Plus500 vs FXCM

Plus500 or FXCM – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Plus500 and FXCM in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

Plus500 vs FXCM Comparison Table 2025
Plus500 FXCM
rating empty
rating full
4.1
rating empty
rating full
4
Plus500 is ranked #17 among CFD brokers. FXCM is ranked #25 among CFD brokers.
Founded in 2008 and based in Israel, Plus500 is a leading brokerage with over 25 million registered traders across more than 50 countries. It focuses on CFD trading, offering a user-friendly proprietary platform and mobile app. The company provides competitive spreads and does not impose commissions or charges for deposits or withdrawals. Plus500 stands out as a highly trusted broker, licensed by respected authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC. FXCM, a reputable forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, is headquartered in the UK. It has garnered multiple accolades and operates in several regions, including the UK and Australia. Offering more than 400 assets and comprehensive analysis tools without any commission charges, FXCM is a favoured option among traders. The broker is also under the regulation of leading bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, and BaFin.
82% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Pros
  • Plus500 offers a dedicated WebTrader platform tailored specifically for CFD trading. It features a user-friendly and streamlined interface.
  • In 2025, Plus500 expanded its range of share CFDs to include emerging sectors such as quantum computing and AI. This update opened up trading opportunities in stocks like IonQ, Rigetti, Duolingo, and Carvana.
  • The broker provides commission-free trading across a variety of markets, reducing extra charges and attracting experienced traders.
  • Plus500 has expanded its range of short-term trading instruments by adding VIX options, which feature increased volatility. Additionally, it has extended trading hours for seven stock CFDs.
  • Leverage can be used in trading both long and short positions, providing enhanced strategic opportunities.
  • The customer support team consistently delivers reliable support around the clock through email, live chat, and WhatsApp.
  • In addition to its four charting platforms, FXCM provides a superior selection of specialist software for seasoned traders, featuring QuantConnect, AgenaTrader, and Sierra Chart.
  • The proprietary Trading Station platform is an excellent option for traders seeking a comprehensive tool for their short-term and automated strategies.
  • Traders have access to premium tools such as a market scanner, forex signals, and research from the third-party site eFXPlus.
  • FXCM boasts a strong international reputation, holding licences from the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA. With two decades of experience, it commands respect in the trading industry.
  • A variety of funding options, such as bank cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, are available with immediate processing.
  • The broker provides reduced spreads and additional benefits for seasoned traders through the Active Trader account.
  • FXCM has broadened its range of trading opportunities by offering 24/7 stock CFDs via MetaTrader 4.
Cons
  • Plus500's omission of MetaTrader and cTrader charting tools may deter seasoned traders seeking familiar platforms.
  • Educational resources are not as extensive as leading brokers such as eToro, which affects beginners' ability to learn quickly.
  • The lack of social trading features prevents users from copying trades made by seasoned traders.
  • Compared to competitors like IG, Plus500 offers limited research and analysis tools.
  • Algorithmic trading and scalping are not available, potentially deterring certain traders.
  • While FXCM primarily caters to seasoned traders, the absence of managed accounts is unfortunate.
  • There are no retail account options available for traders, and Cent/Micro account alternatives are also absent.
  • The live chat support is often sluggish and inconsistent when compared to leading competitors.
Awards
  • Best Overall Broker 2021 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2019 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
Yes Yes
Instruments
CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Options Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$100 $50
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
Variable Variable
Regulator
FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BaFin, CIRO
Mobile Apps
iOS, Android & Windows iOS and Android
Trading App
Plus500 have tailored their mobile apps to align with the WebTrader online platform. The app is secure, dependable, and ranks highly. Stop loss, limits, free alerts, and a comprehensive range of markets and instruments are provided. Access the download page here.
iOS App Rating
rating empty
rating full
4.1
rating empty
rating full
3.1
Android App Rating
rating empty
rating full
4.3
rating empty
rating full
4.5
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
No Yes
MetaTrader 5
No No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
No No
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
Yes Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No No
Auto Trading
No
Copy Trading
No Yes
Copy Trading Platform
FXCM provides social and copy trading options for forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies via the widely-used ZuluTrade platform. Registration is swift, and you can monitor your trading outcomes instantly.
Social Trading
No Yes
VPS Hosting
No No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Yes No
Inactivity Fee
$10
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
  • ZAR
  • CZK
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
Commodities
  • Copper
  • Cotton
  • Coffee
  • Livestock
  • Sugar
  • Gasoline
  • Cocoa
  • Platinum
  • Soybeans
  • Oil
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Corn
  • Aluminium
  • Palladium
  • Wheat
  • Cattle
  • Lean Hogs
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Cannabis
CFD
Plus500 offers commission-free CFDs across various markets, including currencies, stocks, indices, and commodities. Traders can take long or short positions on popular assets, enjoying flexible leverage with no hidden charges. You can engage in trading various CFD instruments, such as forex, shares, indices, and commodities. Traders have access to a superb choice of platforms, including TradingView and MT4. Additionally, advanced trading tools like API solutions cater to experienced algorithmic traders.
Leverage
1:30 1:400
FTSE Spread
Dynamic 1.18 pts var*
GBPUSD Spread<
Dynamic 0.5 pips*
Oil Spread
Dynamic 0.05 (var)*
Stocks Spread
Dynamic 0.2% Var*
Forex
Plus500 offers CFD trading in forex, with tight spreads across over 60 currency pairs. Testing showed spreads as low as 0.6 pips on the EUR/USD, lower than many competitors. FXCM provides a selection of over 40 currency pairs. There are no commission charges, and spreads are competitive, starting at 0.78 pips for EUR/USD. Additionally, the broker features three forex baskets, focusing on USD, Yen, and emerging market benchmarks.
Assets
60+ 40
GBPUSD Spread
Dynamic 0.5 pips var*
EURUSD Spread
Dynamic 0.2 pips var*
EURGBP Spread
Dynamic 0.5 pips var*
Currency Indices
  • JPY
Cryptocurrency
Trade popular digital currencies with no commission and leverage. FXCM offers a crypto basket, providing exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash in a single trade.
Spread
Variable Variable
Coins
  • BCH
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • XRP
  • IOTA
  • NEO
  • EOS
  • XMR
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
Plus500 FXCM
82% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
More Comparisons
Plus500
vs

FXCM
vs