Trading 212 vs CMC Invest 2026
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 vs CMC Invest, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 vs CMC Invest, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Your capital is at risk.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Trading 212 offers better pricing than CMC Invest for share dealing.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
UK investors comparing Trading 212 and CMC Invest will find plenty of overlap in core investment choices: both support share trading, ETFs, and investment trusts. Neither offers crypto, corporate bonds, gilts, or adviser services. A key difference is that Trading 212 includes CFD trading, while CMC Invest does not; conversely, CMC Invest lets you buy funds, which Trading 212 doesn’t. Spread betting isn’t listed for either provider.
On investment choice quality, UK.StockBrokers.com rates Trading 212 at 4.5/5 (ranked #10 of 21) and CMC Invest at 4/5 (ranked #14 of 21). In short: pick Trading 212 if you need CFDs; pick CMC Invest if you want access to funds. For straightforward share dealing and ETFs, both platforms are comparable for UK users.
| Feature |
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Trading 212 vs CMC Invest: charting tools are fairly limited on both. Neither platform shows corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends) on charts, and neither supports index or stock overlays. Trading 212 lets you add notes to charts, while CMC Invest does not. CMC Invest lists 0 drawing tools and 0 technical indicators; Trading 212’s exact counts aren’t specified here.
For platforms and alerts, Trading 212 offers a browser-based trading platform, whereas CMC Invest does not. Both brokers provide real-time market data and let you set price alerts. UK investors comparing trading tools may find Trading 212 better for web access and chart notes, while both are similar for alerts and live data.
| Feature |
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
When comparing online brokers for retirement accounts in the UK, Trading 212 and CMC Invest each have distinct offerings. Trading 212 provides Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), making it a suitable option for users focused on tax-efficient saving. CMC Invest, on the other hand, not only offers ISAs but also Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP). This makes CMC Invest an appealing choice for those looking to manage their retirement planning more comprehensively, combining both tax savings and pension growth options. Overall, both platforms cater to different needs, with Trading 212 focusing on ISAs and CMC Invest providing broader retirement solutions with the addition of SIPP accounts.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors comparing mobile apps, both Trading 212 and CMC Invest offer iPhone and Android apps, but Trading 212 scores higher for mobile experience: it holds a 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com and ranks #3 out of 21 brokers, while CMC Invest is rated 3.5 stars and ranks #13.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
Comparing beginner education at Trading 212 and CMC Invest: neither runs client webinars or offers on‑demand replays. Both teach share trading, and neither covers funds; only CMC Invest includes retirement guidance, which Trading 212 lacks. Based on UK.StockBrokers.com, Trading 212 scores 4.5/5 stars and ranks 10th of 21, while CMC Invest scores 2.5/5 and ranks 16th—so Trading 212 is generally the better choice for learning, unless retirement content is your main focus.
| Feature |
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
For UK investors comparing market research features, Trading 212 and CMC Invest both provide shares and ETF research, and neither covers bond research or publishes formal fund research reports. Only CMC Invest includes general funds research, while Trading 212 does not. Trading 212 stands out with a simple portfolio allocation view by asset class, which CMC Invest lacks. If you want basic research on shares and ETFs, either platform works; pick Trading 212 for a clear asset breakdown, or choose CMC Invest if you also want funds research (but not in-depth reports).
| Feature |
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | No |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
Which broker is better overall, Trading 212 or CMC Invest? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Trading 212 to be a better trading platform overall.
Trading 212 is a popular investing platform best known for its commission-free trading, easy-to-use mobile app, and support for low-cost investing in stocks and ETFs.
| Feature |
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both Trading 212 and CMC Invest do not offer crypto trading, positioning them as online brokers that focus on other investment options for users seeking alternatives to cryptocurrency transactions.
Choosing the best broker can be crucial to your success as a day trader in the U.K., as the needs of active traders can be drastically different from those of passive investors. See our top picks, based on hands-on testing and analysis.
Steven Hatzakis Aug 26, 2020
We reviewed and compared over 20 of the top U.K. brokerage firms to create our list of the best U.K. investment platforms for beginner investors.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
The best UK mobile trading apps appeal to all levels of trading skill — beginner, active trader, and longer-term investor. Check out our top picks here.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
IG is a trading platform for experienced investors, offering shares, ETFs, spread betting, and CFDs on an easy-to-use interface.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
XTB’s low fees and solid education make it ideal for new investors. Learn more about its features and drawbacks in our full XTB review.
Elizabeth Anderson Sep 26, 2023
AJ Bell review 2025: Explore ISAs, SIPPs, fees, app features, and ratings. Find out if AJ Bell is the best UK investing platform today.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Webull has a good app, desktop platform, and low fees, but is limited in the UK by offering only US stocks with no products offered from other markets.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 20, 2024
Fidelity offers thousands of investments and also offers financial advice for those wanting direction. My view is that Fidelity is most suited to traditional investors who hold a range of accounts through the platform.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Barclays Smart Investor is an investment platform offered by Barclays Bank that offers a wide range of investments and accounts. Non-Barclays customers may find it complicated to open an account. Barclays is good value whether you are a beginner investor or have a large portfolio as its fees are, overall, very low.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Capital.com is a U.K. broker primarily known for CFDs (contracts for difference) and spread betting. While it previously offered the chance to buy and sell shares commission-free, you can no longer buy shares directly through Capital.com. Trading is limited to an unleveraged CFD account.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Revolut offers easy app-based investing with commission-free trades and a new stocks & shares ISA. See whether Revolut is the right platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
Compare eToro’s ISA fees, trading costs, social trading tools, and investment options. Read our review to decide if eToro is right for you.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Review Freetrade’s fees, ISA costs, and investment options. Learn whether Freetrade’s commission-free trading is the right choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Saxo review: Compare ISAs, fees, and trading tools. Discover if Saxo’s global platform is right for your investing goals today.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Bestinvest appeals to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and investment options are extensive.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
Interactive Investor offers flat fees, wide investment choice, and strong research tools. See who ii is best for and whether it’s the right platform for you.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Review Vanguard’s low fees, ISA and SIPP options, and simple long-term investing funds. See if Vanguard is the right low-cost platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Hargreaves Lansdown offers top research and a quality app but higher fees. Learn more about its features and if it’s right for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 5, 2022
Review Lloyds’ investing platform, ISA fees, SIPP costs, and investment options. See if Lloyds is the right low-cost choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Trading 212 offers commission-free trading, but lacks mutual funds. See if it’s the right low-cost platform for your investing goals.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Robinhood is great for trading US stocks and for beginners who want to learn the basics without worrying about small trades being swallowed up by hefty fees.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
Trade U.K. and U.S. shares commission-free with CMC Invest. Backed by CMC Markets. Explore if it’s the right app for your portfolio today.
Elizabeth Anderson Apr 19, 2023
Charles Stanley Direct is an online investment platform where you can invest in a wide range of products, including stocks and ETFs, using various accounts like tax-advantaged ISAs and SIPPs.
Elizabeth Anderson Aug 20, 2024
Explore Halifax Share Dealing’s flat fees, ISA options, and ready-made portfolios. Find out whether Halifax offers good value for your investing style.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Trading 212 Review | CMC Invest Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | No | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds | No | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | |||
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £1 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 | £0 | £83.88 / £131.88 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K | £0 | £83.88 / £131.88 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m | £0 | £83.88 / £131.88 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over | £0 | £83.88 / £131.88 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 | £0 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £0 | £0 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | £0 |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | No | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | ||
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | ||
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | |||
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
| Education | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Overall Summary | Trading 212 | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Trading 212 Review | CMC Invest Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |