IC Markets vs Plus500 MT5 Spreads: A Detailed Comparison…

IC Markets vs Plus500 MT5 Spreads: Unpacking the Differences for UK Traders

Last updated 14 October 2026 · SpreadComparison

When considering IC Markets vs Plus500 MT5 Spreads, UK traders are often looking for the optimal balance between low trading costs, robust platforms, and regulatory security. This detailed comparison aims to cut through the marketing noise, providing an expert analysis of these two prominent brokers. While both offer CFD trading, their approaches, especially concerning platforms and the typical trading experience, differ significantly. We'll delve into their offerings, focusing on what matters most for active traders, including spreads, commissions, minimum deposits, and regulatory standing, to help you make an informed decision tailored to your trading needs.

Quick answer (2026)

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Last updated: 9 September 2026

Methodology: spreads are typical values recorded on each broker's raw/standard retail account during London–New York overlap hours, taken from the brokers' own published pricing pages and live platform data, then averaged. Commission is stated separately where it applies. Spreads are variable and widen around news and outside main sessions.

Broker Overviews: IC Markets and Plus500

IC Markets: A Go-To for Active Traders

IC Markets is widely recognised for its raw spreads and deep liquidity, making it a popular choice among active forex and CFD traders, especially those who utilise Expert Advisors (EAs) or engage in scalping. Established in 2007, it has built a reputation for providing a technology-rich trading environment, often featuring MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader platforms. Its focus is firmly on offering competitive pricing and execution speeds.

Plus500: CFD Specialist with a Proprietary Platform

Plus500, founded in 2008, operates as a market maker and is known for its user-friendly proprietary trading platform. While it offers a vast array of CFDs on various asset classes, a key distinction from IC Markets is its primary reliance on its own platform rather than third-party solutions like MT5. This means that for a trader specifically seeking an MT5 experience, Plus500's offering might be less direct. Plus500 emphasizes simplicity and ease of access to a broad range of instruments.

Spreads and Trading Costs: A Core Consideration

When comparing IC Markets vs Plus500 MT5 spreads, it's crucial to understand their pricing models. IC Markets typically offers raw spreads with a commission per lot, particularly on its Raw Spread accounts, which are popular for MT4 and MT5. Plus500, as a market maker, generally incorporates its costs into wider spreads and charges no commission.

While Plus500 doesn't offer MT5 in the traditional sense of a downloadable platform, it's important to assess their typical spreads on their proprietary platform for comparison purposes. The figures below are typical at the time of writing and are subject to change; always check the broker's official website for the most current data.

Key Spread Comparison

| Feature | IC Markets (Raw Spread Account) | Plus500 (Proprietary Platform) |

| :------------------ | :------------------------------ | :-------------------------------- |

| Spreads EUR/USD | From 0.0 pips + commission | From 0.8 pips |

| Spreads GBP/USD | From 0.2 pips + commission | From 1.5 pips |

| Spreads XAU/USD | From 0.0 pips + commission | From 0.4 pips |

| Commission | $3.50 per lot per side | £0 |

| Min Deposit | $200 (approx. £160) | £100 (debit/credit card), £500 (bank transfer) |

| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, DFSA, FSA Japan, ISA, FMA, FSCA |

| Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | Plus500 WebTrader, Mobile App |

*Figures are typical, at time of writing — check broker site.*

As seen, IC Markets

Next step

Open a Vantage account. CFDs carry a high risk of losing money.

Considering a Vantage account?

Review the contracting entity, account costs and eligibility before applying. The referral destination may offer international terms rather than UK retail protections.

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✓ FCA-regulated entity available
Retail protections apply on the UK entity; offshore accounts do not carry FSCS cover.
✓ Data last verified
9 September 2026 — spreads checked against broker pricing pages.
✓ Independently compared
Ranked on spread, regulation and withdrawal speed. We may earn a commission.

Advertising disclosure: Vantage is an advertising partner and the link above is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 18+ only. Availability, pricing and terms are set by the broker and vary by country. This is general information, not investment advice or a recommendation to trade. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage; most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

FAQ

Does Plus500 offer MT5?

No, Plus500 does not offer the MetaTrader 5 platform. They exclusively use their own proprietary trading platform, the Plus500 WebTrader, which is accessible via web browser and mobile app.

What are typical spreads for EUR/USD on IC Markets?

On its Raw Spread accounts, IC Markets typically offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, with a commission of $3.50 per standard lot per side. For its Standard account, spreads are typically from 0.6 pips with no commission. These figures are typical at the time of writing.

Is IC Markets regulated in the UK?

While IC Markets is not directly regulated by the FCA in the UK, it serves UK clients through its entity regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). It also holds licenses with ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus) for other global operations.

What is the minimum deposit for Plus500?

The minimum deposit for Plus500 is typically £100 when funding via debit/credit card or PayPal. For bank transfers, the minimum deposit is usually £500. It's always best to check their official website for the most current requirements.

Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.