Plus500
IG
Plus500 vs IG
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Plus500 and IG are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Plus500, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Haifa, Israel, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. IG, established in 1974 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to Plus500's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Plus500 holds its own with smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Plus500 — a 1.4-point difference.
- 💵
Plus500 requires just $100 to start, while IG needs $250 — Plus500 is 3x more accessible.
- 📈
IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Plus500 runs on Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, while IG uses IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: IG scores 9.0 vs 5.5 for Plus500 — a 3.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Plus500
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
- You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
IG
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 7 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Plus500 fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. IG holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Plus500 is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Plus500 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
IG wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 2.5 points
IG wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 3.5 points
IG wins by 1.5 points
IG wins by 3.0 points
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
IG wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:300 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS | FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2008 | 1974 ✓ |
| Markets | 2,800+ | 17,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Plus500. Plus500 offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips, while IG starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Plus500 is $100, compared to $250 at IG. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1), while IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1). Plus500 scores 9/10 and IG scores 10/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Plus500 and IG both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Plus500 offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while IG provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Plus500 scores 8.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IG scores 8/10. Plus500 accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, and IG supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $250 for IG. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
- You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
Choose IG if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plus500 better than IG?
IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Plus500 is stronger in smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Plus500 or IG?
IG scores higher for trading costs. Plus500 offers spreads from 0.8 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while IG starts from 0.6 pips with $250 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Plus500 safe to trade with?
Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS and scores 9/10 for regulation. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with a score of 10/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Plus500 or IG?
IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, while IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Plus500 vs IG?
Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100, while IG requires $250. Plus500 has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.