Forex.comvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Forex.com and Plus500 face off on regulation, platform reach, and stock access. The tension centers on regulatory breadth and global exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
Forex.com winsby 0.3 pts
Forex.com edges Plus500 on the editorial score due to broader regulation (NFA/CFTC and FCA) and US accessibility.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Forex.com offers MT4 and MT5 alongside Web Trader.
- 2Plus500 provides 1,800+ share CFDs across 18 exchanges.
- 3Plus500 is LSE-listed and regulated by FCA/ASIC/MAS.
Who should choose Forex.com vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Forex.com if you want US-accessibility under NFA/CFTC regulation. You gain MT4 and MT5 alongside a proprietary Web Trader. Plus500 if you prefer broad equity coverage across many exchanges. You use a proprietary Web Trader with spread-only pricing and no MT4/MT5.
Choose Plus500 if…
Forex.com if you want US-accessibility under NFA/CFTC regulation. You gain MT4 and MT5 alongside a proprietary Web Trader. Plus500 if you prefer broad equity coverage across many exchanges. You use a proprietary Web Trader with spread-only pricing and no MT4/MT5.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com benefits from broader regulation including NFA/CFTC and FCA.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Forex.com vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
Forex.com vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated, accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
Cons
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
Forex.com vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Forex.com
criteria wins
0
Plus500
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 |
Forex.com vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 3.9/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. Forex.com 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.
Plus500 lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Forex.com's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Both Forex.com and Plus500 require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
Both Forex.com 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
Forex.com charges $7 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.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Forex.com 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 Forex.com and Plus500 are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
