E*TRADEvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits a seasoned US broker against a global CFD platform, focusing on price models, platform depth, and regulatory safeguards.
Key Differences
- 1Commission-free stocks and ETFs on E*TRADE.
- 2Extended hours trading on E*TRADE.
- 3Dividend reinvestment available on E*TRADE.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want the Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and futures access from one account. You also gain commission-free stocks and ETFs.
E*TRADE vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | $100 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
E*TRADE vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
6
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
Plus500
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
E*TRADE vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.6/5 for Plus500. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Plus500 starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Plus500 requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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, Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while Plus500 lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while Plus500 does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Plus500 scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
