Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 vs VT Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Trading 212, established in 2004, and VT Markets, founded in 2016, are both online brokers that offer a variety of trading services. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory credentials, Trading 212 stands out with three Tier-1 licenses, while VT Markets holds one, making Trading 212 generally considered more trusted in the industry. Trading 212 does not possess any Tier-2 licenses, whereas VT Markets has one, indicating a mixed yet credible regulatory standing for both.
The ForexBrokers.com Trust Scores provide further insight into their reliability. Trading 212 scores an 80 out of 99, falling into the 'trusted' category, while VT Markets scores a 70, placing it at 'average risk.' This data suggests that while both brokers are operationally secure, Trading 212 might offer a slightly higher level of trust for users concerned about regulatory oversight.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2004 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
When comparing Trading 212 and VT Markets for their commissions and fees, several key differences emerge. Trading 212 offers two types of accounts: Invest for trading shares and CFD for trading contracts for difference (CFDs). Focused on the CFD account, Trading 212 requires a minimum deposit of 10 euros. The broker promotes zero-commission trading; however, spreads still apply, particularly for forex and CFDs. For example, in April 2025, the average spread for the EUR/USD pair was 2.7 pips, which is notably above the industry standard and could be considered a disadvantage. Trading 212's commissions and fees have earned it a 4-star rating and a rank of 49 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, VT Markets offers two account types: the Raw ECN and the Standard STP accounts, each requiring a minimum deposit of $100. The Standard STP account is commission-free but comes with higher spreads compared to the Raw ECN account. VT Markets reports an average spread of 1.2 pips for the EUR/USD pair on the Standard STP account, while the Raw ECN account's effective spread stands at 0.83 pips. Overall, VT Markets’ pricing with its Raw ECN account aligns well with industry norms, although the Standard STP account may be less appealing cost-wise. VT Markets is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees and is ranked 20th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the investment range available with Trading 212 and VT Markets, Trading 212 stands out with an impressive selection. It offers 7,868 tradeable symbols, including 146 forex pairs. This extensive range includes the option to buy exchange-traded securities from both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to invest directly in stocks like Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, Trading 212 provides access to cryptocurrency derivatives, though it doesn't facilitate the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies and lacks a copy-trading feature.
VT Markets, on the other hand, offers 1,000 tradeable symbols, with 39 being forex pairs. While it allows for crypto derivatives trading, like Trading 212, it doesn't support trading actual cryptocurrencies. VT Markets does cater to copy trading enthusiasts, setting it apart from Trading 212 in this aspect. However, it doesn't provide direct access to U.S. exchange-traded securities, which limits its stock trading options compared to Trading 212. Consequently, Trading 212 is rated higher with five stars for its range of investments, while VT Markets holds a 3.5-star rating.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 39 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Both Trading 212 and VT Markets provide options for simulated trading, allowing new users to practice with a free virtual demo account. While Trading 212 distinguishes itself with a proprietary platform developed in-house, VT Markets relies on popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Desktop enthusiasts might appreciate VT Markets' offering of a Windows-based platform, which Trading 212 does not provide. Web-based trading is supported by both brokers, ensuring easy access from any browser. A key difference is that VT Markets offers copy trading, a feature not available with Trading 212.
For charting tools, Trading 212 offers users 20 drawing tools, while VT Markets provides 30, catering to different trading strategies. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the trading experience. When it comes to customizing watchlists, Trading 212 offers five columns, compared to VT Markets' seven, offering varied levels of flexibility. Overall, both brokers have earned a four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, however, Trading 212 ranks higher at #20 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to VT Markets, which sits at #47.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Trading 212 and VT Markets both offer convenient mobile trading experiences with apps available for iPhone and Android. While both platforms provide essential features like stock or forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines or view multiple time frames on charts, Trading 212 stands out in a few key areas. Notably, Trading 212 supports watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and online accounts, a feature absent in VT Markets. Furthermore, Trading 212 provides a richer charting experience with 104 technical studies, compared to VT Markets' 30. This can be particularly useful for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis.
Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, but Trading 212 has the edge with auto-saving drawings on charts. Each app is highly rated, receiving four out of five stars for mobile trading. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 ranks 17th among 63 brokers in the mobile trading category, while VT Markets is ranked 44th. These differences might exactly influence a trader's choice depending on what features and tools are most valuable to them during their trading activities. Trading 212 may appeal more to those who prioritize comprehensive charting tools and seamless synchronization, whereas VT Markets offers a simpler interface.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing Trading 212 and VT Markets for their market research offerings, both platforms provide forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. However, VT Markets stands out by offering daily market commentary, which Trading 212 does not provide. Additionally, while both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools and comprehensive economic calendars, VT Markets enhances its research capabilities with access to Trading Central's Technical Analytics. Neither broker supports research tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
Despite both Trading 212 and VT Markets earning a 3.5-star rating in research from ForexBrokers.com, their rankings differ: VT Markets ranks #36, whereas Trading 212 is placed at #44 out of 63 brokers. This distinction highlights VT Markets’ slight edge in providing research tools, which may appeal to traders looking for in-depth market insights. Overall, VT Markets may be a better choice if you're seeking regular market commentary and advanced technical analysis tools from Trading Central.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Trading 212 and VT Markets provide a comprehensive array of materials focused on forex and CFDs. Each platform offers a minimum of 10 educational resources, which may include articles, videos, and access to recorded webinars. These resources are particularly beneficial for newcomers eager to understand the basics of trading. Additionally, both brokers offer a collection of beginner educational videos designed to simplify the learning process, and both provide an investor dictionary featuring definitions for over 50 investing terms, helping users to get familiar with essential concepts and terminology.
However, Trading 212 and VT Markets diverge in certain educational offerings. Trading 212 stands out with its searchable archive of past client webinars, allowing users to learn on their own schedule, whereas VT Markets does not provide this feature. Moreover, Trading 212 caters to more experienced traders by offering advanced educational videos, a resource not available with VT Markets. Despite these differences, both brokers received an equal educational rating of 3.5 stars, yet Trading 212 is ranked higher in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, claiming the 20th spot compared to VT Markets, which is ranked 55th out of 63 brokers.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Trading 212 is better than VT Markets. Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
Best known for its mobile trading app, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform suite for CFD and share trading, as well as a large variety of forex pairs. However, despite its well-designed platform and wide range of symbols, its lack of advanced trading tools and flat research offerings hamper Trading 212’s bid to be considered a top broker.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 70 |
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Both Trading 212 and VT Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Trading 212 and VT Markets, Trading 212 supports ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, but not Skrill, while VT Markets lacks ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal, yet accepts Skrill; both brokers offer Visa or Mastercard and bank wires.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
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| Regulation | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 80 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 39 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Trading 212 Review | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | Trading 212 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | VT Markets Review |
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