Which broker is better for France traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in France, FXTM and Plus500 stand out as two popular options, but they cater to different trader profiles. FXTM, with a strong 4.3/5 rating, appeals to traders seeking low spreads, advanced trading tools, and account flexibility, including Islamic options. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, is favored for its straightforward platform and ease of use, ideal for beginners. Both are regulated by the AMF France and support local payment methods like SEPA, Bank Transfer, and PayPal, making them accessible to French residents. However, FXTM offers more diverse account types and educational resources, while Plus500 excels in simplicity. This comparison will help you decide based on your trading style, experience level, and cost preferences in the French market.
| 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 France traders, trading costs are a key factor. FXTM offers competitive spreads, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account for major pairs like EUR/USD, plus a small commission. This is advantageous for high-volume traders. Plus500 uses variable spreads, which are often wider, averaging 0.6-1.2 pips on EUR/USD, and no commission. Over 100 trades per month, FXTM can save French traders significantly on costs, especially with frequent trading. Plus500's spread-based model is simpler but can be more expensive in active markets.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| France (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 MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, plus its proprietary FXTM Trader app, offering advanced charting, indicators, and automated trading. This suits experienced French traders who need technical analysis. Plus500 uses a proprietary web-based platform and mobile app known for its clean interface and one-click trading, perfect for beginners. Both platforms are available in French, but FXTM's MT4/5 give more analytical power for serious traders.
| 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 an average speed of 0.1 seconds on its ECN accounts, suitable for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Plus500 has reliable execution but may experience slippage during high volatility due to its market maker model. For French traders focused on precision, FXTM's execution is superior.
| 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 AMF France, ensuring compliance with local laws, negative balance protection, and segregated client funds. FXTM is also regulated by CySEC and FCA, providing an extra layer of oversight. Plus500 is regulated by multiple EU authorities. For French traders, this means funds are safe and brokers must follow strict ESMA rules, including leverage limits (max 30:1 for forex) and transparent pricing.
| 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 |
French traders can fund accounts at both brokers using SEPA bank transfers, standard bank transfers, and PayPal, with no fees from the brokers. Deposits are usually instant for PayPal and SEPA. FXTM also accepts credit/debit cards and local e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while Plus500 focuses on these three methods. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days via the same methods. FXTM's additional options offer more convenience for French users.
| 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 |
FXTM offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in France, which comply with Sharia law by not charging overnight interest on positions. These accounts are available upon request and are suitable for long-term trades. Plus500 does not provide dedicated Islamic accounts, but traders can request swap-free status on specific positions, though this is not guaranteed. For French Muslim traders, FXTM is the clear choice.
| 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 provides 24/5 customer support in French via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for French-speaking clients. Plus500 offers 24/7 support in multiple languages, including French, via live chat and email. Both are responsive, but FXTM's phone support and localized service give it an edge for French traders needing personalized assistance.
| 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 French traders, FXTM is the superior choice overall, thanks to its higher score, lower costs, advanced platforms, and support for Islamic accounts. It offers more flexibility and better value for active traders. Plus500 is a solid alternative for beginners or those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills experience. When choosing, consider your trading frequency and need for tools. Both are regulated by the AMF France and support SEPA, Bank Transfer, and PayPal, ensuring safe and convenient transactions for French residents.