Comparison of Trading212 vs TradeStation [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theTrading212 vs TradeStation comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Trading212

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

TradeStation

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FCA, CySEC

Demo account

Yes

Low 4,2/5

Fees

FINRA, SEC

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

4.3 – 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 .

3.9 – TradeStation charges competitive volume-based fees starting at $2 + 0.65% for small trades. The complex fee structure and $10 monthly inactivity fee are notable drawbacks .

Level

Low 4/5

Low 4,2/5

Brief explanation

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 .

TradeStation charges competitive fees for cryptocurrency trading, though there are some costs to be aware of. Trading commissions are based on a tiered structure, starting at 0.30% per trade for monthly volumes up to $100,000 and decreasing to 0.20% for volumes above $1 million. This makes TradeStation suitable for both small and large traders. Additionally, there is a spread markup, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The platform also charges an inactivity fee of $50 if there is no trading activity for 12 months, and wire transfer withdrawal fees are $25 for US clients and $35 for international clients. These fees can add up, especially for infrequent traders. Despite these costs, TradeStation’s comprehensive tools and security measures can justify the expenses for those who prioritize advanced trading capabilities and regulatory compliance.

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.

TradeStation

Year Founded: Established in 1982, TradeStation has a long track record of stability and innovation in the brokerage industry.
Security Methods: TradeStation employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data and assets.
Regulation and Licensing: TradeStation is regulated by top-tier US authorities such as the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards.
Reputation and Reviews: TradeStation has consistently received positive reviews from users and industry experts for its advanced trading tools and comprehensive platform.
Transparency: As a subsidiary of Monex Group, a publicly listed company, TradeStation maintains a high level of transparency by regularly publishing financial statements and complying with rigorous disclosure requirements.

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Trading212 does not have a native token.

TradeStation does not have a native token.

Earns

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

TradeStation does not provide staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. The platform allows direct trading of certain cryptocurrencies .

NFT marketplace

Trading212 does not have an NFT marketplace.

TradeStation does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .

TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

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

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

Mastercard

Yes, Trading212 accepts Mastercard for deposits.

No, TradeStation does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Yes, Wise is supported as a payment method .

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, Trading 212 accepts credit/debit cards .

No, TradeStation does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Trading212	Features	TradeStation
The platform allows users to start trading with as little as £1, making it highly accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	TradeStation allows for low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.
Trading212 offers competitive fees with no commissions on real stock trades, but CFD trading involves spreads.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are higher than some competitors, especially for withdrawals.
Trading212 supports a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which might not satisfy traders looking for a wide variety of digital assets.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin.
The platform does not offer direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, limiting the trading options available.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited to major coins, restricting diversification opportunities.
Trading212 provides clear and comprehensive information about its fees, services, and regulatory status, ensuring transparency for users.	Website Transparency	TradeStation provides clear and detailed information about its services and fees.
Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .
Trading212 does not provide dedicated cryptocurrency storage solutions, as it primarily deals with CFDs rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.	Storage Offering	Utilizes secure storage solutions with BitGo for crypto assets.
There are no staking or rewards programs available on Trading212, limiting passive income opportunities for users.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or rewards programs available.
Trading212 offers robust mobile and desktop applications with a user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, but the mobile app has fewer features.
The platform offers good customer support through various channels, though there is room for improvement in response times.	Customer Service	Customer service is decent but has room for improvement in response times and support quality.
Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward and support multiple payment methods, though crypto withdrawals are not available.	Deposit and Withdraw	Limited methods and high fees for withdrawals, making it less user-friendly.

Key features

Analysis tools

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 .

TradeStation provides a powerful desktop trading platform with customizable sophisticated analysis tools, custom charts, and a detailed order book for crypto trading. They also offer mobile app trading with improved charting capabilities .

Mobile APP

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

Yes, TradeStation offers a mobile app that includes advanced charting, trading, and analysis tools .

Security

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.

TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency.

Additional features

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 .

TradeStation offers direct cryptocurrency trading for a limited selection of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin. Their platform includes advanced features like strategy development and technical analysis through the TradeStation Master Class. They also support crypto trading in IRAs and provide competitive volume-based fees. However, their crypto offerings have decreased in recent years .

Anonymity

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

Anonymous accounts are not supported on TradeStation. Personal and financial information along with verification documents are required.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

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

TradeStation offers trading in a few cryptocurrencies. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) .

User-friendliness

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.

TradeStation provides a powerful and intuitive platform for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform is designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders, with a range of tools and features that enhance the trading experience. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is limited, the platform’s overall usability and support make it a solid choice for crypto trading.

Value for money

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.

TradeStation offers good value with competitive volume-based fees and a range of trading tools. Its inactivity fee of $10 per month and the administrative fee for IRAs might be less attractive for occasional traders.

Countries of operation

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

United States, available to most other countries except restricted regions like North Korea and Sudan .

Best for

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.

TradeStation is suited for experienced traders who value advanced trading tools and direct access to crypto trading. Its detailed order book and professional-grade platform make it ideal for those who want to trade and analyze cryptocurrencies deeply.

Account

Trading

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.

TradeStation offers a limited selection of cryptocurrencies but provides a powerful trading platform with advanced tools and features. It is suitable for traders who want to integrate crypto trading with other financial products.

Deposit and withdrawal

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.

TradeStation supports deposits and withdrawals primarily via bank transfers. While the process is secure, it can be slower and more expensive compared to other brokers, with fees for wire transfers.

Account opening process

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.

Opening an account with TradeStation is fully digital and user-friendly. Users need to provide personal and financial information and submit verification documents. The process usually takes one to two business days for approval.

KYC required?

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

TradeStation requires KYC verification. Users need to provide personal identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

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.

TradeStation provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available during market hours and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times.

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

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.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert in the crypto market, I find TradeStation to be a solid platform for those who prioritize security and advanced trading tools. While its cryptocurrency offerings are limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin, the platform excels in providing a highly regulated environment and robust trading features. TradeStation’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources make it a suitable choice for both seasoned traders and those looking to gain deeper insights into crypto trading. However, the high withdrawal fees and limited deposit options are areas that could be improved to enhance the overall user experience.

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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 Trading212 vs TradeStation [ 2024 ]

Trading212

TradeStation

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Trading212

TradeStation

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 Trading212 and TradeStation