Trading 212
Plus500
Trading 212 vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Trading 212 and Plus500 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Trading 212, founded in 2004 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $1. 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, Trading 212 scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Plus500's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Plus500 holds its own with stronger regulation, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Trading 212 scores 8.3/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Plus500 — a 0.5-point difference.
- 💵
Trading 212 requires just $1 to start, while Plus500 needs $100 — Trading 212 is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
Trading 212 offers 12,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Trading 212 runs on Trading 212 App, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: Trading 212 scores 7.5 vs 5.5 for Plus500 — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Trading 212
Score: 8.3/10 · 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
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Plus500
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
Trading 212 takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Trading 212 stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Plus500 fights back with stronger regulation.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Trading 212 comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 9.0/10. Trading 212 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 stronger regulation may find Plus500 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Trading 212 review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Trading 212 wins by 1.5 points
Trading 212 wins by 1.5 points
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
Trading 212 wins by 2.0 points
Trading 212 wins by 0.5 points
Trading 212 wins by 1.0 points
Trading 212 wins by 0.5 points
Trading 212 wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $1 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | Trading 212 App | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2004 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 12,000+ ✓ | 2,800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Trading 212 has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 7.5/10 for Plus500. Trading 212 offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at Trading 212 is $1, 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
Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Trading 212 provides Trading 212 App, 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. Trading 212 is regulated by FCA, CySEC (Tier 1), while Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 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, Trading 212 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. Trading 212 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
Trading 212 offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email 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
Trading 212 scores 9/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Plus500 scores 8.5/10. Trading 212 accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Trading 212 requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $100 for Plus500. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Trading 212 if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trading 212 better than Plus500?
Trading 212 scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Plus500 is stronger in stronger regulation. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Trading 212 or Plus500?
Trading 212 scores higher for trading costs. Trading 212 offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $1 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Trading 212 safe to trade with?
Trading 212 is regulated by FCA, CySEC and scores 8.5/10 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, Trading 212 or Plus500?
Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Trading 212 offers Trading 212 App, 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 Trading 212 vs Plus500?
Trading 212 requires a minimum deposit of $1, while Plus500 requires $100. Trading 212 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.