Plus500 vs Merrill Edge 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Plus500 and Merrill Edge depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Plus500 is headquartered in Haifa, Israel, while Merrill Edge operates from Charlotte, USA. Plus500 has the longer track record, established in 2008, compared to Merrill Edge which was founded in 2010. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Plus500
Merrill Edge
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Plus500 offers CFDs only — CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities & crypto. You trade on price movements and do not own the underlying assets. Maximum leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients; additional fees may apply.
| Plus500 | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 3.2/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $100 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 ✓ | 1:2 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC ✓ | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Plus500 is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Merrill Edge offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowPlus500 vs Merrill Edge: Key Differences
Plus500
Merrill Edge
Fees Comparison
Plus500
Merrill Edge
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
Plus500 holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. Plus500 additionally covers Cfd, Forex, Commodities.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, Merrill Edge is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at Plus500.
Trading Platforms
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Merrill Edge offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Merrill Edge sets no minimum deposit. This makes Merrill Edge accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Plus500 at 3.98/5 and Merrill Edge at 3.19/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Plus500 leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Plus500
4.0/5
Choose Plus500 if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.0/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:30)
- More regulatory licences (4)
- More market types (6)
Merrill Edge
3.2/5
Choose Merrill Edge if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No minimum deposit
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Plus500 & Merrill Edge are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Plus500 better than Merrill Edge?
Plus500 scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Plus500 holds a 4.0/5 rating vs Merrill Edge's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Plus500 or Merrill Edge?
Plus500 offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while Merrill Edge starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Plus500 vs Merrill Edge?
Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100. Merrill Edge requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Plus500 or Merrill Edge?
Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, while Merrill Edge holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Plus500 and Merrill Edge support?
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Merrill Edge supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Plus500 and Merrill Edge?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Higher Rated
Plus500
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.