Saxo Bank
Plus500
Saxo Bank vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Saxo Bank and Plus500 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Saxo Bank, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips with a minimum deposit of $2000. Plus500, established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with spreads from 0.8 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Saxo Bank scored 9/10 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
- 📊
Saxo Bank scores 9/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Plus500 — a 1.2-point difference.
- 💵
Plus500 requires just $100 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — Plus500 is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Saxo Bank runs on SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: Saxo Bank scores 9.5 vs 6.5 for Plus500 — a 3.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Saxo Bank
Score: 9.0/10 · Wins 6 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
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
Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Plus500 fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Product Range where it scores 10.0/10. Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Saxo Bank wins by 2.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 3.0 points
Plus500 wins by 1.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.0/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $2000 | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FCA, DFSA, MAS | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1992 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 72,000+ ✓ | 2,800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Saxo Bank has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Plus500. Saxo Bank offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at Saxo Bank is $2000, compared to $100 at Plus500. 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
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Saxo Bank provides SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. 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. Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1), while Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 and Plus500 scores 9/10 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, Saxo Bank leads with 8/10 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. Saxo Bank and Plus500 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
Saxo Bank offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Plus500 provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. 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
Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Plus500 scores 8.5/10. Saxo Bank accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000 versus $100 for Plus500. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Saxo Bank if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to 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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxo Bank better than Plus500?
Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 6 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, Saxo Bank or Plus500?
Saxo Bank scores higher for trading costs. Saxo Bank offers spreads from 0.4 pips with a $2000 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Saxo Bank safe to trade with?
Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and scores 9.5/10 for regulation. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Saxo Bank or Plus500?
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Saxo Bank offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank vs Plus500?
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000, while Plus500 requires $100. Plus500 has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
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