AJ Bell’s investment app, Dodl, is attractive, easy to use, and has some resident monsters. We’re pitting Dodl’s platform offering against Trading 212. We’ve compared the shares you can trade, investment types, fees, mobile and web features, along with learning resources.
 |  | |
| Finder Score | 8.1Great | 10Excellent |
| Customer satisfaction survey | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Stocks and shares ISA available? | ||
| FSCS protected? | ||
| Fees score | 9.2Excellent | 9.8Excellent |
| Keep in mind | Capital at risk | Capital at risk. 77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
| More info | More 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 stocks and shares ISA, self-invested personal pension (SIPP), or a Lifetime ISA (LISA) with Dodl. Trading 212 has only a stocks and shares ISA available.
At the moment, Dodl only has around 80 UK and US shares available on the platform, while Trading 212 has access to a huge range of over 12,000 stocks from the UK, US, and other global stock exchanges.
Winner: Trading 212
| | |
| Investment choice score | 6.3Standard | 9.8Excellent |
| Shares | ||
| ETFs | ||
| Bonds | ||
| Funds | ||
| Keep in mind | Capital at risk | Capital at risk. 77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
| More info | More info |
Dodl has 808 UK and US shares, and a range of funds (some containing bonds) and also themed investments (made up from ETFs). Trading 212 offers 12,000 shares, plus at least 900 exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Winner: Trading 212
| | |
| Fees score | 9.2Excellent | 9.8Excellent |
| Min. initial deposit | £25/month or £100 lump sum | £0 |
| Price per trade | £0 | £0 |
| Frequent trader rate | £0 | |
| Foreign exchange fee | 0.25% | 0.15% |
| Keep in mind | Capital at risk | Capital at risk. 77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
| More info | More info |
Winner: Trading 212
| | |
| Features score | 5Standard | 10Excellent |
| iPhone app | ||
| Android app | ||
| Desktop/web app | ||
| Notifications | ||
| Watch lists | ||
| Community or forums | ||
| Keep in mind | Capital at risk | Capital at risk. 77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
| More info | More info |
Dodl is app-only, while Trading 212 lets you invest 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 does offer.
Winner: Trading 212
| | |
| Resources rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Guides | ||
| Videos and walkthroughs | ||
| Demo account | ||
| In-depth learning tools | ||
| Keep in mind | Capital at risk | Capital at risk. 77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
| More info | More 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
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.
Have a look at our table of other share-dealing platforms to compare their features.
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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