FXCMvs
Plus500Forex Broker Comparison
FXCM and Plus500 square off on regulation quality, pricing, and platform choices. The axis of tension pits MT4/MT5 access and advanced tools against a streamlined proprietary platform.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
FXCM and Plus500 are closely matched; FXCM's MT4/MT5 availability stands out as the clearest differentiator.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FXCM offers MT4/MT5; Plus500 does not.
- 2FXCM provides advanced charting; Plus500 lacks it.
- 3FXCM has phone support; Plus500 has none.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.60 pips for Plus500, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
FXCM vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
FXCM vs Plus500 Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
FXCM vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
FXCM
criteria wins
0
Plus500
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXCM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
FXCM vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and Plus500 rates 4/5. FXCM 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.
FXCM starts from 0.4 pips, tighter than Plus500's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $50, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and Plus500 hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FXCM requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Plus500 lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 4 and NinjaTrader.
