Comparison of Robinhood vs Plus500 [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

robinhood

Robinhood

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Plus500

Main points

Fees

Low 4,7/5

Regulated

SEC, FINRA

Demo account

No
Low 3,7/6

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.1 – Robinhood offers commission-free trading, which is excellent for beginners. However, the inability to transfer cryptocurrencies off the platform and limited cryptocurrency options can be limiting .
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

Robinhood Crypto does not charge any commission fees for trading cryptocurrencies on its platform. Users can buy and sell 15 different cryptocurrencies without incurring additional costs, making it an attractive option for those looking to trade without worrying about hidden fees. However, while Robinhood does not impose direct trading fees, it passes on network fees from crypto miners and validators to users when processing blockchain transactions. Additionally, Robinhood makes money through payment for order flow (PFOF), which involves selling user order information to market makers and may not always result in the best execution prices for trades. In summary, Robinhood Crypto offers commission-free trading, but users should be aware of network fees and the potential implications of PFOF on trade execution prices .
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 .

Robinhood

Plus500

Guide sponsored by the best exchange

eToro

eToro Special Offer*

Earn up to 4.90% APY on uninvested cash with eToro USA.

Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

etoro logotipo

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

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

Earns

Robinhood does not offer staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform is geared towards trading a select few cryptocurrencies .
Plus500 does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs .

NFT marketplace

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

Cripto/debit card

Robinhood provides a debit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted .
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

Robinhood Markets, Inc.​​.
Plus500 Ltd​​.

Regulation

SEC, FINRA (USA)​​.
FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), MAS​​.

Year founded

2013​​
2008​​

Founder

Vladimir Tenev, Baiju Bhatt​​
Alon Gonen, Shimon Sofer, Shlomi Weizmann, Elad Ben-Izhak, Gal Haber, Omer Elazari​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

No, Robinhood does not accept 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

No, Robinhood does not accept credit/debit cards for deposits, but it offers a debit card for use .
Yes, Plus500 accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Robinhood Features Plus500
Robinhood Crypto allows users to start trading with as little as $1, making it highly accessible to beginners and those with limited capital.
Minimum Trade
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
The platform is known for its commission-free trading, which means users can trade cryptocurrencies without incurring additional costs, making it very cost-effective.
Trading and Transaction Fees
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
While the platform supports 15 cryptocurrencies, this number is relatively low compared to other exchanges that offer a broader range of digital assets.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
Robinhood does not support direct trading between different cryptocurrencies, limiting trading flexibility.
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.
The website is user-friendly and provides clear information, but it could benefit from more detailed explanations on certain services and policies.
Website Transparency
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
Robinhood provides a debit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted .
Credit/Debit Card
Plus500 does not offer a card for its clients .
Robinhood does not support external wallets, meaning users cannot transfer their cryptocurrencies off the platform, which is a significant limitation for those seeking more control over their assets.
Storage Offering
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
The platform does not offer staking or rewards programs, which are features available on many other cryptocurrency exchanges.
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.
Robinhood provides an excellent mobile and desktop trading experience, known for its seamless integration and user-friendly design.
Mobile App and Desktop
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Customer service has been a point of criticism, with reports of slow response times and limited support options, which can be frustrating for users needing immediate assistance.
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 straightforward, but the lack of support for transferring cryptocurrencies to external wallets remains a drawback.
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

Robinhood offers advanced charting and screener tools, with in-depth charting, dozens of technical indicators, and market data from multiple sources. However, their crypto trading is separated into a different app, Webull Pay, which continues the same features .
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, Robinhood has a highly rated mobile app that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies along with other assets .
Yes, Plus500 offers a user-friendly mobile app for trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies and other instruments .

Security

Robinhood is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of investor protection. They offer SIPC insurance for securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit. However, they do not provide negative balance protection​​.
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

Robinhood provides commission-free trading on a selection of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin through their mobile app. They offer a user-friendly platform with features such as instant deposits, real-time data, and access to margin accounts with Robinhood Gold. However, their crypto services are limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .
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

Robinhood does not offer anonymous accounts. Users must provide personal details and complete verification steps .
Plus500 requires identity and residence verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not supported .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Robinhood supports trading in a limited number of cryptocurrencies. The available cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and Litecoin (LTC)​​.
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

Robinhood offers a sleek and user-friendly mobile app that makes it easy for users to trade cryptocurrencies alongside other assets. The platform’s simplicity and commission-free trading are major advantages, though it lacks some advanced features and educational tools. Additionally, Robinhood does not allow users to withdraw their crypto holdings to external wallets, which could be a limitation for some traders .
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

Robinhood is renowned for its commission-free trading, providing excellent value for money, especially for beginners. However, its limited cryptocurrency offerings and inability to transfer crypto out of the platform may limit its appeal for more advanced users​​.
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 States (in most states) .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Israel, United Arab Emirates .

Best for

Robinhood is perfect for beginners and younger investors who want an easy-to-use, commission-free platform to trade a limited range of cryptocurrencies. Its integration with stock and ETF trading makes it convenient for those looking to diversify their investments​​.
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

Robinhood allows direct cryptocurrency trading with zero commissions, making it an attractive option for retail investors. However, it offers a limited range of cryptocurrencies compared to other platforms.
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

Robinhood allows deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers. The process is straightforward and free of charge, but the limited options can be a drawback for some users.
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

Robinhood offers an easy and quick account opening process. Users complete an online application, provide personal information, and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and accounts are typically approved within a 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 Robinhood. Users must submit personal identification documents and proof of address to verify their accounts.
KYC verification is mandatory at Plus500. Users need to provide identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

Robinhood offers customer support primarily through email and in-app messaging. They have recently introduced phone support, but response times can vary. The support team is helpful, though some users report delays in getting issues resolved.
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

Robinhood is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of investor protection. They offer SIPC insurance for securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit. However, they do not provide negative balance protection​​.
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 recommend Robinhood Crypto for its ease of use and commission-free trading. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to start trading cryptocurrencies with minimal initial investment. However, be mindful of its limitations, such as the lack of support for external wallets and limited customer service. Overall, it’s a solid platform for those new to crypto trading, offering a straightforward and accessible entry into the market.
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.

More comparatives Robinhood and Plus500