AvaTrade vs Plus500 Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of AvaTrade and Plus500 across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
AvaTrade provides share CFD access on 600+ global stocks with fixed spreads across MT4, MT5, and AvaTradeGO - a well-regulated option for traders seeking equity CFD exposure within an established multi-asset broker.
Plus500 offers share CFDs on 1,800+ global stocks via its proprietary WebTrader under FCA, ASIC, and MAS regulation - a beginner-friendly regulated CFD platform with a clean interface and broad stock coverage for simple equity exposure.
AvaTrade edges ahead with a score of 3.8/5 vs Plus500's 3.6/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
AvaTrade has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
AvaTrade edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (3.8/5 vs 3.6/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
AvaTrade vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC ADGM CBI MFSA | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit AvaTrade | Visit Plus500 |
AvaTrade vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs - cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
- CFDs only - no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
- Narrower stock selection (600+) than CMC or Interactive Brokers
- Inactivity fee of €50 after 3 months - one of the most punishing in the industry
- Fixed spreads are wider than variable ECN rates during calm market hours
- LSE-listed, FCA/ASIC/MAS regulated - exceptional regulatory transparency
- 1,800+ share CFDs across major global exchanges on a clean beginner-friendly platform
- No commission - spread-only pricing is simple to understand
- Consistently top-rated mobile app for equity CFD access
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, SIPP, or dividend entitlement
- Inactivity fee ($10/month) applies after 3 months - unusually punishing
- Spread-only model less cost-efficient for active traders than commission plus raw spread
- No MetaTrader, no API, no algorithmic equity trading support
AvaTrade vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
AvaTrade vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, AvaTrade ranks higher with a score of 3.8/5 vs 3.6/5 for Plus500. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither AvaTrade nor Plus500 is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both AvaTrade and Plus500 hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Both AvaTrade and Plus500 require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and Plus500 offers Proprietary Web/Mobile. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: AvaTrade has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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