Interactive Brokers vs Plus500 Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Interactive Brokers and Plus500 across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers offers unrivalled market access and the lowest commissions in the industry for active stock traders. The TWS platform is extremely powerful but has a steep learning curve for beginners.
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.
Interactive Brokers comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.8/5 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.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free trading while Plus500 does not, making Interactive Brokers the more cost-effective choice for frequent stock traders.
Plus500 has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Interactive Brokers is better suited for long-term investing: fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access.
Interactive Brokers has the edge for active traders: commission-free trading, more platform options, advanced charting.
Interactive Brokers edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 3.6/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $100 |
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
| IPO access | Yes | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | SEC FCA CMF ASIC JFSA SEBI AMF SFC FINRA DFSA CMVM NFA IIROC CNV FSC CBI CNB MFSA | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
| Visit broker | Visit Interactive Brokers | Visit Plus500 |
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Access to 150+ global markets across 33+ countries
- Industry-leading low commissions for active traders
- IBKR Lite tier offers commission-free US stock trading
- Powerful TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access
- Regulated by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC and other Tier 1 bodies
- IPO access available through IBKR IPO platform
- TWS platform has a very steep learning curve
- IBKR Pro's tiered commission structure is complex
- Customer service can be slow for account-level queries
- Minimum activity fees may apply on smaller accounts
- 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
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 3.6/5 for Plus500. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while Plus500 does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can significantly reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Plus500 scores higher on our regulatory safety criteria, with top-tier regulatory oversight, segregated client funds, compensation scheme coverage. For stock investors, regulatory safety is critical — always confirm a broker's specific licences and investor protections before depositing funds.
Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS) 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: Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); Plus500 offers negative balance protection; Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers 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