FBSvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Two stock CFD platforms clash on accessibility, regulation, and global reach. The matchup pits low entry barriers against broader exchange access and stronger oversight, building anticipation for the verdict.
Our Verdict
Plus500 winsby 0.3 pts
Plus500 edges ahead of FBS on editorial score and regulatory standing, supported by access to 18 exchanges and top-tier oversight.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 provides access to 18 exchanges, while FBS offers 3.
- 2FBS offers phone support; Plus500 does not.
- 3Plus500 has a compensation scheme; FBS does not.
Who should choose FBS vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Plus500 has top-tier regulation and a compensation scheme.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FBS vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
FBS vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- $1 minimum deposit, widest accessibility for equity CFD markets
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated stock strategies
- 24/7 multilingual support across Asian and CIS markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize), minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
FBS vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
FBS
criteria wins
3
Plus500
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FBS | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | 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 |
FBS vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FBS rates 3.3/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. Plus500 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.
FBS lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Plus500's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FBS has $1, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Plus500 holds top-tier regulation (MAS, FCA, ASIC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FBS 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.
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.
