Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Plus500
⭐ 4.3 / 5
IG vs Plus500 — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Plus500 across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| IG | Plus500 | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA NZ, MAS Singapore, ISA Israel | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.6 pips (variable) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:300 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2008 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | London / Haifa | — |
Pros & cons compared
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
Plus500 pros
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (PLUS) — full audited financials
- ✓ Six-regulator footprint: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA, MAS, ISA
- ✓ Clean, beginner-friendly proprietary platform
- ✓ Guaranteed Stop Loss available (paid, but valuable in volatile markets)
- ✓ 5,000+ instruments including stock CFDs, ETFs, options, crypto
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform only — no MT4, MT5, cTrader
- ✗ No copy-trading or social features
- ✗ Inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months dormant
Which one should you choose?
Choose Plus500 if you want…
Beginners and discretionary traders who want a simple, regulated, equity-market-listed broker with broad CFD coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Plus500?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than Plus500?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Plus500 holds licenses from: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA NZ, MAS Singapore, ISA Israel. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Plus500?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Plus500 spreads start from 0.6 pips (variable). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Plus500?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Plus500: $100. IG has the lower entry barrier.
