This matchup pits FXTM against Plus500 in stock CFDs, weighing regulation, platform design, and market reach. The trajectory hinges on access breadth and trading experience.
FXTM and Plus500 are closely matched; Plus500 offers broader exchange access (18 vs 6), which stands as the clearest differentiator.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Plus500 is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, CySEC, CMA with transparent oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit fee |
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, 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: FXTM rates 3.7/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. FXTM 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 FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, 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. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FXTM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM is better for active traders thanks to advanced charting.
Plus500 offers broader global access with 18 exchanges.
Equally matched; neither offers real ownership or dividend entitlements.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| 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 FCA CySEC FSC | MAS FCA ASIC CySEC CMA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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