Plus500vs
SwissquoteStock Broker Comparison
This matchup contrasts Plus500's simple CFD platform with Swissquote's real-share access under strong regulation. The tension centers on cost, ownership, and global reach.
Our Verdict
Swissquote winsClear Winner
Swissquote is the editorial winner with a higher score than Plus500. The gap reflects Swissquote's stronger regulation and broader exchange access.
Swissquote
4.3/5
Plus500
3.6/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchange access: Swissquote covers 60 exchanges, Plus500 covers 18
- 2Ownership model: Swissquote provides real shares; Plus500 offers share CFDs only
- 3Regulation strength: Swissquote operates under FINMA; Plus500 is FCA/ASIC/MAS regulated
Who should choose Plus500 vs Swissquote?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you want a spread-only, no-commission model on a beginner-friendly platform.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you want real share ownership and broad international access under strong regulation.
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
Swissquote wins for safety & regulation with FINMA licensing and regulated custody.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Plus500 vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit fee |
Plus500 vs Swissquote 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 Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Plus500
criteria win
3
Swissquote
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Plus500 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Plus500 vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
Swissquote rates 4.3/5 versus 3.6/5 for Plus500. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Plus500 lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Plus500 has $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Plus500 more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Plus500 and Swissquote 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: Plus500 requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Plus500 nor Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
