How to buy and sell stocks on Trading212?

You’ve downloaded Trading212, created an account, maybe even funded it — and now you’re staring at the screen thinking, “Wait… how do I actually buy something?”

If you’re nervous, that’s completely normal. Many beginners sit with their finger hovering over the “Buy” button, unsure what will happen next.

This guide walks you through the full process — step by step. Whether you’re using your phone or computer, you’ll learn how to buy and sell stocks confidently, avoid common mistakes, and understand exactly what’s happening behind the scenes. Think of this as your friendly walkthrough — not a lecture.

You’re not alone if you feel unsure

Most new investors ask the same things:

• What if I press the wrong button?
• What if I lose money right away?
• Is this safe?

You’re not expected to know everything now. And the good news? You don’t have to. Let’s start with the basics and build from there.

What you need before placing your first order

Make sure you’ve got the following ready:

• A Trading212 Invest account (not CFD)
• Your identity verified (you’ll need to upload ID documents)
• Some money deposited (even £10 is enough)

Pro Tip: You can also use Practice Mode to test things out without risking real money. It looks and feels like the real app.

Invest vs CFD – what’s the difference?

Trading212 offers two main types of accounts:

• Invest lets you buy and sell real shares. You own what you buy.
• CFD is for speculating with leverage. It’s higher risk and not beginner-friendly.

Always use the Invest account when you’re just starting out. You’ll see a small icon next to each account in the app — check before placing trades.

How to buy a stock on Trading212 (step-by-step)

Step 1: Open the app or web platform and log in. You’ll land on your dashboard. Use the search bar to find a company.

Step 2: Search for the stock you want. Type in a company name like Apple or Tesla, or enter the stock symbol (e.g., AAPL). Select the result.

Step 3: Tap or click “Buy”. This opens the buy order screen.

Step 4: Choose your order type. You’ll see two main options:

• Market Order: Buy right now at the best available price
• Limit Order: Buy only if the price reaches a level you choose

Pro Tip: Beginners should start with Market Orders. They’re fast and easy.

Step 5: Enter the amount you want to invest. You can enter any amount (like £10 or €20) thanks to fractional shares. You don’t need to buy a full stock.

Step 6: Review and confirm. Tap or click “Review Order,” check the details, then place the order.

That’s it. You now own part of a company.

What to expect after buying

Once your trade is done, go to your Portfolio tab. You’ll see:

• The company name
• How much you’ve invested
• Your average buy price
• Current value and profit/loss
• Real-time chart for that stock

Pro Tip: Don’t panic if it’s slightly down — that’s normal. Stock prices move constantly.

How to sell a stock on Trading212

• Step 1: Go to the “Portfolio” section. This shows all your investments.
• Step 2: Tap the stock you want to sell. You’ll see details and a chart.
• Step 3: Tap “Sell”. Choose Market Order (sell instantly) or Limit Order (set your price).
• Step 4: Enter how much to sell. You can sell part or all of your investment.
• Step 5: Review and confirm. Tap “Sell” again, and the stock will be sold. Your money is added to your balance immediately.

Real-world example: Anna, a beginner from Manchester, accidentally bought £100 instead of £10. She simply sold £90 the next day. Mistake fixed — lesson learned.

Understand market hours

Trading doesn’t happen 24/7. Most U.S. stocks are open from 14:30 to 21:00 UK time. If you place an order outside these hours, it will wait until the market opens.

You’ll see a note in the app saying “Market Closed” if you’re trying to trade outside hours.

Quick flow: From first click to first trade

1. Find a stock you like
2. Choose Market Order
3. Type in £10 (or any amount)
4. Tap Buy
5. Watch your Portfolio update
6. Tap Sell when ready
7. Funds go back into your balance

That’s your whole buy/sell cycle — and you’re in control at every step.

Optional but useful: Practice Mode

Trading212’s Practice Mode is a hidden gem. You can:

• Place fake trades
• Test different order types
• Try buying and selling without risk

Pro Tip: Use Practice Mode for 1–2 days to get comfortable. Then switch to Real Mode using the toggle at the bottom of the app.

Community-backed tips from real users

• Always check that you’re using the Invest account
• Set price alerts to watch your favorite stocks
• Build a Watchlist before buying — it helps you learn slowly
• Read the in-app company summary — even two sentences helps
• Don’t panic if a stock drops a little after buying

Beginner voice: Jake from Bristol shared: “I was scared to sell my first stock. I thought I’d lose everything. But I tapped ‘Sell’, it worked instantly, and I felt in control again.”

First trade checklist

Before placing a real-money trade, ask:

• Am I in the Invest account?
• Do I know what this company does?
• Did I choose Market Order?
• Am I okay with a small drop in price after buying?
• Am I using money I can afford to learn with?

If you answered yes to most — you’re ready.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• Buying in the CFD account by mistake? Sell and move to Invest.
• Pressed Buy twice? Sell one of the orders.
• Bought the wrong stock? Sell immediately — it happens.
• Feeling nervous after buying? Check your strategy and remind yourself: small steps are part of the process.

You’re not just trading — you’re building confidence

Your first trade is more than a transaction. It’s proof you’re learning. You’re getting hands-on with your money. You’re breaking through the fear and showing up.

Start with £10. Start with one stock. Watch it. Learn. Grow. Every pro trader began with a first tap, just like you.

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FAQs

1. Can I buy stocks outside market hours? You can place an order anytime, but it won’t go through until the market opens — usually 14:30–21:00 UK time for U.S. stocks.

2. What’s the best order type for beginners? Pro Tip: Start with Market Orders. They execute right away and are easier to manage.

3. Can I really invest just £1? Yes. With fractional shares on Trading212, even £1 gets you started in top companies.

4. How do I know if my trade went through? After placing it, check your Portfolio and History tab. You’ll see the order status and execution details.

5. Can I cancel a trade? Pro Tip: You can cancel a pending order if it hasn’t executed. But once it’s filled, you’ll need to sell it instead.

6. Should I sell if my stock drops? Not always. Small drops are normal. Don’t sell in panic. Look at the company, not just the price.

7. Can I buy the same stock again later? Yes. You can add more to your existing position at any time.

8. Is Practice Mode the same as the real app? Pro Tip: Yes — it uses the same layout and features. Perfect for first-time users.

9. What if I forget which account I’m in? Always check the top-left corner of your app. It shows whether you’re in Invest, CFD, or Practice Mode.

10. What’s the biggest thing to avoid? Pro Tip: Rushing. Take your time to understand what you’re doing. It’s not a race — it’s a journey.