Which broker is better for Vietnam traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Vietnam traders navigating the forex market in 2026, choosing between IC Markets and Plus500 is a key decision. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a top-tier broker known for raw spreads, fast execution, and extensive support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Momo, and USDT. It appeals to tech-savvy Vietnamese traders who value low costs and advanced trading tools. Plus500, with a 3.7/5 rating, is a user-friendly broker focused on simplicity and mobile trading, but its higher spreads and limited deposit options (no Momo or USDT) make it less competitive locally. With Vietnam’s growing trader community and SSC Vietnam oversight, understanding these differences is crucial. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, and payment methods to help you decide.
| Instrument | IC Markets | 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 |
IC Markets offers significantly lower trading costs for Vietnam traders, with spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD and a commission of $3.50 per lot. This is ideal for high-volume or scalping strategies. Plus500 has wider variable spreads (e.g., 0.8-1.2 pips on EUR/USD) with no commission, but costs add up quickly for frequent traders. For a Vietnam trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets saves approximately $50-80 in spread costs alone. The difference is even larger for pairs like USD/VND or gold.
| Account Type | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 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 | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all popular among tech-savvy Vietnamese traders for automated trading, custom indicators, and fast execution. Plus500 offers a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive but lacks advanced charting and EA support. For Vietnam traders using algorithmic strategies or requiring in-depth analysis, IC Markets is superior. Plus500’s platform is better for beginners who prioritize simplicity over features.
| Factor | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IC Markets provides ultra-fast execution with low latency, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. It uses Equinix NY4 servers for minimal slippage. Plus500 executes trades on its proprietary platform with moderate speed, but slippage can occur during volatile markets. For Vietnam traders needing quick entries and exits, IC Markets is clearly better.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities like ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering strong client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Plus500 is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC, providing similar security. Neither broker is directly regulated by SSC Vietnam, but both accept Vietnamese clients legally. IC Markets’ stronger regulatory framework and higher transparency give it an edge for Vietnam traders seeking trust and safety.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 1 to 3 business day |
IC Markets excels in deposit and withdrawal options for Vietnam traders. You can fund your account via Bank Transfer (1-3 days), Momo (instant, low fees), or USDT (cryptocurrency, fast and low-cost). Minimum deposits are low ($200 for standard accounts). Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for Momo and USDT, while Bank Transfer takes 1-3 days. Plus500 only supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with no Momo or USDT options. This makes Plus500 less convenient for Vietnamese traders who prefer digital wallets or crypto. IC Markets also offers free withdrawals for local methods, while Plus500 may charge fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | 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 |
Both IC Markets and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Vietnam Muslim traders. IC Markets provides these accounts on request, with no swap fees on overnight positions, but may apply administrative charges after a holding period. Plus500 automatically applies swap-free status for eligible clients, but conditions are less transparent. IC Markets offers more flexibility for longer-term trades, making it a better choice for Vietnam Muslim traders who hold positions for days.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English and Vietnamese-speaking agents available. Plus500 provides 24/7 support but only in English, which can be a barrier for some Vietnam traders. IC Markets’ local language support and faster response times give it an advantage for Vietnamese clients.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Vietnam traders in 2026, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 rating, offering lower spreads, better platforms, and essential local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Momo, and USDT. It suits tech-savvy traders who want cost efficiency and advanced tools. Plus500 (3.7/5) is simpler but lacks local payment support and has higher costs. While both are legal for Vietnamese clients, IC Markets’ superior execution, regulation, and deposit flexibility make it the top choice. For active or algorithmic traders, IC Markets is unmatched. Beginners may still consider Plus500 for its ease of use, but overall, IC Markets delivers more value for Vietnam’s growing trader community.