This matchup pits a Swiss-regulated, multi-asset broker against a pure CFD-focused operator. The tension centers on regulation depth, platform capability, and crypto asset reach.
Swissquote edges Plus500 on the editorial score and stronger regulatory framework. Its platform capabilities and charting are superior, while institutional-grade trust supports it.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer real-time support with a 24/5 live chat option. You also get a 15-coin crypto list and a simple spread-based pricing model that many beginners find easy to grasp, with no commissions.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you want stronger regulatory backing and deeper risk controls, plus advanced charting and research tools. You also access crypto CFDs and real crypto custody within a single Swiss banking account, supported by FINMA oversight.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins for security due to FINMA licence and full Swiss banking status.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Plus500 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Plus500 rates 3.7/5 and Swissquote rates 4.1/5. Swissquote 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.
Plus500 lists a lower spread from 0.6, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. 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.
Plus500 has $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Plus500 more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Plus500 and Swissquote 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: Plus500 requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Plus500 offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Swissquote'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.
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Swissquote edges Plus500 on fees due to marginally lower spreads.
Plus500 is better for beginners due to a simple platform and no minimum deposit.
DeFi & Web3 access is equally matched.
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | MAS FCA ASIC CySEC CMA | DFSA FCA FINMA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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