Which broker is better for Taiwan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Taiwan traders looking to trade forex, CFDs, and other instruments, choosing between IG and Plus500 is a key decision. IG, with a strong 4.2/5 rating, is a global leader known for its advanced trading platforms, deep liquidity, and extensive educational resources. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a user-friendly CFD broker popular for its simple interface and fixed spreads. Both brokers accept Taiwan clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer and Credit Card in TWD. While neither is directly regulated by the FSC Taiwan, they are overseen by top-tier regulators such as the FCA and ASIC, providing a secure trading environment. This comparison focuses on the specific needs of experienced retail traders in Taiwan, covering costs, platforms, regulation, and local factors to help you decide which broker suits your trading style.
| 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 Taiwan traders, trading costs are critical, especially for active traders. IG offers variable spreads that are among the tightest in the industry, with EUR/USD starting from 0.6 pips on its raw spread account. Plus500 uses fixed spreads, typically around 1.2 pips for EUR/USD, which are transparent but less competitive for high-volume traders. IG also charges a commission on certain account types, while Plus500 includes all costs in the spread. For Taiwan traders executing large volumes, IG's lower spreads can save significant costs over time, making it the more cost-effective choice for experienced traders.
| 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 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (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 |
| 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 |
| Platform | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
IG provides a powerful proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which is popular among experienced traders for its advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Plus500 offers a web-based platform and mobile app that are intuitive and easy to use, but lack advanced features like algorithmic trading or depth of market. For Taiwan traders who rely on technical analysis or automated strategies, IG's platform superiority is a clear advantage. Plus500's simplicity, however, appeals to traders who prefer a no-fuss experience.
| 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 superior execution with low latency and minimal slippage, thanks to its direct market access (DMA) and deep liquidity pools. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to slightly slower execution and potential requotes during volatile markets. For experienced Taiwan traders who rely on fast execution for scalping or news trading, IG's execution quality is clearly better.
| Safety Factor | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and other top-tier authorities, ensuring strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Plus500 is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC, offering similar protections. While neither broker is regulated by the FSC Taiwan, their international oversight provides a high level of security for Taiwan traders. IG's longer track record and additional regulatory layers may offer extra peace of mind for experienced traders concerned about fund safety.
| 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 |
Taiwan traders can fund their accounts at both IG and Plus500 using Bank Transfer and Credit Card, with no deposit fees from the brokers. Bank transfers are ideal for larger amounts and are processed within 1-2 business days, while credit card deposits are instant. Withdrawals are also supported via these methods, with IG typically processing within 1-2 business days and Plus500 within 2-3 days. Both brokers require verification documents for first-time withdrawals. Plus500 also supports e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, which may be convenient for some traders. IG offers more flexibility with multiple base currencies, but both handle TWD transactions efficiently.
| 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 (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Taiwan, in compliance with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest on positions, making them suitable for traders who require interest-free trading. To open an Islamic account, traders must contact customer support and may need to provide a declaration of faith. IG's Islamic accounts are available on request, while Plus500 offers them automatically after verification. Both brokers maintain standard trading conditions for these accounts, though IG's wider range of instruments may be more appealing.
| 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 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with Mandarin Chinese language support available during Asian trading hours. Plus500 provides 24/7 support through live chat and email, but phone support is limited. For Taiwan traders, IG's multilingual support and faster response times are a significant advantage, especially for complex queries. Plus500's support is adequate but less personalized.
| 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 |
| Resource | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | IG |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | IG |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, IG is the stronger choice due to its lower spreads, advanced platform, and superior execution. Its higher rating (4.2 vs 3.7) reflects its suitability for active traders who need professional tools and competitive costs. Plus500 is a good alternative for beginners or those who value simplicity and fixed costs. Both support local payments like Bank Transfer and Credit Card, and while neither is regulated by the FSC Taiwan, their international oversight ensures safety. Ultimately, IG offers more value for Taiwan traders seeking a comprehensive trading experience.