| Feature | Pocket Option | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2004 |
| Regulation | IFMRRC (non-official regulator) | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), FSC (Bulgaria) |
| Trading Instruments | Binary options on forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies | Stocks, ETFs, CFDs on forex, commodities, indices |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $1 |
| Minimum Trade Amount | $1 | Varies by instrument |
| Demo Account | Yes, $10,000 virtual funds | Yes, customizable virtual funds |
| Trading Platforms | Web-based, Android, iOS | Web-based, Android, iOS |
| Educational Resources | Video tutorials, webinars, guides | Articles, tutorials, knowledge hub |
| Social Trading | Copy trading available | Not available |
| Deposit Methods | Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), crypto | Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, Google Pay |
| Withdrawal Processing | Usually within 24 hours | 2 business days for card withdrawals |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email, phone | Live chat, email support |
| Bonuses & Promotions | Deposit bonuses, trading contests | None |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.5/5 on App Store, 4.4/5 on Google Play | 4.6/5 on App Store, 4.5/5 on Google Play |
| Availability | Worldwide, except restricted regions | Primarily Europe, limited elsewhere |
| Account Types | Standard, VIP | Invest, ISA, CFD |
| Leverage | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:30 (retail clients) |
| Commission Fees | No commissions, fixed payouts | Zero commissions for stocks and ETFs, spreads on CFDs |
| Spreads | Fixed payout rates for options | Variable spreads, e.g., GBP/USD ~0.00028 pips |
| Security Features | SSL encryption, two-factor authentication | SSL encryption, two-factor authentication |
| Unique Features | Trading tournaments, social trading, achievements | Pie investment feature for portfolio management |
| Trading Style | High-risk, short-term binary options trading | Low-risk, long-term investing and CFD trading |
| Order Execution Type | Instant execution with fixed payouts | Market and limit orders with variable pricing |
| Charting Tools | Candlestick, line, bar, Heiken Ashi, multiple indicators | Advanced charting with customizable indicators, multiple timeframes |
| Order Types | High/low binary options, turbo trades | Market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit orders |
| Auto Trading/ Bots | Automated trading bots, copy trading | No automated trading bots, manual trading only |
| Market Analysis Tools | Basic technical analysis indicators | Advanced research tools, real-time market data |
| Asset Variety | Limited to binary options on select assets | Wide range of stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and indices |
| Hedging and Scalping | Not applicable to binary options | Hedging allowed, scalping possible in CFD trading |
| Swap/Overnight Fees | Not applicable (trades expire within minutes) | Overnight fees apply to leveraged CFD positions |
| Slippage Control | Fixed payouts prevent slippage issues | Slippage may occur in high-volatility markets |
| Profit Potential | Fixed percentage payout per trade, up to 95% on successful trades | Market-driven profit, dependent on price movement and leverage |
| Risk Level | High due to binary options structure | Moderate for long-term investments, high for leveraged CFDs |
| Regulatory Protection | Non-regulated in major financial markets | Strong regulatory protection under FCA, CySEC, FSC |
| Investor Compensation Scheme | No compensation fund | FSCS protection (up to £85,000 for UK clients) |
| Trading Community | Active community with social trading and leaderboards | No built-in trading community |
| Custom Indicators | Limited to platform-provided indicators | Customizable technical indicators and tools |
| Account Verification | KYC required for withdrawals | Full KYC verification mandatory before trading |
| Affiliate/Referral Program | High-commission referral program | No referral program for users |
| Profit Withdrawal Limit | No strict withdrawal limits | No withdrawal limit but subject to processing time |
| Platform Customization | Basic interface with limited customization | Advanced customization, personalized portfolios |
| Margin Trading | Not applicable to binary options | Available for CFD accounts with leverage limits |
| Trailing Stop Orders | Not supported | Supported for CFD trading |
| Market Depth Display | Limited depth visibility | Advanced order book and market depth for certain assets |
| Spread Type | Fixed payouts rather than spreads | Variable spreads depending on market conditions |
| Execution Speed | Instant execution due to binary nature | Variable execution speed based on market liquidity |
| Requote Policy | No requotes, fixed trade outcome | Possible requotes during high volatility |
| Economic Calendar Integration | Basic market news updates | Full economic calendar with impact analysis |
| News Trading | Profits depend on correct short-term prediction | News-driven volatility affects spread and slippage |
| Trading Hours | 24/7 trading for some assets | Follows standard market trading hours |
| Weekend Trading | OTC (Over-the-Counter) options available | Closed on weekends except for crypto trading |
| Corporate Actions Support | Not applicable | Stock splits, dividends, mergers reflected in accounts |
| Dividend Payments | Not applicable | Investors receive dividends on stock holdings |
| Stock Ownership | No ownership of assets, only speculation | Actual stock ownership for Invest and ISA accounts |
| ETF Trading | Not available | Wide selection of ETFs for investment |
| Index Trading | Limited to binary options on indices | Full CFD trading on global indices |
| Commodity Trading | Gold, silver, oil in binary format | Physical and CFD commodity trading |
| Forex Trading | Binary options on currency pairs | CFD trading with spreads and leverage |
| Crypto Trading | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others in binary format | Crypto CFDs with leverage |
| Regulated Markets Access | Offshore-based, access varies by region | Direct access to regulated stock exchanges |
| User Interface Customization | Predefined themes and layouts | Advanced UI customization, personalized dashboards |
| API Access for Developers | Limited API options for automated strategies | No public API available for trading automation |
| Multi-Account Management | Single account with different trade sizes | Separate CFD and Invest accounts under one login |
| Tax Reporting Tools | Basic profit/loss tracking | Tax reporting features, downloadable statements |
| Interest on Uninvested Funds | No interest paid | Interest may apply to uninvested cash balances |
| Trust Level Among Traders | Higher risk due to offshore status | High trust due to FCA and CySEC regulation |
| Timeframe Options for Analysis | Limited timeframe selection for quick trades | Wide range of timeframes for technical analysis |
| Customization of Watchlists | Basic watchlist options | Advanced watchlists with sorting and filters |
| Mobile App Features | Simplified trading with quick order placement | Full-featured investment and trading platform |
| Partnership with Financial Institutions | Operates independently | Partners with top-tier banks for execution and custody |
| User Growth Trend | Popular among high-risk traders | Increasing adoption among retail investors |
| Fund Protection Measures | Funds kept in separate accounts but less oversight | Client funds are segregated in Tier 1 banks |
| Scalping Strategy Viability | Limited by binary option expiry times | Possible in CFD trading under specific conditions |
| User Base Demographics | Mostly short-term traders, high-risk takers | Long-term investors, retail traders, and passive investors |
| AI and Machine Learning Tools | Basic predictive indicators | No AI-based trading tools, relies on manual strategies |
| Additional Perks | Achievement badges, VIP rewards, contests | No reward system, focuses on investment growth |
Pocket Option specializes in high-risk binary options trading with fixed payouts and social trading features, while Trading 212 focuses on commission-free stock investing and CFD trading with strong regulatory backing and diverse market access.