Trading 212 referral link (UK): paused, here are the best alternatives

Last updated: 5 May 2026

Status: is the Trading 212 referral offer still live?

At the moment, it looks like Trading 212 has paused the free share referral promotion. You can still sign up to Trading 212 and use the platform normally, but the bonus share part is not reliably triggering for new accounts right now.

Trading 212 notes in its own help documentation that referral programme terms can change at any time and that promotional rewards are not guaranteed. So, rather than have you sign up, wait three business days, and come away empty-handed, here are the closest alternatives that have active offers right now.

Best alternative if you wanted managed investing like Trading 212's pies

JPMorgan Personal Investing (fully managed): usually 6 months fee-free with £500 or more invested

If you wanted the hands-off experience of Trading 212's Pies — pick an allocation and let it run — JPMorgan Personal Investing is the nearest managed-fund equivalent. The offer usually comes through as six months fee-free when you invest at least £500 via the referral flow. Always check the live terms on the page before committing.

Best alternatives if you want DIY investing (you pick the stocks)

Lightyear (evergreen): up to £100 sign-up reward

Lightyear is our top pick for a consistent, always-on DIY investing referral. It is modern, low-fee, and the referral reward is reliably available — which is more than can be said for most. If Trading 212's self-managed style is what you were after, Lightyear is the nearest like-for-like.

Freetrade: free share worth £10–£100

Freetrade is one of the UK's most established DIY investing platforms. You can buy shares and ETFs, hold investments in a Stocks and Shares ISA, and the free share offer runs for new sign-ups. It is a solid, mainstream alternative if you want something well-known and well-reviewed.

Robinhood UK: up to 5 free stocks (value varies)

Robinhood's UK sign-up offer can include free shares for new accounts. Treat the value as a bonus rather than a guarantee — the number and value of stocks vary — but if you were curious about the platform anyway, it is a reasonable time to try it.

Want the bigger picture first?

If you are still deciding which platform suits you best — managed vs DIY, fees, ISA options, minimum deposits — this guide breaks it all down in one place.

Still want Trading 212 specifically?

Totally fair. Trading 212 is a well-regarded platform — commission-free trading, a clean app, ISA support, and fractional shares. You can still sign up and use it normally even while the referral promotion is paused. If the free share offer comes back, we will update this page. It is worth bookmarking if the promotion is the main draw for you.

FAQs

Can Trading 212 turn the referral offer back on?

Yes. Trading 212 has run multiple free share campaigns over the years. Whether and when the offer returns is entirely at their discretion. We update this page as soon as the status changes.

What is the closest replacement for Trading 212's referral?

For DIY investing where you pick the stocks, Lightyear and Freetrade are the closest like-for-like alternatives. For something more hands-off, JPMorgan Personal Investing is the better fit.

Why has the Trading 212 referral offer paused?

Trading 212's free share promotion has always been campaign-based rather than permanent. The company sets its own start and end dates, adjusts eligibility criteria, and can withdraw the offer at any time. There is typically no official explanation when a campaign ends.

Can I still use Trading 212 without the referral reward?

Absolutely. Trading 212 still offers commission-free trading, a Stocks and Shares ISA, and a well-reviewed app. You just would not receive the free fractional share if the campaign is not active at the time you sign up.

Is my money protected on the alternative platforms?

All platforms listed here are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible investments may be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, but investing always carries risk. Check each provider's terms for full details.

Is this financial advice?

No. This content is for information only and is not financial advice. Investing involves risk and you may get back less than you invest. Promotions can change or end at any time. Always read the provider terms before signing up.

Authority signals

• Trading 212 Help Centre: Invite a Friend, Get Free Fractional Shares
• Trading 212 Help Centre: Invite a Friend FAQs
• Financial Conduct Authority: FCA Register
• Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

More useful CoolCuration guides

• Lightyear referral offer — consistently active, clean app, and a solid free share reward for new sign-ups.
• JPMorgan Personal Investing referral offer — the best hands-off investing alternative, with a fee-free period for new investors.
• Trading 212 review (UK) — what the platform is actually like to use, who it suits, and what to watch out for.
• How to start investing in the UK — a beginner-friendly guide to picking a platform, opening an ISA, and making your first investment.
• Chip savings app referral code — great for building a savings habit alongside your investing account.
• Best investment referral deals in the UK — the full rundown of every active investing sign-up offer tracked on CoolCuration.

Disclaimer

This content is for information only and is not financial advice. Investing involves risk and you may get back less than you invest. Offer availability, terms, and reward values can change or be withdrawn at any time. Always check each provider's current terms before signing up. FCA regulation and FSCS protection should be verified independently for each platform.

Some links on this page are referral links. If you use them, CoolCuration may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.