Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between FxPro and Plus500 is a common dilemma for New Zealand retail traders in 2026. Both brokers are well-established, regulated by the local financial regulator, and support popular deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, they cater to different trading styles. FxPro, with a 4.1/5 rating, offers deeper market access via MT4, MT5, and cTrader, plus tighter spreads on forex and CFDs. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a user-friendly CFD platform ideal for beginners or those who prefer simplicity. This comparison focuses on costs, regulation, and features that matter most to New Zealand traders, helping you decide which broker aligns with your local trading needs.
| 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 New Zealand traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. FxPro provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs via its MT4/MT5 platforms (with a small commission per lot), while Plus500 charges variable spreads that average 0.6-1.2 pips. On a standard lot of EUR/USD, FxPro’s all-in cost is roughly $7-10 per round turn, compared to Plus500’s $12-20. For high-volume scalpers or day traders, FxPro’s lower costs can save hundreds of dollars monthly. Plus500’s simplicity comes with wider spreads, making it more suitable for lower-frequency trading.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 offers New Zealand traders a choice of industry-standard platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, plus its own web and mobile apps. These platforms support advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. Plus500 provides only its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is intuitive but lacks depth for technical traders. For New Zealand traders who rely on complex analysis or algorithmic trading, FxPro is the clear winner; for those wanting a straightforward, mobile-friendly experience, Plus500 is sufficient.
| 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 offers ultra-fast execution with an average of 0.1-0.2 seconds, thanks to its No Dealing Desk (NDD) model and multiple liquidity providers. This minimises slippage and requotes, even during volatile sessions. Plus500 uses a market-making model, which can lead to occasional slippage and less transparency in execution. For New Zealand traders trading during Asian or London sessions, FxPro’s execution quality is superior, especially for high-frequency strategies.
| 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 the local financial regulator, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand. FxPro is directly authorised by the FMA, ensuring strict compliance with local client fund segregation and negative balance protection rules. Plus500 operates in New Zealand under its UK FCA regulation, which is also recognised by the FMA. This means New Zealand traders receive similar protections, including segregated accounts and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Both brokers are considered safe and reliable for local clients.
| Payment Method | FxPro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 business day | 1 to 3 business day |
New Zealand traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both FxPro and Plus500. With USDT TRC20, deposits are near-instant and free, ideal for crypto-savvy traders. Bank Transfer takes 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours. FxPro offers additional options like credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Plus500 supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. Withdrawal times are similar: e-wallets are fastest (hours), while bank transfers take 1-3 days. Neither broker charges deposit fees, but FxPro may cover withdrawal fees for larger amounts. Both platforms process withdrawals within 24-48 hours.
| 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 |
For New Zealand Muslim traders seeking swap-free accounts, both brokers provide Islamic account options. FxPro offers swap-free accounts on all platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader) with no additional fees, though holding positions overnight for extended periods may incur a small charge. Plus500 also offers Islamic accounts but applies a small administration fee for positions held overnight after a few days. New Zealand traders should contact each broker directly to request an Islamic account and verify eligibility. FxPro’s offering is more flexible and cost-effective for long-term position holders.
| 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 provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand clients during local business hours. Plus500 also offers 24/7 live chat and email support, but phone support is limited. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but FxPro’s support is more personalised and responsive for complex queries, which is valuable for New Zealand traders needing timely assistance.
| 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 New Zealand traders, FxPro is the stronger choice overall, with a higher rating (4.1/5), lower trading costs, and superior platform options. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits, combined with direct FMA regulation, makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. Plus500 (3.7/5) is a reliable alternative for those who prioritise simplicity and mobile trading, but its wider spreads and less flexible platform may limit growth. If you trade actively or value cost efficiency, choose FxPro. If you want a no-fuss CFD experience, Plus500 is a valid option. Both are safe and legal for New Zealand residents.