A risk-focused comparison for readers deciding between a global multi-asset 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.
Interactive Brokers is usually the better fit for investors who want real stocks, ETFs, global markets, multi-currency control and advanced brokerage tools. Plus500 is mainly relevant for experienced users who intentionally want CFD trading and understand leverage, spreads, margin and overnight funding.
Best for experienced investors who need global markets low costs and advanced tools.
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.
Global investors, advanced traders, real stocks and ETFs, options, multi-currency portfolios and broad market access.
Experienced CFD traders who deliberately want leveraged exposure and understand margin and funding risk.
Both require checking product type, entity and country terms before funding.
Interactive Brokers usually offers much broader exchange and asset-class access.
Interactive Brokers is a clearer fit for real assets and portfolio building.
Plus500 is built around CFD trading, so it is more focused for that narrow use case.
Interactive Brokers is a clearer fit for real assets and portfolio building.
Plus500 is built around CFD trading, so it is more focused for that narrow use case.
Interactive Brokers usually offers much broader exchange and asset-class access.
Neither is the simplest beginner app, but a CFD-first platform is usually a worse default for new investors.
Both require checking product type, entity and country terms before funding.
Global investors, advanced traders, real stocks and ETFs, options, multi-currency portfolios and broad market access.
Experienced CFD traders who deliberately want leveraged exposure and understand margin and funding risk.
9.1/10
7.1/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures / CFDs available / FX available
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures / CFDs available / FX available
Web / iOS / Android / Desktop
Web / iOS / Android
IBKR Pro US stocks and ETFs: USD 0.0005–0.0035 per share tiered or USD 0.005 fixed; eligible IBKR Lite USD 0
CFD platform has no dealing commission; spread and funding apply
Usually USD 0 for standard individual brokerage accounts; product and entity exceptions apply
Varies by account and region; US futures page advertises opening from USD 75
Entity-specific including Interactive Brokers LLC under SEC/CFTC and FINRA/NFA/SIPC; IBUK under FCA; IB Ireland under CBI
Entity-specific including FCA 509909; CySEC 250/14; ASIC AFSL 417727; EFSA 4.1-1/18; US CFTC/NFA 0001398
Entity and product specific; SIPC and excess SIPC figures apply only to eligible Interactive Brokers LLC securities accounts
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 Interactive Brokers 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.