Comparison of Trading212 vs CMC Markets [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Trading212

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

CMC Markets

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FCA, CySEC

Demo account

Yes
Low 4/5

Fees

FCA, ASIC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

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 .
4.0 – CMC Markets offers competitive pricing and precision with aggregated prices from multiple sources. However, the daily and overnight holding costs can be significant for long-term positions .

Level

Low 4/5
Low 4/5

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​​ .
CMC Markets offers a competitive fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, primarily operating through spreads rather than commission-based fees. The spreads on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are relatively tight, making it cost-effective for traders to execute their strategies. Additionally, CMC Markets does not charge deposit fees, which is a significant advantage for traders looking to fund their accounts without incurring extra costs. However, users should be aware of potential overnight holding costs for CFD positions, which can add up if trades are held for extended periods. For cryptocurrency CFDs, the primary cost is the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices. This spread is competitive with other major exchanges, particularly for popular cryptocurrencies. CMC Markets also employs a tiered spread system, where spreads can vary depending on market conditions and liquidity. This dynamic pricing model helps ensure that traders receive fair pricing, especially during times of high market volatility. Additionally, the absence of commission fees on crypto trades further enhances the platform’s attractiveness to cost-conscious traders. While there are no hidden fees, it’s important for traders to consider the overall cost of trading, including potential overnight fees for positions held beyond a day. These fees can vary based on the specific cryptocurrency and market conditions. Moreover, CMC Markets provides detailed information on all costs associated with trading on their platform, promoting transparency and helping traders make informed decisions. Overall, CMC Markets’ fee structure is designed to be straightforward and competitive, making it a strong choice for both novice and experienced cryptocurrency traders.

Trading212

CMC Markets

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

Trading212 does not have a native token.
CMC Markets does not have a native token.

Earns

Trading212 does not offer staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. It provides trading through crypto CFDs .
CMC Markets does not support staking or other crypto earning programs. It provides trading through crypto CFDs and spread betting .

NFT marketplace

Trading212 does not have an NFT marketplace.
CMC Markets does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .
CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

Trading 212 UK Ltd​​.
CMC Markets UK Plc​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC​​.
FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany/EU), IIROC (Canada), ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), MAS (Singapore), DFSA (Dubai)​​.

Year founded

2004​​
1989​​

Founder

Ivan Ashminov, Nick Saunders
Peter Cruddas​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

Yes, Trading212 accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, CMC Markets accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Yes, Wise is supported as a payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method. In some locations, third-party payment providers like Wise are not available .

Card

Yes, Trading 212 accepts credit/debit cards .
Yes, CMC Markets accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Trading212 Features CMC Markets
The platform allows users to start trading with as little as £1, making it highly accessible for beginners.
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade size at CMC Markets is low, making it accessible for beginners who want to start trading with smaller amounts.
Trading212 offers competitive fees with no commissions on real stock trades, but CFD trading involves spreads.
Trading and Transaction Fees
While CMC Markets offers competitive spreads, the stock CFD fees are relatively high compared to other exchanges.
Trading212 supports a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which might not satisfy traders looking for a wide variety of digital assets.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
With around 19 cryptocurrencies available, the selection is decent but fewer than some competitors that offer a broader range.
The platform does not offer direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, limiting the trading options available.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Trading is limited to CFDs, and there are no direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs available, which might be a limitation for some traders.
Trading212 provides clear and comprehensive information about its fees, services, and regulatory status, ensuring transparency for users.
Website Transparency
The CMC Markets website provides transparent and detailed information about its fees, regulatory status, and services, fostering trust among users.
Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
CMC Markets does not offer 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
CMC Markets does not offer direct crypto storage, as it operates through CFDs, which might not appeal to traders looking for a direct investment in cryptocurrencies.
There are no staking or rewards programs available on Trading212, limiting passive income opportunities for users.
Staking and Rewards
The platform does not offer any staking or rewards programs, which can be a disadvantage for traders interested in earning passive income through their holdings.
Trading212 offers robust mobile and desktop applications with a user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools.
Mobile App and Desktop
CMC Markets provides high-quality mobile and desktop trading platforms with advanced features, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
The platform offers good customer support through various channels, though there is room for improvement in response times.
Customer Service
Customer service is reliable and available 24/5, but the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders needing assistance outside regular hours.
Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward and support multiple payment methods, though crypto withdrawals are not available.
Deposit and Withdraw
The platform offers fast and varied deposit methods. Withdrawals are generally quick, though some methods may incur fees, which should be considered by users.

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 .
CMC Markets offers the “Next Generation” trading platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a comprehensive range of research tools. Their MT4 platform also supports algorithmic trading .

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, CMC Markets offers a highly functional mobile app as part of their “Next Generation” trading platform, providing extensive features for mobile trading .

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​​.
CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.

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 .
CMC Markets provides an extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies. They offer 19 cryptocurrencies for trading, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The platform features advanced research and educational tools, including a comprehensive learning center. CMC Markets also boasts a high fill rate of 99.9%, making it a great choice for active crypto day traders. However, they do not support trading real stocks and have relatively high stock CFD fees .

Anonymity

Trading212 does not support anonymous accounts. The registration process includes providing personal details and identity verification​​.
CMC Markets requires identity verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not possible .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Trading212 supports trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other popular cryptocurrencies .
CMC Markets provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), TRON (TRX), EOS, Stellar Lumens (XLM), Cardano (ADA), and crypto indices such as the All Crypto Index, Major Crypto Index, and Emerging Crypto Index​​.

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​​.
CMC Markets offers a powerful and versatile trading platform that caters well to crypto traders. The Next Generation platform is particularly noted for its configurability and advanced tools. However, the platform might require some time to master due to its extensive features, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Overall, it provides a comprehensive trading experience with access to multiple crypto assets .

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​​.
CMC Markets offers value through competitive pricing and a wide range of tradable instruments. The fees for holding positions overnight are standard, and the platform’s robust tools justify the costs, though its advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, available in most countries that allow crypto trading .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates .

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​​.
CMC Markets caters to experienced traders who appreciate a powerful trading platform with extensive configurability and tools. It is best for those who are comfortable with trading crypto CFDs and are looking for a wide range of cryptocurrency indices to trade​​.

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.
CMC Markets offers a wide selection of crypto CFDs, allowing users to trade on price movements without owning the underlying assets. The platform is known for its advanced trading tools and competitive spreads.

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.
CMC Markets offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. The process is straightforward, though withdrawal times can be slightly longer compared to deposits.

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.
CMC Markets has an easy and efficient account opening process. Users complete an online application, provide personal and financial details, and upload identification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved quickly.

KYC required?

KYC is mandatory at Trading212. Users must submit identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.
CMC Markets requires KYC verification. Personal identification documents and proof of address must be provided during the account registration process.

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.
CMC Markets has a reliable customer service team available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, helping users with a wide range of issues.

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​​.
CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

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.
As an expert at Threenvest, I recommend CMC Markets for crypto traders who value a secure and user-friendly platform. The advanced charting tools and comprehensive research capabilities make it ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is decent, the platform’s robust security measures and regulation by top-tier financial authorities provide added peace of mind. However, keep in mind that customer support is not available on weekends, and the range of cryptocurrencies could be expanded for more trading opportunities.

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.

More comparatives Trading212 and CMC Markets