Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing FXTM vs Plus500 for Cyprus traders in 2026, both brokers offer strong access to global markets, but they cater to different trading styles. FXTM (score 4.3/5) is a well-established broker with a strong presence in Cyprus, regulated by the local financial regulator CySEC. It offers a wide range of account types, including ECN accounts with low spreads, and supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Plus500 (score 3.7/5) is a simpler, user-friendly platform focused on CFDs, ideal for beginners and casual traders. Cyprus traders benefit from both brokers’ compliance with EU regulations, ensuring fund security. However, FXTM’s educational resources, advanced tools, and flexible account options make it a better fit for serious retail traders in Cyprus. Plus500’s streamlined interface appeals to those who prefer a no-fuss trading experience. This comparison will help you decide based on costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment support.
| Instrument | FXTM | 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 | $200 | $100 | Plus500 |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key factor. FXTM offers competitive spreads starting from 0.1 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD with its ECN account, plus a small commission. Standard accounts have slightly wider spreads but no commission. For high-volume traders, FXTM’s lower spreads can significantly reduce costs. Plus500 uses a spread-only model with no commission, but its spreads are generally wider than FXTM’s ECN accounts. For example, EUR/USD spreads on Plus500 average around 0.8-1.2 pips. Over many trades, especially for active Cyprus traders, FXTM’s tighter spreads can lead to substantial savings. Both brokers are transparent about fees, but FXTM offers more flexibility for cost-conscious traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FXTM provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are popular among Cyprus traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Plus500 offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, known for simplicity and ease of use. For Cyprus traders who value advanced analysis and algorithmic trading, FXTM’s MT4/MT5 are superior. Plus500’s platform is intuitive and great for beginners, but lacks the depth of tools that experienced traders need. Both platforms are available in English and Greek, catering to local preferences.
| Factor | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FXTM offers fast execution with low latency, particularly on its ECN accounts, using multiple liquidity providers to minimize slippage. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For Cyprus traders who trade actively or use scalping strategies, FXTM’s execution quality is superior. Plus500’s execution is reliable for standard trading but may not suit high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Plus500 are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring they comply with EU financial regulations. This means Cyprus traders benefit from investor compensation fund coverage (up to €20,000 under the ICF) and negative balance protection. FXTM also holds additional licenses from FCA and FSC, providing extra layers of security. Plus500 is listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding transparency. For Cyprus traders, regulation by CySEC is a key trust factor, as it ensures local oversight and dispute resolution. Both brokers maintain segregated client accounts, safeguarding funds.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. | 1 to 3 business day |
Cyprus traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, along with credit/debit cards and local bank transfers. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are instant, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers. Plus500 also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, plus cards. Both brokers charge no fees for deposits, but Plus500 may have withdrawal fees for bank transfers. FXTM offers more flexibility with local payment methods, making it easier for Cyprus traders to manage their funds. USDT TRC20 is particularly useful for crypto-savvy traders, with low fees and fast processing.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | 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 Muslim traders in Cyprus, both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides a dedicated Islamic account option that removes overnight swap fees on all positions, available upon request with no additional charges. Plus500 offers swap-free status for clients who request it, but it may require proof of Muslim faith. FXTM’s process is more straightforward and widely available, making it a better choice for Cyprus Muslim traders. Both brokers comply with Sharia principles, ensuring no interest is charged or earned on overnight positions.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Greek-speaking support for Cyprus traders. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support but no phone support. For Cyprus traders, FXTM’s local language support and phone availability are significant advantages, especially for resolving urgent issues. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FXTM |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Cyprus traders in 2026, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, with a higher trust score (4.3/5), tighter spreads, and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator CySEC ensures strong protection, and its advanced platforms cater to serious retail traders. Plus500 is a solid alternative for beginners or those who prioritize simplicity, but its higher spreads and limited account options make it less suitable for active traders. If you want a broker that balances cost, features, and local support, FXTM is the recommended option for Cyprus residents.