Charles Stanley Direct vs Trading 212 - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Charles Stanley Direct vs Trading 212

Compare Charles Stanley Direct and Trading 212 side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Charles Stanley Direct

Charles Stanley Direct

UK long-term investors and fund holders

Charles Stanley Direct is a UK investment platform launched in 2013, offering stocks, ETFs, funds, bonds, ISA…

VS
Trading 212

Trading 212

Cost-conscious stock and ETF investors

Trading 212 offers commission-free investing in stocks and ETFs, fractional shares from £1, multi-currency ac…

Head-to-head comparison

Charles Stanley Direct vs Trading 212
Feature Charles Stanley Direct Trading 212
Minimum deposit - £1, €1, $1
Stock trading fee £10 per online trade; telephone dealing 1% (min £25, max £100) -
Regulators FCA FCA, BaFin, CySEC, ASIC
Best for UK long-term investors and fund holders Cost-conscious stock and ETF investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
CFDs
-
Bonds
-
Funds
-
Isa
Sipp
Investment Plans
Ready Made Portfolios
Business Account
-
Fractional Shares
-
Money Market Funds
-
Multi Currency
-

Pros & cons

Charles Stanley Direct

Charles Stanley Direct

Pros

  • FCA regulated with FSCS protection
  • Wide range of accounts: ISA, SIPP, Junior ISA, GIA, business account
  • Access to 12,500+ UK and international investments
  • No inactivity fee
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees
  • £50 trading credit every six months offsets dealing costs
  • In-house research and market commentary
  • Flexible ISA feature uncommon among competitors

Cons

  • No demo account
  • £10 per trade for shares, ETFs and investment trusts is among the highest of UK platforms
  • Annual platform fee minimum of £60 disadvantages smaller portfolios
  • Annual fee cap raised to £600 in 2024, increasing costs for mid-size portfolios
  • FX conversion charge of 1% on trades under £10,000
  • Bonds and gilts available by telephone only
  • No fractional shares
  • Basic mobile app lacks advanced charting and research tools
Trading 212

Trading 212

Pros

  • Free trading commission reduces dealing costs
  • Free custody keeps ongoing account costs low
  • Fractional shares start from £1
  • 0.15% FX fee on currency conversions
  • Free bank transfer deposits
  • Trading 212 does not charge withdrawal fees
  • Portfolio transfers are automatic, paperless and free
  • ATM withdrawals are free up to £400 per month

Cons

  • Card and wallet deposits cost 0.7% after £2,000 cumulative
  • Physical card costs £4.95
  • ATM withdrawals above £400 per month cost 1%
  • UK stamp duty is 0.5% on UK share purchases
  • PTM levy is £1.5 on UK share trades over £10,000
  • ADR fees may be $0.01-$0.05 per share each year
  • FINRA fee is $0.000195 per share on US share sales
Charles Stanley Direct

Charles Stanley Direct

Charles Stanley Direct is a UK investment platform launched in 2013, offering stocks, ETFs, funds, bonds, ISA, SIPP and Junior ISA accounts with in-house research.

Visit Charles Stanley Direct Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Trading 212

Trading 212

Trading 212 offers commission-free investing in stocks and ETFs, fractional shares from £1, multi-currency accounts, cash interest, ISA, SIPP and CFD access.

Visit Trading 212 Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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