IC Markets vs Plus500 Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Plus500 across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets offers Shares CFDs on 2,000+ global stocks via MT5 and IRESS, combining its benchmark ECN infrastructure with direct equity access - a strong complement to its core forex offering for active traders who also need equity exposure.
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.
IC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.1/5 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.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IC Markets edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 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.
IC Markets vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $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 CySEC | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit Plus500 |
IC Markets vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to ASX and major global equity markets
- Commission-transparent pricing: USD 0.02/share on US stocks, no spread markup
- ASIC and CySEC regulated - tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFD trading
- CFDs only - no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
- 2,000+ stock range narrower than CMC Markets (10,000+) or Interactive Brokers
- IRESS monthly fee makes DMA access uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- Not available to US residents; 5:1 leverage cap applies on retail share CFDs
- 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
IC Markets vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | 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 |
IC Markets vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 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 IC Markets 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 IC Markets 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.
Plus500 has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Plus500 more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView 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: Plus500 has a lower minimum deposit ($100); IC Markets 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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