Guides:
Trading 212 Reviews:
Trading 212 Community:
Disclaimer And General Risk Warning:
- ► The information provided should not be seen as financial advice and is only intended for entertainment and informational purposes.
- ► Financial asset providers listed offer a variety of financial products and services, including Stocks, Crypto assets, and CFDs.
- ► CFDs are complex instruments with high risk due to leverage. In fact a 77% to 86% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Make sure you understand how CFDs work and evaluate whether you can afford the potential risk of losing your money.
- ► Past performance does not guarantee future results. A trading history of less than 5 complete years may not be sufficient for making investment decisions.
- ► Financial asset providers do not constitute investment advice. The value of your investments can fluctuate, putting your capital at risk.
- ► Cryptoasset investments are highly volatile and may be unregulated in some jurisdictions. Consumer protection may not be available, and taxes on profits could apply.
- ► USA financial asset providers are not affiliated with any specific entity and do not offer CFDs. The platforms take no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the content in this publication, which is based on publicly available, non-entity-specific information.
► Trade with caution and be warned!
Author & Expert Trader - Financial Analyst:
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