Comparison of XTB vs Plus500 [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theXTB vs Plus500 comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

XTB

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Plus500

Main points

Fees

Low 4,7/5

Regulated

FCA, KNF

Demo account

Yes
Low 3,7/6

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.4 – XTB provides excellent value with no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods and tight spreads. The inactivity fee after 12 months is the main additional cost .
4.0 – Plus500 provides good value with tight spreads and no commission on trades. The inactivity fee after three months and currency conversion fees are potential downsides .

Level

Low 4,7/5
Low 3,7/6

Brief explanation

XTB’s fee structure is primarily built around spreads, with no commissions for crypto trades. The spreads are competitive, starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. Additionally, XTB does not charge deposit fees for bank transfers or credit/debit cards, although e-wallet deposits may incur fees ranging from 1% to 2%. Withdrawals are generally free unless the amount is below $50, in which case a $30 fee applies. An inactivity fee of $10 per month is charged after 12 months of inactivity. Overall, XTB’s fee structure is straightforward and relatively low-cost compared to other brokers .
Plus500’s commission structure is designed to be straightforward, primarily utilizing the market spread. This means that the cost to trade is embedded in the difference between the buy and sell prices, rather than in explicit fees. For example, spreads can vary from 0.02% to 2%, depending on the cryptocurrency and market conditions. While this can be competitive, it may be higher compared to other platforms, especially for less liquid assets. In addition to the spread, Plus500 charges an overnight funding fee, which applies when positions are held open past a certain time. This fee can be either a charge or a credit, depending on the direction of the trade and the current interest rates. Additionally, there is a currency conversion fee for trades conducted in a currency different from the account’s base currency. Plus500 also implements an inactivity fee of up to $10 per month if no login activity occurs for three months, which continues to accrue until the account is active again. Despite these potential costs, Plus500 does not charge for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage. Users can fund their accounts via various methods including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. This fee structure makes Plus500 accessible and predictable for users, with the primary costs tied to the actual trading activity and specific conditions of the account .

XTB

Plus500

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

XTB does not have a native token.
Plus500 does not have a native token.

Earns

XTB does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform offers trading in crypto CFDs .
Plus500 does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs .

NFT marketplace

XTB does not have an NFT marketplace.
Plus500 does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

XTB does not have a card for its clients .
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

XTB International Limited​​.
Plus500 Ltd​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, KNF (Poland), IFSC (Belize)​​.
FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), MAS​​.

Year founded

2002​​
2008​​

Founder

Jakub Zablocki
Alon Gonen, Shimon Sofer, Shlomi Weizmann, Elad Ben-Izhak, Gal Haber, Omer Elazari​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, XTB accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, Plus500 accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, XTB accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, Plus500 accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, XTB accepts credit/debit cards .
Yes, Plus500 accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

XTB Features Plus500
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting at $1. This low threshold allows even small-scale investors to participate in cryptocurrency trading .
Minimum Trade
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
XTB charges spreads on crypto trades starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. While competitive, additional fees apply for certain e-wallet deposits and withdrawals .
Trading and Transaction Fees
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
XTB offers trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, along with various crypto pairs .
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
The platform supports 16 intra-crypto pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the performance of one cryptocurrency against another .
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
While it offers a variety of cryptocurrencies, the number of available trading pairs is somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
XTB provides comprehensive information about its services, fees, and regulations. However, some users may find the navigation slightly complex .
Website Transparency
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
XTB does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .
As a CFD provider, XTB does not offer dedicated crypto wallet services. Traders need to use external wallets if they wish to own actual cryptocurrencies .
Storage Offering
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
XTB does not provide staking options or rewards programs for holding cryptocurrencies, which might be a drawback for some investors .
Staking and Rewards
The platform currently does not offer staking or reward programs, which can be a downside for users looking to earn passive income.
The xStation platform is available on both mobile and desktop, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience with advanced trading tools .
Mobile App and Desktop
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
XTB’s customer service is available 24/5, providing support via phone, live chat, and email. While generally responsive, some users report occasional delays .
Customer Service
Firstrade’s customer service is reliable but not available 24/7, which can be an inconvenience for users needing assistance outside business hours.
Deposits and withdrawals are mostly fee-free, except for small withdrawals under certain thresholds. The process is straightforward and quick .
Deposit and Withdraw
Firstrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, although the lack of instant processing for some methods can be a drawback.

Key features

Analysis tools

XTB offers the xStation platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and intra-crypto pairs for detailed analysis. They also provide educational resources and market analysis tools .
Plus500 offers a WebTrader platform with advanced charting tools and technical indicators. They also provide innovative tools such as +Insights and Traders’ Sentiment for market analysis .

Mobile APP

Yes, XTB provides the xStation mobile app, which includes advanced trading and charting tools
Yes, Plus500 offers a user-friendly mobile app for trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies and other instruments .

Security

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.
Plus500 is regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer negative balance protection for CFD trading and are listed on the London Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.

Additional features

XTB provides trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies with tight spreads and leverage up to 1:5. Their xStation platform offers intra-crypto pairs and 24/7 trading. XTB is known for its secure environment and transparent accounts, but crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from the UK .
Plus500 is a CFD trading platform offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. They provide a user-friendly WebTrader platform and a mobile app with powerful research tools. Plus500 offers competitive spreads and operates under multiple regulations, ensuring a secure trading environment. However, they do not allow the direct purchase of cryptocurrencies, only trading on price movements through CFDs .

Anonymity

Anonymous accounts are not available with XTB. The account opening process requires personal information and identity verification .
Plus500 requires identity and residence verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not supported .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

XTB offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), and others, totaling 50 major coins and 16 crypto pairs​​.
Plus500 offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), NEO, Ripple (XRP), IOTA, Stellar (XLM), EOS, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Tron (TRX), and Monero (XMR)​​.

User-friendliness

XTB’s platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. The platform supports a variety of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads. XTB’s strong regulatory framework and educational resources also contribute to a positive user experience .
Plus500 is known for its intuitive WebTrader platform, which simplifies the process of trading cryptocurrency CFDs. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean and minimalist interface that makes it easy to navigate. Plus500’s focus on CFDs means users do not own the underlying assets, which can be a limitation for those looking to hold actual cryptocurrencies .

Value for money

XTB offers excellent value with tight spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods. Its comprehensive educational resources and transparent fee structure enhance its attractiveness, although inactivity fees apply after 12 months​​.
Plus500 offers solid value for money with no deposit or withdrawal fees and a user-friendly platform. Its tight spreads and zero commission on trades are major benefits, although the minimum withdrawal amounts and inactivity fees could be drawbacks​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Dubai, Belize .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Israel, United Arab Emirates .

Best for

XTB is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders who want to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies with tight spreads. Its comprehensive educational resources and strong regulatory framework make it a reliable choice for crypto trading​​.
Plus500 is ideal for traders who want a simple and intuitive platform for trading cryptocurrency CFDs without the need to manage actual crypto assets. It’s best for those who prefer a straightforward, user-friendly experience with competitive spreads​​.

Account

Trading

XTB provides extensive crypto CFD trading options with over 50 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is known for its tight spreads and leverage options, making it suitable for active crypto traders.
Plus500 supports crypto CFD trading with a user-friendly interface and a variety of cryptocurrencies. It offers leverage and competitive spreads, making it accessible to both new and experienced traders.

Deposit and withdrawal

XTB offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is efficient, with most transactions processed quickly, though small fees may apply for low withdrawal amounts.
Plus500 supports deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Transactions are generally processed quickly, though some methods may incur small fees.

Account opening process

XTB offers a hassle-free and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually approved within one business day.
The account opening process at Plus500 is quick and fully digital. Users fill out an online form with personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually approved within one business day.

KYC required?

Yes, KYC is required at XTB. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.
KYC verification is mandatory at Plus500. Users need to provide identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

XTB offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, ensuring users get the help they need promptly.
Plus500 offers customer support through live chat and email, but does not provide phone support. The support is available 24/7 and is known for being responsive and efficient, though the lack of phone support can be limiting.

Security

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.
Plus500 is regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer negative balance protection for CFD trading and are listed on the London Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert, I find XTB to be a robust choice for cryptocurrency traders, especially those interested in CFDs. The platform offers a broad range of over 50 cryptocurrencies and 16 intra-crypto pairs, providing ample opportunities for diversified trading strategies. The xStation platform is particularly user-friendly, equipped with advanced charting tools and quick execution times, which enhances the overall trading experience. Furthermore, XTB’s strong regulatory oversight by entities like the FCA, CySEC, and KNF, coupled with its transparency as a publicly listed company, ensures a high level of trust and security for traders. However, the lack of support for MetaTrader 4 and 5 and the exclusive focus on CFDs might be limiting for some users. Overall, XTB is highly suitable for both novice and experienced traders looking for a reliable and transparent platform for crypto trading.
As an expert at our website, I find Plus500 to be a robust and user-friendly platform for trading cryptocurrencies. Its intuitive interface makes it ideal for beginners, while its range of available cryptocurrencies ensures that even more experienced traders can find what they need. The lack of commission fees is a significant advantage, allowing users to trade more cost-effectively. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the spreads and potential withdrawal fees. Overall, Plus500 offers a secure and efficient environment for cryptocurrency trading, backed by strong regulatory oversight and advanced security measures.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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