Verified 2026 data

IC Markets vs Plus500

An in-depth comparison to help you choose the right broker for your trading journey.

1:1Head to Head

RealTesting

2026Updated

CATEGORY WINS

Who Wins Each Category?

Our scores for IC Markets and Plus500, side by side, across the categories that decide your costs and safety.

FeesIC Markets: 4.9/5vsPlus500: 4/5IC Markets wins

SafetyIC Markets: 4.5/5vsPlus500: 4.5/5Even

PlatformsIC Markets: 4.7/5vsPlus500: 3.8/5IC Markets wins

EducationIC Markets: 3.5/5vsPlus500: 3.2/5IC Markets wins

Customer SupportIC Markets: 4.2/5vsPlus500: 3.8/5IC Markets wins

QUICK VERDICT

Who Wins?

IC Markets wins on overall score (4.6/5 vs 4/5). IC Markets is the pick if you value high-volume traders; choose Plus500 if you value beginners. The tables below show where each actually wins.

Who this is for: IC Markets suits traders who prioritise high-volume traders; Plus500 suits traders who prioritise beginners.

4.6/5

Best for: High-volume traders

Visit IC Markets Read the IC Markets Review

4/5

Best for: Beginners

Visit Plus500 Read the Plus500 Review

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Overall Rating

4.6/5

4/5

Minimum Deposit

$200

$100

Spreads From

0.0 pips

0.6 pips

Max Leverage

Up to 500:1

Up to 30:1 (EU)

Instruments

2,250+

2,800+

Fees Score

4.9/5

4/5

Platforms Score

4.7/5

3.8/5

Education Score

3.5/5

3.2/5

Safety Score

4.5/5

Platforms

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView

Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile App

Founded

2007

2008

Headquarters

Sydney, Australia

Haifa, Israel

KEY DIFFERENCES

What Actually Differs

The numbers that matter when choosing between IC Markets and Plus500.

Minimum depositIC Markets: $200Plus500: $100Plus500 needs less to start.

RegulatorsIC Markets: 3 (ASIC, CySEC)...Plus500: 3 (FCA, ASIC)...Both hold the same number of licences.

InstrumentsIC Markets: 2,250+Plus500: 2,800+Plus500 offers more markets.

PlatformsIC Markets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTraderPlus500: Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile AppNo shared platforms.

Best forIC Markets: High-volume tradersPlus500: BeginnersDifferent fits. Read the verdict below.

ANALYSIS

Pros & Cons

Pros

+ Industry-leading raw spreads from 0.0 pips
+ True ECN execution with no dealing desk
+ $1 trillion+ monthly trading volume
+ Multiple platforms including TradingView
+ Excellent for high-frequency and algo trading
+ Deep institutional liquidity

Cons

- $200 minimum deposit
- Limited educational content
- No proprietary platform
- Basic research tools

Open IC Markets Account

Pros

+ Publicly traded company (LSE)
+ Simple intuitive platform
+ No commissions
+ Wide instrument range
+ Negative balance protection

Cons

- Limited research tools
- No MetaTrader support
- Basic charting
- No copy trading

Open Plus500 Account

RECOMMENDATION

Which Broker Should You Choose?

Choose

If you:

High-volume traders
Scalpers
Algorithmic traders
Professional traders

Visit IC Markets →

Choose

If you:

Beginners
Casual traders
Mobile traders

Visit Plus500 →

FAQ

IC Markets vs Plus500: FAQ

Which is better, IC Markets or Plus500?

Overall, IC Markets scores 4.6/5 and Plus500 scores 4/5. The right pick depends on what you value: IC Markets for high-volume traders, Plus500 for beginners.

Which is cheaper, IC Markets or Plus500?

On our fees score, IC Markets is 4.9/5 and Plus500 is 4/5. IC Markets advertises spreads from 0.0 pips, Plus500 from 0.6 pips. Check the fee rows above for the full picture, because headline spreads are not the bill.

Which is safer, IC Markets or Plus500?

IC Markets holds 3 licence(s), including ASIC, CySEC, FSA. Plus500 holds 3 licence(s), including FCA, ASIC, CySEC. More Tier 1 regulators means more client protection schemes. Verify any licence at the regulator register before depositing.

Which has more markets, IC Markets or Plus500?

IC Markets offers 2,250+, Plus500 offers 2,800+. Choose the range that covers what you actually trade.

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