Plus500vs
Trading 212Stock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits Plus500 and Trading 212 against each other on cost models and platform features. The axis of tension is commission-free trading versus spread pricing and long-term investing options.
Our Verdict
Trading 212 winsClear Winner
Trading 212 is the editorial winner over Plus500, scoring higher overall (4.2 vs 3.6) due to stronger Fees & Spreads and Platforms & Tools.
Trading 212
4.2/5
Plus500
3.6/5
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 offers 24/5 live chat support; Trading 212 does not.
- 2Plus500 provides short selling; Trading 212 does not.
- 3Plus500 supports 18 exchanges; Trading 212 covers 3.
Who should choose Plus500 vs Trading 212?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you value 24/5 live chat support and the ability to short sell. It also offers access to 18 exchanges, compared with Trading 212’s 3.
Choose Trading 212 if…
Choose Trading 212 if you want commission-free stock trading and fractional shares. Its Stocks & Shares ISA and fractional investing appeal to long-term savers.
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
Trading 212 wins for low cost trading because it offers commission-free stock and ETF trading.
Best for safety & regulation
Plus500 vs Trading 212: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | None |
| Deposit fee |
Plus500 vs Trading 212 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 Trading 212: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Plus500
criteria wins
3
Trading 212
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Plus500 | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Plus500 vs Trading 212: Frequently Asked Questions
Trading 212 rates 4.2/5 versus 3.6/5 for Plus500. Trading 212 edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Plus500 starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Trading 212. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Trading 212 has $1, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Trading 212 more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Plus500 and Trading 212 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: Trading 212 requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), 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 Trading 212 lists up to 1:5. 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 Trading 212 supports Trading 212 App. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Trading 212 has exclusive access to Trading 212 App.
Trading 212 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.
Both Plus500 and Trading 212 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.
