Comparison of IG vs Trading212 [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theIG vs Trading212 comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

IG

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Trading212

Main points

Fees

Average 3,4/5

Regulated

FCA, ASIC

Demo account

Yes

Low 4/5

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – IG offers competitive spreads and a transparent fee structure for crypto CFDs. However, the inactivity fee after 24 months can be a downside for less active traders .

4.3 – Trading212 provides commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform. However, the 0.3% to 0.5% fee on currency conversion orders and inactivity fee are potential downsides .

Level

Average 3,4/5

Low 4/5

Brief explanation

IG’s commission structure for cryptocurrency trading primarily involves spreads and overnight funding fees. When trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies, IG charges a spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price. This spread varies depending on the cryptocurrency being traded. For example, spreads for Bitcoin and Ethereum are typically lower due to higher liquidity, while smaller altcoins may have wider spreads. Additionally, IG charges an overnight funding fee if positions are held open past a certain time. This fee is based on the size of the position and the duration it is held. Unlike some exchanges, IG does not charge a direct commission per trade, making the spread the primary cost to consider. However, traders should be aware of the potential for overnight fees to accumulate if positions are held long-term. Overall, while IG’s fee structure can seem complex due to the combination of spreads and overnight funding fees, it remains competitive for those who trade actively and manage their positions effectively.

Trading212 employs a straightforward fee structure with no commissions on most trading activities, particularly for CFD accounts. Users benefit from free deposits and withdrawals, making the platform financially accessible. However, there are fees associated with specific services. For instance, a 0.7% fee is charged on deposits exceeding €2,000 when using credit/debit cards or electronic wallets. Currency conversion carries a fee of 0.15% for Invest accounts and 0.5% for CFD accounts. Additionally, inactive accounts are charged £9, €9, or $9 after six months of inactivity .

IG

Year Founded: IG was founded in 1974, giving it a long-standing reputation and extensive experience in the trading industry. This longevity demonstrates its stability and reliability as a trading platform.
Number of Users: IG serves over 239,000 clients worldwide, reflecting its widespread acceptance and trust among traders. A large user base often indicates a platform's credibility and reliability.
Security Methods: IG employs top-tier security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption protocols, and segregated client funds, ensuring that user data and assets are well-protected.
Reputation and Reviews: IG has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings from users and industry experts alike. Its commitment to transparency, customer service, and innovative tools has earned it numerous awards and recognitions.
Regulation: IG is regulated by several top financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These stringent regulatory standards provide additional assurance of its legitimacy and trustworthiness.

Trading212

Year Founded: Trading212 was established with a solid foundation in the trading industry and has steadily grown its reputation over the years, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy platform for its users.
Number of Users: With millions of users worldwide, Trading212 has built a large and active community, reflecting its credibility and user satisfaction.
Regulation: Trading212 is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing a strong layer of security and adherence to strict financial standards.
Customer Service: The platform offers comprehensive customer support, including a helpful community forum and various contact methods, ensuring that users can get assistance when needed.
Withdrawal and Deposit Policies: Trading212 supports a wide range of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets, making transactions easy and accessible for users.

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

IG does not have a native token.

Trading212 does not have a native token.

Earns

IG does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It offers crypto trading primarily through CFDs .

Trading212 does not offer staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. It provides trading through crypto CFDs .

NFT marketplace

IG does not have an NFT marketplace.

Trading212 does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

IG does not provide a card for its clients .

Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, IG accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Yes, Trading 212 accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, IG accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, Trading212 accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is supported as a payment method .

Yes, Wise is supported as a payment method .

Card

Yes, IG accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .

Yes, Trading 212 accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

IG	Features	Trading212
IG’s low minimum trade size makes it accessible for beginners looking to start small.	Minimum Trade	The platform allows users to start trading with as little as £1, making it highly accessible for beginners.
While IG offers competitive spreads, its fee structure can be confusing and relatively high due to additional charges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Trading212 offers competitive fees with no commissions on real stock trades, but CFD trading involves spreads.
IG provides a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, focusing primarily on major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Trading212 supports a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which might not satisfy traders looking for a wide variety of digital assets.
The platform mainly supports crypto-to-fiat trading, with fewer options for trading between different cryptocurrencies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The platform does not offer direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, limiting the trading options available.
IG excels in transparency, providing clear and detailed information about fees, regulations, and trading options.	Website Transparency	Trading212 provides clear and comprehensive information about its fees, services, and regulatory status, ensuring transparency for users.
IG does not provide a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .
IG does not offer dedicated crypto wallets, as it focuses on CFD trading rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.	Storage Offering	Trading212 does not provide dedicated cryptocurrency storage solutions, as it primarily deals with CFDs rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.
There are no staking or reward programs for holding cryptocurrencies on IG.	Staking and Rewards	There are no staking or rewards programs available on Trading212, limiting passive income opportunities for users.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are well-designed, offering advanced trading tools and features.	Mobile App and Desktop	Trading212 offers robust mobile and desktop applications with a user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools.
IG provides responsive and helpful customer service through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat.	Customer Service	The platform offers good customer support through various channels, though there is room for improvement in response times.
IG offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, though some may incur fees, and processing times can vary.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward and support multiple payment methods, though crypto withdrawals are not available.

Key features

Analysis tools

IG provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a highly functional mobile app. They also offer educational resources and risk management tools, including stop and limit orders .

Trading 212 offers a web-based platform and mobile apps with many features, including technical indicators and charting tools. They also provide educational resources and a demo account for practice trading .

Mobile APP

Yes, IG offers the IG Trading app, which is highly regarded and packed with features for both casual and advanced traders .

Yes, Trading 212 provides mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices, featuring many of the functionalities found on their web-based platform .

Security

IG is highly trusted and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer robust security features such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption. IG also provides negative balance protection, ensuring clients do not lose more than their account balance.

Trading 212 is regulated by the FCA and CySEC, ensuring a high level of security. However, they do not provide basic security features like two-factor authentication, which could be a concern for some investors.

Additional features

IG offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies for trading via CFDs. Their platform includes robust charting tools, various order types, and 24/7 customer support. IG is regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of security and reliability. However, their services might not be available to all regions, and they do not provide direct ownership of cryptocurrencies .

Trading212 allows trading of cryptocurrency CFDs with benefits like leverage and short selling. They offer a user-friendly platform with a demo account for practice. Trading212 supports a wide range of payment methods and provides low fees for trading CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, and forex in addition to cryptocurrencies .

Anonymity

IG requires personal identification and verification documents for account opening, thus not supporting anonymous accounts .

Trading212 does not support anonymous accounts. The registration process includes providing personal details and identity verification.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

IG offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies are Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), NEO, Stellar (XLM), and EOS.

Trading212 supports trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other popular cryptocurrencies .

User-friendliness

IG’s platform is well-regarded for its usability, offering a straightforward interface for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform provides access to various educational resources and customer support, making it easier for new traders to get started. IG’s robust regulatory framework and security measures also contribute to a trustworthy trading environment .

Trading212 offers a user-friendly and fast platform for trading crypto CFDs. The account setup process is quick, and the platform supports multiple payment methods. While the range of cryptocurrencies available for trading is limited, Trading212’s intuitive design and ease of use make it a good option for beginners.

Value for money

IG provides excellent value for money with competitive fees and a wide range of tradable cryptocurrencies. However, its fee structure can be complex, and occasional traders may find some charges, such as inactivity fees, to be less appealing.

Trading212 provides excellent value with commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform. However, its fee for credit/debit card deposits and a small commission on stock trades might be a downside for some users.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, United States, Singapore .

United Kingdom, European Union, available in most countries that allow crypto trading .

Best for

IG is suitable for traders who value a well-established, regulated platform with a range of educational resources. It’s best for those who prefer trading cryptocurrency CFDs and are looking for a comprehensive trading experience with robust security measures.

Trading212 is best for beginner and intermediate traders looking for a user-friendly platform with commission-free trading of crypto CFDs. It’s suitable for those who want to start trading quickly and benefit from a wide range of other financial instruments.

Account

Trading

IG provides a robust platform for trading crypto CFDs, offering a variety of cryptocurrencies with leverage options. It is well-regulated and provides excellent trading tools, making it suitable for serious traders.

Trading212 supports crypto CFD trading with leverage, offering a straightforward and easy-to-use platform. It is ideal for beginners who want to start trading cryptocurrencies without owning them.

Deposit and withdrawal

IG offers free deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal. The process is quick and efficient, with most transactions processed within a few business days.

Trading212 offers free deposits and withdrawals through a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is typically fast and efficient.

Account opening process

IG offers a smooth and fast account opening process. Users fill out an online application form, provide personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually approved within a day.

Trading212 offers a simple and fast account opening process. Users fill out an online form, provide personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. The process is fully digital and accounts are typically approved within one business day.

KYC required?

KYC verification is compulsory at IG. Users are required to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

KYC is mandatory at Trading212. Users must submit identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

IG offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to get assistance.

Trading212 offers customer support through live chat, email, and phone. The support is available 24/7 and is known for being responsive and helpful, providing users with timely and effective assistance.

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I would recommend IG for its robust and secure trading platform. IG’s long-standing reputation, coupled with its strong regulatory oversight, makes it a reliable choice for cryptocurrency trading. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources are perfect for beginners, while the advanced trading tools cater to more experienced traders. However, it’s important to be aware of the complex fee structure and limited selection of cryptocurrencies. Overall, IG is a solid option for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies through a well-established broker.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert at our website, I recommend Trading212 for beginners and casual traders who are looking to explore the world of cryptocurrency trading in a secure and user-friendly environment. The platform’s ease of use, competitive fees, and strong regulatory oversight make it a reliable choice. However, if you’re an advanced trader seeking a wide variety of cryptocurrencies or specialized features like staking, you might find the platform somewhat limited. Nonetheless, Trading212 is an excellent starting point for anyone new to crypto trading.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

Comparison of IG vs Trading212 [ 2024 ]

IG

Trading212

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

IG

Trading212

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives IG and Trading212