AvaTrade vs Plus500: Australia Broker Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Australia Traders
For Australian traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, the choice between AvaTrade and Plus500 is a common dilemma. Both are licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ensuring strong client protections and adherence to local leverage limits. However, they cater to different trading styles. AvaTrade, with a 4.6/5 rating, offers a comprehensive suite of platforms including MetaTrader 4, AvaTradeGO, and WebTrader, plus tight spreads averaging 0.9 pips on major pairs. It supports local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer, making deposits seamless for Aussie traders. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a user-friendly CFD broker with a proprietary platform, but its wider spreads (around 1.2 pips) and limited tools may frustrate experienced traders. Both brokers accept AUD deposits and offer Islamic accounts, but AvaTrade's stronger regulation history and lower costs make it the preferred choice for active Australian traders.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Australian traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. AvaTrade offers competitive spreads starting from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD and AUD/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. Plus500's spreads are wider, averaging 1.2 pips, and can increase during news events. For high-volume traders, AvaTrade's lower spreads save significant money over time. Plus500 also charges overnight funding fees that are slightly higher, impacting swing traders. Both brokers have transparent fee structures, but AvaTrade clearly wins on cost efficiency for active Australian traders.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Australia Traders
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:300 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
AvaTrade provides Australian traders with MetaTrader 4, AvaTradeGO, and WebTrader, offering advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. Plus500 uses a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive but lacks advanced tools like algorithmic trading or depth-of-market. For experienced traders needing flexibility, AvaTrade's platform ecosystem is superior, while Plus500 suits beginners or those wanting simplicity.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
AvaTrade provides fast execution with no requotes on most instruments, using STP and NDD models for reliable trade fills. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during volatile periods. For Australian traders trading during Asian or US sessions, AvaTrade's execution quality is more consistent and transparent.
Regulation & Safety for Australia Traders
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both AvaTrade and Plus500 are regulated by ASIC, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ensuring strict compliance with local client fund segregation, leverage limits (max 1:30 for retail clients), and negative balance protection. This means Australian traders' funds are held in separate accounts and can access the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for dispute resolution. AvaTrade also holds multiple licenses globally, adding an extra layer of oversight, while Plus500's ASIC license is its primary local credential.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Australia
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | 1 to 3 business day |
Australian traders can fund both AvaTrade and Plus500 using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. BPAY and POLi are free and instant, while Bank Transfers take 1-2 business days. Credit Card deposits are instant but may incur fees of 1-2%. Minimum deposits are AUD 100 for both brokers, though AvaTrade offers lower minimums for some account types. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for both, with Plus500 charging a fee for some methods. AvaTrade's faster withdrawal times and fee-free options give it an edge for local traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Australia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both AvaTrade and Plus500 offer Islamic swap-free accounts for Australian Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by charging no overnight interest. AvaTrade provides a dedicated Islamic account upon request, with no additional fees, and supports all trading instruments. Plus500 offers swap-free accounts automatically for eligible clients, but some instruments may have restrictions. AvaTrade's clearer process and broader instrument availability make it the better choice for Australian Islamic account holders.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
AvaTrade offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Australian phone lines and local office hours. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but phone support is limited and not local. For Australian traders needing prompt, local assistance, AvaTrade's support is more reliable and accessible.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
AvaTrade
Plus500
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Australia Guide
Choose AvaTrade if you...
- Need advanced trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 with Expert Advisors for automated trading
- Want tighter spreads (0.9 pips) to reduce costs on frequent trades
- Prefer dedicated Australian customer support with local phone lines
- Require Islamic swap-free accounts with broad instrument access
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Are a beginner seeking a simple, intuitive platform with no learning curve
- Trade infrequently and don't need advanced tools or tight spreads
- Want 24/7 customer support via live chat, even outside market hours
- Prefer a broker with a strong brand reputation and easy account setup
FAQ - AvaTrade vs Plus500 in Australia
Final Verdict - Australia 2026
For Australian traders, AvaTrade is the clear winner with a 4.6/5 rating, offering lower spreads, superior platforms like MetaTrader 4, and robust ASIC regulation. It supports local payment methods like BPAY and POLi, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is suitable for beginners but falls short for experienced traders due to wider spreads and limited tools. If you're an active Australian trader seeking cost efficiency and advanced features, AvaTrade is the better choice. However, if you prioritize simplicity and 24/7 support, Plus500 remains a viable option.