IG vs Plus500 Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IG and Plus500 across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IG stands out in the UK stocks market for combining real share dealing, a Stocks & Shares ISA, listed options trading, and bonds - giving active investors a full-service, multi-asset account that most app-based platforms cannot match.
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.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to Plus500's 3.6/5.
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.
IG has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IG edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 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.
IG vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $100 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit IG | Visit Plus500 |
IG vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed - among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
- Share dealing commission (£8 or 0.1%) is higher than commission-free platforms
- No SIPP - pension wrapper requires a separate provider
- Options trading requires a DMA account and is not available to all retail clients
- No fractional shares on the share dealing account
- 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
IG vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IG | 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 | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IG vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 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 IG 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 IG 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.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IG supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, 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: IG has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IG has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
More Stock Broker Comparisons
More IG comparisons
More Plus500 comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker