Overall, this Trading 212 review conducted in South Africa shows that Trading 212 is considered low-risk, with an overall rating of 7/10.
In South Africa, Valbury Capital can be summarised as a reliable and reputable broker that is very competitive in terms of its trading fees.
🛡️1010 new traders chose this broker in the last 90 days.
🛡️Available for South African Traders 🇿🇦
- 💰 Min Deposit: $1
- 📈 Leverage: Up to 1:300
- 🏦 Regulators: FCA, CySEC, ASIC and BaFin
| 🔍 Feature | |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $1 for all account types, making it highly accessible for beginners. |
| 🎁Sign-Up Bonus | Occasionally offers promotional bonuses or free shares for new users (varies by region). |
| 💸Fees | No commission on stock or ETF trading; minimal currency conversion and overnight fees may apply. |
| 📉Spreads & Commissions | Competitive spreads; zero-commission trading for stocks and ETFs, while CFDs have variable spreads. |
| 💳Deposit & Withdrawals | Supports bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets; fast processing with no deposit fees. |
| 🖥️Platforms | Supports bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets; fast processing with no deposit fees. |
| 🛡️Regulation | Regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSC (Bulgaria). |
| 🔐Trust Score | 9/10 – strong reputation for safety, transparency, and reliability |
| ⏱️Payout Schedule | Withdrawals typically processed within 1–2 business days. |
| 📝Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Trading 212 Spider Chart
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Demo accounts available | Not ASIC Regulated |
| Min. deposit from $1 | Doesn't allow scalping |
| 40,000 users and traders | Does not allow EA software |
| Zero commission | Inactivity fee |
| Ideal for beginners | Short-selling not allowed |
| Regulated by the FCA and the FSC | Limited research selection |
Overview
- Trading 212 is a UK-based fintech company that provides commission-free trading through its intuitive mobile and web platforms.
- It offers access to over 12,000 stocks and ETFs, allowing investments with as little as £1. The platform supports fractional share trading, enabling users to invest in high-priced stocks like Amazon or Tesla without needing significant capital.
- Trading 212 also features automated investing through “Pies,” which are customizable portfolios of stocks and ETFs, and “AutoInvest,” a tool for setting up recurring investments.
- For UK residents, it provides tax-efficient investing via Stocks and Shares ISAs, and a Cash ISA that offers daily interest on uninvested cash.
- 💰 Min Deposit: $1
- 📈 Leverage: Up to 1:300
- 🏦 Regulators: FCA, CySEC, ASIC and BaFin
Featured Offered
- Trading 212 provides a comprehensive suite of investment tools catering to both novice and experienced traders.
- The platform offers commission-free trading on over 13,000 real stocks and ETFs from global markets, including the UK, US, and Europe.
- Investors can purchase fractional shares, allowing access to high-priced stocks like Amazon and Google with as little as £1.
- The “Pies” feature enables users to create diversified portfolios or automate investments through AutoInvest.
- Additionally, the platform offers a Stocks & Shares ISA for UK residents, providing tax-free investing. Uninvested cash earns daily interest, with rates up to 4.1% AER, depending on the currency.
| 🧩 Feature | |
| 🏦 Account Types | Offers Invest, CFD, and ISA accounts catering to traders and long-term investors |
| ⚖️ Leverage | Up to 1:30 for retail clients and higher for professional traders, in line with regulatory limits. |
| 📉 Spreads & Commissions | Zero-commission trading for stocks and ETFs; variable spreads apply to CFD trading. |
| 🌐 Instruments Offered | Access to stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. |
| 🖥️ Trading Platforms | Proprietary Trading 212 Web and Mobile App with advanced charting, analysis tools, and real-time data. |
| ☪️ Islamic (Swap-Free) Accounts | Not currently offered. |
| 🖧 Free VPS Hosting | Not available, as Trading 212 is tailored toward retail and mobile-focused trading |
| 👥 Copy Trading | Not supported; users manage their own portfolios independently. |
| 🛡️ Client Fund Security | Client funds are segregated and protected under the FSCS (up to £85,000) in the UK. |
| 📋 Regulatory Oversight | Regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSC (Bulgaria) ensuring strong compliance and investor protection. |
Trading 212 Customer Reviews
- Trading 212 has garnered positive feedback from users, earning a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 66,000 reviews.
- Customers commend the platform for its user-friendly interface, swift account setup, and commission-free trading on a wide range of stocks and ETFs.
- Features like fractional shares and automated investing through “Pies” are particularly appreciated by both novice and experienced investors.
| 🔍Aspect | 🔖Details |
| 🌟Overall Rating | ~4.6 / 5 stars on Trustpilot (66K+ reviews), with ~79% giving 5 stars. |
| 👏Customer Satisfaction | Many users praise the platform for ease of use, low fees (especially for stocks/ETFs), good UI/UX, and efficient investing/withdrawals. Complaints often relate to account verification delays, withdrawal/process friction, or unexpected restrictions. |
| 📞Customer Service | Mixed: some users report quick responses via live chat or app support, helpful agents and resolution of issues. Others report slow responses, difficulties in verification, or confusing communication. |
- 💰 Min Deposit: $1
- 📈 Leverage: Up to 1:300
- 🏦 Regulators: FCA, CySEC, ASIC and BaFin
Customers Ratings
| 🌐 Platform | 📝 Feedback Summary | ⭐ Rating |
 | Shows mixed trading performance; users discuss strategy results rather than platform quality. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
 | Mixed reviews — praised for usability and low spreads but criticized for slow support and order execution. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
 | Mixed reviews — praised for usability and low spreads but criticized for slow support and order execution. | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
 | Highly rated for design, accessibility, and investing features; minor complaints about app bugs and verification delays. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
 | Few local reviews; some report slow responses on withdrawals or support issues. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆☆ |
 | Excellent reputation — praised for reliability, transparency, and commission-free trading; minor delays occasionally reported. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Trading 212 Safety and Security
- Trading 212 prioritises the safety and security of its clients through robust measures.
- Client funds are held in segregated accounts with reputable banks such as Barclays and JP Morgan, ensuring they are separate from the company’s assets.
- As a UK-regulated entity, Trading 212 adheres to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) CASS rules, providing an additional layer of protection.
- In the unlikely event of insolvency, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) offers protection up to £85,000 for eligible clients.
- For clients under other jurisdictions, equivalent protection schemes apply.
How does Trading 212 protect client funds?
Trading 212 keeps all client funds in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, ensuring they are completely separate from the company’s assets. This means clients’ money is protected even if the company faces financial difficulties.
What security measures are in place for account protection?
Trading 212 uses advanced security protocols, including two-factor authentication, biometric login options, and encrypted data transfer. Regular audits and compliance with FCA regulations ensure that personal and financial information remains safe from unauthorized access or breaches.
| 🛡️ Security Feature | |
| 💼 Regulation & Licensing | Trading 212 is regulated by top-tier authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) in Bulgaria. |
| 🏦 Segregated Client Accounts | Client funds are held in separate accounts from the company’s operational funds, ensuring that client money remains protected even in the event of company insolvency. |
| 📝 Lloyd’s of London Insurance | Additional insurance protection is believed to be provided through Lloyd’s of London, offering coverage of up to approximately €1 million for eligible clients under specific entities. |
| 🔐 Capital Strength & Credit Rating | Trading 212 operates with a strong capital base, maintains no corporate debt, and reports solid liquidity, although no official credit rating is publicly available. |
| 🔒 Account-Level Security (Crypto) | Strong account-level protection through encryption, secure data storage, and multi-layer authentication; crypto-related services are handled through trusted custodians where applicable. |
| 📈 Negative Balance Protection | Retail clients are fully protected from losing more than their deposited amount; the system automatically closes positions to prevent negative balances. |
| 🧾 Transparent Compliance & Audits | Trading 212 complies with strict regulatory reporting, client fund segregation rules, and undergoes regular external audits to ensure transparency and financial integrity. |
Trading 212 at a glance
| Broker's Name | |
| 📍 Headquartered | London |
| 📅 Year Founded | 2013 |
| ⚖️ Regulating Authorities | FCA, CySEC ad FSC |
| 🌐 Countries not accepted for trade | The United States and Canada |
| ☪️ Islamic account (swap-free) | No |
| 👍 Demo Account | Yes |
| 📊 Institutional Accounts | No |
| 📊 Managed Accounts | No |
| 📈 Maximum Leverage | 1: 300 |
| 💰 Minimum Deposit | $ 1 / R16 |
| 💳 Deposit Options | Credit cards Debit cards Skrill Dotpay Giropay Carte Bleue Direct eBanking Bank wire transfer |
| 💳 Withdrawal Options | Credit cards Debit cards Skrill Dotpay Giropay Carte Bleue Direct eBanking Bank wire transfer |
| 💻 Platform Types | Proprietary platform and a web-based version |
| 📱 OS Compatibility | Windows, web, Android, and iOS devices |
| 📈 Tradable assets offered | Forex currencies Indices Commodities Stocks Cryptocurrencies. |
| 👨💼 Languages supported on Website | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Chinese. |
| 👥 Customer Support Languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Chinese. |
| 📆 Customer Service Hours | 24/5 |
| 📝Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Trading 212 Account Account Types
- Trading 212 offers three main account types designed to suit different investor needs.
- The Invest Account allows long-term investors to buy and own real stocks and ETFs commission-free, supports fractional shares, multiple currencies, and automated portfolios called “Pies.”
- The CFD Account is for active traders, enabling leveraged trading on stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying assets.
- The Stocks and Shares ISA is available to UK residents, providing the same features as the Invest Account but with tax-free capital gains and dividends up to the annual allowance.
Invest Account
- The Invest Account is tailored for long-term investors who want to buy and hold real stocks and ETFs.
- It offers commission-free trading, fractional shares, and multi-currency options.
- Users can also earn daily interest on cash balances, making it ideal for building wealth gradually.
CFD Account
- The CFD (Contract for Difference) Account is intended for active traders who want to speculate on short-term market movements.
- It supports trading on stocks, forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies with leverage.
- The account is suitable for strategies like day trading or swing trading, offering flexibility and dynamic market engagement.
Stocks & Shares ISA
- This account is available to UK residents and offers the same features as the Invest Account but with tax-free benefits.
- Investors can contribute up to
- £20,000 per tax year, with gains, dividends, and interest exempt from UK income and capital gains tax, making it ideal for long-term, tax-efficient investing.
Demo Account
- The Demo Account allows users to practice trading in a risk-free environment.
- With a virtual balance, traders can test strategies, explore platform features, and gain experience under realistic market conditions, making it perfect for beginners or those trying new approaches.
What account types does Trading 212 offer?
Trading 212 provides three main account types: Invest for commission-free stocks and ETFs, ISA for UK clients seeking tax-free investing, and CFD for leveraged trading on stocks, forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
How do I choose the right Trading 212 account type?
The choice depends on your trading goals: use Invest to own real assets, ISA for tax-efficient investing if you’re a UK resident, and CFD if you want to trade with leverage or speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
How to Open a Trading 212 Account – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sign Up
- Visit the Trading 212 website or download the mobile app.
- Click “Open Account” and provide your email, create a password, and accept the terms and conditions.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
- Complete the verification process by uploading a valid ID (passport or driver’s license) and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to comply with regulatory requirements.
Step 3: Choose Account Type
- Select the account type that suits your trading goals: Invest (real stocks and ETFs), ISA (UK tax-free investing), or CFD (leveraged trading on multiple instruments).
Step 4: Fund Your Account
- Deposit funds using a bank transfer, debit/credit card, or e-wallet.
- Once the deposit is processed, your account is ready for trading, and you can start buying and selling assets.
Trading 212 Fees, Spreads, and Commissions
- Trading 212 offers commission-free trading across its Invest, ISA, and CFD accounts.
- For Invest and ISA accounts, the primary cost is a 0.15% foreign exchange (FX) fee when converting currencies during trades.
- Additional charges may include the 0.5% Stamp Duty Reserve Tax on UK stock purchases and a £1.50 PTM Levy per trade over £10,000.
- CFD accounts also have a 0.5% FX fee and feature dynamic spreads that change based on market conditions.
- Overnight interest fees may apply for positions held beyond the trading day, varying by instrument.
Does Trading 212 charge commissions on trades?
Trading 212 offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and CFDs across its Invest, ISA, and CFD accounts. The only standard fee applies to currency conversions at 0.15% when trading instruments in a different currency.
What other fees should I be aware of on Trading 212?
Additional costs include Stamp Duty Reserve Tax of 0.5% on UK stock purchases, a £1.50 PTM Levy for trades over £10,000, dynamic spreads on CFDs, and overnight interest fees for positions held beyond the trading day.
- 💰 Min Deposit: $1
- 📈 Leverage: Up to 1:300
- 🏦 Regulators: FCA, CySEC, ASIC and BaFin
| 📌 Broker | |
| 📈 Trading Fees Class | Spread-only model: no commissions on stocks/ETFs; costs built into spreads for CFDs & Forex |
| 💰 Required Min Deposit | From USD 10 (or currency equivalent) for most accounts; for Invest/ISA accounts minimum can be USD/GBP/EUR 1 depending on payment method & region |
| 🔁 Withdrawal Fee | $0 — withdrawals have no fee from Trading 212’s side in most cases |
| 💳 Deposit Fees | 0% on deposits generally; but a 0.7% fee applies if depositing over €2,000 via cards or e-wallets |
| 📝 Average Spread | ~ 2.7 pips (EUR/USD, standard CFD) |
| 📝Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Trading 212 Trading platforms
- Trading 212 offers a user-friendly trading platform accessible via web and mobile apps, designed to cater to both novice and experienced investors.
- The platform provides commission-free trading on a wide range of instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and CFDs.
- Notably, it supports fractional share investing, allowing users to invest in high-priced stocks like Apple or Amazon with minimal capital.
- Trading 212 also introduces 24/5 trading, enabling access to U.S. markets beyond regular hours, facilitating timely responses to global market events.
- For portfolio management, the “Pie” feature allows users to create diversified portfolios with automated rebalancing.
What trading platforms does Trading 212 offer?
Trading 212 provides a proprietary web platform and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Both platforms feature intuitive interfaces, real-time market data, advanced charting tools, watchlists, and easy order execution, catering to both beginner and experienced traders.
Can I trade on multiple devices with Trading 212?
Yes, Trading 212 allows seamless access across multiple devices. Your account, watchlists, and open positions sync in real time between web, desktop, and mobile apps, ensuring you can monitor markets and manage trades anytime, anywhere without losing data or settings.
Trading 212 Deposit and Withdrawal
- Deposits via bank transfer or instant bank transfer are always free.
- Using cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or similar is fee-free until you’ve deposited a total of £/€2,000; beyond that point, a 0.7 % charge applies.
- Withdrawals are processed at no cost from Trading 212’s side, though intermediary banks or your own bank may impose external charges.
- Withdrawal requests are typically handled within up to three business days.
How can I deposit funds into my Trading 212 account?
You can deposit funds using bank transfers, instant bank transfers, debit or credit cards, and services like Google Pay or Apple Pay. Most deposits are fee-free, though some card transactions above £2,000 may incur a small charge.
How do withdrawals work on Trading 212?
Withdrawals are processed back to the original deposit method and typically take up to three business days. Users receive notifications when the request is completed. Currency conversion fees may apply if your bank account uses a different currency than your Trading 212 account.
- 💰 Min Deposit: $1
- 📈 Leverage: Up to 1:300
- 🏦 Regulators: FCA, CySEC, ASIC and BaFin
Trading 212 Leverage
- Leveraging Trading 212’s CFD account lets you open positions much larger than your actual capital by posting only a fraction as margin.
- Leverage equals total position size divided by margin. It magnifies both profits and losses.
- Different instruments carry different leverage caps. Stocks may allow 1:5, forex up to 1:30, and derivatives like leveraged ETPs may offer 3× exposure.
- Because of regulatory limits for retail clients, maximum leverage ranges from 2:1 up to 30:1 depending on asset class.
- Trading 212 also warns that many retail accounts lose money when using leverage.
Trading 212 vs Valbury Capital vs EverestCM – A Comparison
| 🔎 Broker | |  |  |
| 💰 Minimum Deposit | $ 1 / R16 | $10,000 | ZAR R1600 / $100 |
| 📝 Sign-Up Bonus | No | No | Yes |
| ➕ Max. Leverage | 1: 300 | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| 💵 Currency Pairs | 30 | 50 | 50 |
| 🚀 Open an Account | 👉Open Account | 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
Trading 212 Research
- Trading 212 Research provides traders with comprehensive charting tools, technical indicators, and access to key fundamental company data such as financial statements and performance ratios.
- The platform also includes an economic calendar and stock filtering features, allowing users to analyze market trends effectively.
- While it doesn’t include an integrated news feed or automated trading ideas, Trading 212’s research tools remain user-friendly and efficient for both beginner and experienced traders who want to make informed investment decisions based on reliable data.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
Trading 212 Awards
- Trading 212 has received multiple prestigious industry awards, including recognitions such as Best Free Trading App 2025, UK Stock Broker Overall 2025, and Best ISA/SSISA 2025.
- These honors highlight the platform’s excellence in accessibility, user experience, transparency, and innovation, affirming its reputation as a trusted and customer-focused broker for both beginner and professional investors.
Customer Reviews
⭐ Aristos Panteli, Senior Account Manager,
provided exceptional support throughout my trading journey. His professionalism and market insights truly stand out.”
⭐ “Great assistance from Aristos Panteli!
He is always available to answer questions and helps me understand trading strategies clearly.”
⭐ “I have worked with many different account managers
Aristos Panteli is by far the most dedicated and knowledgeable. His guidance has greatly improved my trading confidence.”
Conclusion
Best known for its commission-free trading, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform and mobile app to residents across the UK and broader EU.
The Trading 212 broker is among the shortlisted companies that offer zero commissions and bring access to the stock market to many traders.
Trading 212 has a lot to offer potential users, the primary benefit being commission-free trading across a broad range of asset types.
Another benefit is the simplicity and usability of their Trading 212 mobile app, which is free to download, easy to navigate, and very functional. Trading 212 is perfect for both beginner and veteran traders.
Disclaimer
Trading 212 warns all potential customers that Forex and CFDs trading always carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
Before deciding to trade the products offered by Trading 212, potential traders are advised to carefully consider their investment objectives, financial situation, needs, and level of experience before investing money they cannot afford to lose.
Trading 212 warns that margin trading involves the potential for profit as well as the risk of loss and that movements in the price of foreign exchange and commodities are very unpredictable; hence, Trading 212 cannot guarantee a maximum loss, according to research in South Africa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trading 212?
Trading 212 is an online broker offering commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. It provides user-friendly mobile and web platforms, enabling both beginners and experienced traders to access global markets with real-time data and intuitive tools.
Is Trading 212 regulated?
Yes, Trading 212 is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) in Bulgaria. These regulations ensure client fund protection, transparency, and compliance with strict financial standards for secure trading.
What types of accounts does Trading 212 offer?
Trading 212 offers three account types: Invest (for real stocks and ETFs), CFD (for leveraged trading on various assets), and ISA (for UK clients seeking tax-free investing). Each account type suits different investment goals and trading strategies.
Does Trading 212 charge any fees?
Trading 212 provides commission-free stock and ETF trading. However, other charges may apply, such as currency conversion fees, overnight CFD financing costs, and withdrawal fees in specific circumstances. Always review the fee schedule before executing trades to understand costs clearly.
Is my money safe with Trading 212?
Yes, client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from company funds. Trading 212 also falls under the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects eligible deposits up to £85,000 in the event of company insolvency.
What platforms does Trading 212 support?
Trading 212 offers a proprietary web-based platform and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Both versions provide advanced charting, real-time market data, and educational resources. They are designed for accessibility, ensuring smooth performance across all devices and experience levels.
What instruments can I trade on Trading 212?
Traders can access over 10,000 instruments, including global stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies via CFDs. The Invest platform focuses on real asset ownership, while the CFD account allows speculative trading with leverage for higher exposure.
How do deposits and withdrawals work?
Trading 212 supports deposits via bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Withdrawals are processed through the same method used for deposits. Processing times vary, typically completing within one to three business days.
Does Trading 212 offer a demo account?
Yes, Trading 212 provides a free demo account with virtual funds. It allows traders to practice strategies, learn platform features, and gain confidence before investing real money. The demo environment mirrors live market conditions accurately.
Does Trading 212 offer customer support?
Trading 212 provides multilingual customer support via live chat and email. Support teams assist with technical, account, and trading-related inquiries. Additionally, an extensive help center and educational resources are available to help users navigate trading tools effectively.
