Comparison of OANDA vs Plus500 [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

OANDA

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Plus500

Main points

Fees

Low 4,3/5

Regulated

FCA, CFTC

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

3.8 – OANDA’s fees for crypto trading are competitive with no spread markups or custody fees. However, the platform’s higher fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees can be a drawback .
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 4,3/5
Low 3,7/6

Brief explanation

OANDA offers a transparent and straightforward fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, which makes it an appealing choice for many traders. The platform charges a 0.25% fee on all executed crypto orders, with a minimum fee of $0.01. This fee is calculated based on the order quantity and fill price, ensuring that traders know exactly what they are paying upfront. Unlike many other brokers, OANDA does not apply a spread markup or custody fee on crypto trades, which can help keep trading costs lower. Deposits via credit/debit cards and electronic wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are free, but bank transfers, which can take up to three business days to process, may incur conversion costs if the currency differs from the account base currency. Withdrawal fees are notably higher, especially for bank transfers, which can cost up to $20 or more per transaction, depending on the currency and region. While OANDA does not offer leverage for cryptocurrency trading, which could limit the potential for higher returns, this also reduces the risk of significant losses. The absence of short selling options is another limitation for those looking to profit from falling markets. Overall, OANDA’s fee structure is designed to be clear and straightforward, with no hidden costs, making it a reliable choice for crypto traders who prioritize transparency and security .
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 .

OANDA

Plus500

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

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

Earns

OANDA does not provide staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform supports trading through crypto CFDs and direct trading via partnerships .
Plus500 does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs .

NFT marketplace

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

Cripto/debit card

OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

OANDA Corporation​​.
Plus500 Ltd​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), NFA/CFTC (USA), IIROC (Canada), ASIC, MAS​​.
FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), MAS​​.

Year founded

1996​​
2008​​

Founder

Michael Stumm, Richard Olsen​​
Alon Gonen, Shimon Sofer, Shlomi Weizmann, Elad Ben-Izhak, Gal Haber, Omer Elazari​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

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

Comparative table

OANDA Features Plus500
No minimum trade requirement, making it accessible for all traders.
Minimum Trade
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
Competitive fees, but high withdrawal costs for bank transfers.
Trading and Transaction Fees
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
Supports 63 crypto trading pairs, offering good variety.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
Wide range of pairs available, enhancing trading opportunities.
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.
Highly transparent with detailed information about fees, regulations, and services.
Website Transparency
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .
No dedicated crypto wallet service; relies on Paxos integration for custody.
Storage Offering
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
Does not offer staking or rewards programs.
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.
User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms with advanced charting tools.
Mobile App and Desktop
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
24/7 support available, though response times can vary.
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.
Multiple methods available but high fees for bank transfers.
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

OANDA offers a proprietary web platform with over 65 technical indicators powered by TradingView, advanced charting tools, and a robust mobile app. They also provide comprehensive research offerings .
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, OANDA provides a mobile app for trading, which includes advanced charting and access to their full range of trading instruments .
Yes, Plus500 offers a user-friendly mobile app for trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies and other instruments .

Security

OANDA is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA. They offer negative balance protection for EU clients and are known for their transparency and robust security measures, including 24/7 customer support​​.
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

OANDA offers trading on 13 popular cryptocurrency CFDs, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, through their platform. They provide a user-friendly app with advanced charting tools and the ability to manage risk using limit and stop orders. OANDA’s crypto trading is available 24/7 with competitive spreads and transparent fees .
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

OANDA does not support anonymous accounts. Personal information, financial details, and verification documents are necessary for opening an account .
Plus500 requires identity and residence verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not supported .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

OANDA offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs and direct trading through a partnership with Paxos. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Chainlink (LINK), EOS, Binance Coin (BNB), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), Uniswap (UNI), Tezos (XTZ), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT)​​.
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

OANDA’s crypto trading experience is integrated into its well-established forex trading platform, providing a seamless and user-friendly interface. The platform supports a range of cryptocurrencies and offers easy account funding options. OANDA’s strong regulatory framework and security features add an extra layer of trust for users .
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

OANDA provides good value with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads on crypto CFDs. However, the platform’s above-average fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees might deter less active traders​​​​.
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, United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Singapore .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Israel, United Arab Emirates .

Best for

OANDA is best for traders who want the flexibility to trade both crypto CFDs and underlying crypto assets. Its strong regulatory framework and user-friendly app make it a good choice for those looking for a secure trading environment​​.
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

OANDA offers crypto CFD trading with a focus on transparency and regulation. The platform provides competitive spreads and leverage, making it a secure choice for trading cryptocurrencies.
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

OANDA offers deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is straightforward, but fees may apply for certain withdrawal methods, especially international transfers.
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

OANDA has a straightforward and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial details and submit verification documents. Accounts are typically 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?

OANDA requires KYC verification. Users must submit personal identification documents and proof of address to open an account.
KYC verification is mandatory at Plus500. Users need to provide identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

OANDA provides strong customer support available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to resolve their issues.
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

OANDA is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA. They offer negative balance protection for EU clients and are known for their transparency and robust security measures, including 24/7 customer support​​.
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 on our website, I highly recommend OANDA for its reliability and robust security measures in cryptocurrency trading. OANDA’s regulation by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and CFTC ensures a secure trading environment. The platform offers a user-friendly experience with advanced charting tools and over 60 crypto trading pairs through its partnership with Paxos Trust Company. Despite its higher withdrawal fees and lack of leverage for crypto, OANDA is an excellent choice for traders seeking a trustworthy and well-regulated broker.
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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