Plus500 vs IG Markets

In this article, we will compare two brokers. The first, Plus500, has been in operation since 2008 and is currently headquartered in Israel; it touts commission-free trading as its major selling point. The second broker is IG Markets, a UK-based powerhouse in operation since 1974. The former has over 200,000 traders and offers more than 2,000 assets; on the negative side, it unfortunately lacks a research and education component. The vast majority of Plus500's retail traders, 82% to be precise, manage a losing portfolio. The latter established itself as a trusted broker and a prime choice; it offers its clients over 17,000 assets across eleven sectors and has a research and education component that well complements this broker's core trading environment. 76.0% of its retail traders operate their portfolio at a loss.

In this Plus500 vs IG Markets guide, we cover what you should know about each platform to help you make an informed decision on which is best for you. We take a look at:

• Features and Platforms
• Available Markets
• Typical Spreads and Fees
• Security and Trust
• Plus500 vs IG Markets - Verdict

Feature	Plus500 (visit site)	IG Markets (visit site)
Headquarter:	Israel	UK
Regulation :	FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, MAS	FCA
Type of Broker:	Market Maker	Market Maker
U.S. Clients Allowed:
Minimum Deposit:	£100	$250
Maximum Leverage:	EU - 1:30/ASIC - 1:30	1:30
Commissions / Spreads:	Spreads	commission, Spreads
Account 1:	CFD	CFD
Account 2:	Professional	Professional
Account 3:	Share Dealing
Account 4:
Demo Account:
Islamic Account:
Segregated Account:
Managed Accounts:
Institutional Accounts:
Website Languages:	English 31+	English 11+
Support Hours:	24/7	24/5
E-mail Support:
SMS Support:
Chat:
Broker Offers:	See what Plus500 offers 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money	See what IG Markets offers

Features and Platforms

Plus500

This broker makes the claim that its founding team has a background in technology; unfortunately, that technological background fails to be apparent in the proprietary trading platform. Essential features are missing, and automated trading is not supported. Because it is the sole option available, clients manage their portfolios at a distinct disadvantage. The shortfalls explain the absence of a proper introduction for a sub-standard trading platform, available as a desktop version, webtrader, or mobile version.

Diminishing the appeal of Plus500 further, in particular as it applies to new retail traders (which represent the core market for this broker), is the lack of research and education. While isolated articles are available, proper educational content is unavailable. This broker opted to focus on the core trading environment, where it only succeeded in providing below-average service. Plus500 does have an excellent marketing team, clearly the primary asset of Plus500, as evident in this broker's growth and popularity among new traders with a preference to trade from mobile devices.

Plus500 has an excellent marketing team but that is not an accurate metric for a successful brokerage.

IG Markets

The proprietary trading platform is available as a webtrader or mobile version. It is packed with an extensive charting package that includes analytics, alerts, signals, and IG Live. ProRealTime, an automated trading tool, integrates fully with the webtrader. The MT4 trading platform is additionally provided, enhanced by 18 custom indicators, and Autochartist. Share dealing is available though the L2 Dealer. A VPS service complements the extensive support for automated trading solutions, alongside several APIs.

A more traditional approach to trading is available in the IG Smart Portfolios, a managed portfolio service. Excellent in-house research provides a valuable service to manual traders seeking new trading ideas. The IG Academy caters to new traders with quality content, while podcasts enhance auxiliary trading services. IG Markets serves traders across the financial spectrum with a very competitive offering.

Available Markets

Plus500 provides over 2,000 CFDs across seven categories. It provides its clients with an acceptable choice from among 60 currency pairs, 43 commodities, and 14 cryptocurrencies. Passive investing is introduced via 189 ETFs, while the overall selection allows traders good cross-asset diversification. IG Markets maintains over 17,000 assets across nine classes for notably broader market coverage. With 80 currency pairs, 27 commodities, and eight cryptocurrency pairs, traders have ample trading opportunities. Equity exposure consists of more than 12,000 equity and index CFDs across 26 markets. Bonds, options, and ETFs complete the outstanding asset selection.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Plus500 offers Forex traders commission-free, dynamic spreads, which depend on the asset and market conditions. IG Markets counter with a minimum fee of 0.6 pips, also commission-free. Equity traders at Plus500 get a commission-free pricing environment with higher markups versus a commission of 0.10% per side with a £10/€10 minimum for UK and EU CFDs, while US CFDs cost $0.02 per share but no less than $15 per deal ticket at IG Markets. Phone trading carries an additional fee of £15/€25/$25. Both brokers charge swap rates on leveraged overnight positions. Plus500 levies a monthly inactivity fee of $10 and an up to 0.7% currency conversion cost versus 0.5% at IG Markets.