Interactive Brokersvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Interactive Brokers and Plus500 face off on costs, market access, and long‑term features. The matchup pits a deep execution toolset against a beginner‑friendly CFD experience.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers edges Plus500 on overall editorial score due to unrivalled market access and low commissions for active traders. Plus500 remains strong on regulation and simplicity, but falls short on exchange coverage and commissions.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
Plus500
3.6/5
Key Differences
- 1IBKR offers commission-free US stock trading via IBKR Lite.
- 2Plus500 uses spread-only pricing with CFDs and no real ownership.
- 3Interactive Brokers covers 150 exchanges versus Plus500's 18.
Who should choose Interactive Brokers vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you need access to a broad global market network and low commissions for active trading, plus IPO access.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer a simple, regulated CFD platform with spread-only pricing and no real ownership.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers wins for low cost trading due to commission-free US stock trading via IBKR Lite.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $2/lot | N/A |
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
Interactive Brokers vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
8
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
2
Plus500
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.6/5 for Plus500, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, compared with Plus500's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Interactive Brokers 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: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Interactive Brokers lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while Plus500 does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Plus500 scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
