Visit Broker 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Plus500 Trading Broker Review

Written by Christopher Lewis
Christopher Lewis
Christopher Lewis is a professional trader and author specialized in Forex and Crypto trading.
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Founded in 2008, Plus500 is a well-established broker in the global financial market. Headquartered in Israel and publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange, the company has developed a strong global presence. It is also part of the FTSE 250 Index, reflecting its financial stability and industry recognition.

Plus500 is licensed and regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and regulators in New Zealand, Israel, Singapore, and Seychelles. This regulatory oversight requires high standards of client protection, transparency, and security.

Christopher Lewis is a US based Forex trader and analyst who trades across all sessions and pairs. He contributes forecasts, videos, and signals to major platforms like DailyForex.com, FXEmpire.com and Investing.com
Expert opinion by Christopher Lewis:
Plus 500 offers a massive amount of trading instruments, much more than most other competitors. Plus 500 offers forex and CFD trading in the United Kingdom as well as futures trading in the United States. Plus 500 has its own proprietary platform and is licensed by the FCA and NFA. With a massive amount of educational tools and insights, Plus 500 has been trusted since 2008, and is even listed on the FTSE 250 index in London.

At-a-glance Statistics

Number of Tradable FX pairs
Number of Regulators
TrustPilot Rating
Number of TrustPilot Reviews
Traffic & Engagement
  • Total visits, December 2024:8.943M
  • Device distribution:
  • Desktop: 38.95%
  • Mobile: 61.05%
  • Visit duration: 00:03:24
Social Traffic
  • Visitors:
  • Youtube: 59.80%
  • Facebook: 6.24%
  • X: 15.15%
  • WhatsApp: 9.27%
  • Other: 9.54%
Geographic Distribution of Plus500 Website Traffic

Plus500 Contact Information

Website https://www.plus500.com/ (80% of retail CFD accounts lose money)
Support Email support@plus500.com
Headquarters Address MATAM, Building 22, Haifa, 31905, Israel

Specialising in Contracts for Difference (CFDs), the platform allows traders to speculate on the price movements of a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and options. This diverse selection enables Plus500 traders to diversify their portfolios and pursue opportunities across different markets. These instruments are available through the broker’s proprietary trading platform.

Plus500 operates on a commission-free model, with trading costs incorporated into its spreads. The broker requires a minimum deposit of $100 and supports several payment methods, including Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and bank transfers.

Important: While Plus500’s intuitive platform and commission-free pricing may be appealing, remember that CFD trading is inherently leveraged and high-risk. Regulatory oversight from the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC means client funds are segregated and negative balance protection applies to retail traders, yet losses can still exceed deposits when using a professional account. Always check the specific leverage limits that apply in your jurisdiction and practise with the unlimited demo account before committing real capital.

General Information about Plus500

Regulators Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Dubai Financial Services Authority, Estonian Financial Supervisory Authority, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Markets Authority, Financial Services Authority Seychelles, Financial Sector Conduct Authority, Japan Financial Services Agency, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Securities Commission of The Bahamas, Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Min. Deposit $10
Trading Platforms Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web
Number of Forex pairs 60
Account Security and Protections Negative Balance Protection (regulatory obligation), Advanced Risk Management Tools

Account Information

Account Types Demo Account, CFD Trading Account, Pro Account
ECN Account Not Available
Pro Account Available (Professional accounts lose their ICF rights.)
MAM Account Not Available

Trading Information

Markets Commodity CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Index CFDs, Metal CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, US Stock CFDs
Min Account Balance USD
Scalping Allowed Not Available
Hedging Allowed Not Available
PAMM Trading Not Available
Swap-free Trading Not Available

Spreads

Market Instrument Account Spread
Forex CFDs AUDUSD Standard Account AVG 1 pips
any Bitcoin any AVG 0.15%
any Cardano any AVG 1.39%
any Dogecoin any AVG 1.1%
any Ethereum any AVG 0.25%
Forex CFDs EURGBP Standard Account AVG 1.5 pips
Forex CFDs EURUSD Standard Account AVG 0.8 pips
Forex CFDs GBPUSD Standard Account AVG 1.3 pips
Metal CFDs Gold Standard Account AVG 73 pips
Forex CFDs NZDUSD Standard Account AVG 2 pips
any Ripple any AVG 1.98%
any Solana any AVG 1.79%
Forex CFDs USDCAD Standard Account AVG 2 pips
Forex CFDs USDCHF Standard Account AVG 1.7 pips
Forex CFDs USDCNY Standard Account AVG 12 pips
Forex CFDs USDJPY Standard Account AVG 1.8 pips

Leverage

Commodity CFDs 1:150 (Pro Account)
Commodity CFDs 1:20 (Retail Account)
Crypto CFDs 1:20 (Pro Account)
Crypto CFDs 1:2 (Retail Account)
ETF CFDs 1:100 (Pro Account)
ETF CFDs 1:5 (Retail Account)
Forex CFDs 1:300 (Pro Account)
Forex CFDs 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account)
Forex CFDs 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
Forex CFDs 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account)
Forex CFDs 1:30 (FMA | Retail Account)
Forex CFDs 1:30 (DFSA)
Forex CFDs 1:300 (FSAS)
Forex CFDs 1:20 (MAS)
Forex CFDs 1:300 (SCB)
Index CFDs 1:300 (Pro Account)
Index CFDs 1:20 (Retail Account)
Share CFDs 1:20 (Pro Account)
Share CFDs 1:5 (Retail Account)

Deposit Methods

Visa CardAvailable
MasterCardAvailable
PaypalAvailable
Credit/Debit CardNot Available
AmexNot Available
Bank/Wire TransferAvailable
CryptoNot Available
BitcoinNot Available
SkrillAvailable
NetellerNot Available
Google PayNot Available
Apple PayAvailable
PayidNot Available
USDTNot Available
TetherNot Available
AstropayNot Available

Regulations and Reliability

Regulatory oversight is a cornerstone of Plus500’s operations and supports its reputation as a trustworthy and secure trading platform. The broker is authorised and regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, requiring it to adhere to high standards of transparency, integrity, and client protection. These authorities include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand.

  1. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – United Kingdom

    Ensures compliance with stringent UK financial regulations, including requirements for the segregation of client funds and transparency.

  2. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Australia

    Regulates Plus500AU Pty Ltd and enforces high standards of financial practice in Australia.

  3. Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) – Cyprus

    Governs Plus500CY Ltd under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), allowing it to provide services across the European Economic Area (EEA). Plus500CY Ltd is authorised and regulated by CySEC (#250/14).

  4. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – Singapore

    Provides regulatory oversight for operations within Singapore’s financial market.

  5. Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – New Zealand

    Regulates Plus500NZ Ltd for clients in New Zealand.

  6. Israel Securities Authority (ISA) – Israel

    Authorises Plus500IL Ltd to operate within Israel.

  7. Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) – South Africa

    Oversees Plus500SA Pty Ltd for traders in South Africa.

  8. Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – UAE

    Regulates Plus500AE Ltd to ensure compliance with the UAE’s financial laws.

  9. Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA)

    Governs Plus500SEY Ltd as part of the broker’s global operations.

Each regulatory body imposes stringent requirements governing Plus500’s operations, including compliance with anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, and other critical safeguards. AML measures help prevent the platform from being used for illicit activities, while KYC protocols require clients to undergo identity verification to enhance security and regulatory compliance. These requirements are designed to protect traders’ interests, maintain the integrity of financial markets, and foster trust in the platform’s operations.

The company also employs advanced security measures to protect client data and assets. These include SSL encryption to secure online transactions, multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised account access, and robust data protection protocols. Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, helping to safeguard traders’ capital in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Trading Platforms

Unlike many brokers that offer third-party platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or cTrader, Plus500 uses a proprietary platform designed to provide a seamless trading experience. The platform is available in several formats, including a web-based version, a downloadable desktop application, and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.

Key features of the Plus500 trading platform include:

  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform features a clean design and intuitive navigation.
  • Advanced Charting Tools: Traders can use a range of technical indicators, customisable charts, and drawing tools to conduct in-depth market analysis.
  • Risk Management Tools: Features such as stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, and guaranteed stop orders help traders manage risk effectively.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Traders can set notifications for price movements, percentage changes, and other market conditions.
  • Mobile Trading: The mobile app retains the functionality of the desktop platform, allowing traders to manage their positions while on the go.

The proprietary platform is optimised for CFD trading, with fast execution and minimal latency.

Trading Accounts with Plus500

Plus500 offers a single standard account that provides access to the platform’s full range of trading instruments and features. This streamlined structure avoids the complexity of tiered or segmented account systems, ensuring that all traders, regardless of their deposit size, receive the same trading conditions, tools, and support. This approach reflects Plus500’s focus on transparency and accessibility.

For beginners and those new to online trading, Plus500 provides a free demo account. Unlike the demo accounts offered by many competing platforms, it is not time-limited. Users can practise trading strategies, test risk management tools, and familiarise themselves with the platform’s features without risking real money. The simulated environment mirrors live market conditions, allowing novice traders to build confidence and develop their skills.

Experienced traders who meet certain eligibility criteria can apply for a professional account. Eligibility is based on factors such as trading experience, the size of the individual’s financial portfolio, and trading volume over time. The professional account provides access to higher leverage limits than those available to retail traders, offering greater trading flexibility and market exposure. However, professional accounts come with reduced regulatory protections, including limitations on negative balance protection and reduced eligibility for financial compensation schemes.

These account options provide a straightforward choice for beginners while offering additional flexibility for eligible professional traders, allowing Plus500 to serve a broad range of users while maintaining regulatory compliance and client protection.

Trading Instruments

One of Plus500’s main features is the breadth of its CFD offering. Traders have access to over 2,800 financial instruments, including:

  • Forex: Trade CFDs on a wide selection of currency pairs, from major pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD to minor and exotic pairs, with competitive spreads.
  • Commodities: Speculate on the price movements of commodities such as gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas through CFDs.
  • Indices: Gain exposure to global stock markets by trading CFDs on indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, FTSE 100, and DAX 40.
  • Shares: Trade CFDs on shares of leading companies listed on major stock exchanges worldwide, including Apple, Tesla, Amazon, and Alibaba.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Trade CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple without needing a digital wallet.
  • Options: Trade CFD options on various financial instruments to take advantage of market volatility.

This wide selection enables traders to diversify their portfolios and explore opportunities across different asset classes and geographical markets.

Trading Conditions with Plus500

Plus500’s trading conditions are designed to be competitive and transparent. Key aspects include:

  • Spreads: The broker operates on a commission-free model, with trading costs incorporated into the spreads. Spreads are competitive, although they may widen during periods of high market volatility.
  • Leverage: Leverage levels vary depending on the asset class and the trader’s jurisdiction. For retail clients, leverage is capped at 1:30 for forex pairs, 1:20 for indices, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies under ESMA regulations. Professional clients can access higher leverage levels. *Professional accounts forfeit their ICF rights.
  • Order Types: Traders can use market orders, limit orders, stop-loss orders, and guaranteed stop orders to execute and manage trades effectively.
  • Execution: Plus500 offers fast and reliable execution, with trades executed at the best available prices.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Plus500 supports a range of payment methods, providing flexibility for traders in different regions. Clients can fund their accounts using bank transfers, credit or debit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, and popular e-wallets, including PayPal and Skrill. This selection allows users to choose a convenient and familiar payment method.

  • Minimum Deposit

    The platform has a relatively low minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to traders with different budgets. For certain payment methods, such as e-wallets or cards, the minimum deposit may be as low as $100, although this can vary depending on the trader’s region or account currency.

  • Processing Times

    Deposits are typically processed instantly for most payment methods, allowing traders to fund their accounts and begin trading without delay. Bank transfers may take longer, usually up to five business days, depending on the bank’s processing times. Withdrawals generally require 1-3 business days for processing. E-wallet withdrawals are often faster than bank transfer or card withdrawals, providing quicker access to funds.

  • Fees

    Plus500 does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, third-party charges may apply depending on the payment provider or bank used. Conversion fees may also apply when trading in a currency different from the currency used to fund the account.

  • Security Measures

    Plus500 uses advanced security measures to help keep payment transactions safe and reliable. Financial transactions are encrypted using SSL technology to protect client information. The company also complies with global anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, providing additional security for its clients.

Customer Support

Plus500 offers round-the-clock customer support, giving traders access to assistance whenever needed. Support is available 24/7 through live chat and email, allowing users to receive prompt responses to their queries. Live chat provides real-time assistance with trading questions, technical issues, and account management. The support team provides professional and responsive service tailored to the needs of different traders.

The platform does not offer phone support, which may be a limitation for users who prefer direct verbal communication. However, live chat provides an immediate alternative, while email is available for less urgent queries or issues requiring more detailed responses.

Plus500 also features a comprehensive and well-organised FAQ section that serves as a self-help resource. It covers topics including platform navigation, account setup, trading procedures, funding methods, and technical troubleshooting. The FAQs provide clear and concise guidance, helping users find answers to common questions without contacting customer support.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • User-friendly proprietary trading platform with advanced features
  • Wide range of CFD instruments across multiple asset classes
  • Commission-free trading with competitive spreads
  • 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
  • Free, unlimited demo account for practice
  • Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes

Cons

  • Limited educational resources for beginners
  • No support for third-party trading platforms such as MetaTrader
  • No phone support
  • Spreads can widen during volatile market conditions

Conclusion

Plus500 is an established broker in the CFD trading market. Its proprietary platform, broad selection of tradable instruments, and regulatory oversight may appeal to traders seeking a secure and user-friendly trading environment. However, its limited educational resources and lack of support for third-party platforms may be drawbacks for some users.

For traders seeking a straightforward and transparent CFD trading experience, Plus500 offers a range of tools and resources suitable for both beginners exploring the financial markets and experienced traders looking for an established broker.

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.

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