How to Buy Crypto with Trading 212
Summary: Trading 212 no longer supports direct Bitcoin or cryptocurrency investments, limiting crypto exposure to related equities like Coinbase and MicroStrategy.
For direct crypto ownership, UK-based exchanges like Kraken offer secure options, allowing users to buy, stake, and trade a wide range of digital assets with lower fees.
Kraken is our top alternative to Trading 212, offering secure, direct crypto purchases, staking, a broad asset selection, and FCA regulation for added control and security.
The FCA, OAM and other Tier-1 Regulators
280+ Cryptos for Spot & Futures Trading
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Can I Buy Bitcoin with Trading 212?
Trading 212 no longer offers Bitcoin or crypto investing, as its Bitcoin Contracts for Difference (CFDs) were discontinued following an FCA ban. The only way to gain exposure to the crypto market on Trading 212 is indirectly, through stocks tied to digital assets, such as MicroStrategy or Coinbase.
For direct ownership, consider a UK-based crypto exchange where you can buy Bitcoin and transfer it to a personal wallet, ensuring full control and security.
How to Buy Crypto with a Trading 212 Alternative
If you're looking beyond Trading 212 for serious crypto options, Kraken is a solid choice trusted by over 10 million investors across the UK, EU, and worldwide. Kraken gives access to over 280 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, and staking options for assets like ETH and SOL, allowing you to earn rewards on your holdings.
Here’s how to get started with Kraken:
- Create an Account: Visit Kraken’s website, register, and complete identity verification to ensure security and compliance.
- Fund Your Account: In the ‘Funding’ section, you can deposit via bank transfer, IBAN, or major credit/debit cards. Kraken supports GBP and EUR deposits.
- Select Your Cryptocurrency: Choose from Kraken’s wide selection of assets to find your preferred investment.
- Complete Your Purchase: Enter the amount you wish to buy, review the transaction, and confirm.
Trading 212 Crypto Equities Fees
Trading 212 has a clear fee structure, with an average spread of around 1% on crypto-related equities. There are no custody fees, and currency conversions are capped at 0.15%. Bank deposits and withdrawals are free, while card deposits above £2,000 incur a 0.7% fee.
In contrast, Kraken, a dedicated crypto exchange, supports direct crypto purchases with free deposits and competitive trading fees starting at 0.16% per trade.
Will Trading 212 Offer Real Crypto Assets?
Trading 212 removed crypto assets from its platform in early 2021 due to regulatory risks and has shown no signs of reintroducing them. The platform’s conservative approach reflects the strict regulatory environment in the UK and EU, where crypto assets are often seen as high-risk.
Adding crypto would require extensive upgrades in technology, security, and risk management. For now, Trading 212 appears committed to its current lineup of financial products, with no indication it will support direct cryptocurrency investments in the near future.
About Trading 212
Trading 212 is a UK-based investment platform with over 3 million users and £3.5 billion in client assets and cash. It offers access to more than 13,000 global stocks and ETFs, supports fractional shares starting from £1, and features automated portfolio management through its "Pie" system.
Users can earn daily interest on uninvested cash, with rates such as 5.17% AER on Great British Pound (GBP) deposits. The platform is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and provides FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Bottom Line
Trading 212 remains focused on traditional assets, offering only indirect crypto exposure through stocks, with no signs of adding direct crypto options anytime soon.
For those seeking direct ownership, UK-based exchanges like Kraken provide a secure alternative with lower fees and a broad asset selection. With staking features, they are ideal for investors who want full control and the potential to earn rewards on their crypto holdings.