IG vs Plus500: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare IG 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, IG edges ahead (4.1/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaIGPlus500
Overall score 4.1 3.8
Regulation & safety 4.5 4.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.0
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score85/10076/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform, Mobile app, MetaTrader 4 (in some markets)Proprietary web platform, iOS/Android mobile app
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedSpread model (no separate commission) — exact spreads not yet verified in detail
Pros & cons
- Very strong regulation — supervised by the FCA & a FTSE 100 public company (high financial transparency from public-company duties)
- One of the oldest & largest providers (since 1974) with 19,000+ markets
- Mature platforms: proprietary web + mobile app + MT4 in some markets
- Leveraged products (CFDs/spread betting) remain high-risk regardless of strong regulation
- Spreads/fees aren't always the cheapest compared to low-cost ECN brokers
- Product availability & regulatory entity differ per country — verify which serves your region
- 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
IG
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, a FTSE 100 constituent — high financial transparency due to public-company obligations.
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.