EasyMarkets vs Plus500: Which Broker Suits Ireland Traders Better?

When comparing trading costs for Ireland traders, Plus500 generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs (e.g., EUR/USD from 0.6 pips variable) compared to EasyMarkets fixed spread of around 1.2 pips. However, EasyMarkets charges no commission on most instruments, while Plus500’s spread‑only model also means zero commissions. The impact of volume is significant: high‑frequency Irish traders will save more with Plus500’s tighter spreads, while occasional traders may prefer the predictability of EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads to avoid surprises during volatile sessions. Both brokers have no hidden fees for deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, but inactivity fees apply after a certain period (EasyMarkets after 12 months, Plus500 after 3 months).

EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity and speed, with features like deal cancellation (for a fee) and guaranteed stops. The platform is fully optimised for Irish traders, supporting fast execution and a clean interface. Plus500 provides its own award‑winning web‑based platform and mobile apps, known for intuitive navigation, advanced charting tools, and a wider selection of indicators. Both platforms are available in English and accept Irish‑based accounts. For traders on the go, Plus500’s mobile app is slightly more feature‑rich, while EasyMarkets emphasises ease of use and one‑click trading.

Plus500 uses a market‑making model, offering instant execution with no requotes in most market conditions. EasyMarkets also operates as a market maker but provides guaranteed stop‑loss orders and negative balance protection as standard. For Ireland traders, execution speed is critical during high‑impact news events; Plus500’s infrastructure tends to handle volume spikes better, while EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads ensure price certainty even during volatility. Both brokers have reported execution times under 50 milliseconds in normal conditions.

Both EasyMarkets and Plus500 are authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (the local financial regulator). This means Irish retail traders benefit from strict client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and access to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) if disputes arise. EasyMarkets also holds licences from CySEC and other regulators, while Plus500 is listed on the London Stock Exchange and regulated in multiple jurisdictions. For Ireland traders, this dual‑layer regulation provides confidence in the safety of deposits and fair trading conditions.

Irish traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are free but may take 1‑2 business days to reflect. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant and incur no fee from the broker, though the e‑wallet provider may charge a small currency conversion fee (usually under 2%). USDT TRC20 deposits are processed via the Tron blockchain, typically arriving within minutes with near‑zero fees. Withdrawals follow the same methods: wire transfers take 2‑5 days, e‑wallets 24‑48 hours, and USDT TRC20 within a few hours. Both brokers require identity verification before any withdrawal, as per local regulatory rules. There are no deposit minimums for bank transfers, but e‑wallet and crypto deposits may have a €10 minimum at EasyMarkets and €100 at Plus500.

Both EasyMarkets and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap‑free) accounts for Muslim traders in Ireland, in compliance with Sharia law (no interest charged or earned on overnight positions). To open such an account, Irish traders must submit a request during registration or through customer support. EasyMarkets automatically applies swap‑free status on all accounts upon request, while Plus500 requires a specific account type. Note that some instruments (like certain commodities or ETFs) may have limited availability on swap‑free accounts at Plus500. Neither broker charges additional administration fees for maintaining an Islamic account.

EasyMarkets provides 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Irish traders able to reach a dedicated team in English. Response times are typically under 2 minutes for live chat. Plus500 also offers 24/5 support through live chat and email, with a comprehensive FAQ and educational section. Both brokers handle Irish queries promptly, but EasyMarkets has an edge with phone support availability and a slightly more personal service.