Plus500 Review 2024

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4.1

Plus500 is #21 in our rankings of CFD brokers.

Plus500 Facts & Figures

Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.

Pros
  • Plus500 provides a specialized WebTrader platform designed explicitly for CFD trading, offering a clean and uncluttered interface
  • The broker offers commission-free trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders
  • Plus500 has recently bolstered its suite of short-term trading products, including introducing VIX options with enhanced volatility
  • You can utilize leverage while engaging in long or short positions, allowing for more strategic trading opportunities
  • The customer support team continue to provide reliable 24/7 support via email, live chat and WhatsApp
Cons
  • Plus500’s lack of support for MetaTrader or cTrader charting tools might be a deal breaker for advanced traders looking for familiarity
  • Educational resources are limited compared to best-in-class brokers like eToro, impacting the learning curve for beginners
  • The absence of social trading means users can’t follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders
  • Compared to some competitors, especially IG, Plus500’s research and analysis tools are limited
  • Algo trading and scalping are not supported, which may deter some traders
Awards
  • Best Overall Broker 2021 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2019 - DayTrading.com
Instruments CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto
Demo Account Yes
Min. Deposit $100
Mobile Apps iOS, Android & Windows
Trading App

Plus500 have developed their mobile apps to match the WebTrader online platform . Secure and reliable, the app is among the best out there. Stop loss and limits are available, free alerts and a full range of markets and instruments are available. Visit the download page here.

iOS App Rating
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4.1
Android App Rating
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4.3
Payments
Min. Trade 0.01 Lots
Regulated By FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA
MetaTrader 4 No
MetaTrader 5 No
cTrader No
DMA Account No
ECN Account No
Social Trading No
Copy Trading No
Auto Trading No
Islamic Account Yes
Commodities
  • Copper
  • Cotton
  • Coffee
  • Livestock
  • Sugar
  • Gasoline
  • Cocoa
  • Platinum
  • Soybeans
  • Oil
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Corn
  • Aluminium
  • Palladium
  • Wheat
CFDs Plus500 presents commission-free CFDs encompassing a vast array of markets, spanning currencies, stocks, indices, and commodities. You can engage in long or short positions on popular assets, benefiting from adaptable leverage without encountering any concealed fees.
Leverage 1:30
FTSE Spread 1.2
GBPUSD Spread 1.1
Oil Spread 0.04
Stocks Spread 0.08
Forex Plus500 provides forex trading through CFDs, featuring narrow spreads across an impressive selection of over 60 currency pairs. During testing, spreads came in as tight as 0.6 pips on the EUR/USD, which is notably lower than many alternatives.
GBPUSD Spread 1.1
EURUSD Spread 0.6
GBPEUR Spread 1.4
Assets 60+
Stocks Plus500 continues to offer an extensive range of shares across UK, US, and European markets via CFDs. The ESG and cannabis sector opportunities are also enticing features not commonly found among other platforms. There also an impressive 30+ indices available with leverage up to 1:20.
Risk Warning – Your Capital is at risk

Plus500 is a reputable broker with top-tier regulation and a client base spanning the globe. Offering a proprietary trading platform and thousands of CFDs on underlying assets covering stocks, forex, crypto and commodities, the broker is a competitive option. This 2024 UK review will explain more about trading with Plus500, including fees, account types and more.

Plus500 Headlines

With headquarters in Israel, Plus500 is a platform for online trading that allows users to trade CFDs on over 2,500 instruments using proprietary software. The firm operates in over 50 countries, in 32 languages and is regulated in the United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and Seychelles.

The number of active users regularly stands close to 500,000. Plus500’s CEO is David Zruia. The firm is quite transparent and you can easily find a list of the board of directors on the website or if you Google Plus500.

Plus500 Ltd, which owns the trademark Plus500, is a publicly traded company (PLC) listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) since 2018, meaning that, if you buy shares, you can potentially earn dividends, the company is under the ticker LSE:PLUS.

In 2021, the firm expanded its presence in the US market by acquiring Cunningham Commodities and Cunningham Trading Systems. You can use online brokers and information sites to see Plus500’s history and share price forecasts. It has offices located in the City of London.

Platforms

Plus500 is a market maker which means it acts as the counterpart to any trade you make. With market makers, spreads are usually wider than for an ECN broker as a dealing desk is involved. The firm offers only one platform to its clients: its own proprietary software. This is available as a WebTrader, on Windows or as an app. You can download the Windows app for Windows 7, 8 and 10 or download the Plus500 mobile app for Android (APK) and Apple (iOS) devices from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Clients used to popular, industry-standard software such as the MetaTrader 4 or 5 platform may be put off by this limited offering. However, the sleek, minimal design of the Plus500 interface provides users with an intuitive and functional trading experience.

Plus500 Trading Platform

Users can easily access a range of features, including watchlists and chart analysis, as well as placing and monitoring trades. Technical analysis charts offer more than 100 technical indicators that can be applied to a variety of time frames, including tick charts and weekly charts.

The layout of the Plus500 interface feels familiar and easy to get to grips with. With just a few clicks, clients can navigate over 2,000 instruments, use customisable technical analysis charts and place trades. However, the Plus500 software is a closed system. Users will not be able to incorporate third-party analytical or automation tools.

Plus500 doesn’t offer any of the special features that are typically available at other online forex brokers. It does not offer ISA accounts nor does it allow for automated trading via expert advisors or other trading algorithms. It does not provide back-testing functionality, nor does it allow clients to manage third-party funds via PAMM or MAM trading platforms.

There are three basic order types on the Plus500 platform:

  • Market Order – This is the simplest form of order. A trader requests that their order should be executed at the prevailing market rate.
  • Limit Order – This is a pending order where entry is set at a predetermined point. This point may be above or below the prevailing market rate depending on whether it is a buy or sell transaction. Clients can also select the expiration time of limit orders.
  • Stop Order – Similar to a limit order, the trader sets the exit at a predetermined point and has the option of selecting the expiration time of the order.

Demo Account

Plus500 offers a fully functional demo account on which you can practice paper trading in real market conditions. There is no limit on how long or how much you can trade on Plus500’s practice account and, once the virtual balance drops below 200 GBP, the original balance will be reinstated.

Assets

Plus500 offers a comprehensive range of CFD instruments, including forex, stock indices, shares, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, options and commodities. In total, there are over 2,000 instruments to choose from. In 2013, the firm became the first broker to offer a Bitcoin CFD. However, as of January 2021, trading crypto CFDs has been banned in the UK by the FCA.

Markets offered by Plus500 are broken down as such:

  • 1,800 Stock CFDs, including US stocks like Tesla (TESLA), Gamestop (GME), AMC and ADVFN, Chinese stocks like Xiaomi and penny stocks
  • 33 Stock Index CFDs like IBEX 35, USA 50, France 40, S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, DAX (Germany) 30 and the FTSE 100
  • 14 Cryptocurrency CFDs like BTC, XLM, XRP, XTB and XMR (non-UK clients only)
  • 22 Commodity CFDs like gold (XAU), natural gas and brent oil
  • 92 ETF CFDs like the Commodity Index Fund

Plus500 also allows traders to trade on thematic indexes such as the Cannabis Index.

Account Types

Plus500 offers one account type for retail investors, known as a retail account. Clients can also apply for a professional account, which gives them access to higher leverage rates. To qualify for a professional account, you will need to have carried out sufficient trading activity in the last 12 months, have a financial instrument portfolio of over £500,000 and have relevant experience in the financial services sector.

Fees

Plus500 generates its revenue primarily through spreads. The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price and is typically measured in pips. For example, when trading EUR/USD, if the buy rate is 1.12078 and the sell rate is 1.12072, the spread is 0.6 pips. The firm offers competitive spreads. All trading costs are covered within the spread and there are no commission fees.

You may be subject to currency conversion fees if you trade in a currency different from the account’s base, meaning you could pay up to 0.7% of the trade’s realised net profit or loss (P&L). Moreover, if you opt for a Plus500 guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO), the result will be an increased spread quote, meaning lesser profits.

Inactivity fees are charged when an account has been idle for three months. These can range up to 10 GBP and are calculated against the remaining available balance in your account. This fee will be charged once a month from that point onwards. You can avoid this fee simply by logging in or you can close your Plus500 account.

Mobile App

Plus500 has a fully functional mobile app for clients that want to trade on the go. The platform was designed with mobile traders in mind and no features are lacking on the mobile client. The application is easily available for Android, iPhone and iPad devices. Plus500’s entire instrument catalogue, conditional orders and over 100 technical indicators can all be accessed with just a few taps.

Plus500 questions and results explained

Plus500 Mobile Trading Platform

When carrying out analysis on your mobile device, you may be hindered by the size of your screen. For further detail and clarity during this process, all Plus500 charts can be expanded to full-screen mode. Furthermore, deposits and withdrawals can be carried out with the same ease as the desktop platform.

Leverage

When trading CFDs, you are gaining exposure to the price changes of an underlying asset. You never own anything. To do this, traders can deposit only a percentage amount of the position size, borrowing the rest of the capital from the broker. This is known as margin trading or leveraged trading.

With Plus500, margins are fixed. This restricts the trader’s ability to reduce the risk associated with position size. Margin levels are as such:

  • Stock Indices – 1:20
  • Stocks – 1:5
  • Forex – 1:30

Investors that qualify for a professional account have the option to increase their maximum leverage from 1:30 to 1:300. Professional accounts incur no additional charges.

How To Start Trading

To help you get started with Plus500 in the UK, we’ve prepared a short guide:

  1. Click “Start Trading” in the upper right corner of the screen.
  2. Choose a “Real Money” or “Demo” account.
  3. If you choose a “Real Money” account, you will need to be verified before you can log in and start trading. This process involves you uploading documents proving your identity, residence and sources of funding. Verification time is usually one day.
  4. Deposit funds and open a trade.

Security

Plus500 is registered with relevant authorities throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. This includes the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). A few locations are forbidden from registering with Plus500, including the US, Canada, Cuba, Iran and Syria.

Per FCA regulation in the UK, Plus500 segregates client money from corporate funds to protect customers in case the company becomes insolvent.

The FCA guarantees clients reimbursement of up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Note, the sale of CFDs for cryptocurrencies is forbidden in the UK.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) requires registered brokers to provide negative balance protection. This ensures clients cannot lose more than they have loaded into their accounts. Furthermore, all clients must uphold a maintenance margin level.

This is the amount of equity a customer needs to maintain to keep a position open. To view the maintenance margin requirement for any instrument, go to the main screen of the platform, select the instrument and click on the “Details” link next to it.

Plus500 also implements security measures to enhance client protection. These include a thorough verification process, two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric authentication for its mobile app.

Deposits & Withdrawals

One of Plus500’s selling points is that it does not subject client accounts to ancillary fees. There are no charges for normal withdrawals, closing or deleting an account. The minimum to open an account is 100 GBP. Funding options include Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Trustly or Skrill) and bank wire transfers.

Plus500 does not charge any additional fees for deposits or withdrawals. To make a deposit, simply click on “Funds Management”, “Deposit” and choose your preferred method. You can access the “Funds Management” screen on the mobile app by clicking the menu button. In the UK, Plus500 has a minimum deposit amount of 100 GBP. For bank transfers, the minimum is 500 GBP.

Users can make a maximum of five free withdrawals per month. After this, Plus500 will charge you 10 GBP per withdrawal. Processing time for withdrawals is usually between 1 – 3 days. E-wallet withdrawals can take between 3 – 7 working days, while bank transfers can take 5 – 7 working days. Credit/debit card withdrawals will be executed according to the issuing bank’s processing time. The minimum withdrawal amounts are:

  • Credit/Debit Card – 80 GBP (only if the card was used for a deposit)
  • PayPal/Skrill – 40 GBP (only available if used for a deposit)
  • Bank Transfer – 80 GBP
  • Apple Pay – 75 GBP

Customer Support

Plus500 limit its customer service options to a UK live chat, WhatsApp and email support. Both are available 24/7. You will therefore not find a contact number for Plus 500, even for sales inquiries. To get in touch with Plus500 you can submit a ticket on their website or ask a question via WhatsApp or live chat. Upon testing, we received prompt, helpful and polite replies on all three channels. If you need to refer to your conversation with customer service later, there is an option to “share chat”.

Education

Many outdated Plus500 reviews remark on the firm’s lack of educational resources for traders. However, the firm seems to have responded to criticism as there is currently a wealth of additional information available for free on the main site as well as a “Knowledge Base” on Zendesk. Tools include a comprehensive economic calendar, regulatory news (RNS), a trader’s guide with several “how-to” YouTube tutorials, regularly updated news & market insights with tips and tricks and a downloadable PDF e-book that includes explanations about the instruments offered, platform features and a step-by-step trading guide.

Additionally, the legally required key investor information document (KIID) contains thorough and unbiased simulations of several trading scenarios. This can clarify how profits and losses are calculated. If you are interested in investing in Plus500, the firm has a terminal of its website dedicated to investor relations, where you can find financial statements, annual and quarterly earnings reports and more.

Trading Hours

Trading hours at Plus500 are relative to the market in which you are trading. Due to market overlaps and time differences, it is possible to trade stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Please get to grips with the financial calendar and ensure you know the market open hours and convert them to GMT before you start investing. Knowing the periods of highest liquidity can improve your trading strategy’s success.

Pros Of Plus500

  • Access to more than 2,500 trading instruments
  • Functional and intuitive platform
  • Regulated by the FCA (U.K.)
  • Guaranteed stop-loss orders

Cons Of Plus500

  • Customer support lacking
  • Third-party software cannot be used
  • Does not accept clients from the US or Canada

Plus500 Verdict

Plus500 offers CFD trading on an intuitive, sleek platform that lacks some of the advanced functionality of other brokers. The proprietary software is a closed system, which means third-party automation is not possible. However, spreads are kept tight and additional costs are low. Clients in the UK have the extra reassurance of the firm being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

FAQs

Is Plus500 A Real Broker?

Yes, Plus500 is a real and legitimate broker that operates in over 50 countries.

Is Plus500 A Margin Account?

Plus500 offers all clients leverage trading within the FCA’s regulatory limits. The broker offers one account type, which doubles as a margin account for those wishing to gain additional market exposure.

Is Plus500 A Good Broker?

Plus500 is a large and internationally recognised CFD trading platform. It claims to be the largest CFD provider in Germany and Spain and has top-tier regulation around the world.

Is Plus500 A Good Trading Platform?

Plus500 is best suited for intermediate traders looking for an interface for manually executing trades without any advanced technical features. Lack of MT4 access may be a turn-off for more experienced traders accustomed to a certain level of functionality. Costs are kept competitive at the firm but a closed system means API trading and automation are not possible.

How Long Does A Withdrawal Take With Plus500?

In the UK, withdrawals typically take between 1-3 days. E-wallets and bank transfers can take up to seven business days depending on the checks being carried out. Plus500 clients get five free withdrawals per month. After this, each withdrawal incurs a fee of 10 GBP. If you are having problems with withdrawals, contact customer service via live chat or WhatsApp immediately.

What Fees Does Plus500 Charge?

Plus500 generates the majority of its revenue through the spread. Other fees included when trading with this broker include an inactivity fee and an overnight funding fee. Trading with a guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO) will also increase the spread.

Is Plus500 A Market Maker?

Plus500 is a market maker, which means it takes the opposite position of any trade you make. This allows the firm to offer its own proprietary software without having to worry about liquidity. Although spreads are competitive, ECN brokers will usually have tighter spreads as no dealing desk is involved.

Which Countries Is Plus500 Available In?

Plus500 is a global brand with a trusted logo that is regulated throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It is available in the UK, Germany, France, New Zealand, Hong Kong and many more locations. Users from the US and Canada are unable to open an account with this firm. Read the Plus500 user agreement to find out if your country is available.

Do I Pay Tax Trading With Plus500?

When investing with Plus500, the trader is responsible for reporting their own tax according to their jurisdiction. In the UK, trading CFDs may be subject to capital gains tax if you breach the tax bracket. Always consult a local tax advisor before investing in CFDs.

Does Plus500 Offer An Islamic Account?

Yes, Plus500 offers users an Islamic, swap-free account for traders of the Muslim faith. This account is halal, not haram.

Does Plus500 Offer Spread Betting Or Binary Options?

No, Plus500 does not offer spread betting or binary options. It only offers contracts for difference (CFDs).

Compare Plus500 with Other Brokers

These brokers are the most similar to Plus500:

  1. IG Index - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  2. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for traders at all levels.
  3. eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Plus500 Feature Comparison

Plus500 Compared With Similar Brokers
Plus500 IG Index Pepperstone eToro
Rating 4.1 4.4 4.8 4.1
Markets Forex, Stocks, Commodities Forex, Stocks, Commodities Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
Minimum Deposit $100 $0 $0 $50
Minimum Trade 0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots $10
Demo Account Yes Yes Yes Yes
Regulators FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA
Bonus - - - -
Education Yes Yes Yes Yes
Platforms - MT4 MT4, MT5, cTrader -
Leverage 1:30 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) 1:30
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Review Plus500
Review
IG Index
Review
Pepperstone
Review
eToro
Review

Trading Instruments Comparison

Comparison of Plus500 Trading Instruments
Plus500 IG Index Pepperstone eToro
CFD Yes Yes Yes Yes
Forex Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stocks Yes Yes Yes Yes
Crypto No No Yes Yes
Commodities Yes Yes Yes Yes
Oil Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gold Yes Yes Yes Yes
Copper Yes Yes Yes Yes
Silver Yes Yes Yes Yes
Corn Yes No Yes Yes
Futures Yes Yes No Yes
Options Yes Yes No No
ETFs Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bonds No Yes No Yes
Warrants No Yes No No
Spreadbetting No Yes Yes No
Volatility Index Yes Yes Yes Yes

Plus500 vs Other Brokers

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Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.