Plus500 vs Swissquote Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Plus500 and Swissquote across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
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.
Swissquote offers real shares and share CFDs on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges under a FINMA Swiss banking licence - an institutional-grade equity platform combining the deepest international stock access with banking-grade regulation and custody.
Swissquote comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.3/5 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.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Swissquote has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Swissquote edges out Plus500 with a higher editorial score (4.3/5 vs 3.6/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
Plus500 vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $1,000 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA | FCA DFSA FINMA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit Plus500 | Visit Swissquote |
Plus500 vs Swissquote Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- FINMA Swiss banking licence - strongest institutional-grade regulation in retail equity access
- Real share ownership on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges in Swiss bank custody
- Swiss Depositor Protection up to CHF 100,000 - stronger than FSCS or MiFID schemes
- Full range: stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex in one Swiss banking account
- Commission significantly higher than retail competitors (from USD 5 + 0.1% for US shares)
- High minimum deposit - not suited for beginner or small-capital investors
- Platform complexity creates a steep learning curve
- Cost premium is not justified for smaller accounts vs Interactive Brokers or XTB
Plus500 vs Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Swissquote ranks higher with a score of 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5 for Plus500. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
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 hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Plus500 has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Plus500 more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile and Swissquote offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, 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: Plus500 has a lower minimum deposit ($100); Swissquote has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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