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FXCM
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Plus500

FXCM vs Plus500: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare FXCM and Plus500 — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Plus500 edges ahead (3.8/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaFXCMPlus500
Overall score 3.5 3.8
Regulation & safety 3.0 4.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.0 4.0
User support 3.5 3.5
Trust score68/10076/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsTrading Station (web/desktop/mobile), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), APIProprietary web platform, iOS/Android mobile app
Fee modelSpread model or spread + commission (Active Trader) — varies; exact figures not yet verifiedSpread model (no separate commission) — exact spreads not yet verified in detail

Pros & cons

FXCM
  • An established broker since 1999 with the mature Trading Station & MT4 platforms
  • Now backed by a large financial group (Jefferies/StoneX)
  • International entities regulated by FCA/ASIC/FSCA
  • Permanently banned from the US market (2017) + a US$7 million fine for hiding a conflict of interest — a serious regulatory record
  • Trust was dented by that case; verify the entity serving your region
  • Leveraged products are high-risk
Plus500
  • Public company (LSE FTSE 250) with layered regulation (FCA UK, MAS Singapore)
  • Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platform, no separate commission (spread model)
  • Broad instrument coverage: share/forex/commodity/index CFDs + futures & share dealing
  • Historical note: £205,128 FCA fine (2012) for inaccurate transaction reporting + a past dispute with the Belgian regulator (FSMA)
  • Own platform only — no MT4/MT5/cTrader for advanced traders
  • Leveraged CFD model is high-risk (most retail accounts lose money — standard industry warning)

Regulation at a glance

FXCM

International entities regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), and others. IMPORTANT: FXCM has been permanently banned from the US market since 2017 (see the risk note).

Plus500

Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250). The UK entity (Plus500UK Ltd) is supervised by the FCA; the Singapore entity (Plus500SG) holds a Capital Markets Services license from MAS. Check which entity serves your country — regulation differs per entity.