IGvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
IG and Plus500 compete on stock access and platform depth, highlighting differences between real share dealing and CFD-focused trading.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG earns the higher editorial score, while Plus500 trails. IG offers broader asset access and multi-asset capabilities.
IG
4.5/5
Plus500
3.6/5
Key Differences
- 1IG offers real share ownership and ISA; Plus500 does not.
- 2IG provides extended hours and advanced charting; Plus500 lacks these.
- 3IG offers 30 exchanges; Plus500 covers 18.
Who should choose IG vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want real share ownership and access to a Stocks & Shares ISA and bonds trading in one account. You also gain extended hours and advanced charting plus integrated research across 30 global exchanges, with ProRealTime charts and Reuters news.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you want a straightforward CFDs experience with clear spread-only pricing for new investors. You benefit from strong regulatory transparency across FCA, ASIC and MAS and a beginner-friendly platform and consistently top-rated mobile app access.
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
IG is FCA-regulated and LSE-listed, underscoring robust UK regulatory standards.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IG vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | $10/month (after 3 months)▼ lower |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
IG vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
IG
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.6/5 for Plus500. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IG and Plus500 start from the same spread of 0.6. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
IG has no minimum deposit, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG 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: IG 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.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
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 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.
