Broker Comparison 2026

Flatex vs. Plus500

Detailed comparison of all fees, features, and suitability — updated for 2026.

Flatex
3.8/5
vs
Plus500
3.8/5
Our Recommendation

Flatex is the better choice for Austrian Investors, while Plus500 wins for CFD Traders. Which one suits you depends on your strategy — the detailed comparison below shows every difference.

Flatex

3.8/5
Strengths
  • Many Trading Venues
  • Options & Futures
  • Tax-Simple for Austria
  • Demo Account
Weaknesses
  • Higher Order Fees
  • Savings Plan Not Free
Best for
Austrian Investors
Go to Flatex →* Affiliate link · no extra cost for you

Plus500

3.8/5
Strengths
  • 0€ Commission (Spread-based)
  • Unlimited Demo Account
  • Simple Platform
  • Regulated (CySEC/FCA/ASIC)
  • 2,800+ Tradeable Instruments
Weaknesses
  • CFDs Only, No Real Stocks/Coins
  • No Savings Plan
Best for
CFD Traders
No direct link availableAffiliate link coming soon

Detailed Comparison

All fees, products, and platform features compared side-by-side. The "Winner" column shows which broker leads in each category.

FeatureFlatexPlus500Winner
Fees & Costs
Order Fee5.90€ + Börsengebühr0€ (Spread-based)Plus500
ETF Savings Plan Fee1.50€-Tie
Account Fee0€/Year0€/YearTie
Minimum Deposit0€$100Tie
Interest on Cash0%0%Tie
Product Range
StocksTie
ETFsTie
CryptoPlus500
OptionsTie
CFDsTie
Fractional SharesTie
Number of ExchangesXetra, Frankfurt, WienPlus500 internFlatex
Platform & Tools
Mobile AppTie
Desktop PlatformTie
Demo AccountTie
Security & Regulation
Regulated byBaFin / FMACySEC / FCA / ASICTie
Deposit Protection100.000€€20.000 (ICF)Tie
Founded20062008Tie
Overall Rating
RatingTie

Which Broker for Whom?

Depending on your strategy and experience, one broker fits better. Here's how to decide:

For Beginners

Plus500

Low barriers, simple app, demo account and no hidden costs — perfect to get started.

More about Plus500 →
For Active Traders

Plus500

Low per-order fees, many trading venues and derivatives access — important if you trade regularly.

More about Plus500 →
For Long-Term Investors

Flatex

Free savings plans, interest on cash and no custody fee — what matters when you buy & hold.

More about Flatex →

Detailed Assessment

Who is Flatex?

3.8/5

Flatex is especially popular in Austria as a tax-simple broker with access to many exchanges and derivatives.

Strengths in Detail

  • Many Trading Venues
  • Options & Futures
  • Tax-Simple for Austria
  • Demo Account

Weaknesses

  • Higher Order Fees
  • Savings Plan Not Free
  • No Interest on Cash
  • No Crypto
Who is Flatex worth it for?

Particularly suitable for: Austrian Investors, Options Trading, Many Exchanges.

Who is Plus500?

3.8/5

Plus500 is a CFD broker with 0 commission and spread-based pricing. Over 2,800 instruments across CFDs on stocks, forex, crypto CFDs, commodities, ETFs and options. Note: 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Strengths in Detail

  • 0€ Commission (Spread-based)
  • Unlimited Demo Account
  • Simple Platform
  • Regulated (CySEC/FCA/ASIC)
  • 2,800+ Tradeable Instruments

Weaknesses

  • CFDs Only, No Real Stocks/Coins
  • No Savings Plan
  • Inactivity Fee after 3 Months
  • No Crypto Wallet
Who is Plus500 worth it for?

Particularly suitable for: CFD Traders, Active Traders, Experienced CFD Traders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about Flatex vs Plus500.

For order fees, Plus500 leads at 0€ (Spread-basiert), while Flatex charges 5.90€ + Börsengebühr. Note: with CFD brokers, spreads add hidden cost — the lower nominal price isn't always cheaper overall.

Flatex is regulated by BaFin / FMA, Plus500 by CySEC / FCA / ASIC. Both fall under EU oversight. Deposit protection: Flatex 100.000€, Plus500 €20.000 (ICF).

For German/Austrian customers, language, BaFin regulation and tax-simple status often matter most. Check the 'Regulated by' and 'Languages' rows — DACH-focused brokers usually have the edge.

Neither Flatex nor Plus500 offers free ETF savings plans. If recurring investing matters, check a savings-plan-focused broker.

Both are covered under their home regulator's deposit protection. Flatex: 100.000€, Plus500: €20.000 (ICF). Securities are held in segregated accounts and protected in case of broker insolvency.

Neither broker pays meaningful interest on uninvested cash. Look elsewhere if cash yield matters.

Both offer native mobile apps with good app-store ratings. Which is better depends on your needs — try both with a demo account if available.

A second broker makes sense when one offers features the other lacks (e.g. options, crypto, more exchanges). A full switch is only worth it if the cost difference or missing features are significant.

Ready to Get Started?

Sign up with the broker that fits your strategy. Both are regulated and offer a demo account to test risk-free.

Sign up at Flatex →Plus500: link coming soon

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