Pick Plus500 if you trade short-term CFDs and want a fast, simplified interface. Choose Interactive Brokers if you need real asset ownership, multi-asset access, and advanced execution tools.
Plus500 is designed for retail traders who want to speculate on global markets using leveraged CFD contracts without managing real assets. Interactive Brokers targets experienced investors, institutions, and professionals who demand full control, access to real markets, and institutional-grade tools.
| Feature Category | Plus500 | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Access | CFDs only | Real stocks, ETFs, options, futures, CFDs |
| Ownership Model | No real asset ownership | Full direct ownership |
| Platform Type | Simplified, beginner-focused | Advanced, multi-layered trading suite |
| Fee Model | Commission-free, spread-based | Low commission, tighter spreads |
| User Type | Retail traders seeking simplicity | Active investors and professionals |
| Account Requirements | Low barrier, quick setup | KYC-heavy, account minimums may apply |
| Regulatory Coverage | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | SEC, FINRA, SIPC (U.S. investor protection) |
Avoid Plus500 if you require access to real equities, long-term investing tools, or automation. Avoid IBKR if you prioritize ease of use and need fast setup with minimal learning curve.
TL;DR — Quick Decision: Pick Plus500 for CFDs, IBKR for Real Investing
| Best For | Platform |
|---|---|
| Fast CFD trading | Plus500 |
| Long-term real stock ownership | IBKR |
| Zero commissions | Plus500 |
| Advanced tools & global access | IBKR |
- Plus500 offers commission-free CFD trades with an intuitive UI but no real asset ownership.
- IBKR supports real shares, ETFs, and bonds with low fees but a steep learning curve.
- Regulation: Both are licensed — Plus500 under FCA/CySEC/ASIC, IBKR under SEC/SIPC.
- Verdict: Trade CFDs with Plus500. Invest seriously with IBKR.
Who Should Use Each Broker?
Choose Plus500 if your priority is speed, simplicity, and mobile CFD speculation. Choose Interactive Brokers if you require deep execution control, multi-asset investing, and long-term portfolio tools.
Use Plus500 If You…
- Good for beginner traders focused on short-term CFD speculation without the need to own real assets.
- Suitable for forex scalpers and mobile-first users who need quick access, fixed leverage, and commission-free trading.
- Designed for traders who want to avoid complexity, avoid funding multiple asset classes, and prioritize speed over depth.
- Limited for users needing customizable charting, trailing stop losses, or cross-asset hedging tools.
- Avoid if you require spot ownership, portfolio diversification, or the ability to transfer assets in/out of your brokerage account.
- Avoid if you trade based on market depth, algorithmic setups, or require regulatory protections for custodial assets.
Use Interactive Brokers If You…
- Best for long-term investors, swing traders, and professional portfolio managers operating across real stocks, ETFs, options, and futures.
- Ideal for users requiring margin accounts, real asset custody, and direct market access across 150+ global exchanges.
- Suitable for options traders, multi-asset allocators, and those using trading APIs or automation tools.
- Requires a learning curve — with KYC verification, platform complexity, and funding minimums that may not suit casual users.
- Avoid if you want instant account setup, mobile-only execution, or a simplified interface for rapid-fire CFD trading.
- Avoid if your strategy relies on fixed leverage, or you’re only trading low-volume speculative instruments.
Fees and Commissions: Which Is Cheaper?
| Fee Type | Plus500 | Interactive Brokers (IBKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Fee | $0 commission (spread-only model) | $0–$1 based on asset/class |
| Spread Type | Fixed (typically wider) | Variable (tighter, market-based) |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month after 3 months inactivity | $0 (removed in 2021) |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for 1/month, then up to $10 | Free (ACH and most standard methods) |
| Overnight Charges | Applies on all CFD positions | None on real assets |
Plus500 uses a commission-free model but relies on wider fixed spreads and daily overnight fees on leveraged CFD positions. IBKR charges per trade on some assets, but offers tighter market-based spreads and no overnight or inactivity fees.
Pick Plus500 if you trade occasionally and prefer simple, upfront costs.
Pick IBKR if you want total cost efficiency across high-volume or long-term strategies.
Note: Fee structures vary by region and funding method based on regulatory requirements.
Assets You Can Trade: Real Stocks vs CFDs
Interactive Brokers offers regulated access to real assets, including stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, and options. Plus500 supports only leveraged CFDs — with no physical delivery or asset ownership.
| Asset Type | Plus500 | Interactive Brokers (IBKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | CFDs only | Real stocks + CFDs |
| Forex | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (spot FX) |
| Crypto | Yes (CFDs only, unregulated in some regions) | Yes (regulated spot, futures) |
| ETFs | CFDs only | Real ETFs |
| Commodities | CFDs | Futures, options, ETFs |
| Bonds & Options | Not available | Available |
Pick Plus500 for short-term CFD speculation with leverage.
Pick IBKR if you require regulated asset ownership and multi-asset portfolio construction.
Platform Experience: Tools, UI, and Learning Curve
Plus500 delivers a minimal interface across web, iOS, and Android, offering a fast setup with email-based signup and instant demo access. IBKR’s Trader Workstation requires software installation and presents a steep learning curve, particularly on desktop.
User Interface & Navigation
Plus500 runs a single-screen layout with intuitive tab placement and mobile-first design. IBKR’s UI is feature-dense, multi-windowed, and less accessible for new users.
Tools & Charting
Plus500 supports basic indicators and trendlines but lacks advanced tools. IBKR integrates with TradingView, supports depth-of-book, and accommodates complex order types.
App Ratings
- Plus500: ★4.2+ (clean layout, low lag)
- IBKR: ★3.8+ (tool-heavy, slower on older devices)
Pick Plus500 if UI clarity matters. Choose IBKR for full-featured execution and professional tooling.
Is It Safe and Regulated?
Plus500 is licensed through Plus500UK Ltd (FCA), Plus500CY Ltd (CySEC), and Plus500AU Pty Ltd (ASIC). It holds client funds in segregated accounts, offers negative balance protection, and complies with region-specific compensation schemes (€20K–£85K depending on jurisdiction). No U.S. coverage.
Interactive Brokers LLC is regulated by the SEC, FINRA, and is a member of SIPC, which protects securities and cash balances up to $500,000 in the event of broker failure — not market losses.
Funds for both brokers are held in Tier-1 banks, and both undergo regulatory audits.
Regulation Snapshot
| Platform | Regulatory Bodies | Client Fund Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Plus500 | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (AU) | €20K–£85K; Segregated; Neg. Balance Protection |
| Interactive Brokers | SEC, FINRA, SIPC | $500K SIPC (U.S. only); No negative protection |
Pick Plus500 for EU-regulated safety with downside limits.
Choose IBKR if U.S.-based, holding large securities portfolios.
Final Verdict: Choose Based on What You Trade and How You Trade
Plus500 is for traders who want speed and simplicity with CFDs — not real asset control.
Interactive Brokers is for serious investors and advanced traders needing full market reach.
Do not try to use both. They serve opposite ends of the trading spectrum.
Bottom Line:
Choose based on instrument access and trade frequency — not how easy the UI looks. There is no middle ground.
FAQs
Q1: Can you buy real stocks on Plus500?
A: No. Plus500 only offers CFDs — not actual asset ownership.
Q2: Is IBKR beginner-friendly?
A: No. Its complex tools and interface are designed for advanced users.
Q3: Is Plus500 available in the US?
A: No. Plus500 is not licensed to operate for U.S. residents.