Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
If you are a Cyprus-based retail trader evaluating your options, the choice between EasyMarkets and Plus500 comes down to trading style and cost preferences. Both brokers are fully regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) — the local financial regulator — which means they meet strict EU standards for safety and transparency. As a Cypriot trader, you benefit from negative balance protection and the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) covering up to €20,000. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4 out of 5, is known for its fixed spreads, beginner-friendly platforms, and no-requote guarantee. Plus500, scoring 3.7, leads with low variable spreads, a highly intuitive proprietary platform, and strong brand recognition among European traders. Whether you prefer the predictability of fixed costs or the efficiency of razor-thin spreads, this comparison breaks down every aspect relevant to Cyprus — from deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 to execution quality and local support. By the end, you’ll know exactly which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Cypriot market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $100 | Plus500 |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially when trading forex and CFDs in volume. Plus500 offers variable spreads starting as low as 0.8 pips on EUR/USD, which can drop further for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets counters with fixed spreads around 1.2 pips on the same pair, eliminating the risk of spread widening during volatile European sessions. No commission is charged by either broker — costs are built into the spread. Over 100 trades per month, Plus500’s lower spreads can save a Cypriot trader several hundred euros. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed model protects against slippage on news events, which is valuable if you trade during Euro-related releases.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
Cyprus traders will appreciate the convenience of both brokers’ platforms. EasyMarkets provides its own web-based trader platform and mobile apps, plus integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for advanced charting and automated trading. Plus500 offers only its proprietary platform, which is extremely user-friendly with one-click trading and advanced risk management tools like guaranteed stop loss. For Cyprus traders who value simplicity and speed on mobile, Plus500’s app is top-rated. If you need expert advisors or custom indicators, EasyMarkets’ MT4 support gives you the edge. Both platforms are available in English and Greek, catering to local traders.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality is a key differentiator. EasyMarkets uses a hybrid model with a dealing desk, but guarantees no requotes by executing at requested price or better. Plus500 operates as a market maker with ultra-fast execution speeds typically under 0.1 seconds. For Cypriot traders who scalp or trade volatile forex pairs, Plus500’s speed is better. However, those who value price certainty, especially during news events, may prefer EasyMarkets. Slippage on Plus500 is minimal but can occur during high volatility. Both brokers offer guaranteed stop loss orders (GSLO) but at different costs.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical comfort factor for Cyprus traders. Both EasyMarkets and Plus500 hold licenses from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), making them fully compliant with MiFID II. This means Cypriot clients are protected by strict capital adequacy rules, client fund segregation, and negative balance protection. Furthermore, both brokers participate in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) which guarantees compensation up to €20,000 if the broker fails. No other regulator offers this level of local protection. While both are well-regulated, Plus500’s longer history (founded 2008) and listing on the London Stock Exchange add an extra layer of transparency. EasyMarkets, founded 2001, also carries a strong reputation but operates under a slightly different corporate structure. For Cyprus traders, either choice meets the highest safety standards locally.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 1 to 3 business day |
Funding your trading account from Cyprus is straightforward with both brokers. EasyMarkets and Plus500 support Bank Transfer (local EUR or international), Skrill, Neteller, and the increasingly popular USDT TRC20 — ideal for fast, low-cost crypto deposits. For Cypriots, Bank Transfer using EUR is free and typically takes 1-3 business days. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with minimal fees. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes and avoid traditional banking delays, though you must ensure you use the correct TRC20 network. Withdrawals are handled similarly: Plus500 processes withdrawal requests within 1-2 business days, while EasyMarkets typically completes withdrawals within 24-48 hours. Both brokers charge no internal fees for withdrawals, though your bank or third-party providers may apply charges. The availability of USDT TRC20 is a standout feature for Cyprus traders who want to move funds quickly and avoid currency conversion issues.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 |
Cyprus has a growing Muslim population, and both brokers accommodate Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts instantly upon request, with no overnight interest charges on any positions. Plus500 also offers swap-free accounts for Cyprus residents, but activation may require contacting customer support and meeting eligibility criteria. Neither broker charges administrative fees for maintaining an Islamic account. For Cypriot Muslim traders, EasyMarkets offers a more straightforward experience with instant activation, while Plus500 provides the same benefit after a quick verification step. Both accounts retain full access to all trading instruments and platforms.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support for Cyprus traders is available in English and Greek from both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with response times under 5 minutes. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat, email, and a comprehensive FAQ section. For urgent issues during weekends, Plus500 has an edge. EasyMarkets also offers dedicated account managers for larger deposit clients. Most Cypriot traders find both support teams knowledgeable and responsive, though Plus500’s round-the-clock availability can be beneficial for active traders.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Cyprus traders, the final decision between EasyMarkets and Plus500 hinges on your personal trading priorities. Plus500 wins on cost efficiency with its low variable spreads and lightning execution, making it the better choice for active, volume-driven traders. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads and no requotes, ideal for beginners, part-timers, or those who trade during volatile Euro sessions. Both brokers are equally safe thanks to CySEC regulation and the ICF coverage up to €20,000. Deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are available at both, giving Cypriots flexibility. If you value cost savings and speed, Plus500 (score 3.7) is the top pick. If predictability and simplicity matter more, choose EasyMarkets (score 3.4). Either way, you are trading with a legitimate, regulated broker serving Cyprus well in 2025.