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Dodl vs Trading 212

We compare AJ Bell's new investment app, Dodl, against Trading 212. See who came out on top.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 70.8%-86.4% 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.
AJ Bell has launched a brand new investment platform, Dodl. It’s attractive, easy to use, adn has some resident monsters. Today we’re pitting Dodl’s shares and funds offering against Trading 212. We’ve compared the shares you can trade, the investment types, fees, mobile and web features and learning resources.

Dodl vs Trading 212: Vital statistics

DodlTrading212
Finder rating★★★★★★★★★★
Customer satisfaction rating★★★★★★★★★★
Stocks and shares ISA available?
FSCS protected?
Costs rating★★★★★★★★★★
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info
When it comes to vital stats, both providers do well. Both Dodl and Trading 212 have a stocks and shares ISA available at no additional cost. Both platforms are protected with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which means that you’re protected up to £85,000 if either company were to go bust.

You can invest in a pension and a lifetime ISA LISA) With Dodl, but not Trading 212. A LISA lets you save up to £4,000 per year for your first home or for retirement. The government contributes £1,000 for every £4,000 invested.

Round 1: Stock exchanges

DodlTrading212
Exchanges covered score★★★★★★★★★★
UK - London Stock Exchange
US - NASDAQ
US - New York Stock Exchange
Canada - Toronto Stock Exchange
Japan - Japan Exchange Group
Euronext
Germany - Deutsche Börse
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info
At the moment, Dodl only has 50 UK shares available on the platform, while Trading 212 has access to a huge range of stocks on UK, US, Canadian and European stock exchanges, among others. Hopefully Dodl will add more in the future.
  • Winner: Trading 212

Round 2: Financial instruments

DodlTrading212
Financial instruments score★★★★★★★★★★
Shares
ETFs
Bonds
Funds
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info
Dodl has 50 UK shares and a range of funds, which it calls “themed investments”. Trading 212 offers 3,000 shares, plus at least 900 exchange traded funds (ETFs).
  • Winner: Trading 212

Round 3: Fees

DodlTrading212
Costs rating★★★★★★★★★★
Platform fees0.15%0
Minimum deposit£0£1
Standard trading fee£0£0
Best trading fee£0£0
Foreign exchange fee0%0.15%
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info
The costs for both platforms are pretty good – for beginner investors trading less than £675 each month, Dodl will cost £12 each year. Trading 212 is commission-free, but you’ll have to pay foreign exchange fees to trade overseas shares. The ISA is free with both providers.
  • Winner: Trading 212

Round 4: Mobile and web features

DodlTrading212
Features rating★★★★★★★★★★
iPhone app
Android app
Desktop/web app
Notifications
Watch lists
Community or forums
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info

Dodl is app-only, while Trading 212 lets you trade on desktop as well. You can receive notifications on both platforms about how your investments are getting on. Dodl doesn’t let you create watch lists or have forums available, which Trading 212 offers.

  • Winner: Trading 212

Round 5: Learning resources

DodlTrading212
Resources rating★★★★★★★★★★
Guides
Videos and walkthroughs
Demo account
In-depth learning tools
Keep in mindCapital at riskCapital at risk. 83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
More InfoMore Info

When it comes to learning resources, both providers are doing pretty well — we really like what Dodl is doing, it’s got a “learn” tab on the app with guides and in-depth tools that can help you get started, which we think is vital for a beginner investment platform. Trading 212 lets users open a demo account to give trading a go, its video content and walkthroughs are exceptional.

  • Winner: Trading 212

Overall winner: Is Dodl better than Trading 212?

While Dodl is definitely on its way to becoming a great investment platform, it’s not quite there yet. Trading 212 is the clear winner between these apps, with lower fees, a larger selection of investments, great tools and fantastic learning resources.

We think Dodl could have performed better in our comparison if it had more investments available on its platform and offered desktop trading. We think Dodl’s learning resources are great for beginner investors.

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.

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