Dive into our comparison of FOREX.com vs Plus500. We dissect each Forex brokers trading account and costs, platforms, regulators, and more to help you choose your ideal forex broker.
Our forex comparisons and broker reviews are reader supported and we may receive payment when you click on a link to a partner site.
Our full comparison dives into the 10 most critical trading factors, but here are five quick takeaways:
FOREX.com offers three main trading account types: standard and Metatrader accounts with no commissions and a Raw account that’s commission-based, while Plus500 forex fees are built into the spread with no additional commission. You can check out our unique research on low commission forex brokers and DMA forex brokers for more information.
Additionally, try the Plus500 vs FOREX.com fee calculator below based on the most popular forex pairs and base currencies.
Standard Account Spreads
FOREX.com has an average spread as low as EUR/USD at 1.2 and as high as EUR/JPY at 2.8. On the other hand, Plus500 has slightly higher spreads, with EUR/USD at 1.7, USD/JPY at 1.9, and GBP/USD at 2.3, among others.
| Forex Pair | FOREX.com | Plus500 | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.35 |
| USD/JPY | 1.5 | 1.9 | 1.54 |
| GBP/USD | 1.6 | 2.3 | 1.68 |
| AUD/USD | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.63 |
| USD/CAD | 2.6 | 2 | 1.93 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.69 |
| EUR/JPY | 2.8 | 2.4 | 2.04 |
| AUD/JPY | 2.3 | 3 | 2.31 |
Standard Account Analysis Updated April 2024[1]April 2024 Published And Tested Data
Comparing these figures to the industry average, FOREX.com tends to have lower spreads for most forex pairs, making it a more cost-effective choice for traders. Plus500, while slightly higher, still falls close to the industry average, indicating that it’s still a competitive option.
In my opinion, if cost is a major factor in your decision, FOREX.com appears to be the cheaper option based on these average spreads. However, it’s important to remember that cost isn’t everything. The trading environment, platform, and customer service are crucial factors when choosing a forex broker.
RAW Account Spreads
For RAW accounts, FOREX.com offers competitive spreads, while Plus500 does not offer RAW accounts. Our exclusive research on RAW account spreads can be found here.
Commission Rates
FOREX.com charges a commission of $5 per 100k traded for a standard account, while Plus500 does not charge any commission. However, it’s important to consider both the spread and commission when calculating the total cost of trading.
Other Fees
FOREX.com charges an inactivity fee of $15 per month after one year of inactivity, while Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month after three months of inactivity.
Verdict
When it comes to trading costs, FOREX.com offers more transparency and competitive pricing, especially for high-volume traders. Plus500, on the other hand, is more suited for casual traders due to its zero-commission policy and lower inactivity fee.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
FOREX.com offers more trading platforms with MT4, MT5 and a mobile app up their sleeves, while Plus500 only has its proprietary platform.
| Trading Platform | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Plus500 Trading Platform |
| Mobile Trading App | Yes | Yes |
You can check out our unique research on the best cTrader forex brokers, and the best forex broker demo accounts for more information.
MetaTrader 4 and 5
FOREX.com offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most popular trading platforms in the forex industry. Plus500, on the other hand, does not offer MetaTrader but has its proprietary platform, which is user-friendly and intuitive.
cTrader and TradingView
FOREX.com does not offer cTrader or TradingView. Plus500 also does not offer these platforms but provides a comprehensive charting package within its proprietary platform.
Social And Copy Trading
Neither FOREX.com nor Plus500 offer social or copy trading features. Traders looking for these features may need to consider other brokers.
VPS and Other Trading Tools
FOREX.com offers VPS services for automated trading, while Plus500 does not. FOREX.com also provides a range of other trading tools, including advanced charting, market analysis, and educational resources.
Verdict
FOREX.com offers a more comprehensive range of trading platforms and tools, making it the better choice for traders who require advanced trading features.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
FOREX.com offers several account types, including Standard, Commission, and Direct Market Access accounts, catering to different types of traders. Plus500, on the other hand, offers a single account type with competitive spreads and no commission. You can check out our unique research on the Best spread betting brokers for more information.
| Broker | Account Types |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com | Standard, Commission, Direct Market Access accounts |
| Plus500 | Single account type with competitive spreads and no commission |
FOREX.com Accounts:
Both brokers provide user-friendly platforms and a range of tools to support trading activities. FOREX.com stands out with its Active Trader Program and the choice between commission-free and commission-based accounts. Plus500, on the other hand, offers a straightforward account structure with competitive spreads and a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
Verdict
FOREX.com offers the best account types for traders looking for variety and tailored options, including raw spreads and an active trader program. Plus500 is ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined, straightforward trading experience with a single account type that covers all needs.
At FOREX.com, they offer a depth of charting capabilities and analytical tools that cater to my detailed analysis needs. On the other hand, Plus500’s platform design focuses on the essentials, making it easier to navigate and execute trades without the distraction of overly complex features.
Verdict
For a detailed and analytical trading approach, FOREX.com clearly leads with its advanced tools and resources, offering a superior trading experience for those who delve deep into market analysis.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
We gave FOREX.com a trust score of 84, while Plus500 earned 78. What factored in our decision were each broker’s regulation, reputation, and reviews.
FOREX.com Trust Score
Plus500 Trust Score
Regulation
Both FOREX.com and Plus500 are regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of trust and security for traders.
FOREX.com is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). Plus500, on the other hand, is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
| FOREX.com | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | FCA (UK) CIRO (CANADA) NFA/CFTC (USA) CYSEC (Cyprus) |
ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) FMA (New Zealand) MAS (Singapore) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | JFSA (Japan) | DFSA (Dubai) EFSRA |
| Tier 3 Regulation | CIMA (Cayman) | FSA-S (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) |
Reputation
FOREX.com has more than two decades of experience, with its origins dating back to 1999 in New Jersey, USA. Conversely, Plus500 has fewer years, having been established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel.
Despite being the “younger” broker, Plus500 gets a hefty amount of Google searches at 246,000 per month. On the other hand, FOREX.com only gets searched around 14,800 times.
Reviews
FOREX.com has a TrustPilot score of 4.6 from 565 reviews, while Plus500 has 4.0 from 12,099 users.
Verdict
Both FOREX.com and Plus500 have a high trust score due to their regulation by top-tier authorities. However, FOREX.com has a slight edge due to its regulation by a greater number of top-tier authorities.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
FOREX.com has over 300 stocks and 80+ forex pairs, yet Plus500 takes the lead with a more extensive selection, especially in stocks (2000+) and ETFs(90+).
The table below shows a breakdown of what each broker offers.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 70+ |
| Indices | 20+ | 30+ |
| Commodities | 15+ | 25+ |
| Stocks | 300+ | 2000+ |
| ETFs | 10+ | 90+ |
| Cryptocurrencies | 5+ | 15+ |
| Bonds | 5+ | 10+ |
| Options | Yes | No |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Metals | 5+ | 10+ |
Verdict
If you’re looking for a broader range of CFDs and markets, Plus500 is the clear winner here, especially if you’re interested in stocks and ETFs. The broker offers a more diversified portfolio, making it ideal for traders who like to spread their investments across various asset classes.
FOREX.com offers comprehensive educational resources, including webinars, articles, and even one-on-one training. Plus500 keeps it simple with a FAQ section and some basic video tutorials.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Intermediate Resources | Yes | No |
| Expert Resources | Yes | No |
| Market Research | Yes | Yes |
| In-house Analyst | Yes | No |
| Articles/Blogs | No | No |
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| eBooks | No | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube Material | Yes | No |
Verdict
If you’re keen on improving your trading skills and knowledge, FOREX.com offers a more comprehensive educational package. The broker provides a variety of learning materials that cater to both beginners and advanced traders, making it a more versatile option for your educational needs.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
FOREX.com offers 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, while Plus500 offers 24/7 support but only through live chat and email.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Phone | Yes | No |
| 24/5 Support | Yes | No |
| 24/7 Support | No | Yes |
| Languages | Multiple | Multiple |
Verdict
If you value comprehensive customer support, including phone service, FOREX.com is the better choice. Plus500 does offer 24/7 support but lacks phone service. The availability of multiple contact methods makes FOREX.com more accessible and reliable for urgent queries.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Both brokers offer multiple funding options, such as credit/debit cards and bank transfers, but FOREX.com provides a bit more variety, including PayPal.
| Funding Option | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ✅ | ✅ |
| Debit Card | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Transfer | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPal | ✅ | ❌ |
| Skrill | ❌ | ✅ |
| Neteller | ❌ | ✅ |
| Crypto | ❌ | ❌ |
Verdict
If you’re looking for more diverse funding options, including PayPal, FOREX.com is the better choice. The broker offers a wider range of payment methods, giving you more flexibility when it comes to managing your trading funds.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
*Your capital is at risk ‘71% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
FOREX.com and Plus500 both require a $100 minimum deposit. The low entry barrier of both brokers makes them suitable for new traders or those who prefer not to invest a large sum upfront.
FOREX.com
| Minimum Deposit | GBP | USD | EUR | AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Neteller | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
Plus500
| GBP | USD | EUR | AUD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Paypal | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Verdict
Both brokers are equally accessible with a $100 minimum deposit, so it’s a tie in this category.
FOREX.com is the winner because it offers a more comprehensive trading experience, especially for seasoned traders. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict.
| Criteria | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | ✅ | ❌ |
| Better Trading Platform | ✅ | ❌ |
| Superior Accounts And Features | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | ✅ | ❌ |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Educational Resources | ✅ | ❌ |
| Superior Customer Service | ✅ | ❌ |
| Better Funding Options | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | ✅ | ✅ |
Plus500 is the better choice for beginner traders due to its user-friendly interface.
For experienced traders, FOREX.com is the go-to for its robust trading tools and platform options.
FOREX.com has lower costs. The broker offers competitive spreads, which can be as low as 0.2 pips for major pairs. Plus500 tends to have higher spreads. For more details, check out our lowest spread comparison.
FOREX.com is the better choice for MetaTrader 4 users. Plus500 doesn’t offer MT4. You can find more information on our best MT4 brokers page.
Neither FOREX.com nor Plus500 offers social or copy trading. If this feature is crucial for you, you might want to look elsewhere. For more options, visit our best copy trading platforms page.
Plus500 offers spread betting, while FOREX.com does not. For more information on spread betting, you can visit our best spread betting brokers in the UK.
In my opinion, FOREX.com is superior for Australian Forex traders. The broker is ASIC regulated and offers a robust trading environment. Plus500 is also ASIC regulated but is founded overseas. For more details, check out our Australian Forex brokers comparison.
For UK traders, FOREX.com takes the cake. The broker is FCA regulated and offers a more comprehensive trading platform. Plus500 is also FCA regulated but is founded overseas. For more information, visit our best UK Forex brokers page.
No commission account spread propiety testing data and published wesbite spread information, centralised on our standard account spread page..
Ask an Expert