Trading 212, founded in 2004, has positioned itself as a user-friendly platform that caters to both beginners and experienced traders. Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the platform has earned a reputation for reliability and adherence to stringent financial standards.
- Low minimum deposit reuirement
- Straightforward account opening process
- Wide range of stocks, ETFs and currencies available
- No commissions charged on stocks and ETFs
- Auto Invest is a welcome feature
- The higher spreads my be unsuitable for some traders
- Withdrawals are often limited to the deposit methods
- Rather limited product options
- Limited regulatory protections outside the UK and Europe
Trading212 was founded in 2004 and has gradually become one of the leading brokers in the industry. It offers its diverse range of international clients access to multiple financial markets worldwide. On Trading 212, you can trade on 1,800+ financial assets, which include forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, futures, and other assets.
The brokerage is fully licensed to operate in the UK with an official FCA license, and it is popular with traders from the UK and other parts of Europe. One great advantage of using Trading 212 is that it offers a zero-commission stock trading service, which lets you trade the stock market for free. However, fees are applied to some other advanced services.
Trading 212 has a fully-fledged web trading platform along with mobile apps available on Android and iOS if you want to trade on the go. However, their educational and market research resources on trading 212 are quite limited, and their lack of advanced features may leave some traders, especially forex traders, wanting more.
Regulation & Security
Trading 212 is available in nearly all countries apart from North America (USA and Canada). Currently, the broker is licensed by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSA) in Bulgaria.
The client funds are therefore kept separately in segregated bank accounts under the rules outlined by the FCA. The FSA requires Trading 212 to cover their client’s funds in the unlikely event that the brokerage defaults.
These licenses go a long way in instilling confidence in users regarding the security and integrity of their trading activities. Stringent regulatory oversight ensures that the platform adheres to industry standards, providing users with a secure environment for their financial transactions.
Range of Tradable Assets
One notable aspect of Trading 212 is its extensive range of tradable assets. Users can explore and invest in a diverse array of financial instruments, including:
- Stocks: Access to a wide variety of shares (3000+) from global markets.
- Indices: Offering exposure to different sectors and industries.
- Forex: A comprehensive selection of currency pairs.
- Cryptocurrencies: Providing access to popular digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.
- Commodities: Including oil, silver, gold, platinum, etc.
- Futures and ETFs: Access over 400 ETFs from 7 major stock exchanges
This diversity allows users to create a well-rounded and diversified investment portfolio.
Trading Platforms
Trading 212 offers a proprietary web-based trading platform, available on desktop and mobile devices. The platform is intuitive, making it easy for users to execute trades and navigate the markets seamlessly. Its user-friendly design is particularly beneficial for those new to trading, allowing them to grasp the essentials quickly.
The platform also incorporates features like real-time charts, technical analysis tools, and a user-friendly interface that enhances the overall trading experience.
Trading 212 offers an Auto-Invest feature, which is meant to help traders optimize and diversify their portfolios. It lets you choose between ETFs and shares and create a personal portfolio (“Pie”), which is simply a collection of these assets. You can automate this process, and it’s flexible enough to let you create as many portfolios as you’d like and even allocate funds automatically to your chosen “pies”.
Account Types and Minimum Deposits
Trading 212 simplifies the account types by offering a single account, eliminating complexities for users. The $1 minimum deposit requirement ensures accessibility for traders of all levels, making it an attractive option for those starting with smaller capital.
This approach aligns with Trading 212’s commitment to providing an inclusive platform for individuals interested in entering the world of financial markets.
Spreads and Fees
Trading 212 has adopted a commission-free model, meaning users can trade without incurring commissions on their transactions. The platform generates revenue through spreads, offering a cost-effective solution for non-CFD traders. This fee structure is commendable, especially for those who value predictability in their trading costs.
For CFDs on forex, crypto, and commodities, Trading 212 charges margins based on the spread. Forex spreads start from 0.8 pips, with the averages being a bit higher compared to other brokers. The broker also charges a 0.5% margin alongside the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions.
Payment methods
You can use the following payment methods on Trading 212 for deposits and withdraws:
- Bank Wire transfers
- Debit/credit cards
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Educational Resources
Recognizing the importance of education in trading, Trading 212 provides an array of educational resources. From informative articles to video tutorials, the platform aims to empower users with the knowledge needed to make informed trading decisions. This commitment to education aligns with the platform’s user-friendly approach, catering to both beginners and those looking to enhance their trading skills.
Customer Support
Trading 212 emphasizes responsive customer support to address user inquiries and concerns. The support team is reachable through email and the platform’s in-app chat feature. While the platform strives to offer timely assistance, some users have reported occasional delays in response times during peak periods.
You can get in touch with the support team via phone or email, or fill out a support form on their contact page. Support is available 24/7 in 16 different languages.
How do I Open an Account on Trading 212?
Trading 212 makes it easy to get started. You only need to provide your name and email address to open a demo account, where you can learn the ropes before committing real money. If you’re ready to open a live account, you need to submit and verify your personal information in compliance with their KYC and AML policies.
You will need to provide the following:
- National ID: You need to provide a photo or a scanned copy of your national ID, driving license, or passport to verify your identity.
- Proof of address: You also need to submit a government-issued document such as a utility bill, or a recent bank statement that clearly shows your name and address.
Will I earn dividends on Trading 212?
Yes. If you own shares in ETFs or stocks that pay dividends, then the dividends will be sent to your trading account once they are paid out.
How Long does it take to get my money after a withdrawal?
It will largely depend on your payment method. It may take up to 3 business days for Trading 212 to process your withdrawal request. If you’re using PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller, you can expect the money to arrive almost immediately. For bank transfers and debit/credit cards, it may take an extra 2 to 5 business days for the funds to arrive.
