Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Italy traders comparing FxPro and Plus500 face two distinct options. FxPro, with a 4.1/5 score, is a multi-asset broker offering forex, CFDs, and commodities with advanced tools like MetaTrader 4 and 5. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, is a user-friendly CFD platform known for simplicity and strong regulation. Both are authorized by CONSOB, Italy's financial watchdog, ensuring compliance with ESMA rules including leverage limits and negative balance protection. For retail traders in Milan, Rome, or Naples, the choice depends on trading style: FxPro suits active traders seeking low spreads and customisation, while Plus500 appeals to beginners wanting a straightforward, no-fuss experience. Local payment methods like SEPA, bank transfer, and PostePay are supported by both, making deposits easy for Italian users. This comparison breaks down costs, platforms, regulation, and account features to help you decide.
| Instrument | FxPro | 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 Italy traders, trading costs differ significantly. FxPro offers a Raw Spreads account with spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD plus a $3.5 commission per lot, while its Standard account has spreads from 1.2 pips with no commission. Plus500 uses a spread-only model with no commission but wider spreads, typically 0.8-1.2 pips for EUR/USD. For a volume of 10 standard lots per month, FxPro's Raw Spreads account costs about $70 in commission plus $60 in spreads, totalling $130, while Plus500 costs around $100-150 in spreads. FxPro is cheaper for high-volume traders, while Plus500 is simpler for low-frequency traders. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for SEPA transfers, but Plus500 may apply an inactivity fee after three months.
| Account Type | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FxPro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxPro |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxPro |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FxPro |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FxPro provides Italy traders with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its own cTrader platform, offering advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. Plus500's proprietary web and mobile platform is intuitive and beginner-friendly, with a clean interface and risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss, but lacks algorithmic trading support. For Italy traders who value flexibility and automation, FxPro's platform choice is superior. Plus500's platform is better for those who prefer simplicity and quick execution without complex features. Both are available in Italian language and offer demo accounts.
| Factor | FxPro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxPro |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxPro uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with STP/ECN models, ensuring low latency and no requotes, ideal for scalpers and day traders. Plus500 uses a market maker model with instant execution but potential slippage during volatile markets. For Italy traders, FxPro's execution is superior for high-frequency strategies, while Plus500's execution is adequate for casual traders. Both brokers offer negative balance protection.
| Safety Factor | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FxPro and Plus500 are regulated by CONSOB, Italy's financial regulator, as well as by top-tier bodies like the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus). This means Italy traders are protected by ESMA rules: leverage capped at 30:1 for major forex, 20:1 for minor forex, and 10:1 for commodities. Negative balance protection ensures you cannot lose more than your deposit. Both brokers also participate in investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 under the ICF in Cyprus). For Italy traders, this regulatory framework provides a safe trading environment, but FxPro's additional FCA regulation adds an extra layer of oversight.
| Payment Method | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 business day | 1 to 3 business day |
Italy traders can fund accounts using SEPA bank transfer, standard bank transfer, and PostePay (via e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller at FxPro). Both brokers accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and e-wallets like PayPal (FxPro only). Minimum deposit is €100 for both. SEPA deposits are free and processed within 1-2 business days, while card deposits are instant. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for SEPA and up to 24 hours for e-wallets. Plus500 may charge a withdrawal fee of €10 for bank transfers, while FxPro generally waives fees for SEPA withdrawals. Both require identity verification for first withdrawals, which takes 1-2 days. No fees are applied for PostePay deposits when using Skrill or Neteller.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxPro | 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 |
FxPro offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Italy Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading without overnight interest. This account is available on request after account verification and applies to all account types (Standard, Raw Spreads). Plus500 does not provide Islamic accounts, which may be a dealbreaker for observant Muslim traders in Italy. FxPro's Islamic account maintains the same spreads and commissions as standard accounts, ensuring fair treatment. Italy traders seeking a swap-free option should choose FxPro.
| Support Feature | FxPro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxPro |
FxPro offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone in Italian, with response times under 5 minutes for chat. Plus500 provides 24/7 support via live chat and email in multiple languages, including Italian, but phone support is limited. FxPro's dedicated Italian-speaking team is a plus for local traders who prefer phone assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | FxPro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxPro |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxPro |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FxPro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FxPro |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FxPro |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxPro |
Choose FxPro if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Italy traders, FxPro is the clear winner with a 4.1/5 score vs Plus500's 3.7/5, thanks to lower spreads, more platform choices, and the availability of Islamic accounts. FxPro's support for SEPA, bank transfer, and PostePay deposits via e-wallets makes it convenient for Italian users. Plus500 remains a solid choice for beginners who prioritise simplicity and regulatory safety, but its wider spreads and lack of Islamic accounts limit its appeal. Both are CONSOB-regulated, ensuring compliance with ESMA rules. For active traders in Italy seeking cost efficiency and flexibility, FxPro is the better option. Open a demo account with FxPro to test its features before committing.