Crypto Trading 212 in 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Selling & CFD Trading

The crypto market continues to evolve in 2024, and Trading 212 remains one of the most user-friendly platforms for both beginners and experienced traders. Whether you want to buy Bitcoin as a long-term investment or engage in high-leverage CFD trading, this platform offers a streamlined way to access cryptocurrencies.

But is it the best choice for your trading needs?

This comprehensive 2024 guide will explore:

 Step-by-step instructions for buying and selling crypto on Trading 212
 Key differences between Invest Mode and CFD trading—and which is right for you
 Full breakdown of fees, spreads, and hidden costs
 Security measures and risks every trader must know
 Top alternatives if Trading 212 doesn’t meet your needs

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Trading 212 crypto trading aligns with your financial goals.

1. What Is Trading 212?

Trading 212 is a UK-based online broker founded in 2004, offering trading in stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and CySEC, it provides a secure environment for retail investors.

Key Features of Trading 212 in 2024

 Zero-commission investing (for stocks & ETFs)
 CFD trading with leverage (up to 1:5 for crypto)
 Invest Mode (buy and hold real crypto assets)
 Mobile app (iOS & Android)
 Demo account (risk-free practice trading)

Recent Performance & Market Position

• Trading 212 experienced exponential growth but now faces scaling challenges (City A.M.).
• In 2022, revenues dropped 17%, with profits falling 50% (FX News Group).
• Despite this, it remains a top choice for beginners due to its intuitive interface.

2. How to Trade Crypto on Trading 212

2.1 Setting Up an Account

1. Sign Up (takes less than 5 minutes)
   • Provide email, password, and personal details.
2. Verify Identity (KYC)
   • Upload a government-issued ID and proof of address.
3. Deposit Funds
   • Bank transfer (free, 1-2 business days)
   • Debit/Credit Card (instant, possible fees)
   • Apple Pay/Google Pay (instant)

Minimum Deposit:

• £1 for Invest Mode
• Higher for CFD trading (varies by asset)

2.2 Buying & Selling Crypto

Option 1: Invest Mode (Long-Term Holding)

• Buy real crypto assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
• No leverage—ideal for passive investors.
• Example: Invest in HODL.CH, a diversified crypto basket.

Option 2: CFD Trading (Short-Term Speculation)

• Trade crypto with leverage (up to 1:5).
• No ownership of the underlying asset.
• Example: BTC/USD CFD trading.

Comparison Table: Invest Mode vs. CFD Trading

2.3 Trading Strategies for Crypto on Trading 212

Long-Term (Invest Mode) Strategies

• Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA):
  • Invest fixed amounts weekly/monthly to reduce volatility impact.
• Portfolio Diversification:
  • Mix Bitcoin, Ethereum, and crypto ETFs (e.g., DAGB.GB).

Short-Term (CFD) Strategies

• Swing Trading:
  • Hold positions for days/weeks based on technical trends.
• Scalping:
  • Profit from small price movements (requires tight spreads).

Risk Management Tip:
“Never risk more than 1-2% of your capital per trade, especially with CFDs.”

3. Trading 212 Crypto Fees & Costs (2024 Update)

Trading 212 is commission-free, but traders should be aware of:

 Spreads (difference between buy/sell prices)
 Overnight Fees (for CFD positions held past market close)
 Currency Conversion Fees (if depositing in non-GBP/EUR)

Example Fee Breakdown:

Sterling Savvy notes:
“Trading 212’s fees are competitive, but CFD traders should account for overnight costs.” 

4. Pros & Cons of Trading 212 for Crypto

Advantages

 Regulated & Secure (FCA & CySEC protection)
 User-Friendly Interface (ideal for beginners)
 No Commission on Invest Mode
 Demo Account Available (practice risk-free)

Disadvantages

 Limited Altcoin Selection (only major cryptos like BTC, ETH)
 No Crypto Withdrawals (can’t transfer to external wallets)
 High Overnight Fees for CFDs
 Leverage Risks (76% of retail CFD traders lose money)

Quote from a Reddit User:
“Trading 212 is great for stocks, but crypto traders might prefer Binance for more coin options.”

5. Is Trading 212 Safe for Crypto?

Security Measures

• FSCS Protection (up to £85k for UK clients).
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for account security.
• No Cold Storage (not a self-custody wallet).

Risks to Consider

 CFD Trading is High-Risk (leveraged losses can exceed deposits).
 No Private Wallet Control (you don’t own private keys).
 Market Volatility (crypto prices can swing dramatically).

Expert Advice:
“If you’re holding long-term, consider transferring profits to a hardware wallet like Ledger.”

6. Best Alternatives to Trading 212 for Crypto

Best for Leverage? Try Bybit or Kraken Futures.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Trading 212 for Crypto?

Trading 212 is a strong choice for:
 Beginners wanting a simple way to buy Bitcoin.
 Long-term investors using Invest Mode.
 Traders comfortable with CFD risks.

However:
 Advanced traders may prefer Binance or Bybit for more coins and leverage.
 Self-custody advocates should avoid it (no wallet transfers).

Final Recommendation:
“For regulated, easy-to-use crypto trading, Trading 212 is a solid pick—but know its limits.”

Ready to start? Sign up for Trading 212 or explore alternatives for more crypto options.