• Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Low minimum deposit requirement of just £1.
  • Offers both Invest Account and CFD Account.

84.97% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Trade212 Review 2024

Investing Options:

Products & markets:

Deposits & withdrawals:

Fees & costs:

Platforms & usability:

Safety & reliability:

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In This Guide

Trading 212 Review 2024: Is This Broker Legit or a Scam?

Trading 212 is a popular broker in Europe that offers commission-free trading on a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. Known for its user-friendly mobile app and no hidden fees, the platform appeals to both novice and advanced traders. However, despite its popularity, traders have expressed concerns about withdrawal issues, customer support, and the overall transparency of the platform. This review will explore whether Trading 212 is a legitimate broker and whether it lives up to its promises.

Trading 212 Review 2024

Trading 212 is widely known for its commission-free trading and easy-to-use platform, which is accessible via desktop or mobile app. With a £1 minimum deposit, the broker provides easy market access to beginner traders. Trading 212 also offers two key types of accounts—Invest Account (for stocks and ETFs) and CFD Account (for CFDs on forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies). However, while the platform is highly accessible, user feedback suggests that there are concerns around withdrawal delays and customer support responsiveness.

Key Features:

  • Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Low minimum deposit requirement of just £1.
  • Wide range of educational tools for beginner traders.
  • Offers both Invest Account and CFD Account.
  • Available on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Is Trading 212 Legit?

Trading 212 is a regulated broker under both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) in Bulgaria. These regulatory bodies ensure that Trading 212 operates under strict guidelines to protect customer funds. However, despite its regulation, some users have expressed concerns about the transparency of the platform, particularly regarding hidden fees and withdrawal delays.

Regulatory Status:

  • FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): Provides oversight and regulation for UK-based operations.
  • FSC (Financial Supervision Commission): Ensures compliance in Bulgaria, where Trading 212 is headquartered.

Trading 212 Scam Concerns

Although Trading 212 is a regulated broker, some traders have raised scam-like concerns, particularly around issues such as withdrawal delays, poor customer service, and account closures without explanation. While the platform is operational and regulated, traders should be aware of the risks associated with delays in fund withdrawal and lack of immediate customer support.

Common Scam Indicators:

  • Delayed withdrawals: Traders report difficulties withdrawing funds, sometimes taking weeks to process.
  • Hidden fees: Some users report fees during withdrawals or currency conversions that were not made clear upfront.
  • Customer service complaints: Slow responses or lack of resolution to issues has caused frustration among traders.

Trading 212 Trading Platform Review

Trading 212 provides a sleek, user-friendly interface that is ideal for traders of all experience levels. The platform offers access to over 10,000 financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, forex, and commodities. Trading 212’s mobile app, in particular, stands out for its ease of use, offering real-time charts, news updates, and portfolio tracking.

Available Platforms:

  • Trading 212 Mobile App: Highly intuitive, with a smooth design and easy navigation.
  • Web-based platform: Suitable for traders who prefer desktop access with full functionality.
  • Real-time charts: The platform offers comprehensive charting tools, including candlestick and bar charts, along with technical analysis tools.

Trading 212 Withdrawal Issues

One of the most frequent complaints about Trading 212 is the lengthy withdrawal process. While the platform advertises quick withdrawals, many users have reported significant delays when attempting to access their funds. In some cases, traders have waited weeks for withdrawals to process, which has led to speculation about the broker’s liquidity.

Common Issues:

  • Withdrawal delays: Users report waiting for several weeks before funds are transferred.
  • Verification challenges: Some users are required to submit additional documentation for verification, which can further delay withdrawals.
  • Hidden fees: Unexpected fees during withdrawals, such as currency conversion charges, have surprised many traders.

Trading 212 Fees and Charges

Trading 212 markets itself as a commission-free broker, which is one of its main selling points. However, while the platform does not charge commissions on stock and ETF trades, users have reported other hidden fees, such as currency conversion fees, spread costs on CFD trades, and inactivity fees after a period of account inactivity.

Fee Structure:

  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading.
  • Spread fees on CFD trading.
  • Currency conversion fees: Applied to trades in foreign currencies.
  • Inactivity fees: Charged after 12 months of inactivity.

Trading 212 Account Verification

To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, Trading 212 requires users to go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. This includes submitting identity documents such as a passport or driver’s license and a proof of address. While the process is relatively straightforward, some traders have reported delays in the verification process, especially when attempting to withdraw large sums of money.

Trading 212 for Beginners

Trading 212 is often praised for its beginner-friendly features. The platform offers commission-free stock trading, which is a huge advantage for new traders looking to start small. Additionally, Trading 212 provides a wealth of educational materials, including video tutorials, webinars, and trading guides. However, new traders should be cautious of the hidden fees and withdrawal delays that may impact their trading experience.

Trading 212 Leverage Options

Trading 212 offers competitive leverage options for CFD trading, with leverage ratios of up to 1:30 for major currency pairs and 1:5 for stocks. While leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses, particularly for inexperienced traders.

Trading 212 vs Other Brokers

When comparing Trading 212 to other brokers like eToro or Plus500, several differences stand out. Trading 212’s commission-free model is a significant advantage, while competitors often charge commissions on trades. However, Trading 212 is criticized for its withdrawal delays and customer support, which can be frustrating for users. In contrast, eToro and Plus500 offer more robust customer support and faster withdrawal times.

FAQs

Trading 212 is regulated by both the FCA and the FSC, providing a degree of safety for traders. However, users should be aware of withdrawal delays and hidden fees.

While withdrawals are possible, many users report experiencing delays in receiving their funds. The platform requires full account verification before processing withdrawals.

Trading 212 has a very low minimum deposit of £1, making it accessible to new traders with limited capital.

Trading 212 offers commission-free trading, which sets it apart from competitors. However, its withdrawal delays and customer service issues are areas where it falls short

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