What are the best alternatives to Trading 212 in the UK?

eToro is well-known globally for its social trading capabilities, allowing users to follow and replicate trades made by experienced investors. The platform covers a wide range of assets including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and forex.

Global assets under management

• £8.64 billion

Fees

• Zero commission on stocks and ETFs (spread fees apply)

• Withdrawal fee: £3.86 ($5)

• Inactivity fee: £7.72 ($10) a month after one year 

Key features: 

• Social trading and CopyTrading

• Fractional shares

• Robust educational resources 

Pros

• User-friendly and intuitive interface

• Ideal for beginners and social investors

• Wide selection of investment options 

Cons

• Withdrawal and currency conversion fees

• Higher spreads compared to some competitors

• Limited advanced charting tools 

Best for

• Beginner investors and those interested in social trading or cryptocurrency trading

Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the UK's largest and most established investment platforms, known for its exceptional research resources, extensive range of investment choices, and high-quality customer service. 

Global assets under management

• £155.3 billion

Fees

• Platform fee: 0.45% (reduces with higher balances) 

• Dealing fees: £11.95 per trade (reduces with higher frequency)

Key features

• Comprehensive investment research tools

• Extensive range of funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs

• Highly-rated mobile and web platform

Pros

• Excellent customer support

• Easy-to-navigate platform suitable for all levels

• Rich educational resources 

Cons

• Fees higher than some competitors, particularly for frequent traders

• Limited fee discounts for larger portfolios

Best for

• Investors looking for robust research, educational resources, and comprehensive customer support. 

Freetrade is a commission-free trading platform that appeals to beginners and young investors seeking straightforward, cost-effective access to investing. 

Global assets under management

• £2.5 billion

Fees

• Commission-free trades, monthly fee of £4.99 for ISA access, optional Plus account at £9.99 per month 

Key Features

• Commission-free stocks and ETFs, simple and intuitive app, fractional shares

Pros

• Zero commissions, user-friendly app, ideal for beginners, fractional share investing 

Cons

• Limited research tools, narrower product range compared to established brokers, foreign exchange charges 

Best for

• Beginner investors and those looking for low-cost, straightforward trading experiences

Interactive Investor (ii) is the UK's second-largest investment platform known for its flat-fee structure, ideal for regular or high-value investors. 

Global assets under management

• £77 billion

Fees

• Flat fee from £4.99 to £21.99 per month depending on plan. £3.99 to £9.99 per trade 

Key feature

• Stocks and shares ISA, self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), ETFs, investment trusts, extensive research resources 

Pros

• Flat-fee structure benefits large portfolios, broad investment choices, strong educational resources 

Cons

• Not ideal for infrequent or very small investors, fewer trading tools for day traders 

Best for

• Regular, long-term investors or those with larger portfolios seeking a transparent, flat-fee structure  

AJ Bell is known for its affordability and flexibility, appealing to investors who actively manage their portfolios. 

Global assets under management

• £4.7 billion

Fees

• Platform fee of 0.25% per annum for shares, capped at £3.50 per month, £1.50 per fund trade, £9.95 per share trade 

Key features

• Stocks and shares ISA, SIPP, lifetime ISA, comprehensive range of investment options, intuitive platform 

Pros

• Affordable fees, extensive investment selection, solid educational resources, flexible platform

Cons

• User interface can be less intuitive compared to competitors, limited advanced trading features

Best for

• Active investors managing moderate-to-large portfolios, value-driven investors seeking competitive fees