Plus500 vs XM 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at Plus500 if you value tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,400). XM plates up better for anyone who leans on lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), MetaTrader support.
The two menus, side by side
| Plus500 | XM | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 509909 | CySEC 120/10 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $5 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 2,000+ | 1,400+ |
| MetaTrader | No | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 3mo | $15/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Haifa, Israel | Limassol, Cyprus |
The kitchen inspection: Plus500 vs XM
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.
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). The CySEC 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.
Ingredient costs and the bill
Plus500's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. Plus500 offers tighter spreads on this pair.
Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months without trading. XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
XM supports MetaTrader. Plus500 uses a proprietary platform only, traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose XM.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100. XM requires $5. XM 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?
XM also has the lower minimum deposit of $5. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
XM 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.
The verdict: Plus500 vs XM
Book a table at Plus500 if what you are after is tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,400). Its FCA licence (509909) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with XM if you want lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), MetaTrader support. Its CySEC licence (120/10) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
Plus500 vs XM: which is better?
Plus500 is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,000 vs 1,400). XM is better for lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), MetaTrader support. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Plus500 or XM safer?
Both Plus500 (FCA 509909) and XM (CySEC 120/10) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Plus500 and XM?
Plus500 minimum deposit: $100. XM minimum deposit: $5. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Plus500 and XM have MetaTrader?
XM supports MT4 and MT5. Plus500 does not offer MetaTrader.