Plus500 Review 2024
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Highlights of Plus500
Plus500 is a global forex and CFD broker regulated by organizations such as ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and FCA in the UK.
Plus500 stands out for its ease of use and intuitive platform, ideal for traders who appreciate the diversity of markets. Key benefits include built-in analytics through the Insight+ tool, which helps analyze trends and activity in real-time.
However, the broker has limited training resources and only offers one type of trading account, which may not suit all traders.
Pros and Cons of Plus500
Pros
- Diversity of trading assets.
- Intuitive trading platform.
- 24/7 support.
- Built-in analytics.
Cons
- Limited educational resources.
- Limited channels for communication with technical support.
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
Plus500 reviews
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Plus500 Broker Overview
Foundation Year | 2007 |
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Official Website | https://www.plus500.com |
Regulated in Countries | Cyprus, United Kingdom, Australia, Seychelles, Estonia, Singapore, United StatesMore Details |
Minimum Deposit |
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Spread | from 0.6 points |
Max Leverage | 1:30 |
Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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Trading Platforms |
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Email Support |
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Hotline Phones | — |
Social Media |
The brokerage Plus500, established in 2008, is known for its focus on CFD (Contract for Difference) contracts. These contracts enable traders to speculate on the price movements of financial assets without actually owning them. It's important to note that while this can lead to potential profits, it also involves significant risks, including the possibility of capital losses.
Since its inception, Contracts for Difference (CFDs) have been the critical trading direction for the broker. Since 2009, the company has become the first to eliminate commissions on such transactions.
The company's official website is located at plus500.com. The interface and support are available in 31 languages.
The broker's trading model is a market maker or DD (Dealing Desk).
Plus500 is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Plus500 Review Summary
In evaluating Plus500, we adhered to strict and thoroughly developed criteria outlined in our broker evaluation methodology. Every aspect of the broker's operations, from the trading instruments and platforms offered to the quality of educational materials and the efficiency of customer support, was meticulously analyzed and rated by our team. We strongly recommend that you study our methodology to understand better how we form our evaluations. Continue reading to learn more about all the advantages and disadvantages of working with Plus500.
Reliability and Regulation
Legal Entity | Regulator | Review |
---|---|---|
Plus500CY Ltd Plus500CY Ltd | CySEC CySEC | Current review |
Plus500UK Ltd Plus500UK Ltd | FCA FCA | — |
Plus500AU Pty Ltd Plus500AU Pty Ltd | ASIC ASIC NZ FMA NZ FMA FSCA FSCA | — |
Plus500SEY Ltd Plus500SEY Ltd | SFSA SFSA | — |
Plus500EE Plus500EE | EFSA EFSA | — |
Plus500SG Pte Ltd Plus500SG Pte Ltd | MAS MAS | — |
Plus500US Ltd Plus500US Ltd | CFTC CFTC NFA NFA | Plus500 US review |
Plus500 is registered and regulated in several jurisdictions, including Cyprus (CySEC), the United Kingdom (FCA), Australia (ASIC), Seychelles (SFSA), Estonia (EFSA), Singapore (MAS), and the United States (CFTC, NFA). The broker must adhere to strict financial standards and report its activities regularly to regulators.
Plus500UK Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 509909).
Account Opening
Plus500 opening an account is quite easy thanks to a fast registration process and a relatively low minimum deposit. However, the CFD knowledge test may present some difficulty for beginners.
Beginners must understand the risks involved in CFD trading. To mitigate these risks, it's strongly advised that newcomers utilize Plus500's demo account and engage with the Trading Academy. These resources offer a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of trading strategies and market dynamics before trading with real capital. Engaging with these tools can help make more informed decisions and better manage the inherent risks of trading.
Registration
To create an account with Plus500, complete a form on the company's official website. Initially, you must enter your email address and create a password.
Verification
For account verification, you must enter your details, including your full name and residential address. You will need to confirm these details with scans of your documents.
As the regulator requires, you must also take a short CFD knowledge test.
Minimum Deposit
To open an account with Plus500, a minimum deposit of 100 US dollars is required. This ensures you are ready to start trading and have sufficient funds for initial transactions.
It is important to note that the minimum deposit amount may be equivalent to 100 dollars in another currency of your account. Plus500 offers accounts in various currencies, including:
United States Dollar (USD),
Euro (EUR),
British Pound (GBP),
Australian Dollar (AUD),
Canadian Dollar (CAD),
Swiss Franc (CHF),
Japanese Yen (JPY),
Swedish Krona (SEK),
Norwegian Krone (NOK),
Czech Koruna (CZK),
Polish Zloty (PLN),
Hungarian Forint (HUF),
Turkish Lira (TRY),
Singapore Dollar (SGD).
Account Types
The lack of account diversity and market execution of orders at Plus500 significantly limits flexibility and opportunities for traders of various categories.
Account variability allows a broker to meet the needs of different categories of traders, including professionals, beginners, high-volume traders, and those who follow the principles of Islamic banking.
Market execution of orders is also preferable for many traders, as it ensures the fastest transaction execution.
Trading Account
Plus500 offers only one type of trading account to its customers.
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Account Currency | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, SEK, NOK, CZK, PLN, HUF, TRY, SGD |
Minimum Deposit | 100 $ |
Trading Platforms | WebTrader |
Spread | floatingfrom 0.6 pipsfor EURUSD~ 1.2 pips |
Commission per Trade | |
Trading Assets | ForexIndicesStocksETFPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersSoft Commodities |
Opened Positions | — |
Leverage | 1:2-1:30 |
Margin Call / Stop Out | 100% / 100% |
Order Execution | MM |
Demo Account | |
Islamic Account | |
Open AccountRegister |
A vital advantage of the company is the absence of commissions for using the service. The broker's income consists only of small spreads.
Demo Account
The broker can work on an unlimited virtual account to practice new strategies and try unfamiliar instruments, test indicators, and advisors. This option is excellent for beginners who want to gain experience. Professional traders can also benefit from the demo version to refine new strategies.
Commissions
Plus500 has gained popularity among traders due to its commission policy. The platform does not charge trading commissions, relying on market spreads and swaps. However, traders should know that other fees may affect their trades' overall cost and potential profitability. As with all trading activities, profit and loss are risks, and fees can further affect financial outcomes.
Spreads and Swaps
The primary revenue model for Plus500 is based on spreads, which are the difference between the bid and ask quotes of a currency pair or other trading instrument. It should be noted that Plus500's spreads are variable and can change depending on market conditions. Spreads at Plus500 are rated as market average, while swaps (overnight funding) are above average.
Below are the average spreads (in pips) and swaps for major currency pairs.
Asset | Average spread | Swap long | Swap short |
---|---|---|---|
AUDUSD | 1.2 pips | -0.01 % | -0.00 % |
EURUSD | 1.2 pips | -0.01 % | -0.00 % |
GBPUSD | 1.7 pips | -0.01 % | -0.01 % |
NZDUSD | 2.2 pips | -0.01 % | -0.01 % |
USDCAD | 2.0 pips | -0.00 % | -0.01 % |
USDCHF | 1.7 pips | 0.00 % | -0.02 % |
USDJPY | 1.9 pips | 0.01 % | -0.02 % |
Currency Conversion Fee
Plus500 charges a currency conversion fee for transactions with instruments denominated in a currency different from the currency of your account. The currency conversion fee is currently set at up to 0.7% of the realized net profit or loss of the trade and is reflected in real-time in the unrealized net profit of an open position.
Guaranteed Stop Order
The Guaranteed Stop Order on the Plus500 platform is a risk management tool that guarantees executing a stop loss at a predetermined level. This feature is handy in volatile market conditions. However, you should note that the Guaranteed Stop Order is subject to an extended spread fee. This spread is non-refundable after the order is activated and is always specified before placing the order.
It is important to note that a Guaranteed Stop Order can only be placed when opening a new position and only during the trading hours of the corresponding instrument. Once the order is placed, it cannot be canceled, but the stop level can be changed.
Inactivity Fee
The broker also imposes an inactivity fee if you have not logged into your trading account for three months. The fee is up to 10 US dollars per month and is charged once a month until you log into the trading account. However, this fee is only deducted if sufficient funds are in the account.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Plus500 offers many payment systems, making depositing and withdrawing funds convenient for most clients. The absence of fees for deposits and withdrawals is a significant advantage. However, the processing time for withdrawal requests can take up to three business days, which some clients may find somewhat lengthy.
Deposit Methods
The following methods are used for depositing funds:
Payment System | Currencies | Deposit Fee | Operation Limit |
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PayPal | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 100 USD |
Skrill | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 100 USD |
Bank Transfer | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 500 USD |
Visa | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 100 USD |
Mastercard | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 100 USD |
Plus500 covers most of the fees for payment processing. In some cases, a fee may be charged by the payment system.
Withdrawal Methods
Similar methods are available for withdrawing earned funds.
Payment System | Currencies | Withdrawal Fee | Operation Limit |
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PayPal | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 50 USD |
Skrill | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% limitscommission limits | from 50 USD |
Bank Transfer | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% | from 100 USD |
Visa | USDEURJPY. . .show all | 0% limitscommission limits | from 100 USD |
Mastercard | USDEURGBP. . .show all | 0% limitscommission limits | from 100 USD |
Withdrawals must be made to the same payment system from which the initial deposit was made.
Withdrawal request processing times usually range from 1-3 business days. The timing of the payment receipt depends on the payment method and the processing time of the payment system executing the transfer.
Markets and Products
Plus500 offers a broad diversity of products and markets, including CFDs on currencies, indices, commodities, stocks, and ETFs from various countries worldwide. A wide selection of trading instruments makes this platform attractive for traders with different strategies and preferences.
What markets are available?
The company provides a vast number of CFD assets for trading, among which are:
Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 | Pepperstone |
---|---|---|---|
Forex | 61 | 65 | 97 |
Precious Metals | 7 | 5 | 20 |
Energy Carriers | 5 | 7 | 4 |
Soft Commodities | 8 | 10 | 16 |
Indices | 25 | 36 | 26 |
Stocks | 2175 | 1550 | 986 |
ETF | 38 | 96 | 108 |
Bonds | 10 | — | — |
Cryptocurrency | 21 | — | 30 |
CFD on Stocks and ETFs
On the Plus500 platform, you can trade more than 1900 CFDs on stocks and ETFs. Stocks and ETFs are represented from the following countries:
- USA
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Ireland
- Hong Kong
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Finland
- Belgium
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Portugal
- Greece
- Australia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Norway
- Hungary
- Austria
Margin Requirements
The maximum leverage ratio depends on your country of residence and the instrument. European, Australian, and British traders can trade with leverage up to 1:30.
Trading Instrument | Max. Leverage for Retail Traders | Max. Leverage for Pro Traders |
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Forex | 1:30 | 1:300 |
Precious Metals | 1:20 | 1:150 |
Energy Carriers | 1:10 | 1:150 |
Soft Commodities | 1:10 | 1:150 |
Indices | 1:20 | 1:150 |
Stocks | 1:5 | 1:20 |
ETF | 1:5 | 1:100 |
Trading Platforms
Plus500 offers a unique trading platform designed with client convenience in mind. It provides access to valuable features such as trading asset specifications, client trade analysis, economic calendar, and various types of orders.
Despite the lack of choice between different platforms, trendy ones like MT4 or MT5, Plus500's trading platform still offers all the necessary functionality and can be convenient for most traders.
Plus500 Platform
Unlike most of its peers, Plus500 provides its clients only one trading terminal, individually developed by the company's specialists. The Trading Program is available in several versions:
- web terminal for PCs and laptops;
- mobile application for Android and iOS.
The following orders are available for trading on Plus500:
- Market buy or sell;
- Take-profit;
- Stop-loss;
- Trailing stop;
- Buy- and Sell-limit.
Additionally, for the trader's convenience, the following are available in the terminal tab:
- trading asset specifications;
- trader's sentiments (Trader's Sentiments);
- economic calendar;
- +Insights - Plus500 client trade analysis.
Analytics
Plus500 provides essential analysis tools. However, some traders may lack deeper expert analysis from the broker.
News
Plus500 offers regular news updates and analytical materials, informing traders about market events. This helps to catch new trends and make timely trading decisions.
ESG
Plus500 integrates the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) concept into its trading platform. The ESG system evaluates a company based on environmental, social, and governance factors. This allows traders to make more informed decisions when trading stocks and indices.
Insights+
The Insights+ service allows traders to analyze the activity of millions of Plus500 clients in real time. This can help identify critical trends and popular market strategies, giving an additional edge in the trading process.
Education
Plus500 provides high-quality video tutorials that explain various aspects of trading in detail and an accessible manner. This is an excellent resource for beginners and experienced traders to improve their trading skills and strategies. However, the lack of other educational materials, such as webinars, podcasts, and articles, limits access to diverse education, which may be necessary for a comprehensive understanding and study of the market.
Video Tutorials
One of the critical elements of Plus500's educational materials is the video tutorials. They cover various topics, from the basics of CFD trading to more complex aspects, such as understanding the risk/reward ratio and using various trading charts.
The video tutorials detail topics such as "What is CFD trading all about?", "Slippage when opening a trade", "How to trade on Plus500", and many others. All lessons are easily understandable and equipped with step-by-step instructions, making them an ideal learning tool regardless of the trader's experience level.
Customer Support
Support is available 24/7 and includes all languages the website has been translated, which is a significant advantage. However, there is only one communication channel - a feedback form on the website, which may hinder timely issue resolution. Also, the necessity to refer to a third party in dispute situations could be seen as a potential drawback.
How to contact support?
If the answer to a question is not found in the FAQ section, a client can address their issue to the company's staff. To do this, one must fill out a particular feedback form, which can be found in the "Contact" section.
Customer Support Working Hours
Support operates on a 24/7 schedule. All languages into which the website has been translated are available for communication.
Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute situations that cannot be clarified through customer support, one should reach out to the partner company, the UK Financial Ombudsman. The official website of this organization is located at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
Many users find it inconvenient that resolving serious disagreements is conducted through the mediation of a third party. This complicates the process and raises additional suspicions that the broker's administration is trying to avoid responsibility for errors committed or issues that arise.
No other methods of communication with Plus500 representatives are indicated on the official website.
Conclusion
Plus500 is ideal for traders seeking a convenient and intuitive platform with a broad spectrum of trading instruments. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a diverse range of CFDs on stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, and ETFs. The built-in Insight+ analytics tool is a significant advantage for those keen on analyzing trends and activities based on real-time data.
FAQ
Is Plus500 legit?
Yes, Plus500 is a legitimate and regulated broker. It is authorized and regulated by several respected financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
Which country is Plus500 from?
Plus500 was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Israel. However, it has subsidiaries and offices in various countries, including the UK, Australia, and Cyprus.
Is Plus500 an ECN broker?
No, Plus500 is not an Electronic Communication Network (ECN) broker. It is a market maker, which means that it acts as the counterparty to its clients' trades and generates revenue from the spread between the bid and ask prices.
How does Plus500 make money?
Plus500 makes money primarily through the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices of the instruments it offers. It also charges overnight financing fees for positions held open past a certain time.
Is Plus500 good for beginners?
Plus500 can be suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly platform and educational resources. However, beginners should be aware of the risks associated with trading CFDs and should always start with a demo account to practice trading strategies.
Does Plus500 offer a demo account?
Yes, Plus500 offers a free demo account that allows users to practice trading with virtual funds in a risk-free environment. The demo account is a great way for beginners to familiarize themselves with the platform and test trading strategies.
How can I open an account with Plus500?
To open an account with Plus500, visit their website and click on the "Start Trading Now" button. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, email address, and country of residence. You will also need to complete a brief questionnaire about your trading experience and knowledge.
How can I delete my Plus500 account?
To delete your Plus500 account, you need to contact their customer support team. You can do this by logging into your account, clicking on the "Help" button, and submitting a request to close your account. Note that your account balance must be zero before your account can be closed.
What is the minimum deposit for Plus500?
The minimum deposit for Plus500 varies depending on your country of residence and the payment method you choose. In most cases, the minimum deposit is around $100 or the equivalent in your local currency.
What is the maximum leverage on Plus500?
The maximum leverage offered by Plus500 varies depending on the instrument and the country you are trading from. For example, in the UK and Europe, the maximum leverage for retail clients is 30:1 for major currency pairs.
How do I deposit funds in a Plus500 account?
To deposit funds into your Plus500 account, log in and click on the "Funds Management" button. Choose your preferred deposit method, such as credit/debit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet, and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
How do I withdraw money from Plus500?
To withdraw money from your Plus500 account, log in and click on the "Funds Management" button. Select "Withdrawal" and choose your preferred withdrawal method. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and follow the instructions to complete the process.
Does Plus500 provide VPS?
No, Plus500 does not provide a Virtual Private Server (VPS) service for trading.
Is Plus500 suitable for scalping?
Scalping is not explicitly prohibited by Plus500, but the broker reserves the right to close or suspend accounts that engage in what it considers to be abusive trading practices. Plus500's terms and conditions state that scalping may be considered an abusive practice, so scalpers should proceed with caution.
Is Plus500 suitable for auto-trading?
No, Plus500 does not currently support auto-trading or the use of third-party trading platforms and APIs, such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Traders must manually place trades through the Plus500 platform.
Is Plus500 suitable for hedging?
Yes, Plus500 allows hedging, which means that traders can open multiple positions on the same instrument in opposite directions. This can be useful for managing risk and protecting against potential losses.
Is Plus500 suitable for spread betting?
No, Plus500 does not offer spread betting. It is primarily a CFD (Contract for Difference) broker, which allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various financial instruments without owning the underlying assets.
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.