Broker Comparison 2026

ING vs. Plus500

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

ING
3.5/5
vs
Plus500
3.8/5
Our Recommendation

ING is the better choice for Full-Service Bank Customers, while Plus500 wins for CFD Traders. Which one suits you depends on your strategy — the detailed comparison below shows every difference.

ING

3.5/5
Strengths
  • Established Full-Service Bank
  • Good Customer Service
  • Integrated Current Account
  • Free Custody Account
Weaknesses
  • High Order Fees
  • Savings Plan Not Free
Best for
Full-Service Bank Customers
Go to ING →* 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.

FeatureINGPlus500Winner
Fees & Costs
Order Fee4.90€ + 0.25% (min 9.90€)0€ (Spread-based)Plus500
ETF Savings Plan Fee1.75%-Tie
Account Fee0€/Year0€/YearTie
Minimum Deposit0€$100Tie
Interest on Cash0%0%Tie
Product Range
AzioniTie
ETFsTie
CryptoPlus500
OptionsPlus500
CFDsTie
Fractional SharesTie
Number of ExchangesXetra, Frankfurt, DirekthandelPlus500 internING
Platform & Tools
Mobile AppTie
Desktop PlatformTie
Demo AccountPlus500
Security & Regulation
Regulated byBaFinCySEC / FCA / ASICTie
Deposit Protection100.000€€20.000 (ICF)Tie
Founded19912008Tie
Overall Rating
RatingPlus500

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

ING

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

More about ING →

Detailed Assessment

Who is ING?

3.5/5

ING offers securities trading as part of its full banking service. For customers who want checking and brokerage under one roof.

Strengths in Detail

  • Established Full-Service Bank
  • Good Customer Service
  • Integrated Current Account
  • Free Custody Account

Weaknesses

  • High Order Fees
  • Savings Plan Not Free
  • Limited Exchanges
Who is ING worth it for?

Particularly suitable for: Full-Service Bank Customers, Casual Investors, Savings Plan.

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 ING vs Plus500.

For order fees, Plus500 leads at 0€ (Spread-basiert), while ING charges 4.90€ + 0.25% (min 9.90€). Note: with CFD brokers, spreads add hidden cost — the lower nominal price isn't always cheaper overall.

ING is regulated by BaFin, Plus500 by CySEC / FCA / ASIC. Both fall under EU oversight. Deposit protection: ING 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 ING 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. ING: 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 ING →Plus500: link coming soon

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