Are you confused about whether to choose Trading 212 vs Hargreaves Lansdown as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Trading 212 vs Hargreaves Lansdown to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
Trading 212 vs Hargreaves Lansdown: In a Nutshell
Commission-free stock and ETF trading
Trading 212 is a fintech based in London that aims to democratize the entire investment process through a simple web and mobile application.
The company aims to do this by allowing its more than 15 million users to invest in over 10,000 stocks and ETFs, Forex, commodities, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.
You will find commission-free stocks and ETFs trading, fractional shares, and even an automatic investment system. New users get one free share worth up to €100 (promo code IITW). On the downside, it shows limitations regarding available products.
Reliability and security (UK investors only)
Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the biggest UK platforms for individual investors. It serves more than 1.5 million clients with over £120 billion AUMs.
You will find the most relevant financial instruments (Stocks, ETF, funds,…). It’s a bit pricey, but it makes up for it by being one of the most reliable brokers.
It is well-established, secure and regulated by the FCA. The customer service is market-leading, and their educational resources are superb.
Pros and Cons
Trading 212
Pros
- Commission-free Real Stocks and ETFs trading
- AutoInvest & Pies feature
- Fast and easy account opening process
- Demo account
- Top Tier Regulators
- One free share worth up to 100€ using the promo code "IITW"
Cons
- Limited product portfolio (no Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Futures)
- No relevant Fundamental tools
- Spreads on Forex CFDs may be high in certain trading hours
- Foreign exchange fees (0.15% and 0.50% in “Invest” and “CFDs” accounts, respectively)
Hargreaves Lansdown
Pros
- Excellent research and educational tools
- Great customer service
- No inactivity fee
- No withdrawal fee
- No minimum deposit
- High reliability and security
- Listed in the FTSE 100 index
- Has ISA, SIPP, and other products and services catered to british investors
Cons
- High trading commissions (UK and overseas shares, investment trusts, ETFs, gilts and bonds)
- Annual account charges for funds (up to 0.45%)
- No demo account
- Only one base currency: GBP
- High currency conversion fee (up to 1%)
Trading 212 vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
