Does Trading212 charge commission on trades?

If you’re new to trading or just trying to understand the costs involved, it’s natural to ask: Does Trading212 charge commission on trades? The short answer is no—Trading212 does not charge commissions on trades. But that’s not the whole story. Let’s take a closer look so you know exactly what to expect.

Commission-Free Trading

Trading212 offers commission-free trading on all stocks and ETFs through its Invest and ISA accounts. You can buy and sell without paying a fee per trade, whether you’re investing £10 or £10,000.

This zero-commission structure includes

• UK and US-listed stocks
• Fractional shares (ideal for smaller portfolios)
• ETFs across global exchanges

It’s a huge plus for

• New investors starting small
• Long-term investors building a portfolio over time
• Users making frequent small trades who want to avoid fees stacking up

But commission-free doesn’t mean completely cost-free. Let’s dig into the other fees that still apply.

Other Fees to Consider (With Examples)

Even though you won’t pay a fee to place a trade, here are the costs that might affect your profit:

Foreign Exchange (FX) Fee

If you trade assets in a currency different from your account’s base currency, Trading212 charges a conversion fee.

Example: If you buy $1,000 worth of Apple stock from a GBP account, you’ll pay 0.15%—that’s £1.50. If you sell it later, you’ll pay the fee again during currency conversion, adding another £1.50. Invest/ISA accounts: 0.15% FX feeCFD accounts: 0.5% FX fee

Spreads (CFDs only)

Instead of charging commissions, Trading212 includes its margin in the spread—the gap between the buy and sell price. These spreads change based on market volatility and liquidity.

Example: If the buy price of a CFD is $100 and the sell price is $99.70, the spread is $0.30. This gap is effectively your trading cost.

Overnight Fees (CFDs only)

If you hold a CFD position overnight, you may pay a “swap” or interest fee. The rate depends on your trade size and direction (long or short).

Deposit Fees

• Bank transfers: Free
• Card deposits over £2,000: 0.7% charge

Example: A £3,000 credit card deposit would cost you £21 in fees.

Withdrawal Fees

Trading212 doesn’t charge withdrawal fees, but your bank might—especially with international transfers.

When the Zero-Commission Model Shines (and When It Doesn’t)

Trading212 is ideal for

• Beginners: Easy-to-use platform, no trading fee stress.
• Long-term investors: Regular buying of ETFs and stocks with zero cost.
• Small portfolios: Fractional shares mean you don’t need to wait to afford whole shares.

Be cautious if

• You’re doing daily forex trades—FX fees will add up fast.
• You’re trading foreign stocks regularly—the 0.15% FX fee applies each time.
• You need advanced trading tools—Trading212 doesn’t offer options or futures, and conditional order types are limited.

What Real Users Say

User experiences from Reddit, Trustpilot, and Forex forums reflect a mix of praise and practical caution:

What people like

• “Perfect for buying US stocks without worrying about big fees.”
• “I built my entire S&P 500 ETF portfolio without paying a penny in commissions.”
• “Fractional shares let me invest in Amazon and Google with just £5—no way I could’ve done that with a traditional broker.”

Where some caution is needed

• “I didn’t notice the FX fee at first. After a few trades in USD, it started adding up.”
• “Spreads on some CFDs can be wider during news events—worth checking before jumping in.”
• “Great for buy-and-hold investing, but I wouldn’t use it for scalping or rapid-fire trades.”

Before You Trade on Trading212: A Quick Checklist

Use this guide to make sure you’re not caught off guard:

• Are you using the right account (Invest, ISA, or CFD)?
• Is the asset in your base currency? If not, expect a 0.15–0.5% FX fee.
• Trading CFDs? Check the spread before placing your order.
• Planning to hold positions overnight? Know your swap fees.
• Depositing with a card? Stay under £2,000 to avoid the 0.7% charge.

Final Thoughts

Trading212’s zero-commission structure is one of its biggest strengths. It lowers the barrier to entry for new and cost-sensitive investors. And with no inactivity or withdrawal fees, it’s an easy place to get started without worrying about hidden charges.

That said, not all fees are visible upfront. FX conversions, spreads, and overnight CFD charges can quietly affect your returns—especially if you trade foreign assets frequently or hold leveraged positions overnight.

For long-term stock investors or ETF-focused users, Trading212 is cost-effective and simple. But if you’re planning complex trades, or you care more about execution speed and advanced order tools, you may eventually need to upgrade to a broker with more pro-level features.

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FAQs

1. Does Trading212 charge a commission on stock trades? No, stock and ETF trades on Invest and ISA accounts are commission-free.

2. Are all assets truly free to trade? Yes, in terms of trading fees—but FX fees and spreads may apply.

3. What is the FX fee on Trading212? 0.15% for Invest/ISA trades in foreign currencies; 0.5% for CFDs.

4. Are deposits and withdrawals free? Bank transfers are free. Deposits over £2,000 by card incur a 0.7% fee. Withdrawals are free on Trading212’s end, but banks may charge.

5. Do spreads replace commission for CFDs? Yes. The spread is where Trading212 earns money on CFD trades.

6. Are there any inactivity or maintenance fees? No. Trading212 does not charge inactivity, platform, or maintenance fees.

7. Is Trading212 cheaper than other brokers? For basic investing, yes. But if you trade frequently in foreign currencies or hold leveraged CFDs, other platforms may be more cost-effective depending on your strategy.

8. Is the free model sustainable? How does Trading212 make money? Trading212 makes money through FX conversions, spreads on CFDs, and premium services like margin lending.