A detailed look at how PLUS500 structures its fees, from spreads and overnight funding to withdrawal timing and account risks.
PLUS500 is a well-known online trading platform that offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs) across forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The platform operates a commission-free trading model for most retail CFD accounts, meaning you do not pay a separate ticket fee per trade. Instead, PLUS500 earns its revenue primarily through the market spread – the difference between the bid and ask price. However, several other costs can affect your overall trading expenses, including overnight funding, currency conversion fees, and inactivity charges. This guide explains every component of the PLUS500 cost structure, walks you through payment steps and timing, and outlines the key risks associated with forex and leveraged trading.
Unlike many traditional brokers that charge a fixed commission per lot or per trade, PLUS500 does not charge a separate commission on CFD trades for retail clients in most regions. Instead, the cost is built into the spread. For example, when you trade the EUR/USD pair, the buy price and sell price differ by a small number of pips – that difference represents the broker's compensation. This spread-only model is designed to be transparent, but traders should still monitor the effective cost per trade, especially for instruments with wider spreads.
For PLUS500 Futures – available to U.S. clients – a commission structure does apply. The broker charges $0.49 per micro futures contract and $0.89 per standard (E-mini) futures contract, with no platform fees, no routing fees, and no inactivity fees on futures accounts. This makes PLUS500 Futures one of the more cost-efficient choices for active futures traders in the United States.
The spread is the most significant ongoing cost for most PLUS500 CFD traders. Spreads are variable and depend on market conditions, liquidity, and the specific instrument. For major forex pairs like EUR/USD, spreads can be as low as 0.6 to 0.8 pips during normal market hours. Index traders may see spreads between 0.7 and 2.0 points, while commodity spreads include crude oil at around $0.04 and gold at approximately $0.33.
Because spreads are not fixed, they can widen during periods of high volatility or low liquidity. Traders should check the live spread for their chosen instrument directly on the PLUS500 platform before placing an order. The platform displays the current buy and sell prices, and the difference is the cost you pay to open and close a trade.
If you hold a CFD position past the daily Overnight Funding Time (usually around 5:00 PM New York time), an overnight funding fee is either added to or subtracted from your account. This fee reflects the cost of maintaining leveraged positions overnight and is calculated based on the instrument's price, the contract size, and the daily overnight funding percentage. The exact percentage varies by instrument and is displayed in the "Details" link next to each instrument on the trading platform.
Overnight funding can significantly impact longer-term trades. For example, a position held for several days or weeks will incur these charges daily, which can erode profits or add to losses. Traders who prefer to avoid overnight fees often close their positions before the funding cut-off time, though this may not always align with their trading strategy.
PLUS500 charges a Currency Conversion Fee for all trades on instruments denominated in a currency different from your account's base currency. The fee is currently up to 0.7% of the trade's realised net profit and loss, and it is reflected in real time in the unrealised profit and loss of open positions.
For example, if your account is in USD and you trade a UK 100 index CFD denominated in GBP, any profit or loss from that trade will be subject to the currency conversion fee. This fee is not always obvious at first glance, but it can add up for traders who frequently trade instruments in multiple currencies. To minimise this cost, consider opening an account in the same currency as the instruments you trade most often.
PLUS500 charges an inactivity fee of up to $10 per month (or currency equivalent) if you do not log in to your trading account for a period of at least three months. The fee is charged once a month from that point onward until you log in again. It is capped at the lesser of the remaining available balance in your account or $10. To avoid this fee, simply log in to your account periodically – even without placing trades, a login is considered sufficient activity.
Other non-trading fees include the Guaranteed Stop Order fee, which is applied via a wider spread when you choose this risk-management feature. This ensures your position closes at a specific requested price, but the trade is subject to a wider spread than a standard market order. Additionally, deposit fees are generally $0 for most payment methods, though some third-party payment providers may charge their own fees.
PLUS500 offers a range of funding methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Skrill. The minimum deposit is generally $100 for most payment methods, although bank transfers may require a higher minimum of $500. Deposits are typically processed instantly or within one business day, and Plus500 does not charge deposit fees.
To fund your account:
Withdrawals follow a similar process. Go to "Funds Management" → "Withdrawal", select your method, and enter the amount. Withdrawal requests are generally processed within one business day, though the total time for funds to reach your bank or e-wallet can take 1 to 3 business days or longer depending on the method and your location.
It is important to note that PLUS500 does not charge withdrawal fees for most methods, but third-party bank transfer fees may apply – typically between $10 and $25 per withdrawal. Always check your payment provider's terms.
Understanding timing is crucial for managing your funds effectively. Deposits via credit/debit cards and e-wallets are usually instant, while bank transfers can take 1 to 3 business days to settle. Withdrawal requests are processed by PLUS500 within one business day on average, though the official window is 1 to 3 business days. Once processed, the actual arrival time depends on the payment method: e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill are often faster (1–2 days), while bank transfers may take 3 to 5 business days.
For futures accounts, deposits may have a settlement duration of up to three business days before you can withdraw those funds, even though you can trade with them immediately. Always plan your funding and withdrawal requests around these windows, especially if you need access to funds for other purposes.
Forex and CFD trading are highly leveraged products, which means you can gain significant market exposure with a relatively small deposit. However, leverage amplifies both profits and losses. According to PLUS500's own risk disclosure, 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding the risks before you trade.
Key risks to consider:
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 this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This guide does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor and verify all information on the official PLUS500 website and with your local regulator.
| Fee Type | CFD (Retail) | PLUS500 Futures (U.S.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission per trade | $0 (spread-only) | $0.49 micro / $0.89 standard | Futures commission per contract, per side |
| Spread (typical EUR/USD) | 0.6 – 0.8 pips | N/A (futures have commission) | Variable; may widen in volatility |
| Overnight funding | Yes (daily) | Yes (daily) | Percentage varies by instrument |
| Currency conversion | Up to 0.7% of realised P&L | Up to 0.7% of realised P&L | Applies when instrument currency differs from account base |
| Inactivity fee | Up to $10/month after 3 months | None (futures) | Waived by logging in |
| Deposit fee | $0 | $0 | Third-party fees may apply |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (most methods) | $0 (most methods) | Bank transfer may incur third-party charges |
| Platform fee | $0 | $0 | Proprietary platform included |
Use this checklist to prepare for trading with PLUS500 and to avoid unexpected costs:
Scenario: You have a USD-denominated account and decide to trade 1 standard lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD. The spread is 0.8 pips, and you hold the position for 5 days.
This example illustrates that even with zero commission, costs can accumulate. Always calculate the total cost of a trade before entering, especially for longer-term positions.
PLUS500 operates through multiple regulated subsidiaries, including Plus500UK Ltd (authorised by the FCA, FRN 509909), Plus500CY Ltd (CySEC Licence No. 250/14), and Plus500AU Pty Ltd (ASIC AFSL #417727), among others. The parent company, Plus500 Ltd, is listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market and is a member of the FTSE 250. This regulatory framework provides a level of oversight and client fund protection, including segregated bank accounts and, for UK clients, FSCS protection up to £85,000.
However, regulation does not eliminate trading risk. It is essential to verify the broker's regulatory status directly on the regulator's official register (e.g., FCA Register, CySEC, ASIC) and on the official PLUS500 website. Be aware of clone firms – fraudulent entities that mimic legitimate brokers – and only use the official website and contact details.