A head-to-head comparison of FXTM and Plus500 across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CySEC and FCA-regulated broker with broad emerging-market reach, strong copy trading via MyFXBook integration, and a low $10 minimum deposit that makes it accessible to first-time traders.
LSE-listed with zero commission, intuitive proprietary platform, and negative balance protection - though limited research and no MT4.
FXTM edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs Plus500's 4/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Plus500 offers tighter spreads from 0.6 pips vs 1.5 pips for FXTM, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Both brokers offer equivalent trading costs across spreads, commissions, and account types.
Plus500 offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
FXTM edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.7 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Haifa, Israel |
| Min deposit | $10 | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 1000:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA ASIC CySEC CMA MAS |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXTM | Visit Plus500 |
Pros
Low $10 minimum deposit on Micro accounts
Strong copy trading via FXTM Invest platform
Extensive education - webinars, video courses, and market analysis
Multilingual support in 20+ languages
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Pros
LSE-listed providing strong institutional credibility
Zero commission on all trades
Intuitive proprietary platform with a clean mobile app
Negative balance protection across all accounts
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Standard account spreads are not ECN-competitive
Platform choice limited to MT4 and MT5
Mauritius FSC entity offers less investor protection than FCA/CySEC
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
No MT4 or MT5 support
Limited research tools and market analysis
US residents not accepted
No copy trading
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
No MetaTrader support
Limited charting capabilities
No phone support
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, FXTM ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4/5 for Plus500. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXTM and Plus500 may each suit different trader profiles.
Plus500 offers tighter spreads starting from 0.6 pips, compared to FXTM's spreads from 1.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXTM has a lower minimum deposit of $10, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM and Plus500 hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: FXTM has a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FXTM offers maximum leverage of 1000:1, while Plus500 offers up to 30:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and Plus500 offers Proprietary Web/Mobile; FXTM exclusively offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; Plus500 exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker