Interactive Brokersvs
Plus500Crypto Exchange Comparison
This matchup weighs regulated ownership against CFD exposure, testing security, asset depth, and pricing clarity across Interactive Brokers and Plus500.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.3 pts
Interactive Brokers edges Plus500 on editorial score due to real crypto ownership and broader regulatory coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 offers 24/5 live chat.
- 2Interactive Brokers provides phone support.
- 3Plus500 lists 15 coins vs Interactive Brokers 9.
Who should choose Interactive Brokers vs Plus500?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want phone support.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you value advanced charting and 9 crypto assets. Plus500 should be chosen if you want 24/5 live chat support. Plus500 if you value 15 coins and an inactivity fee after 3 months.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Interactive Brokers wins for security with multi-jurisdictional regulation from SEC, FINRA, and FCA.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Interactive Brokers |  Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 2.00% | N/A |
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500 Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs), Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major alts in your IBKR account
- SEC, FINRA, FCA, and ASIC regulated, strongest multi-jurisdictional framework available
- 0.12-0.18% transparent commission, no spread markup on underlying price
- Manage crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, bonds, and forex in a single platform
Cons
- Narrow selection (~9 coins), no access to altcoins, DeFi, or NFTs
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Interactive Brokers rates 4/5 and Plus500 rates 3.7/5. Interactive Brokers has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Interactive Brokers lists a lower spread from 0.2, compared with Plus500's 0.6. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Interactive Brokers and Plus500 hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Interactive Brokers offers up to 1:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Plus500's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
