If you’re new to crypto or just exploring where to trade it, you might wonder: Can you trade crypto on Trading212? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. It depends on your account type and where you live.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how crypto trading works on Trading212, which assets are available, who can access them, and what limitations apply — all in simple, beginner-friendly terms.
Quick Answer: Yes, but With Important Restrictions
Yes, Trading212 does allow crypto trading — but not for everyone, and not in every way. Whether you can trade crypto depends on:
- Your account type (Invest or CFD)
- Your location (due to local regulations)
- The specific crypto assets available on the platform
Let’s take a closer look at how it works.
Crypto on Trading212 Invest: Limited Access
The Invest account is designed for buying real shares and exchange-traded products (ETPs). When it comes to crypto:
- You cannot directly buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other coins.
- You also cannot invest in crypto-related ETFs or ETPs like Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) due to regional restrictions in the UK and EU.
In 2021, the UK’s FCA banned retail access to crypto derivatives and ETPs, which means even indirect crypto investing through funds or trusts is restricted on Trading212 Invest for most users in the UK and parts of the EU.
So, if you’re in the UK or Europe and using an Invest account — you cannot trade crypto in any form.
Crypto on Trading212 CFD: More Flexible, But Still Restricted
The CFD account is where things get more interesting — and also more complicated.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on the price of crypto assets without actually owning them. This means you can go long (buy) or short (sell), and you can use leverage (though it’s limited for retail clients).
Supported Crypto CFDs (as of March 2025 may include):
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
But here’s the catch…
Due to regulatory updates, retail traders in the UK and EU cannot trade crypto CFDs on Trading212. These products have been restricted by the FCA and ESMA to protect beginner investors from high-risk volatility.
Who can access crypto CFDs on Trading212?
Professional clients in the UK and EU (after passing strict criteria) and retail clients outside the UK/EU (depending on local laws)
If you’re based in a region where crypto CFDs are allowed, you’ll find them listed in your Trading212 CFD app under the “Crypto” section.
How to Check If Crypto Trading Is Available to You
Here’s a simple way to find out:
- Open the Trading212 CFD app
- Search for “Crypto” or type in “BTC,” “ETH,” etc.
- If the instruments appear and are clickable, you likely have access
- If not, they are restricted based on your jurisdiction
You can also reach out to Trading212’s support team or check their FAQ page for your country’s availability.
Real-World Insights from Traders
We explored community forums like Reddit, Trustpilot, and BabyPips to see what actual users are saying about crypto trading on Trading212:
- “Crypto disappeared from my CFD app after I moved to the UK. Found out it’s a regulatory thing.” – Reddit
- “I used to trade BTC/USD on the CFD account and loved the simplicity. But they had to remove it for EU clients.” – Trustpilot
- “Support was helpful in confirming I no longer have access to crypto due to the FCA ban.” – BabyPips
- “Still using crypto CFDs from outside the EU. Spreads could be tighter, but execution is solid.” – Reddit
The key takeaway: trading crypto on Trading212 is region-dependent, not account-error-related. If you can’t find the option, it’s not you — it’s the rules.
Final Thoughts
Yes — but it depends. If you’re outside the UK/EU or qualify as a professional client, Trading212 CFD may still offer crypto trading options. If you’re using the Invest account or are based in a restricted region, crypto access will likely be blocked.
Before getting started, always check your local rules and explore the platform’s available instruments. If crypto is important to your trading strategy, you may want to combine Trading212 with a crypto exchange for full flexibility.
FAQs
1. Can I buy Bitcoin directly on Trading212? No. Trading212 does not offer direct crypto purchases like a crypto exchange.
2. Are crypto CFDs available on Trading212? Yes, but only for non-UK/EU retail clients and professional clients in regulated zones.
3. Why did Trading212 remove crypto from my account? Most likely due to regulatory restrictions in your country (especially the UK or EU).
4. Can I trade crypto ETFs or trusts on Trading212 Invest? No. These products are not available to retail clients in the UK and EU.
5. Is there leverage for crypto CFDs? Yes, but it’s limited — usually 2:1 for retail traders, more for professionals.
6. What’s the safest way to try crypto trading on Trading212? Use a demo CFD account to practice without risking real money, especially if you’re new to crypto.
7. Can I use Trading212 for long-term crypto investing? Not really. Trading212 isn’t a crypto wallet. If you want to own actual crypto assets, you’ll need to use a crypto exchange like Coinbase or Kraken.