IC Markets vs Plus500: Which Broker Is Better for Taiwan Traders in 2026?

For Taiwan traders, trading costs are a major factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $3.50 commission per lot per side, ideal for high-volume traders who can offset the commission. Plus500 has no commission but wider spreads, often 0.6-1.2 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. Over 100 trades per month, IC Markets can save traders hundreds of dollars in costs. For Taiwan traders using TWD, both brokers convert deposits automatically, but IC Markets’ lower spreads mean better net returns, especially for scalpers and day traders.

IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all popular among experienced Taiwan traders for advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators. Plus500 offers its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is user-friendly but lacks advanced tools like EA support or depth of market. For Taiwan traders who rely on automated strategies or need detailed analysis, IC Markets is the clear winner. Plus500’s platform is simpler and works well for manual trading on the go, but it may frustrate experienced users.

IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 data centers, making it ideal for scalpers and EA traders in Taiwan. Plus500 has good execution but uses a market-making model, meaning orders are filled internally, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For experienced Taiwan traders who need precision and speed, IC Markets is superior. Plus500 is adequate for most retail traders but may not satisfy high-frequency strategies.

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Plus500 is regulated by FCA (UK), CySEC, and ASIC. Neither broker is directly licensed by the FSC Taiwan, meaning Taiwan traders do not have local investor protection. However, both brokers comply with international standards and offer negative balance protection. For Taiwan traders, the key difference is that IC Markets’ ASIC regulation provides a strong regulatory framework, while Plus500’s FCA regulation offers UK FSCS protection (up to £85,000) for eligible clients. Always check the specific entity you open an account with.

Taiwan traders can fund both IC Markets and Plus500 using Bank Transfer and Credit Card, with deposits processed in TWD automatically converted to the account base currency. IC Markets supports additional e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, offering more flexibility. Minimum deposits are $200 for IC Markets and $100 for Plus500. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for Bank Transfers and faster for Credit Cards. IC Markets does not charge deposit fees, while Plus500 may apply a small fee for certain methods. For Taiwan traders, Bank Transfer is reliable but slower, while Credit Card offers instant funding.

Both IC Markets and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Taiwan who require compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no interest charged on overnight positions, but may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period. Plus500 automatically applies swap-free status for accounts from predominantly Muslim regions, including Taiwan, with no additional fees. Taiwan traders should contact customer support to confirm eligibility and any specific conditions, as policies may vary by regulatory entity.

IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for high-volume traders. Plus500 provides 24/7 support through live chat and email, but phone support is limited. For Taiwan traders, IC Markets’ support is more responsive and includes multilingual assistance, while Plus500’s chat is efficient but less personalized. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections on their websites.