Trading 212 vs Plus500 - 2026 Comparison
I’ve spent a lot of time using both Trading 212 and Plus500. These two platforms offer unique strengths, but choosing the right one depends on your trading goals.
Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned trader, this comparison may help you decide. All based on my experiences, data, and industry insights.
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Quick Answer: Trading 212 or Plus500, Which is Best?
Plus500 is best for traders focused on CFDs and advanced risk management tools. Trading 212, however, is more versatile, offering shares, ETFs, and a tax-efficient ISA. Heading into 2026, beginners will appreciate Trading 212's simplicity and lower fees, while experienced traders may favour Plus500's advanced features and broad CFD selection.
Top Rated
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Trading 212 and Plus500 Overview
When investing, your capital is at risk. 68% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Trading 212: Known for its accessibility, it allows users to invest in shares, ETFs, and CFDs. It also offers an ISA for UK investors, enabling tax-free returns. The minimum deposit is just £1 for investing accounts, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Plus500: Specialises in CFDs, offering a wide range of instruments including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and options. The platform features advanced tools like trading alerts and guaranteed stop-loss orders, making it a solid choice for traders who value risk management and flexibility.
| Feature | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | Invest, CFD, ISA | Standard, Premium (by invite) |
| Minimum Deposit | £1 (£10 for CFDs) | $50 |
| Fees | 0.15% currency conversion; no ISA fee | 0.70% currency conversion; $10 inactivity fee |
| Available Markets | Shares, ETFs, CFDs, ISA | CFDs (Indices, Forex, Commodities) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 (via app) | 24/7 (multiple channels) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Key Differences
Investment Range: Trading 212 offers shares, ETFs, and ISAs, while Plus500 focuses solely on CFDs.
Fees: Trading 212 has a lower currency conversion fee (0.15%) compared to Plus500's 0.70%. Plus500 also charges a $10 inactivity fee.
Target Audience: Trading 212 is better for beginners and long-term investors, whereas Plus500 suits experienced CFD traders.
Recommended For
Trading 212: Ideal for beginners and long-term investors seeking simplicity, low fees, and tax-efficient options like an ISA. Visit Trading 212
Plus500: Best for experienced traders focused on CFDs who need advanced risk management tools and a wide range of derivative products. Visit Plus500
Key Metrics: How Trading 212 and Plus500 Compare
Trading 212 provides an impressive variety of account types, making it versatile for different traders. You can open a CFD account for leveraged trading, an Invest account for shares and ETFs, or an ISA account for tax-efficient investing (for UK residents).
Plus500 is more straightforward, offering just a Standard account for all users, focusing entirely on CFDs. There's also an exclusive Premium account, available by invitation, which includes added perks for high-volume traders.
| Feature | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Options | Invest, CFD, ISA | Standard, Premium |
| Minimum Deposit | £1 (£10 for CFDs) | $50 |
| ISA Available? | Yes | No |
| Geared Towards Beginners? | Yes | Moderate |
Trading 212's ISA account is a standout feature, offering UK investors a tax-efficient way to grow their savings. With no platform fees*, it's a highly competitive option for long-term investors. Plus500 doesn't offer ISAs, limiting its appeal for tax-conscious traders.
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Available Markets and Products
Trading 212 stands out for its breadth of offerings, including shares, ETFs, and CFDs across a range of asset classes. The option to invest in fractional shares is ideal for those starting with smaller amounts.
Plus500 specialises in CFDs and offers a wide selection, including indices, forex, commodities, shares, and options. While its focus is narrower, the depth within CFDs makes it a strong option for experienced traders who want access to leveraged instruments with risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders.
Comparison Table: Market Access
| Feature | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Shares/Stocks | Yes (direct ownership + CFDs) | No (CFDs only) |
| ETFs | Yes (direct ownership + CFDs) | No (CFDs only) |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes (via CFDs) |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes (via CFDs) |
My Takeaways on Markets and Products
I love Trading 212's range, especially its ISA and fractional share options. However, Plus500's strong CFD offering is hard to ignore for those prioritising derivatives. If you prefer ownership of assets, Trading 212 is the better choice.
Fees & Costs
Both platforms rely on spreads instead of commissions, but their additional fees differ significantly.
Trading 212: Charges a 0.15% currency conversion fee and has no inactivity charges. Its ISA accounts also come with zero platform fees*, making it cost-effective for long-term investors.
Plus500: Charges a higher 0.70% currency conversion fee and applies a $10 inactivity fee after three months. CFD traders should also account for overnight funding costs, which vary based on the instrument. More on charges here on their website.
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Comparison Table: Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Conversion Fee | 0.15% (for non-base currency trades) | 0.70% (for non-base currency trades) |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months of inactivity) |
| Overnight Funding (Swap Fees) | Yes (for CFD positions held overnight; varies by asset) | Yes (overnight financing applies to all CFDs) |
| Spread Costs | Variable (depends on asset, lower for major stocks) | Variable (higher for exotic CFDs, competitive on forex) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Fees | None | None |
| ISA Platform Fee | None (0% annual management fee) | Not applicable (no ISA option) |
| Guaranteed Stop Order Fee | Not offered | Yes (premium charged for risk protection) |
| Commission on Trades | None (trades are commission-free) | None (costs built into spreads) |
| Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, debit/credit card, PayPal, Google Pay | Bank transfer, debit/credit card, PayPal |
| Withdrawal Methods | Same as deposit methods | Same as deposit methods |
My Takeaways on Fees
Trading 212 is cheaper overall, with lower conversion fees, no inactivity fees, and no platform charges for its ISA. Plus500 provides additional risk management tools (such as guaranteed stop orders) but applies higher costs, especially for currency conversion and inactivity. Both platforms charge no deposit or withdrawal fees, keeping funding and withdrawals cost-effective. For CFD traders, Plus500's overnight funding fees can accumulate if positions are held open for extended periods.
Reliability & Regulation
Both platforms are heavily regulated, ensuring a high level of safety and transparency.
- Trading 212: Authorised by the FCA (UK) and other European regulators, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards. Funds are kept in segregated accounts, and UK investors benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000.
- Plus500: Plus500UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 509909), ASIC (Australia), and MAS (Singapore). It also offers advanced risk management tools, ensuring users cannot lose more than their initial deposit.
| Feature | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Regulators | FCA (UK), CySEC | FCA (UK), ASIC, MAS |
| Investor Protection | FSCS | Yes |
| Advanced Risk Management | Yes | Yes |
| Segregated Funds | Yes | Yes |
My Takeaways on Safety & Regulation
Both platforms are secure and regulated by top-tier authorities. For UK users, Trading 212's FSCS protection is a significant advantage, while Plus500's global regulatory coverage makes it equally trustworthy.
Platform and Experience
Trading 212 features a clean, intuitive interface on both mobile app and desktop. The platform includes educational tools, video guides and tutorials to help users learn investment fundamentals.
Plus500 offers a professional platform with advanced features such as guaranteed stop orders and trading alerts. Its interface is smooth and responsive with well-integrated mobile and desktop platforms ensuring a seamless experience across devices. Plus500 provides a demo account for practice trading, and users can access the Trading Academy, webinars, and insights to develop their trading knowledge and skills.
Mobile Platforms
Trading 212's mobile app is ideal for beginners, offering a clean interface and useful educational features. It's straightforward and perfect for tracking investments on the go.
Plus500's mobile app caters to experienced traders, with advanced features like customisable charts and real-time trading alerts. It's powerful but less beginner-friendly.
Desktop Platforms
The Trading 212 desktop experience is simple and great for casual traders. It's intuitive and doesn't overwhelm users with unnecessary features.
Plus500's desktop platform is more advanced, with customisable layouts and access to professional tools. It's best suited for active CFD traders.
Overall Rating Comparison
The table below summarises how Trading 212 and Plus500 perform across key areas. While both platforms are excellent, they serve different trading needs.
| Criteria | Trading 212 | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Account Types | 4.6/5 (ISA available) | 4.0/5 (Limited options) |
| Available Markets | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Platform (Mobile) | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Platform (Desktop) | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Education & Tools | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Safety & Regulation | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 |
Conclusion: My Final Thoughts on Trading 212 vs Plus500
In my experience, Trading 212 remains the best choice for beginners and long-term investors in 2026. Its low fees, simple platform, and ISA option make it highly accessible for UK users looking to build wealth over time.
Plus500, on the other hand, is an excellent option for experienced CFD traders. Its advanced tools and wide range of CFD products make it a top contender for active traders. Personally, I'd recommend Trading 212 for those starting their investment journey and Plus500 for traders focusing on leveraged instruments.
Best for Beginners & Long-Term Investors: Trading 212 — Low fees, ISA access, and a simple platform.
Best for Experienced CFD Traders: Plus500 — Advanced tools, broad CFD selection, and risk management features.