Swissquote
Plus500
Swissquote vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Swissquote and Plus500 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Swissquote, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, is regulated by FINMA and offers spreads starting from 1.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $1000. 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, Swissquote scored 8.6/10 overall compared to Plus500's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Plus500 holds its own with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Swissquote scores 8.6/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Plus500 — a 0.8-point difference.
- 💵
Plus500 requires just $100 to start, while Swissquote needs $1000 — Plus500 is 10x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Plus500 holds Tier 1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS) offering stronger investor protection than Swissquote's Unrated status.
- 📈
Swissquote offers 3,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Swissquote runs on MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: Swissquote scores 7.5 vs 5.5 for Plus500 — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Swissquote
Score: 8.6/10 · 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 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
Swissquote takes the lead with an overall score of 8.6/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. Swissquote stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Plus500 fights back with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Swissquote comes out ahead with a 8.6/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. Swissquote holds Unrated regulation, though traders should verify the specific entity and jurisdiction covering their account. Plus500 is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Plus500 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Swissquote review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
Swissquote wins by 1.0 points
Swissquote wins by 1.0 points
Swissquote wins by 2.0 points
Swissquote wins by 0.5 points
Swissquote wins by 2.0 points
Plus500 wins by 1.0 points
Swissquote wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $1000 | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:100 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 1.1 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FINMA | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1996 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 3,000+ ✓ | 2,800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Plus500 has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Swissquote. Swissquote offers spreads starting from 1.1 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at Swissquote is $1000, 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
Swissquote scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Swissquote provides MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, 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. Swissquote is regulated by FINMA (Unrated), while Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). Swissquote scores 10/10 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, Swissquote leads with 7.5/10 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. Swissquote 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
Swissquote offers 24/5 Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, 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
Swissquote scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Plus500 scores 8.5/10. Swissquote accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Swissquote requires a minimum deposit of $1000 versus $100 for Plus500. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Swissquote 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...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swissquote better than Plus500?
Swissquote scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Plus500 is stronger in lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Swissquote or Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher for trading costs. Swissquote offers spreads from 1.1 pips with a $1000 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Swissquote safe to trade with?
Swissquote is regulated by FINMA and scores 10/10 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, Swissquote or Plus500?
Swissquote scores 8/10 for platforms. Swissquote offers MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, 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 Swissquote vs Plus500?
Swissquote requires a minimum deposit of $1000, 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?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.