Plus500 vs OANDA 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
Plus500 suits traders who value tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 300). OANDA suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), MetaTrader support.
Head to head
| Plus500 | OANDA | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 509909 | FCA 542574 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 1.2 pips |
| Instruments | 2,000+ | 300+ |
| MetaTrader | No | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 3mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2008 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Haifa, Israel | New York, USA |
Regulation: Plus500 vs OANDA
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.
OANDA is regulated by FCA under licence 542574 (OANDA Europe 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
Plus500's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. OANDA's EUR/USD spread is 1.2 pips. Plus500 offers tighter spreads on this pair.
Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months without trading. OANDA charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
OANDA supports MetaTrader. Plus500 uses a proprietary platform only — traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose OANDA.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100. OANDA requires None. OANDA 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?
OANDA also has the lower minimum deposit of None. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
OANDA is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader. 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: Plus500 vs OANDA
Choose Plus500 if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 300). The FCA licence (509909) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose OANDA if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), MetaTrader support. The FCA licence (542574) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Plus500 vs OANDA: which is better?
Plus500 is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 300). OANDA is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), MetaTrader support. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Plus500 or OANDA safer?
Both Plus500 (FCA 509909) and OANDA (FCA 542574) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Plus500 and OANDA?
Plus500 minimum deposit: $100. OANDA minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Plus500 and OANDA have MetaTrader?
OANDA supports MT4 and MT5. Plus500 does not offer MetaTrader.