IC Markets vs Plus500 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IC Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (2,250 vs 2,000), no inactivity fee. Plus500 suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200).
Head to head
| IC Markets | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | FCA 509909 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 2,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | No |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Haifa, Israel |
Regulation: IC Markets vs Plus500
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 335692 (International Capital Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC 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
IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). Plus500's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
IC Markets supports MetaTrader. Plus500 uses a proprietary platform only — traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose IC Markets.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. Plus500 requires $100. Plus500 has the lower barrier to entry.
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?
Plus500 also has the lower minimum deposit of $100. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
IC Markets is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader for automated strategies and custom indicators. IC Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IC Markets offers more instruments (2,250) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IC Markets vs Plus500
Choose IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (2,250 vs 2,000), no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (335692) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Plus500 if you want lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200). 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
IC Markets vs Plus500: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (2,250 vs 2,000), no inactivity fee. Plus500 is better for lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or Plus500 safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and Plus500 (FCA 509909) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and Plus500?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Plus500 minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and Plus500 have MetaTrader?
IC Markets supports MT4 and MT5. Plus500 does not offer MetaTrader — it uses a proprietary platform.