Plus500 is best suited to UK retail traders who want a simple, FCA-regulated CFD platform with strong mobile usability and an unlimited demo account. It stands out for ease of use, broad multi-asset market access and built-in risk tools, rather than for advanced trading depth. Active traders who need tighter spreads, third-party platforms or automation will usually find it too restrictive.
How we review
Led by Filippo Ucchino, broker expert and CEO at InvestinGoal, we test brokers directly and assess them through a methodical review system. That includes live checks of the platform experience, account setup, tools, pricing structure, and key trading features, supported by research into official broker materials and regulatory records. We then evaluate each broker across the categories that matter most to traders, from safety and costs to platforms, markets, mobile trading, education, and support. Learn more about InvestinGoal methodology.
Why trust InvestinGoal
Trust comes from transparency and consistency. Our reviews are written by specialists, fact-checked before publication, and updated when important broker details change. We show both positives and negatives, explain who a broker is best suited for, and avoid reducing the review to generic marketing claims. That gives readers a clearer basis for comparing brokers and making decisions with confidence. Learn more about why you can trust InvestinGoal.
In this Plus500 review, we break down pros and cons, regulation and security, fees, platforms, markets, account features, and trading conditions, so you can decide faster and with more confidence. Plus500 is also part of our selection of the top online trading platforms. The tabs below let you jump directly to the factor most important to your decision.
My take after testing Plus500: After spending time with Plus500, it makes the most sense for retail traders who want broad market access without a steep learning curve. The mobile app is solid, the demo never expires, and the platform doesn’t get in your way during normal use. Risk controls are baked into the interface. Plus500UK Ltd is FCA-regulated, the parent group trades on the London Stock Exchange, and the instrument count is above 2,800.
The limitations are real, though. Spreads are average, the platform is closed off from third-party tools, and research is thin. If you trade algorithmically or care about pricing precision, you’ll feel the ceiling pretty fast.
Filippo Ucchino
Co-Founder and CEO of InvestinGoal - Introducing Broker
What type of broker is Plus500?
Plus500 is a market maker operating its own dealing desk and acting as principal in all client trades. It quotes buy and sell prices for each security and profits from spreads. Orders are not routed to external liquidity; Plus500 is the sole execution venue and counterparty. It does not offer STP, ECN, or DMA execution.
Plus500 operates as a multi-asset CFD broker offering 2,800+ leveraged CFD instruments across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and options. All products are CFDs, with the exception of Stocks and ETFs in the Plus500 Invest account.
Plus500 primarily serves retail clients, while also accommodating professional traders. A single CFD account type with a $100 minimum deposit targets retail traders. Leverage is capped at 1:30 for retail and 1:300 for professional accounts. Professional status requires meeting at least 2 of 3 criteria: sufficient trading activity, a financial instrument portfolio exceeding €500,000, or at least one year of relevant professional experience in the financial sector. The execution model remains identical across account tiers.
Professional status requires meeting at least 2 of 3 criteria: sufficient trading activity, a financial instrument portfolio exceeding €500,000, or at least one year of relevant professional experience in the financial sector.

Yes, Plus500 Ltd is a legitimate firm. It is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) through subsidiary Plus500UK Ltd for CFDs to retail clients. Plus500 Ltd was founded in 2008 (formerly Investsoft Ltd) and is headquartered in Haifa, Israel. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index, publishing audited financial statements under IFRS. Plus500 has operated continuously for over 15 years and reported over 30 million registered customers globally and over 250,000 active customers in FY 2024, with revenues of approximately US$768 million.
The advantages of Plus500 are listed below.
- Regulation and Transparency: Plus500 is regulated by major financial authorities and publicly listed, ensuring accountability, compliance, and transparent operations.
- Low Entry Barriers: Quick digital account setup, low minimum deposit, and efficient deposit/withdrawal processes make Plus500 accessible to a broad user base.
- User-Friendly Platform: Plus500’s proprietary web and mobile platforms offer one-click trading, customizable watchlists, and interactive charting, making them suited for beginners and experienced traders.
- Unlimited Demo Account: Plus500 provides a free unlimited demo mirroring live market conditions for strategy testing with virtual funds before real-money trading.
- Broad Market Access: Trade CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, forex, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies from a single Plus500 account.
- Integrated Risk-Management Tools: Built-in guaranteed stop-loss orders, trailing stops, and price alerts help manage exposure and protect against adverse market moves.
- Clear Cost Structure: Plus500 maintains transparent CFD pricing with no commissions (other than spreads), deposit fees, or platform charges in most cases.
The main disadvantages of Plus500 are listed below.
- Inactivity Fee: A fee of up to $10 (approx. £8-£10) per month is charged if you do not log in for three months.
- Currency Conversion Fee: A fee of up to 0.7% is applied to all trades on instruments denominated in a currency different from your account’s base currency.
- Wider Spreads: While competitive, spreads can be higher than industry leaders for active traders.
- No Cryptocurrency for Retail: Due to FCA restrictions, crypto CFDs are not available to UK retail clients.
- No ISAs: Plus500 does not offer Stocks and Shares ISAs, which means you cannot shield profits from UK tax.
- No Third-Party Platforms: There is no support for MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), or TradingView. You must use the proprietary Plus500 platform.
- Basic Charting: The charting tools are basic and not suitable for advanced technical analysis. You cannot load multiple charts at once on the web platform.
- Limited Customization: The platform offers very little in terms of layout customization.
- Limited Research: The platform lacks in-depth fundamental data and comprehensive market research, making it less suitable for professional, research-driven traders.
Is Plus500 regulated in UK?
Yes, Plus500 is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Plus500UK Ltd holds FRN 509909, and client funds are held in segregated accounts. UK retail clients receive FCA protections including FSCS coverage up to £85,000, negative balance protection, leverage limits, and a ban on crypto CFDs.
This applies to UK residents trading under Plus500UK Ltd.
Outside the UK, the group operates via entities in other jurisdictions:
- Plus500CY Ltd: CySEC (Cyprus), Licence 250/14
- Plus500AU Pty Ltd: ASIC (Australia), AFSL 417727
- Plus500SEY Ltd: FSA (Seychelles), Licence SD039
- Plus500SG Pte Ltd: MAS (Singapore)
- Plus500AE Ltd: DFSA (Dubai), F004356
- Plus500BHS Ltd: SCB (Bahamas)
- Plus500CA Ltd: CIRO (Canada)
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated in UK | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulatory status in UK | Regulated | Regulated | Regulated |
| Tier 1 regulations held | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (CySEC) | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (BaFin, CySEC) | ASIC, CFTC, FCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA |
| Tier 2 regulations held | FMA, FSCA | CMA, DFSA | DFSA, FMA |
| Tier 3 regulations held | FSA | SCB | BMA |
Yes, Plus500 is legal in the UK through Plus500UK Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 509909) for CFDs. UK residents can open CFD accounts with Plus500UK Ltd (your text notes Plus500 Invest doesn’t accept UK clients). CFDs follow FCA rules (leverage limits, negative-balance protection, segregated client money). Retail crypto-derivatives/crypto-CFDs are restricted; share dealing and listed options aren’t offered via the UK CFD entity. Verify on the FCA Register using FRN 509909.
Yes, Plus500 accepts UK traders via Plus500UK Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 509909.
Plus500 holds client funds in segregated accounts, provides negative balance protection, and offers FSCS compensation up to the statutory limit. UK traders also have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and benefit from FCA leverage caps (30:1 on major forex pairs).
Learn more about the best Forex brokers in UK.
Yes, Plus500 accepts U.S. traders only through its U.S. subsidiary, Plus500US Financial Services LLC, which is registered as a futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the National Futures Association, enabling American clients to trade futures contracts on regulated exchanges. Plus500 does not offer contracts for difference, forex or commodity spot trading to U.S. residents because those products are prohibited under U.S. law, and the global Plus500 group declines CFD account applications from U.S. persons; U.S. clients trade futures only, subject to exchange-set margin requirements, and no state-level exclusions have been announced. Learn more about the best Forex brokers in US.
Is Plus500 safe in UK?
Plus500 is safe in the UK. Plus500 UK Ltd is FCA-regulated and offers FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible clients. Client funds are held in segregated accounts. Retail accounts include negative balance protection and a 50% margin close-out rule. Security features include SSL encryption, strong password requirements, optional 2FA (SMS or email), and biometric login on mobile apps. Plus500 conducts regular security audits but does not disclose excess-loss insurance or penetration-testing frequency.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segregated client funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor compensation scheme | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Founded in | 2008 | 2010 | 1974 |
| Publicly traded | Yes | No | Yes |
The risks with Plus500 are listed below.
- CFD complexity: Plus500 offers only CFDs, which are complex derivatives where traders speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. Rapid losses can occur due to unpredictable short-term moves and overnight financing charges that erode capital.
- Leverage risk: Leverage up to 1:30 (retail, major pairs) amplifies gains and losses. Small adverse price changes can cause losses exceeding the initial position, potentially wiping out allocated funds if risk tools aren’t used.
- Margin call risk: If equity falls below maintenance margin, Plus500 may close positions automatically without notice. Forced liquidation during volatility can lock in losses at unfavorable prices before recovery.
- Overnight financing costs: Holding CFDs past the daily cut-off incurs charges that accumulate and can erode profits, especially on longer-term positions. Costs vary by instrument and direction, limiting some strategies.
- Execution risk: Plus500 acts as market maker and counterparty to all trades. During high volatility or low liquidity, orders may fill at different prices than displayed, or face delays and requotes.
- Weekend gap risk: Markets can gap on reopening after weekends or holidays, moving through stop-loss orders without triggering at the set price and causing larger-than-expected losses, especially on news-sensitive instruments.
What markets can you trade on Plus500?
The markets you can trade on Plus500 are listed below.
- Currency pairs (CFDs): 60+ major, minor, and exotic FX pairs including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, EUR/GBP. Minimum trade: varies per instrument (“Unit Amount” in instrument details). Learn more about what is the Forex market.
- Stocks (CFDs): 1,000+ global equity CFDs from US, European, and Asian exchanges. Minimum trade: varies per instrument (“Unit Amount” in instrument details).
- Indices (CFDs): Global index CFDs including USA 500, US TECH 100, UK 100, France 40. Minimum trade: varies per index (see instrument details).
- Commodities (CFDs): Hard and soft commodity CFDs including wheat, gold, oil. Minimum trade: varies per instrument (“Unit Amount” in instrument details).
- Cryptocurrencies (CFDs): Major crypto CFDs including Bitcoin, Ethereum. Minimum trade: varies per instrument (“Unit Amount” in instrument details).
- ETFs (CFDs): ETF CFDs including VXX Volatility, SPDR USA500. Minimum trade: varies per ETF (see instrument details).
- Options (CFDs): Call and put option CFDs on stocks, indices, and currency pairs. Minimum trade: varies per option CFD (see instrument details).
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Indices | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Commodities | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Shares | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs, Options) |
| ETFs | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs) |
| Cryptocurrencies | N/A | N/A | N/A |

Cryptocurrency CFDs are the only unavailable trading product for retail traders at Plus500. Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders due to FCA regulatory rules, which means Plus500 can offer crypto derivatives only to UK professional traders.
Yes, you can buy real crypto on Plus500. Plus500 offers only cryptocurrency CFDs, not ownership of the underlying digital assets. You trade derivative contracts whose value mirrors crypto prices, and no actual coins are held in a wallet. Available instruments let you speculate on price movements of BTC, ETH, SOL, and other cryptocurrencies, but you don’t acquire or own the tokens themselves.
Yes, you can trade real shares on Plus500 via the dedicated “Invest” account (switch from CFD mode to Invest mode). Real-share dealing covers major exchanges in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, and other European markets. Ownership of actual shares is offered alongside Plus500’s standard CFD product; CFD equity positions do not confer ownership or voting rights. Custodial arrangements for real shares (client name vs omnibus vs prime-broker) are not clearly disclosed in publicly available documentation.
No. Plus500 does not offer fractional shares.
How cheap are spreads with Plus500?
Plus500 spreads are high overall, with no commission-free alternative offering tighter pricing. On EUR/USD, the Plus500 spread is around 1.1 pips typically, though it can drop to 0.7 pips in ideal market conditions. On SPX500 (S&P 500 CFD), the Plus500 spread is competitive at about 0.6 points. On XAU/USD (gold), the Plus500 spread is high at around 68 pips.
Plus500 uses floating spreads with no separate commission, as all costs are built into the spread. Spread levels vary by instrument and market conditions, with retail traders typically seeing higher averages than advertised minimums. Learn more about low spread Forex brokers.
The fees applied by Plus500 are listed below.
- Spreads: From 0.6 pips (EUR/USD).
- Commissions: $0.
- Overnight financing: 9.6% to 21.5% annualised (varies by instrument).
- Currency conversion: Up to 0.70%.
- Inactivity: $10/month after 3 months no login.
- Deposits: $0.
- Withdrawals: $0.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | No | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | No |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No, Plus500 does not charge raw spread commissions. Plus500 trading costs are mainly the market spread.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (markup) | 1.00 pips | 1.10 pips | 1.26 pips |
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (raw) | N/A | 0.10 pips | N/A |
| Commission/lot | N/A | $6.00 (£4.50) Round Turn | N/A |
| All-in FX cost | $10.00 | $8.50 | $12.60 |
Plus500’s overnight swaps for EUR/USD are High, being around 3.94% p.a. for long positions, and Excellent, being around +0.94% p.a. for short positions, based on daily financing of approximately 0.01079% (long) and +0.00257% (short).
Triple swaps are applied on selected rollover days to cover weekend settlement when positions remain open past the cut-off. Swap fees don’t vary between account types for retail clients, as the standard retail account uses the published rates without tiered swap levels.
Plus500 charges no separate commission on share CFDs; all trading costs are embedded in the spread (the difference between buy and sell prices).
- No per-trade fee, per-share fee, or % of trade value is charged in addition to the spread.
- No minimum or maximum commission, because costs are built into the spread rather than billed separately.
- No variation by exchange (UK, Europe, US) — commissions remain zero and costs stay spread-based. Regulatory fees or taxes (e.g., UK stamp duty or PTM levy) may still apply depending on the market.
- No tier discounts or volume rebates for VIP/higher-tier accounts; the spread-based pricing model applies to all retail account types.
If the share currency differs from your account base currency, Plus500 applies a currency conversion fee of up to 0.70% of the trade’s net profit or loss at execution.
Plus500’s crypto CFD commissions are included in the spread/markup. Typical markups are ~0.25% to ~2.50%+; BTC/USD spreads are often greater than US$50 in liquid sessions. No spot/real-crypto ownership is offered for retail clients.
Is Plus500 good for trading?
Plus500 is good for trading forex, CFD stocks, real stocks, CFD crypto, real crypto, demo trading, and mobile trading. Plus500 is not good for algo trading and copy trading.
Plus500 supports over 60 forex pairs, a large coverage of stock CFDs across US and global markets, and real share ownership through its Invest product covering approximately 18 exchanges. The broker offers 10+ cryptocurrency CFDs trading 24/7, and it provides non-leveraged real crypto purchases for 10+ major coins in jurisdictions where crypto CFDs are restricted such as the UK, though withdrawals to external wallets are not supported. All trading is commission-free with costs built into spreads, and the platform includes unlimited demo accounts with virtual funds and live market prices accessible via proprietary web, desktop, and mobile applications. However, Plus500 does not support algorithmic trading. There is no API access, no MT4/MT5 integration, and automated trading is explicitly prohibited in the terms. The broker does not offer copy trading, PAMM/MAM accounts, or any signal-mirroring features, requiring all users to execute trades manually.
Plus500 is good for investing because it offers real stocks and ETFs through Plus500 Invest across major markets including the US, UK, Europe, and Australia, with low-to-moderate trading commissions, no custody or inactivity fees, and a transparent 0.3% FX conversion charge. Plus500 is good and not excellent for long-term investing because it does not support fractional shares, does not offer recurring investment or automatic purchase plans, and lacks dividend reinvestment (DRIP) functionality, which limits its suitability for small-amount and automated portfolio building.
Plus500 is excellent for demo trading because it offers an unlimited demo account, uses real-time market data, provides access to all tradable instruments, and allows full customization of the virtual balance.
Plus500 provides a comprehensive demo trading environment through its WebTrader platform, which mirrors the live trading experience identically in terms of interface and functionality. The demo account operates with live market data across all asset classes including Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, ensuring traders experience realistic price movements and market conditions. Users can customize their virtual balance according to their preferences and reset it whenever needed, with no time restrictions or expiration date on the demo account. This unlimited access allows traders to test strategies, familiarize themselves with the platform’s tools, and practice risk management for as long as necessary before transitioning to live trading.
eToro, XTB, IC Markets and XM are some good alternatives to Plus500 as demo Forex brokers. Explore the best Forex demo accounts.
Plus500 is not a good fit for algo trading because the broker does not support algorithmic trading in any form. The platform operates exclusively through its proprietary WebTrader and mobile applications, which lack compatibility with third-party trading software, expert advisors, plugins, or user-coded scripts. Plus500 provides no access to algo-friendly platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader, offers no trading APIs (including FIX, REST, or WebSocket protocols), does not provide VPS services, and explicitly prohibits algorithmic strategies including scalping, hedging, arbitrage, high-frequency trading, and automated price-scraping in its terms of service.
Pepperstone, FP Markets, IC Markets, and Roboforex are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best brokers for algo trading.
Plus500 is great for Forex trading because it holds top-tier regulatory licenses from the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, offers over 60 forex pairs with competitive EUR/USD spreads around 1.1 pips, provides comprehensive analysis tools including approximately 110 technical indicators and trader sentiment data, and allows trading from micro-lot positions of 0.01. Plus500 is great and not excellent for Forex trading because it prohibits scalping, does not allow hedging (using a netting system instead), offers no support for algorithmic trading or expert advisors, and does not provide access to popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader.
Plus500 operates exclusively through its proprietary trading platforms available as WebTrader, desktop application, and mobile app, which feature drawing tools, an economic calendar, and trader sentiment indicators for market analysis. The broker maintains a minimum position size of 0.01 lots (micro-lots) and spreads approximately 1.1 pips on EUR/USD pairs, positioning it competitively within the 0.9 to 1.2 pips range. The platform’s limitations include the absence of API connectivity for automated strategies, restrictions on opening simultaneous buy and sell positions on the same instrument due to its netting model, and explicit prohibition of scalping strategies in its terms of service.
Pepperstone, XM, AvaTrade and FP Markets are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best Forex brokers.
Plus500 is a great broker for CFD stock trading because it operates under Tier-1 regulation from authorities including the FCA, ASIC and MAS, offers a zero-commission pricing model with costs embedded in spreads, provides access to CFDs on US stocks from NASDAQ and NYSE, covers approximately 15 to 20 global stock exchanges, and delivers real-time streaming quotes at no additional fee. Plus500 is great and not excellent for CFD stock trading because it does not support fractional CFD trading, prohibits scalping and hedging strategies, offers no API for algorithmic trading, lacks third-party platform integration such as MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5, and provides limited research tools with no stock screener, earnings calendar or fundamental data.
Plus500 provides share CFDs across a broad range of international markets through its proprietary WebTrader, desktop and mobile platforms, all featuring real-time price streaming. The broker’s zero-commission structure makes costs transparent by incorporating them into the bid-ask spread, and traders can take both long and short positions on individual company stocks. The platform includes News & Market Insights alongside +Insights, which displays real-time client sentiment showing the percentage of traders holding long versus short positions on each instrument. However, Plus500 imposes restrictions on trading styles by prohibiting scalping and netting opposite positions rather than allowing hedging, does not support automated or algorithmic trading through APIs, and provides minimal analytical resources with no screener to filter stocks, no earnings calendar for upcoming corporate events, and no fundamental company data such as financial statements or valuation metrics.
IG Markets, Pepperstone, eToro and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best stock CFD platforms. Learn more about the best CFD brokers.
Plus500 is a great broker for real stocks trading because it provides access to 18 global stock exchanges with competitive commissions, operates under tier-1 regulatory oversight from bodies including the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, and offers real-time market data at no additional cost through its proprietary Invest platform.
Plus500 is great and not excellent for buying real stocks because it lacks fractional shares, does not support scalping or hedging strategies, provides no algorithmic trading capabilities or API access, offers no third-party platforms like MetaTrader, and excludes essential research tools such as stock screeners, earnings calendars, and fundamental company data.
Plus500’s Invest service allows clients to purchase actual US-listed and European shares with a commission structure of $0.006 per share for US stocks (no fixed minimum) and 0.045% for EU stocks (€2 minimum), though a 0.3% currency-conversion fee applies to foreign-exchange transactions. The broker provides real-time pricing data and basic market analysis through news feeds and its +Insights feature, which displays trader sentiment showing the percentage of users holding long versus short positions. The proprietary platform operates on web, desktop, and mobile devices. Trading restrictions include a minimum order size of one whole share, no support for short-selling actual stocks (shorting is available only through CFDs), and prohibition of scalping and hedging strategies. The platform does not integrate with third-party tools such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader, and lacks automated trading functionality entirely.
DEGIRO, eToro, XTB and Trading 212 are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best stock brokers.
Plus500 is a good option for CFD crypto trading because it operates under robust regulatory frameworks including FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, DFSA, and FSCA, offers commission-free trading with costs embedded in spreads, and provides real-time streaming cryptocurrency quotes without requiring separate data subscriptions. Plus500 is good and not excellent for CFD crypto trading because it offers only 14 cryptocurrency CFDs and requires minimum trading sizes of a few tens of USD rather than amounts under $10.
Plus500 provides CFD crypto trading through its regulated entities across multiple jurisdictions, applying the same regulatory framework used for other CFD instruments, though availability varies by location and the broker holds no crypto-specific licenses. The broker charges no direct commissions on cryptocurrency CFD trades, incorporating all trading costs into the spread. Traders receive real-time market data with no delays or additional subscription fees. The platform’s cryptocurrency offering is limited to approximately 14 crypto CFDs; this is considerably fewer than many competitors offering 60 or more digital assets. The minimum trading amount is described as a few tens of USD while Plus500 allows fractional position sizes, making it less accessible for traders seeking to start with very small positions under $10.
eToro, NAGA, Pepperstone and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best brokers for CFD cryptocurrency (NO URL).
Plus500 is good for real crypto trading because it charges no separate per-trade commissions (costs are embedded in the buy/sell spread), provides real-time market data and quotes updated 24/7, and allows users to buy cryptocurrencies with fiat and sell them back to fiat currency. Plus500 is good and not excellent for real crypto trading because it offers only a limited selection of major cryptocurrencies (roughly 10-14 coins), uses a custodial wallet arrangement without private key control, does not allow users to withdraw or deposit cryptocurrencies to external wallets, and does not support direct crypto-to-crypto transactions on the platform.
Plus500’s real crypto trading service is available in select regions and operates as a closed system where all transactions must go through fiat currency. The platform supports fractional cryptocurrency purchases, though minimum trading sizes typically range from tens to a few hundred USD rather than allowing micro-purchases below $10. Users can purchase major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum using fiat deposits and sell their holdings back to fiat for withdrawal, but cannot transfer crypto assets in or out of the platform. The absence of non-custodial wallet functionality means clients do not control their private keys, and the lack of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs requires users to convert to fiat as an intermediary step when switching between different cryptocurrencies. Plus500 operates under regulation from major financial authorities including the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, DFSA, and FSCA for its crypto trading services, though it does not hold crypto-specific regulatory licenses.
eToro, Coinbase, Crypto.com and Binance are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best crypto exchanges.
Plus500 is not a good fit for copy trading because the broker does not offer any copy trading functionality whatsoever. Plus500 provides neither a proprietary copy trading platform nor integration with third-party copy trading services, meaning traders cannot copy other traders, replicate investment portfolios, or follow trading strategies and signals through the platform. The broker operates exclusively as a standard CFD trading platform where each user must execute their own trades manually. The absence of copy trading features means Plus500 charges no additional copy trading commissions, and the platform lacks any copy-trader-specific risk management tools beyond the standard stop-loss and take-profit orders available for individual trades.
eToro, ZuluTrade, AvaTrade and NAGA are some good alternatives to Plus500 as best copy trading platforms.
What are the Plus500 trading conditions?
The Plus500 trading conditions are listed below.
- Pricing model: Zero-commission model with trading costs embedded in bid-ask spreads. Spreads are variable, with EUR/USD typically starting around 0.8 to 1.4 pips under normal conditions.
- Order size: Minimum trade size varies by instrument through instrument-specific “unit amounts” that must be met at order entry.
- Trading approaches: Hedging, scalping, and automated/algorithmic trading systems are restricted under the user agreement.
- Risk management: Negative balance protection ensures losses cannot exceed available account balance.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | Market Maker | ECN/STP | Market Maker |
| Max. FX leverage | 1:30 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Min. FX trade size | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots |
| Hedging allowed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Scalping allowed | No | Yes | Yes |
Plus500 applies a market-maker execution model for CFDs. Plus500 fills orders as principal on the Plus500 platform using Plus500 quoted prices. Plus500 executes CFD orders internally and does not route CFD orders to external markets. Plus500 uses market execution and can apply slippage when prices move rapidly. Plus500 keeps the dealing-desk nature consistent across accounts and varies protections and margin conditions through client categorisation.
Plus500’s trade execution is adequate for general CFD trading. Plus500 processes orders on a proprietary in-house platform, and aims to execute as fast as possible to reduce slippage within its market-maker model. Plus500 does not publish a detailed execution-quality statistics pack that quantifies latency percentiles, price improvement, and slippage outcomes by instrument. Plus500 is not optimized for news scalping, and clients can see material spread widening and slippage risk during sudden volatility.
Plus500 max leverage in the UK is up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:300 for professional clients on major forex. Leverage depends on client classification and instrument type. Users cannot select custom leverage but can reduce effective leverage through smaller position sizes. Plus500 applies margin requirements and a stop-out mechanism that typically closes retail positions when equity falls to 50% of required margin.
The max leverage with Plus500 for each asset class is listed below.
- Forex: 1:30 majors; 1:20 non-majors (pros: up to 1:300).
- Indices: 1:20 major; 1:10 non-major.
- Commodities: 1:20 gold; 1:10 other commodities.
- Shares (equities): 1:5 retail.
Explore the Forex brokers with high leverage.
At Plus500 the lot size is governed by a “Unit Amount” rather than fixed “lots”. Each trading instrument has a defined minimum trade size (“Unit Amount”) which corresponds to the smallest number of contracts, shares, or units that may be opened. Every quoted market on Plus500 has an absolute minimum and maximum permitted trade size, and the maximum size depends on normal market size, market conditions, and internal risk-management factors determined by Plus500. The company does not publish a uniform maximum “lot” size across all products and instruments, so the largest trade size is instrument-specific and subject to platform and internal constraints. Factors such as low liquidity may further limit the trade size. For order-type and platform constraints, Plus500 allows only full fills, meaning that no partial fills of client orders are executed, and the trade size must always lie between the instrument’s minimum and maximum permitted size.
The types of trading orders you can use with Plus500 are listed below.
- Market order
- Limit order
- Stop order
- Stop-loss order
- Take-profit order
- Trailing stop order
- Guaranteed stop order
- Day order
- Good-til-cancelled order
Plus500 does not offer advanced conditional order types such as one-cancels-the-other orders or iceberg orders.
Plus500 has variable slippage that increases with volatility and lower liquidity, and it can be protected against slippage on supported instruments via Guaranteed Stop. Plus500 does not publish slippage statistics and relies on risk tools such as Guaranteed Stop to eliminate slippage on supported instruments while charging an additional spread markup.
Order execution speed with Plus500 is not quantified in public materials, and an average execution time in milliseconds is not available. Plus500 assigns high importance to execution speed and likelihood of execution in its Order Execution Policy, and the policy sets out an approach intended to optimise speed, price, and likelihood of execution in almost all circumstances.
Plus500 does not publish an average execution latency figure in milliseconds, and it does not provide execution-speed statistics by instrument, venue, or order type. Plus500 does not publish the percentage of orders filled in under one second.
What are Plus500 account types?
The account types offered by Plus500 are listed below.
- Demo Account: Unlimited practice with virtual funds under live market conditions. No real money risk or minimum deposit required. Full platform access for strategy testing and familiarization.
- Retail Account: Standard live trading for individual traders. Access to full CFD range (forex, indices, shares, commodities) with negative balance protection and compensation fund coverage. Minimum deposit around $100; varies by payment method and region.
- Professional Account: For experienced traders meeting eligibility criteria (trading volume, portfolio size, professional experience). Higher leverage up to 1:300 on certain assets, but no retail protections like compensation fund rights.
- Invest Account: Cash equity and ETF trading without leverage. Commission-based pricing across multiple stock exchanges for building unleveraged portfolios. Geographic restrictions may apply.
- Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: Retail account variant complying with Sharia law through swap-free overnight terms. Available upon request; conditions vary by jurisdiction.
Learn more about Plus500 account types.

Plus500’s most popular account is the Retail (real-money) Account, the default live account for individual traders. Plus500 doesn’t publish usage statistics, but the Retail account is described as “the standard option for most traders.” It provides access to CFDs across Forex, indices, commodities, shares, and ETFs, typically with a ~$100 minimum deposit, negative-balance protection, and compensation fund eligibility under retail regulations. The Professional Account requires clients to meet higher criteria; it offers increased leverage but reduced protections, making it far less common. A Demo Account with virtual funds is available for practice.
Yes, Plus500 offers a demo account. The demo account provides an unlimited, non-expiring trading environment with real-time market data that mirrors live market feeds instead of delayed or artificial pricing. Users can access the same instrument coverage as the live platform, including Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, while having the ability to customize and reset their virtual balance to simulate different account sizes. Learn more about the Plus500 demo account.
No, Plus500 does not offer an Islamic account to UK-regulated clients. While the broker’s website mentions an “Islamic Trading Account” with no overnight funding charges, rollover/swaps, commission, or hidden costs, independent reviews confirm this option is unavailable via Plus500’s UK entity and may only exist in certain other jurisdictions. The discrepancy means UK residents cannot obtain a genuine Sharia-compliant account from the UK-regulated arm. Where the Islamic account is offered elsewhere, clients must open a standard account first, and then request swap-free conversion. The variant removes overnight swap/rollover fees, with costs incorporated into spreads instead, while leaving spreads, leverage, and execution unchanged.
Learn more about Forex brokers with Islamic account.
Yes, Plus500UK Ltd offers a Professional account for eligible clients. To qualify, clients must meet at least 2 of 3 criteria: (1) significant trading volume (e.g., at least 10 substantial trades per quarter over the past four quarters), (2) a financial portfolio (cash + financial instruments) exceeding $500,000, or (3) one year or more of professional experience in the financial sector. Compared with a retail account, the Professional account provides higher leverage (e.g., up to 1:300 for Forex CFDs versus 1:30 for retail) but excludes certain retail protections such as investor compensation scheme entitlement and full regulatory retail-client safeguards. Learn more about Forex brokers for professional traders.
Yes, Plus500 offers a corporate trading account for businesses and legal entities trading under a company name. It provides the same platforms, instruments, and liquidity as retail/professional accounts. The key difference is that verification requires company registration documents and proof of corporate ownership; funding/withdrawals must use corporate bank accounts matching the registered company name.
Yes. The broker Plus500 offers a “Premium Service” tier of features designed for selected clients. The Premium Service includes benefits such as a dedicated client manager, periodic expert-analysis emails, external trading webinars, and priority customer support. Eligibility for the Premium Service is invitation-only: clients must hold a real trading account and be selected by Plus500 to receive the offer. The standard retail account remains available to all eligible traders, but access to the Premium tier is restricted to those meeting Plus500’s internal criteria.
How to open an account with Plus500?
The steps to open an account with Plus500 are listed below.
- Start the registration: Open the signup page, enter an email address, set a password, or use an approved single-sign-on option, accept the terms, and create the account.
- Complete the personal profile: Enter full name, date of birth, residential address, phone number, country of residence, and tax residency information where requested.
- Complete the financial questionnaire: Answer questions on employment status, income, net worth, trading experience, and source of funds.
- Submit verification documents: Upload a valid photo identity document such as a passport or driving licence and upload proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement issued within the last three months.
- Wait for verification approval: Monitor the account status and provide any additional information requested during review.
- Fund the trading account: Deposit funds in GBP where available using an accepted method such as payment card, bank transfer, or an approved e-wallet, and meet any applicable minimum deposit threshold.
- Start trading: Log in to the platform after verification and deposit confirmation, switch from a demo mode if applicable, and place the first trade.
The form-filling steps can be completed in minutes, while verification and deposit clearance can extend the timeline from a few minutes to a couple of hours when reviews are fast and documents are clear. The process is generally easy to complete, since it is fully digital and presented as a guided sequence of prompts and uploads. The requirements typically include meeting minimum age and eligibility conditions, providing accurate personal and financial information, completing the questionnaire, submitting valid identity and address documents, and meeting the minimum deposit applicable to the chosen funding method before live trading. A Know Your Customer process is required, and it typically includes identity verification and proof of address checks, and platform access for deposits, trading, and withdrawals is restricted until verification is completed.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit in UK | $100 | $0 | $0 |
| Demo trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment methods | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets |
| Islamic account availability | No | Yes | No |
| Account base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, JPY, PLN, HUF, CZK, CAD, TRY, SEK, NOK, ZAR, SGD | GBP, USD, EUR, CHF | AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, USD |
Plus500’s minimum deposit (UK) is $100 for most payment methods, applying to both initial and subsequent deposits. Minimums vary by jurisdiction and method (e.g., higher for bank transfers in some countries). Check the “Funds Management” section for method-specific thresholds. Deposits are accepted in USD, GBP, EUR, and other supported currencies; conversion fees may apply for non-account currencies. No enhanced features or perks unlock at higher deposit levels.
Learn more about minimum deposit with Plus500.
Plus500 offers 15 account base currencies, which include USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, JPY, PLN, HUF, CZK, CAD, TRY, SEK, NOK, ZAR, SGD. The wide range of account base currencies offered at Plus500 helps traders select a suitable base currency and avoid conversion fees when deposits and trading currency match.
The deposit methods supported by Plus500 are listed below.
- Bank Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
The withdrawal methods supported by Plus500 are listed below.
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
Deposits and withdrawals with Plus500 are safe for UK clients because the broker is FCA-authorised (FRN 509909) and must follow Client Money rules. Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, separate from the firm’s operational funds. UK clients are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000 if the firm becomes insolvent. Payments are protected with SSL encryption, and funds must originate from a payment method in the client’s name. Withdrawals require identity verification (proof of identity, proof of address) and are sent only to verified payment methods used for deposits. Processing takes 1 to 3 business days, with full arrival in 3 to 7 days depending on method. Note: Plus500 does not publicly confirm PCI DSS certification or 3-D Secure support.
What trading platforms does Plus500 offer?
The trading platforms offered by Plus500 are listed below.
- WebTrader: Proprietary web-based platform for CFDs on shares, forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and options, plus Invest mode for direct stock investment. Features built-in demo mode and beginner-friendly layout. Available on web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) for Windows/macOS.
- Desktop App: Standalone version of the proprietary platform in an installed environment. It has the same functionality as WebTrader. Available on Windows (macOS access via browser or app-wrapper).
- Mobile App: Native app with real-time quotes, charts, alerts, and demo switching. Mirrors WebTrader functionality for all CFD asset classes. Available on iOS/Android for phones and tablets (no dedicated desktop version).
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | No | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | No | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | Yes | No |
| TradingView | No | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy trading platform | No | Yes | No |

The charting tools available at Plus500 are listed below.
- Technical indicators: 100+ built-in indicators across momentum, trend, volatility, and support/resistance categories.
- Drawing tools: Trendlines, support/resistance lines, Fibonacci retracements, and chart overlays applied directly to price charts.
- Chart timeframes: 11 selectable intervals from 1-minute to 1-week.
- Platform & usability: Proprietary WebTrader (browser-based) with iOS/Android mobile apps. Chart types include line, bar, candlestick, baseline, hollow candle, mountain, coloured bar, Heikin-Ashi, Renko, Kagi, line-break, range bars, and point & figure. Features multi-chart layouts, chart-based trading, and price alerts.
The trading tools offered by Plus500 are listed below.
- Risk management tools: Market, limit, and stop-loss orders with simultaneous stop-loss/take-profit placement at entry. Trailing stops and guaranteed stop-loss orders are available.
- Market analytics widgets: Charting with 100+ technical indicators, 20+ drawing tools, multiple chart types, and flexible time frames. Watchlists and client-sentiment data for instrument monitoring.
- Trading calculators: Margin, pip, and financing calculators with position-size tools integrated into web and mobile interfaces. P&L scenario estimates for leverage exposure planning.
- Market analysis tools: Integrated economic calendar for macroeconomic event tracking; daily insights and market updates via in-platform research section.
- Alerts and notifications: Price and indicator-based alerts delivered via mobile push and email; configurable through the trading interface.
- Mobile-exclusive utilities: Mobile app with watchlists, real-time quotes, demo/live mode switching, biometric login, and gesture-based trading shortcuts.
- Tool access conditions: Commission-free pricing with costs built into spreads; full platform tools available to all users without tiered restrictions.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| API support | No | FIX API, cTrader API | REST API, Streaming API, FIX API |
| EAs support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coding languages supported | N/A | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo, Pinescript | MQL4 |
| VPS support | No | Yes | Yes |
No, Plus500 does not provide a Virtual Private Server (VPS) service. Sources note that VPS hosting and similar tools are not available on the Plus500 platform. Learn more about Forex brokers with free VPS.
No, Plus500 does not offer access to Autochartist in its trading platforms.
Learn more about the best brokers with Autochartist.
No, Plus500 does not offer integration with TradingView. Comprehensive review sources confirm that a connection between a Plus500 account and TradingView is not available for the standard Plus500 CFD offering. The absence of TradingView connectivity means they must use the native charting tools provided by Plus500’s proprietary platform and cannot execute trades directly from the TradingView interface. Workarounds include conducting analysis on TradingView separately, using either the free or paid TradingView plans, and then executing trades in the Plus500 platform manually. Learn more about the best brokers with TradingView.
No, Plus500 does not allow algorithmic trading. The broker does not provide APIs or permit Expert Advisors (EAs) or other automated trading systems on its platform for CFD trading.
How good is Plus500 for mobile trading?
Plus500 is excellent for mobile trading because it offers proprietary trading apps on both Android and iOS, access to over 2,800 financial instruments, full account management capabilities, more than 100 technical indicators, approximately 22 drawing tools, and integrated market analysis features including an economic calendar, news feed, and client sentiment tools.
The Plus500 mobile app allows users to trade CFDs on a wide range of assets such as forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and options, mirroring the full trading capabilities of the desktop platform. The app supports secure account operations including deposits and withdrawals, switching between demo and live accounts, and two-factor authentication. Technical analysis is robust with over 100 technical indicators and 22 drawing tools available for mobile charting. The platform provides in-app market analysis featuring a real-time economic calendar, financial news, and the proprietary “+Insights” tool, which aggregates client sentiment and trading trends for informed decision-making.
Plus500, XTB, IG Markets, Pepperstone, and AvaTrade are some of the best mobile trading apps and are good alternatives to Plus500. Explore the best apps for Forex trading.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 mobile | No | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 mobile | No | Yes | No |
| cTrader mobile | No | Yes | No |
| Proprietary mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Plus500’s mobile app offers the same core trading platform and tools as the desktop/WebTrader version. Both access the full CFD catalogue, account management, deposits/withdrawals, and all common order types (market, limit, stop-loss, trailing stop) plus risk-management features including guaranteed stops and negative balance protection.
Key differences lie in presentation, layout flexibility, and chart synchronisation. Desktop supports up to 25 simultaneous charts and multi-window layouts, while mobile is optimised for small screens with fewer charts shown at once. Chart templates and layouts set on desktop don’t always sync to mobile, requiring users to re-configure indicators and drawing tools.
The mobile app prioritises portability and ease of use: intuitive navigation, quick demo/live account switching, and push notifications for price alerts and sentiment. Desktop provides a larger workspace better suited for monitoring multiple positions and watchlists simultaneously.
Neither version supports automated trading, algorithms, or third-party platforms like MetaTrader, so limitations are consistent across both. Desktop suits traders needing advanced monitoring and multi-chart analysis; mobile excels for convenience and trading on the move.
How good is Plus500 to learn trading?
Plus500 is a great option for learning trading because it offers a comprehensive educational hub, in-depth training articles, platform tutorials, regular market outlooks, daily analysis, live webinars, and an unlimited demo account. Plus500 is great and not excellent for learning trading due to the absence of cent or nano lot accounts for very small-scale practice and the lack of podcast content.
Plus500 provides a Trading Academy that includes video tutorials, a Beginner’s Guide, a glossary, a free eBook, and News and Market Insights articles for ongoing market analysis. Users gain from frequent live webinars with market experts, which become available on-demand after the live event. A daily live news and insights feed appears within the app for up-to-date market analysis. The unlimited demo account is a key strength and allows traders to practice strategies and platform navigation without risk or time constraints. Plus500 does not offer cent or nano lot accounts, so new traders who want to start with very small trades face limitations in real-money position sizing. Strong resources for education and practice are present, but the absence of podcasts and mini account options keeps the rating below excellent. Learn more about what is trading and how it works.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tutorials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | No | Yes |
| Live analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |

How good is Plus500 customer care?
Plus500 has a great customer care because it offers 24/7 live chat support, email contact with typical responses within 24 hours, multilingual service in dozens of languages, WhatsApp access, and free support for all clients. Plus500 has a great and not excellent customer care because it does not provide a universal phone helpline, and account-tier customer care perks are only available to select ‘Premium’ clients rather than all users.
The customer care at Plus500 is structured around digital-first channels, with live chat and email/web form being the core support options. Live chat is available at any time, ensuring quick access to human support agents for urgent issues. The multilingual support covers a wide range of international users, making the platform accessible globally. Some localized numbers may be listed while there is no universal phone support line. Dedicated account managers and priority service may be received by Premium account holders. All support is provided free of charge but the lack of wide phone support and exclusive perks prevent Plus500 from achieving an excellent rating in customer care.
| Broker |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support languages | Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malay, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish | English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Indonesian, Italian, French, Thai, German, Polish | English, Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish |
| Phone support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support hours | Mon-Sun (00:00-24:00) | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Sat-Fri (08:00-22:00 GMT) |
What are the best alternatives to Plus500?
The best alternatives to Plus500 are Admirals, Pepperstone, and XTB.
- Admirals: Trade and Zero accounts with spreads from 0.5 pips; 3,200+ CFDs plus spread betting; strong regulation with negative balance protection and investor compensation.
- Pepperstone: Razor spreads from 0.0 pips with low commissions; MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView; extensive regulation with segregated funds and leverage limits.
- XTB: Proprietary xStation5 platform; spreads around 0.70 pips with no commissions; zero minimum deposit; 2,400+ instruments (forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs, ETFs, crypto); negative balance protection and compensation schemes under top regulators.
Explore the alternatives to Plus500.
Plus500 is best suited to UK retail traders who want a simple, FCA-regulated CFD platform with strong mobile usability and an unlimited demo account. It stands out for ease of use, broad multi-asset market access and built-in risk tools, rather than for advanced trading depth. Active traders who need tighter spreads, third-party platforms or automation will usually find it too restrictive.

