At a glance: Plus500 operates a spread-based, commission-free trading model for CFDs. This guide walks through deposit and withdrawal steps, trading and non-trading fees, processing times, and the key risks associated with leveraged forex and CFD trading.
Understanding the Plus500 Fee Structure
Plus500 is a well-established online broker known for its commission-free trading environment. Instead of charging a separate fee per trade, the broker generates revenue through the spread—the difference between the bid and ask price of a financial instrument. This means that every trade you open or close includes an embedded cost, which varies by asset class and market conditions.
The broker offers access to over 2,800 CFD instruments across forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. For U.S.-based traders, Plus500 Futures provides a separate commission-based model for futures contracts. However, for the majority of retail CFD clients globally, the spread-based model is the primary cost driver.
It is important to note that Plus500 does not charge order commissions or platform fees on standard CFD accounts. Additional fees may apply for overnight positions, currency conversions, guaranteed stop orders, and account inactivity. These are covered in detail below.
Key takeaway: Plus500's fee model is transparent in principle, but traders should always review the current spread for their chosen instrument directly on the platform, as spreads are dynamic and vary with market liquidity.
Payment Steps: Deposits and Withdrawals
Funding your Plus500 account and withdrawing profits is straightforward, but understanding the available methods, minimums, and potential third-party costs is essential.
Deposit Methods and Minimums
Plus500 supports multiple deposit options including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, depending on your region. The standard minimum deposit is USD 100 for most methods. Bank transfers may require a higher minimum, often USD 500. Plus500 does not charge a deposit processing fee, though your payment provider may apply its own charges.
Withdrawal Process and Methods
Withdrawals are typically processed back to the same payment method used for the deposit. Common withdrawal options include bank wire, credit/debit cards, Skrill, and PayPal. The minimum withdrawal is USD 100 for bank wires and cards, and USD 50 for e-wallets like Skrill and PayPal.
Good to know: Plus500 does not charge a platform withdrawal fee. However, bank wire transfers may incur intermediary bank fees ranging from USD 10 to USD 25 per transaction. Always check with your bank for applicable charges.
Payment Method
Deposit Fee
Withdrawal Fee
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Withdrawal
Bank Transfer
$0 (platform)
$0 (platform; intermediary fees may apply)
$100–$500
$100
Credit / Debit Card
$0
$0
$100
$100
PayPal
$0
$0
$100
$50
Skrill
$0
$0
$100
$50
Trading Fees: Spreads and Overnight Funding
Since Plus500 does not charge commissions, the spread is the main trading cost. Spreads are variable and depend on the instrument, market volatility, and time of day.
Spread Examples by Asset Class
Forex: EUR/USD spreads from 0.6 pips under normal market conditions. Average costs are often around 0.8 to 1.1 pips.
Indices: Commission-free minimum fees between 0.7 and 2.0 points.
Commodities: Crude oil markups around $0.04, gold around $0.33.
Cryptocurrencies: Wider spreads apply; Bitcoin may have spreads exceeding $50 during liquid sessions.
Overnight Funding (Swap) Fees
If you hold a leveraged position overnight, Plus500 applies an overnight funding fee (swap). This amount is either added to or subtracted from your account depending on the direction of the trade and prevailing interest rates. Overnight funding can become a significant cost for longer-term positions, especially in volatile markets.
Scenario: Day Trading vs. Swing Trading
Day trader: Opens and closes a EUR/USD trade within the same day. Only the spread (e.g., 0.8 pips) is incurred. No overnight funding applies.
Swing trader: Holds the same EUR/USD position for 10 days. In addition to the spread, the trader pays the overnight funding fee each night. Over 10 days, this can add substantially to the total cost, especially if the swap rate is unfavourable.
Non-Trading Fees: Inactivity and Currency Conversion
Beyond trading costs, Plus500 applies several non-trading fees that traders should be aware of.
Inactivity Fee
If you do not log in to your trading account for three consecutive months, Plus500 may charge an inactivity fee of up to USD 10 per month. The fee is deducted from your available balance and continues monthly until you log in again. Simply logging in is sufficient to prevent the fee—no trading activity is required.
Currency Conversion Fee
When you trade an instrument denominated in a currency different from your account's base currency, Plus500 applies a currency conversion fee of up to 0.7% of the trade's realised net profit and loss. This fee is reflected in real time in the unrealised P&L of open positions.
Guaranteed Stop Order
Plus500 offers guaranteed stop orders to protect against slippage. However, using this feature subjects the trade to a wider spread, effectively acting as a premium for the guarantee.
Payment Timing and Processing Windows
Understanding how long deposits and withdrawals take helps with cash flow planning.
Deposit Timing
Credit/debit card and e-wallet deposits are typically instant or processed within a few minutes. Bank transfers may take 1 to 3 business days to reflect in your trading account.
Withdrawal Timing
Plus500 processes withdrawal requests within 1 to 3 business days. After approval:
Bank transfers: 5 to 7 business days to reach your account.
Credit/debit cards: Typically 3 to 5 business days.
E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill): Usually 1 to 2 business days after approval.
Delays may occur due to banking institution processing times or regional factors.
Forex Account Risks: Leverage and Volatility
Trading forex and CFDs with Plus500 involves significant risk. The primary risk factor is leverage, which amplifies both potential gains and losses.
Leverage and Margin
For retail clients in the EU and UK, maximum leverage on major forex pairs is capped at 1:30 under ESMA regulations. In other jurisdictions, leverage may be higher, up to 1:300 for professional or non-EU clients. While leverage allows traders to control larger positions with a small deposit, it also means that even a small adverse price movement can result in substantial losses.
Risk disclosure: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Plus500. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Market Volatility and Slippage
Forex markets can be highly volatile, especially during major economic announcements or geopolitical events. While Plus500 offers risk management tools such as stop-loss and guaranteed stop orders, standard stop-loss orders do not guarantee execution at the exact price during gapping markets.
Regulatory Protection
Plus500 is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and MAS (Singapore). UK clients benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000, while EU clients have ICF protection up to €20,000. Always verify the specific regulatory entity applicable to your region on the official Plus500 website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Plus500 Fees
Ignoring the spread: The spread is not always visible at a glance. Always check the current spread before placing a trade, especially during low liquidity periods.
Holding positions overnight without calculating swap costs: Overnight funding can eat into profits. Use the platform's "Details" link to check the current overnight rate for each instrument.
Forgetting to log in: The inactivity fee applies after three months of no login. A simple login resets the clock.
Overlooking currency conversion: If your account is in USD and you trade a EUR-denominated instrument, the 0.7% conversion fee applies to realised P&L.
Assuming guaranteed stops are free: Guaranteed stop orders come with a wider spread, which increases your effective cost.
Practical fee checklist before trading with Plus500:
Check the current spread for your instrument on the platform.
Review the overnight funding rate if you plan to hold overnight.
Confirm your account base currency matches the instrument currency to avoid conversion fees.
Set a calendar reminder to log in at least once every three months.
Consider whether a guaranteed stop order is worth the wider spread.
Verify the minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts for your chosen payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plus500 Fees
Does Plus500 charge a commission on trades?
No. Plus500 does not charge a separate commission on trades. The broker earns its revenue primarily through the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of an instrument.
What is the minimum deposit at Plus500?
The minimum deposit is typically USD 100 for most payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic wallets. Bank transfers may require a higher minimum.
Are there deposit or withdrawal fees at Plus500?
Plus500 does not charge platform fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, your bank or payment provider may apply their own fees, and wire transfers may incur intermediary charges.
How long does a Plus500 withdrawal take?
Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1 to 3 business days. After approval, bank transfers may take 5 to 7 business days, while card and e-wallet withdrawals are usually faster.
What is the inactivity fee at Plus500?
If you do not log in to your trading account for at least three consecutive months, Plus500 may charge an inactivity fee of up to USD 10 per month, deducted from your available balance.
What is the currency conversion fee at Plus500?
Plus500 charges a currency conversion fee of up to 0.7% of the realised net profit and loss for trades on instruments denominated in a currency different from your account base currency.
Is Plus500 regulated and safe to use?
Yes. Plus500 is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and MAS (Singapore), among others. The parent company is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
What leverage does Plus500 offer for forex trading?
For retail clients in the EU and UK, maximum leverage on major forex pairs is capped at 1:30 in line with ESMA regulations. In other jurisdictions, leverage may be higher, up to 1:300, depending on the regulatory entity.
Important reminder: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading CFDs and forex involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Always verify current fees, spreads, and regulatory status directly on the official Plus500 website and consult the relevant regulator registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, etc.) for the most up-to-date licensing information. Past performance is not indicative of future results.