Plus500vs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers square off over stock access, pricing, and platform features. The tension centers on exchange coverage versus advanced tools and investor protections.
Our Verdict
Skilling winsby 0.1 pts
Both brokers are closely matched on overall scores. Plus500 provides access to 18 exchanges while Skilling covers 10, the clearest differentiator.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 connects to 18 exchanges, Skilling to 10.
- 2Plus500 has 24/5 live chat; Skilling lacks this.
- 3Skilling offers advanced charting via cTrader; Plus500 does not.
Who should choose Plus500 vs Skilling?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you value access to 18 exchanges and 24/5 live chat support. The platform remains beginner friendly with a simple WebTrader.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you want advanced charting with Skilling Trader and cTrader. You also gain CySEC regulation and 800+ share CFDs.
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
Plus500 is favored for safety & regulation with FCA, ASIC, MAS, and LSE listing.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Plus500 vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 90 days) |
| Deposit fee |
Plus500 vs Skilling Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Share CFDs only, no real ownership, ISA, SIPP, or dividend entitlement
Plus500 vs Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Plus500
criteria win
1
Skilling
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Plus500 | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Plus500 vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Plus500 rates 3.6/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. Skilling has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Plus500 lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Skilling's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Skilling has $50, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Plus500 and Skilling 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: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Plus500 lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Skilling 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.
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Plus500 nor Skilling 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 Plus500 and Skilling 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.
