If you are trying to choose between investment platforms eToro and Trading 212 as the best way to invest in shares, ETFs and CFDs, this article helps highlight the similarities and differences. We look at the services, products and fees of both propositions, as well as how they are each viewed by their current users.
eToro vs Trading 212 - which is better?
| eToro | Trading 212 | |
| Services | Investing in shares, ETFs, commodities, currencies, CFDs and cryptocurrencies
CopyTrader CopyPortfolios Virtual portfolios Fractional shares eToro Academy |
Investing in shares, ETFs, CFDs and gold Fractional shares Virtual portfolios Video guides Community forum
|
| Products | ISA account (managed and DIY) available via the Moneyfarm partnership
eToro CFD trading account eToro Money account |
Trading 212 CFD
Trading 212 Invest Trading 212 ISA |
| Minimum investment | $50 initial deposit, then $10 | £1 (£10 for CFDs) |
| Fees | Buying and selling - free
Currency conversion fee - from 0.75% Inactivity fee - $10 USD per month after 1 year of inactivity Withdrawal fee - $5 USD per withdrawal (minimum $30) |
No platform charge for ISA
No fees for buying and selling shares in same currency as account 0.15% fee for trades in other currencies |
| Customer reviews (Trustpilot) | 4.2/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Money to the Masses offer | Free fractional shares worth up to £100* when you create a Trading 212 account. Sponsored content. Terms apply. Capital at risk
Earn a boosted Cash ISA rate of 4.51% AER (variable tracker) for 12 months. Rate includes a bonus of 0.91% for the first 12 months. T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply. |
eToro vs Trading 212 - services
Both eToro and Trading 212 have a good range of investments available, including options to trade derivatives such as CFDs for more experienced traders. They also both allow investments in fractional shares, which makes more expensive options more easily accessible to investors.
The key difference between the two platforms is the inclusion of "copycat" options with eToro, where users can view and mimic the portfolios of experienced and successful investors, as well as the eToro Academy, which helps educate new investors.
eToro vs Trading 212 - products
While both eToro and Trading 212 have general investment accounts in the form of their basic accounts, they also have dedicated accounts for more experienced investors or those looking specifically to trade in CFDs. Both eToro and Trading 212 offer ways to save tax-efficiently via their ISA offering.
eToro partnered with Moneyfarm in 2023 to offer its UK customers investment products like ISAs. Trading 212 doesn't charge platform fees for its ISAs, while eToro's ISAs are managed by Moneyfarm and therefore Moneyfarm's fee structure applies.
Trading 212 and eToro also offer their own debit cards allowing customers to benefit from features like low FX rates. With Trading 212, customers can earn interest on the uninvested cash in their balances while also having instant access to it via the debit card.
eToro vs Trading 212 - minimum investment
Trading 212 allows users to open an account with a deposit of just £1 - or £10 for CFDs - so it may appeal to those who want to try trading shares without tying up too much money in the process. Alternatively, eToro requires a minimum initial deposit of $50, after which a minimum deposit of at least $10 applies, with users also having to factor in withdrawal charges, something that Trading 212 doesn't charge.
eToro vs Trading 212 - fees
Buying and selling is free with both eToro and Trading 212, although they each charge for currency conversions, with eToro charging from 0.75% and Trading 212 only 0.15% per transaction. Interestingly, Trading 212 doesn't have a platform fee for its ISA, making it a very cost-effective way to invest. It also doesn't have withdrawal fees or inactivity fees like eToro does, which may make it more attractive to those looking to keep costs down.
eToro vs Trading 212 - customer reviews
According to independent customer review site Trustpilot, Trading 212 ranks slightly higher than eToro, scoring 4.6 out of 5 stars compared with 4.2 out of 5.0 stars for its rival. Overall, 79% of respondents classified Trading 212 as "Excellent", while 66% thought the same of eToro. eToro got particular praise for the fact customers are assigned an account manager, who can help resolve any issues and provide guidance on how best to use its services. Trading 212, meanwhile, is also praised for its customer service, as well as its low-cost approach.
Summary: eToro vs Trading 212
Both eToro and Trading 212 have a good range of options for investors looking to trade in shares and CFDs. The choice of which platform to opt for really comes down to whether you want the support provided by eToro with its Academy and the capacity to mimic existing successful portfolios, or whether low fees and the ability to open an ISA are more important to you, in which Trading 212 may be better.
When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Do your own research.
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