Trading 212 Review

Company background

Trading 212 is a broker and investing platform focused on commission-free investing. It offers stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, investment pies, ready-made pies, a multi-currency investing account, interest on uninvested cash, ISA and SIPP access, and CFD access. The platform highlights long-term investing while also offering account features such as portfolio transfers and a payment card linked to the Invest account.

Fees and pricing

Trading commission is Free and the custody fee is Free. The FX fee is 0.15% when converting funds or trading with currency conversion. Bank transfer deposits are Free. Deposits via Cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay and other methods are Free up to £2,000 cumulative and cost 0.7% after that. Trading 212 does not charge for withdrawals, although third-party banks or processors may charge their own fees.

The minimum deposit, minimum withdrawal and minimum buy or sell order are £1, €1 or $1. Stock and ETF minimum trade values are also £1, €1 or $1. Government and issuer charges may apply, including 0.5% UK stamp duty, a £1.5 PTM levy on UK share trades worth over £10,000, a 0.4% French financial transaction tax, a FINRA fee of $0.000195 per share and possible ADR fees of $0.01-$0.05 per share each year.

Regulation and safety

Trading 212 operates through regulated entities. Trading 212 UK Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the FCA, Trading 212 EU GmbH is authorised and regulated by BaFin, Trading 212 Markets Ltd. is authorised and regulated by CySEC, and Trading 212 AU PTY LTD is regulated by ASIC.

Invest account assets are held separately from Trading 212's own assets with appointed custody partners including Interactive Brokers and Bank of New York Mellon. Uninvested cash in an Invest account is covered by the FSCS up to £120,000 where applicable. Trading 212 also describes daily reconciliations, due diligence, asset segregation and annual reviews of its safeguarding processes.

Platform experience

Trading 212 promotes a mobile app for account access and investing. The account supports multiple currencies, fractional share investing from £1 and automated investing through Pies. Investors can choose ready-made pies or build their own from stocks and ETFs.

Pros and cons

The main strengths are Free trading commission, Free custody, low minimum transaction amounts, fractional shares from £1, portfolio transfers that are automatic, paperless and free, and a stated 0.15% FX fee. The main limitations are specific charges around card and wallet deposits after £2,000 cumulative, physical card issuance, ATM use beyond the monthly allowance, and government or issuer charges on some shares.