This comprehensive review provides an in-depth look at PLUS500, a globally recognised CFD and forex broker. It covers trading conditions, regulatory status, fee structures, platform features, and the key risks associated with trading. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide helps you evaluate whether PLUS500 is the right broker for your trading needs.
PLUS500 is a leading online trading platform that offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on a wide range of financial instruments. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Israel and has grown to serve millions of customers worldwide. PLUS500 is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS), adding a layer of transparency and accountability to its operations. The broker is known for its user-friendly proprietary platform, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and extensive range of tradable assets, making it a popular choice for retail traders.
PLUS500 provides access to over 2,500 instruments, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The broker emphasises simplicity and security, offering a streamlined trading experience that is particularly appealing to newer traders. However, as with any financial service, it is essential to understand the full scope of its offering, including its costs, risks, and regulatory standing, before opening an account.
Key differentiator: PLUS500's proprietary platform is designed for ease of use, with features like advanced risk management tools and real-time alerts. Its public listing on a major stock exchange also provides an additional layer of trust and transparency.
PLUS500 is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, which is a cornerstone of its trustworthiness. The broker holds licenses from:
These regulatory bodies enforce strict standards, including client fund segregation, capital adequacy, and transparent business practices. For example, the FCA requires PLUS500 to protect client funds in segregated accounts and participate in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers eligible clients up to £85,000. ASIC and CySEC also offer robust investor protection frameworks.
To independently verify PLUS500's regulatory status, visit the official website and locate the regulatory disclosures. Note the license numbers for your region. Then, go to the relevant regulator's official register:
This independent check ensures you are dealing with a legitimate and properly regulated broker.
Important: While PLUS500 is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, the level of investor protection may vary depending on the entity you are trading with and your country of residence. Always verify which entity regulates your account and what protections are available to you.
PLUS500 offers CFDs on a wide array of instruments, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. The key categories include:
Over 70 currency pairs, including major (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY), minor (EUR/GBP, AUD/JPY), and exotic pairs. Leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients (under ESMA rules) and higher for professional clients.
CFDs on shares of leading global companies, including Apple, Tesla, Amazon, and more. Leverage varies by share and region.
CFDs on major stock indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and DAX. Leverage up to 1:20 for retail clients.
CFDs on precious metals (gold, silver), energy (oil, natural gas), and agricultural products (corn, wheat).
CFDs on a range of exchange-traded funds, providing diversification across various sectors and asset classes.
CFDs on major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple (XRP). Leverage up to 1:2 for retail clients.
PLUS500 uses variable spreads, which are the primary cost of trading. The spreads are competitive, with major forex pairs often starting from 0.6 pips. However, spreads can widen during periods of high volatility or low liquidity.
Trading flexibility: PLUS500 also offers guaranteed stop-loss orders for a small premium, providing protection against slippage and gap risks. This feature is particularly useful in volatile markets.
PLUS500 operates on a proprietary trading platform that is designed for simplicity and efficiency. It is available in three formats:
Platform tip: While the PLUS500 platform is intuitive, traders should take advantage of the demo account to explore all features and familiarise themselves with the platform's layout and tools before going live.
PLUS500 operates a transparent fee structure, with the primary cost being the spread. There are no commissions on most trades, making it a simple and straightforward model for traders.
| Instrument | Typical Spread | Commission | Overnight Funding (Swap) | Other Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex (EUR/USD) | From 0.6 pips | None | Yes (variable) | Inactivity fee after 3 months |
| Indices (S&P 500) | From 0.5 points | None | Yes (variable) | Inactivity fee after 3 months |
| Commodities (Gold) | From 0.3 points | None | Yes (variable) | Inactivity fee after 3 months |
| Cryptocurrencies | From 1.5% | None | Yes (variable) | Inactivity fee after 3 months |
| Shares (UK/US) | From 0.1% | None | Yes (variable) | Inactivity fee after 3 months |
Note: Spreads are variable and subject to market conditions. Overnight funding rates are based on the underlying asset's interest rate differential plus a small admin fee. The inactivity fee is typically charged after three months of no trading activity.
PLUS500 charges an inactivity fee of up to $10 per month after a period of three months of no trading activity. This fee is deducted from the account balance and varies by region. To avoid this fee, traders can maintain periodic trading activity or withdraw their funds.
If your account base currency differs from the currency of the instrument you are trading, PLUS500 may apply a currency conversion fee. This is typically a small percentage of the trade value and is disclosed in the platform.
PLUS500 offers a single account type, but with different tiers for retail and professional clients. The account features are consistent across the platform, with differences in leverage and margin requirements.
For retail clients, the minimum deposit is typically $100 (or currency equivalent). Leverage is capped at 1:30 for major forex pairs (under ESMA rules) and 1:10 for commodities, with lower limits for other instruments. Retail clients benefit from negative balance protection, ensuring they cannot lose more than their account balance.
Clients who qualify as professional traders (meeting certain criteria) can access higher leverage, up to 1:500 for major forex pairs. However, professional clients lose some of the protections available to retail traders, such as negative balance protection.
PLUS500 offers a free demo account funded with virtual money, typically $40,000. This is an excellent way to test the platform, practice strategies, and understand the trading conditions without any financial risk.
Important: The minimum deposit and leverage limits may vary by region and regulatory jurisdiction. Always check the specific conditions applicable to your account on the PLUS500 website.
PLUS500 supports a range of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, offering flexibility for traders worldwide.
| Payment Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard) | Instant | 1–3 business days | None (by PLUS500) |
| Bank Transfer | 1–3 business days | 1–5 business days | None (by PLUS500) |
| PayPal | Instant | 1–2 business days | None (by PLUS500) |
| Skrill / Neteller | Instant | 1–2 business days | None (by PLUS500) |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Instant | N/A | None (by PLUS500) |
Note: Third-party fees may apply depending on your payment provider. Processing times are estimates and may vary based on bank processing and weekends/holidays.
Withdrawals are typically processed to the same method used for the deposit, subject to anti-money laundering regulations. PLUS500 aims to process withdrawal requests within 1 to 2 business days, but the total time depends on the payment provider. The minimum withdrawal amount is generally $100 or equivalent.
Payment tip: To avoid delays, ensure your account is fully verified (KYC) before requesting a withdrawal. This includes submitting a valid ID and proof of address, which can be done through the client portal.
The table below compares PLUS500 with two other well-known brokers, highlighting differences in regulation, platforms, fees, and offerings.
| Feature | PLUS500 | Broker A (FCA Regulated) | Broker B (CySEC Regulated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | FCA | CySEC |
| Platform | Proprietary (Web, Mobile, Desktop) | MT4, MT5, Proprietary | MT4, MT5, WebTrader |
| Instruments | 2,500+ (Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto) | Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities | Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $50 | $100 |
| Spreads (EUR/USD) | From 0.6 pips | From 0.8 pips | From 0.7 pips |
| Commission | None | None (Standard account) | None (Standard account) |
| Inactivity Fee | After 3 months | After 12 months | After 6 months |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Protection | FSCS (up to £85,000), AFCA, ICF | FSCS (up to £85,000) | ICF (up to €20,000) |
Note: The data above is for illustrative purposes and may not reflect the current terms of each broker. Always verify the latest information directly from the brokers.
PLUS500's proprietary platform offers a unique experience, while other brokers may provide more flexibility with third-party platforms like MetaTrader. The choice depends on whether you value a customised, integrated environment or the versatility of multiple platform options.
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all the necessary steps and considerations before trading with PLUS500.
Scenario: Emma is a UK-based trader who has been trading forex for two years. She is looking for a broker with strong regulation and a user-friendly platform. She chooses PLUS500 because of its FCA regulation and intuitive proprietary platform. She opens a demo account to test the platform and is impressed by the ease of use and the range of available instruments. She then opens a live account with a $200 deposit. Emma starts with small trades on EUR/USD, using guaranteed stop-loss orders to protect her capital. She appreciates the real-time alerts and the clear risk management dashboard. Over the first few months, Emma builds confidence and gradually increases her position sizes, all while adhering to her strict risk management rules. She also verifies PLUS500's regulatory status on the FCA register for peace of mind.
Key takeaway: Emma's success is built on a foundation of thorough research, using the demo account, and applying disciplined risk management. PLUS500's platform and regulatory framework provided her with the tools and confidence to trade effectively.
Key takeaway: PLUS500 offers a robust and regulated trading environment with a user-friendly proprietary platform. However, your success as a trader depends on your preparation, risk management, and understanding of the platform's features and costs. Use the demo account, verify regulation, and always trade with a plan.
CFD trading with PLUS500 carries significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage available can work against you, leading to losses that may exceed your initial deposit. Before trading, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite.
Key risks include:
Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Consider seeking independent financial advice if you are unsure about the suitability of trading for your personal circumstances. Always verify the current regulation and terms directly with PLUS500 and the relevant authorities before depositing funds.
PLUS500 is a global CFD and forex broker that provides online trading services on thousands of financial instruments, including currencies, shares, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It operates through a proprietary platform and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Yes, PLUS500 is regulated by multiple top-tier 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). You should verify the current regulatory status on the PLUS500 website and cross-check with the respective regulator's register.
PLUS500 offers its proprietary trading platform, available on desktop (Web), iOS, and Android devices. The platform is user-friendly and includes advanced charting, risk management tools, and real-time price alerts. The broker does not offer MetaTrader or other third-party platforms.
PLUS500 charges spreads on trades, which vary by instrument and market conditions. For major forex pairs, spreads typically start from 0.6 pips. The broker also charges overnight funding fees (swaps) for positions held past the daily cut-off. There are no commissions on standard accounts, but other fees such as inactivity fees may apply.
The minimum deposit for PLUS500 varies by region and payment method. For most countries, the minimum deposit is $100 or currency equivalent. In some regions, it may be lower. Check the PLUS500 website for the specific minimum deposit applicable to your location.
Yes, PLUS500 offers a free demo account that allows traders to practice with virtual funds. The demo account is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the platform, test strategies, and evaluate trading conditions without financial risk.
The main risks include leverage risk (which amplifies both gains and losses), market volatility, counterparty risk, and liquidity risk. PLUS500 is a regulated broker, but all CFD and forex trading carries significant risk and may result in losses exceeding your initial deposit. Proper risk management is essential.
Visit the PLUS500 website and navigate to the regulatory disclosures. Note the license numbers and the regulatory bodies. Then, visit the official website of each regulator (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC) and search for the license to confirm it is active and valid. This independent verification is a crucial step for your fund safety.