Which broker is better for Netherlands traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing EasyMarkets vs Plus500, Netherlands retail traders must consider local regulatory oversight, trading costs, and payment convenience. EasyMarkets, with a rating of 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads and simple platform, appealing to beginners. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, offers variable spreads and a broader product range, including CFDs on Dutch equities and the AEX index. Both brokers accept Dutch residents and are regulated by the local financial regulator (AFM), ensuring a secure environment. The choice often comes down to trading style: if you prefer predictable costs and a guided experience, EasyMarkets stands out. If you seek lower spreads and a vast selection of markets, Plus500 may be the better fit. Dutch traders can deposit using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, making it easy to fund accounts in USD. This comparison breaks down key aspects like regulation, fees, and platform features to help you decide.
| 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 Netherlands traders, trading costs differ significantly between EasyMarkets and Plus500. EasyMarkets applies fixed spreads on major forex pairs; for EUR/USD (converted to USD), the spread is around 1.2 pips. Plus500 offers variable spreads that start as low as 0.6 pips but can widen during volatile sessions. For high-volume Dutch retail traders, Plus500’s variable structure can be cheaper overall, especially on indices like AEX. However, EasyMarkets provides no-commission trading with no hidden slippage, which appeals to those who value cost certainty. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, though currency conversion fees may apply for USD accounts.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands (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 | ✓ | ✗ |
Both brokers offer web-based and mobile platforms tailored to Netherlands traders. EasyMarkets provides its own proprietary platform with a clean interface, one-click trading, and built-in risk management tools like deal cancellation. It supports Dutch language and is ideal for less experienced traders. Plus500 uses a well-known MetaTrader-like platform with advanced charting and over 2,000 instruments. It also offers a free demo account and allows Dutch traders to access real-time AEX and other local market data. For Netherlands residents needing reliable mobile trading, Plus500’s app is highly rated, while EasyMarkets’ platform emphasizes simplicity and ease of use.
| 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 matters for Netherlands traders active in fast-moving markets. EasyMarkets uses market execution with no re-quotes and offers guaranteed stop-loss orders for added protection. Plus500 uses straight-through processing (STP) with variable slippage during volatile periods. For scalping and day trading, Plus500’s faster execution speeds (under 100ms) can be beneficial, while EasyMarkets focuses on reliability and fixed spreads. Dutch traders should test both platforms with a demo account to gauge execution performance.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a crucial factor for Netherlands traders. Both EasyMarkets and Plus500 are licensed and supervised by the local financial regulator (AFM) and comply with European MiFID II standards. This means Dutch clients benefit from negative balance protection and segregated client funds. EasyMarkets also holds additional licenses from CySEC, while Plus500 is listed on the London Stock Exchange and regulated by the FCA. For Netherlands traders, AFM oversight ensures a high level of security and dispute resolution through local channels. Always verify the current regulatory status on each broker’s website.
| 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 |
Netherlands traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and Plus500. Bank Transfers from Dutch banks are free but may take 1-3 business days. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits with minimal fees, ideal for active traders. USDT TRC20 provides a fast, low-cost crypto option, especially useful for those who prefer digital assets. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for these methods, but note that currency conversion from EUR to USD may apply. EasyMarkets occasionally offers fee-free withdrawals on first request, while Plus500 typically charges a small processing fee for bank withdrawals after the first per month.
| 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 |
For Dutch Muslim traders, both EasyMarkets and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law, eliminating overnight interest on positions. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, with no additional fees. Plus500 automatically converts eligible accounts to swap-free status for clients from predominantly Muslim countries, including the Netherlands. Both brokers require clients to confirm their religious affiliation. It is recommended to contact customer support to ensure the Islamic account is activated before trading, as some conditions may apply.
| 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 Netherlands traders is available in Dutch and English. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with Dutch-speaking agents. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support but limited phone assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. For urgent issues, EasyMarkets’ phone support is faster, while Plus500’s chatbot can handle common queries quickly. Response times are generally under 5 minutes for live chat.
| 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 Netherlands traders, the decision between EasyMarkets and Plus500 depends on your trading preferences. Plus500 edges ahead with a higher overall rating (3.7 vs 3.4), lower variable spreads, and a larger product library, making it suitable for active traders. EasyMarkets, on the other hand, offers fixed spreads and a beginner-friendly platform ideal for retail traders new to CFDs. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a safe environment. Consider your use of payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20—both support them well. If cost predictability and simplicity are key, choose EasyMarkets. If lower spreads and extensive market access matter more, go with Plus500. Ultimately, test both platforms with demo accounts to see which aligns with your trading style.