IG vs Plus500
Can't decide between IG and Plus500? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
IG and Plus500 are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IG scores 99/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Plus500's 90/100.
On pricing, IG offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips vs 0.8 pips). IG supports IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile, giving IG an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS while Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to Plus500 (90/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IG offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips, beating the 0.8 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, Plus500 is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 99/100 ✓ | 90/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | 0.8 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips ✓ | 0.8 pips |
| Commission | $0 | $0 (spread only) |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 22ms | < 30ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:300 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $100 ✓ |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 2,800+ |
| Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA | Standard |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $18 per month (after 24 months) | $10/month after 3 months |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose Plus500 if...
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
- ✓You value simplicity and beginner-friendly
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
Plus500 Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS) — strong financial transparency
- ✓ Clean, intuitive proprietary platform — zero learning curve
- ✓ Guaranteed stop-loss orders available (at wider spreads)
- ✓ 24/7 customer support via live chat
- ✓ Wide range of payment methods including PayPal and Skrill
Drawbacks
- × No MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader
- × Spread-only model can be expensive for active traders
- × Very limited educational content and research tools
- × No copy/social trading features
- × No API or algorithmic trading support
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✗
- MT5✗✗
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
Plus500 Execution
The Plus500 platform is beautifully minimal. The design is clean and uncluttered, with clear buy/sell buttons, a simple watchlist, and basic charts that load instantly. Trade execution is straightforward — select an instrument, choose your size, set your stop loss and take profit, and click trade. The mobile app mirrors the web experience perfectly, which is rare. However, charting capabilities are basic — there are only a handful of indicators, limited drawing tools, and no multi-timeframe analysis. The guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO) feature is the platform's standout innovation, providing absolute price certainty even during gaps.
The Bottom Line: IG vs Plus500
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
- ✓ Simplicity
- ✓ Beginner-Friendly
- ✓ Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders
- ✓ Casual & Part-Time Traders
- ✓ Risk-Averse Beginners
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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