IG vs Plus500: A Detailed Comparison for Italy Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Italy Traders
Italy traders seeking a reliable online broker often compare IG and Plus500, two industry leaders regulated by CONSOB. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a versatile broker offering over 17,000 markets, including Italian stocks like Eni and Intesa Sanpaolo, plus advanced platforms like ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a streamlined CFD broker known for its user-friendly WebTrader and commission-free trading. Both accept local payment methods such as SEPA, Bank Transfer, and PostePay, making them accessible for Italian residents. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, whether you prioritize advanced tools or simplicity.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IG | 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 | $0 | $100 | IG |
For Italy traders, spread costs are a key consideration. IG offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD from 0.6 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. IG also charges commissions on shares (0.1% per trade), whereas Plus500 includes all costs in the spread. For high-volume traders, IG's lower spreads reduce overall costs, especially when trading Italian indices like FTSE MIB. Plus500's commission-free model suits smaller, frequent trades. Always consider your trading volume: IG becomes more cost-effective above 10 lots per month.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Italy Traders
| Entity / Asset | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
IG provides Italy traders with a choice of platforms: its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4, and ProRealTime, which offers advanced charting and automated trading. Plus500 relies on its proprietary WebTrader and mobile apps, known for simplicity and fast execution. For Italian traders who need advanced analysis or algorithmic trading, IG is superior. Plus500's platform is ideal for beginners or those trading on the go, with a clean interface and one-click trading.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IG provides market execution with no requotes, leveraging its global liquidity network for fast order fills. Plus500 uses straight-through processing (STP) for instant execution, but slippage can occur during volatile markets. For Italy traders, IG's execution is more reliable for scalping and high-frequency strategies, while Plus500's execution is sufficient for most retail traders.
Regulation & Safety for Italy Traders
| Safety Factor | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and Plus500 are authorized by CONSOB, ensuring they comply with Italian and EU regulations. This means traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and leverage limits (up to 30:1 for retail clients). CONSOB regulation also guarantees access to the Italian investor compensation scheme, protecting up to €20,000 per client. IG additionally holds a banking license, providing extra security. For Italy traders, both brokers offer a safe trading environment.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Italy
| Payment Method | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 3 business day |
Italy traders can fund their accounts using SEPA bank transfers (free, 1-2 business days), standard bank transfers, and PostePay. IG also accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal, while Plus500 supports Skrill and Neteller. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days via the same method. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Plus500 may apply a withdrawal fee for certain methods. Using SEPA is recommended for cost-free transfers. Minimum deposits are €0 for IG and €100 for Plus500.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Italy Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | 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 IG and Plus500 offer Islamic accounts for Italy's Muslim traders. IG's swap-free accounts are completely interest-free with no hidden fees, making them suitable for long-term positions. Plus500 also provides Islamic accounts but may charge an administration fee for positions held overnight. IG's offering is more transparent and cost-effective for religious traders. To open an Islamic account, traders need to provide a declaration of faith or proof of Muslim status.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG offers customer support in Italian via phone, email, and live chat, with extended hours (24/5). Plus500 provides Italian language support through live chat and email, but phone support is limited. IG's support is generally more responsive and comprehensive, with a dedicated Italian team. Plus500's support is adequate for basic queries but may lack depth for complex issues.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | IG |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | IG |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IG
Plus500
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Italy Guide
Choose IG if you...
- Want access to over 17,000 markets including Italian stocks and ETFs.
- Prefer advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4 or ProRealTime for analysis.
- Trade high volumes and benefit from tighter spreads.
- Need Italian-language support with phone availability.
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Prefer a simple, commission-free trading experience.
- Trade primarily on mobile or web with a clean interface.
- Are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform.
- Want fast account opening with no minimum deposit.
FAQ - IG vs Plus500 in Italy
Final Verdict - Italy 2026
For Italy traders, IG is the stronger overall choice due to its higher rating, superior platforms, and broader market access. It excels for active traders who need advanced tools and lower costs. Plus500 is a solid alternative for beginners or those prioritizing simplicity and commission-free trading. Both brokers are CONSOB-regulated and accept SEPA, Bank Transfer, and PostePay, making them convenient for Italian residents. If you value flexibility and depth, choose IG; if you prefer a no-fuss approach, go with Plus500.