AvaTrade vs Plus500 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
AvaTrade suits traders who value copy trading, MetaTrader support. Plus500 suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,260).
Head to head
| AvaTrade | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI C53877 | FCA 509909 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.9 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 1,260+ | 2,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | No |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $50/mo after 3mo | $10/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2006 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Haifa, Israel |
Regulation: AvaTrade vs Plus500
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Plus500 is regulated by FCA under licence 509909 (Plus500UK Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. Plus500's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. Plus500 offers tighter spreads on this pair.
AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months without trading. Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader. Plus500 uses a proprietary platform only — traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose AvaTrade.
AvaTrade offers copy trading, Plus500 does not.
Minimum deposit
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100. Plus500 requires $100. Both require the same initial deposit.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
AvaTrade is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
AvaTrade is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader for automated strategies and custom indicators. Plus500's tighter spreads (0.6 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Plus500 offers more instruments (2,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: AvaTrade vs Plus500
Choose AvaTrade if you want copy trading, MetaTrader support. The CBI licence (C53877) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Plus500 if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,260). The FCA licence (509909) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
AvaTrade vs Plus500: which is better?
AvaTrade is better for copy trading, MetaTrader support. Plus500 is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,260). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is AvaTrade or Plus500 safer?
Both AvaTrade (CBI C53877) and Plus500 (FCA 509909) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade and Plus500?
AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. Plus500 minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do AvaTrade and Plus500 have MetaTrader?
AvaTrade supports MT4 and MT5. Plus500 does not offer MetaTrader — it uses a proprietary platform.