A risk-focused comparison for readers deciding between a traditional European stock and ETF broker and a CFD-first trading platform.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
DEGIRO is usually the more natural fit for long-term European investors who want stocks and ETFs through a traditional broker workflow. Plus500 is mainly relevant for experienced users who intentionally want CFD trading and understand leverage, spreads and overnight funding.
Best for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
Read full reviewBest for experienced CFD traders or eligible regional futures users rather than default long-term investing.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
European stock and ETF investors who want a traditional broker workflow and can manage fee details.
Experienced traders who specifically want CFD exposure and understand leverage and funding risk.
Both require detailed checks beyond headline costs.
Plus500 is explicitly CFD-led, which makes the risk frame hard to miss.
DEGIRO is a clearer fit for traditional stock and ETF ownership.
Plus500 is built primarily around CFD trading.
DEGIRO is a clearer fit for traditional stock and ETF ownership.
Plus500 is built primarily around CFD trading.
DEGIRO is easier to justify for ordinary investing than a CFD-first platform.
Plus500 is explicitly CFD-led, which makes the risk frame hard to miss.
Both require detailed checks beyond headline costs.
European stock and ETF investors who want a traditional broker workflow and can manage fee details.
Experienced traders who specifically want CFD exposure and understand leverage and funding risk.
8.3/10
7.1/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures / CFDs available / FX available
Web / iOS / Android
Web / iOS / Android
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
CFD platform has no dealing commission; spread and funding apply
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
Varies by account and region; US futures page advertises opening from USD 75
flatexDEGIRO Bank Dutch Branch is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank SE; BaFin is the primary bank supervisor, and the branch is registered with DNB and supervised by AFM and DNB
Entity-specific including FCA 509909; CySEC 250/14; ASIC AFSL 417727; EFSA 4.1-1/18; US CFTC/NFA 0001398
Separate SPV custody; eligible Cash Account money under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to EUR 100,000; eligible non-returned assets under the German Investor Compensation Scheme at 90% up to EUR 20,000; UK FSCS does not apply
Entity and product specific; UK eligible investment limit is GBP 85,000 not the GBP 120,000 deposit limit
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
The better beginner choice depends on what would help you invest consistently without taking products you do not understand. Compare account type, real stocks and ETFs, fees, FX conversion, investor protection and platform complexity before choosing between DEGIRO and Plus500.
There is no universal cheapest broker. The real cost depends on your country, trade size, asset currency, ETF availability, inactivity rules, transfer fees and whether the instrument is a real asset or a CFD. Always compare the fee schedule for the trades you actually plan to make.
No. This comparison is editorial research to help you ask better questions. It is not personal financial advice, and broker terms can change. Check official broker documents before opening or funding an account.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.