This head-to-head compares Plus500 and XTB on regulation, platform depth, and stock access. The tension centers on commission-free CFD exposure versus real share ownership and advanced tools.
XTB is the overall winner, supported by a higher editorial score and stronger platforms and tools relative to Plus500.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
XTB minimizes costs with commission-free trading up to €100K monthly.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Plus500 rates 3.6/5 and XTB rates 4.1/5. XTB 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 starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for XTB. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Plus500 requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for XTB.
Both Plus500 and XTB 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Plus500 lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while XTB 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 XTB supports xStation 5. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB 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 XTB 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.
XTB gains safety credibility from KNF, FCA, and CySEC oversight.
XTB offers real ownership and dividend entitlement for long-term investors.
Plus500 delivers a beginner-friendly CFD WebTrader with simple navigation.
Plus500 offers access to 18 exchanges across global stocks.
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA | FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | xStation 5 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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