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Plus500 vs IG (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Plus500 against IG across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: IG Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **IG** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While Plus500 remains an excellent choice for simple cfd trading, beginners & mobile traders, IG proves superior due to its publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and access to over 17,000 global markets.
Plus500 vs IG: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 1974 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $250 ($0 bank transfer) |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:300 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 60+ | 80+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, PayPal, Skrill | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-3 business days | 2-5 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
Plus500 vs IG: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Plus500 and IG, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Plus500 offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only) alongside 0.8 pips spreads. In contrast, IG utilizes a model with $0 (Built into spread for Forex) and 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IG provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Plus500 | IG |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only) | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-3 business days | 2-5 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Plus500 or IG Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Plus500 and IG are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Plus500 is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2008. IG, licensed since 1974, counters with 5 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Plus500
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)MAS (Singapore)FMA (NZ)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS) / €20,000 (ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2008
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Plus500 equips its clients with Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile. IG, on the other hand, grants access to IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Plus500 | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | ||
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Plus500 vs IG
Plus500
Pros
- Extremely simple and intuitive platform
- FTSE 250 listed company
- No commissions on any trades
- 2,000+ CFD instruments
- Heavily multi-regulated
Cons
- No MT4/MT5 integration
- Limited research and education
- Only CFDs (no real stocks)
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
Expert Verdict: Plus500 vs IG
When we place Plus500 and IG side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Plus500, licensed since 2008, has carved out a massive niche focusing on simple cfd trading, beginners & mobile traders. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker, and their platform environment highlights Plus500 WebTrader.
Conversely, IG, operational out of London, UK, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their $0 (Built into spread for Forex) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is extremely simple and intuitive platform, and you intend to start with a minimum of $100, Plus500 is the logical path forward. If, however, you value publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and require IG Platform, IG edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Plus500 vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy