eToro and Trading 212 are both top commission-free platforms offering a range of trading instruments, great user experience, and competitive fees. Our comparison aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the key differences between them, so you can decide which one to use.
We’ll examine various aspects of eToro and Trading 212, including fees, platform features, tradable instruments, customer support, and more.
eToro vs Trading 212: Our Verdict
It’s impossible to say if eToro or Trading 212 is ‘better.’ eToro and Trading 212 are both excellent platforms without much to differentiate them.
However, Trading 212 is marginally cheaper and the best choice if you’re looking for a low-cost, relatively stripped-back trading experience. It also wins with its customer review scores which are exemplary and the fact that it offers an ISA which is key for many UK traders. It has a 1GBP minimum deposit, no withdrawal fees, and doesn’t enforce USD as the default currency meaning you won’t get stung with exchange fees.
eToro is the best choice if you want the copy trading features that are a core part of its offering. eToro also offers crypto which Trading 212 does not.
eToro vs Trading 212 Pros and Cons
| Features | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Commission fees | commission-free stock and ETF trading | commission-free stock and ETF trading |
| Slightly lower CFD and Forex fees | ||
| Non-trading fees | $5 withdrawal fee | No withdrawal fees |
| $10 monthly inactivity fee | No Inactivity fees | |
| ISA | No | Yes |
| Social trading | Yes | No |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Tradable assets | Stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies | Stocks, ETFs, CFDs, forex, commodities. (No crypto) |
| Research tools | Good | Adequate |
| Customer support | ticketing service can be slow | 24/7 email and livechat |
| Personal account | Managers for the premium account | N/A |
| Minimum deposit | $50 | 1 GBP/ 1 EUR |
| Funding options | Credit/debit card, e-wallet, bank | Credit/debit card, e-wallet, bank |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | FCA, FSC |
| Security | SSL encryption, segregated funds | SSL encryption, segregated funds |
eToro vs Trading 212: Key Differences
Fees and funding
There’s not a huge amount in it, but overall Trading 212 is a cheaper platform. Both platforms emphasise zero commission, but Trading 212 wins with its free withdrawals and especially the fact that it doesn’t require you to trade in USD. eToro does this for all users meaning you are then forced to pay a 0.5% exchange fee if you want to move the currency out of USD. eToro also charges a $5 withdrawal fee.
Platforms and products – eToro’s platform is well-known for its social trading and copy trading features, enabling traders to interact with others and mimic the strategies of successful traders. Trading 212, however, does not offer social or copy trading but provides a more extensive range of tradable instruments, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Research, education – Both eToro and Trading 212 provide educational resources for their users. eToro wins in this area offering webinars, video tutorials, and detailed educational resources. Trading 212 provides a library of educational articles and videos, but it’s a thinner offering.
Customer Support – eToro’s web ticketing system draws a lot of ire from communities like Reddit: it can indeed be a little slow. Again, Trading 212 has the edge here with 24/7 support vias email or live chat.
eToro vs Trading 212 Fees and Commissions
Let’s explore the differing charges in more detail.
Overall, we found Trading 212 to be cheaper than eToro; if you have no plans to invest in CFDs, then they are entirely free from deposit fees, transaction costs, and withdrawal fees. Trading 212 really styles itself as a low-cost platform, whereas eToro, while well priced, is putting emphasis on some of its broader functionality such as copy trading.
eToro fee structure:
eToro Trading fees
- Spreads: eToro charges spreads on trades, which vary depending on the instrument being traded. For example, spreads for major currency pairs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies can differ significantly.
- No commissions: eToro does not charge commissions on stock and ETF trades, making it attractive for those looking to trade these instruments.
eToro Non-trading fees
- Withdrawal fees: eToro charges a $5 withdrawal fee for each withdrawal request, and the minimum withdrawal amount is $30.
- Inactivity fees: eToro charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee if a user does not log in for 12 consecutive months. The fee is deducted from the available account balance.
Trading 212 fee structure
Trading 212 is known for its competitive fees, offering commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. The fees can be categorized as follows:
Trading 212 Trading fees
- Commission-free trading: Trading 212 does not charge commissions on trades for stocks, ETFs, and CFDs.
- Spreads: Similar to eToro, Trading 212 charges spreads on trades, which vary depending on the instrument. However, the spreads are generally considered competitive in the industry.
Trading 212 Non-trading fees
- No withdrawal fees: Trading 212 does not charge withdrawal fees, making it more cost-effective for those who need to make frequent withdrawals.
- Currency conversion fees: Trading212 charges an FX fee of 0.15%. This applies only when trading instruments priced in a currency other than the currency of your account
- Inactivity fees: Trading 212 does not charge inactivity fees
eToro vs Trading 212 Trading Platforms and Apps
Both platforms have user-friendly trading platforms offering an effective and well-designed trading experience. eToro’s social and copy trading features make it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more collaborative approach to trading. Trading 212’s extensive range of tradable instruments and research tools make it a suitable option for more experienced traders who prefer a more analytical approach.
eToro trading platform: eToro’s proprietary trading platform is web-based and available on desktop and mobile devices. The platform has a user-friendly interface and unique features, including social trading and copy trading. Additionally, the platform provides real-time market data, news, and research tools, helping traders make informed trading decisions.
Trading 212 trading platform: Trading 212 also offers a web-based trading platform that is accessible on desktop and mobile devices. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and place trades. The platform provides a range of tools, including real-time charts, technical analysis, and economic calendars, to assist traders in their decision-making process. Trading 212 does not offer social or copy trading features.
eToro vs Trading 212 Customer Service
eToro customer service: eToro limits its customer support to a web based ticketing system. The platform’s support team is available 24/5, but some users have reported slow response times.
Trading 212 customer service: Trading 212 also offers a range of customer support options, including email support, live chat, and phone support. The platform’s customer service team is available 24/7 to assist users with their queries.
eToro vs Trading 212 Regulation and Security
Both eToro and Trading 212 are regulated by financial authorities in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that they adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding user protection, data privacy, and financial transparency.
eToro regulation and security eToro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Cyprus, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. The platform uses SSL encryption to protect user data and offers two-factor authentication to enhance security. Additionally, eToro segregates client funds from its own, providing an added layer of protection in the event of insolvency.
Trading 212 regulation and security Trading 212 is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). The platform uses SSL encryption to secure user data and offers two-factor authentication to enhance security. Additionally, Trading 212 segregates client funds from its own, providing an added layer of protection for users’ funds.