Plus500 Review 2025
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
Quick Answer: Review Summary
Plus500 is a highly-rated trading platform, earning 4.5 stars for its intuitive design, diverse CFD offerings, and robust risk management tools. While it lacks advanced research features, its simplicity and transparency make it a strong choice for many traders.
Featured Exchange – Plus500
Plus500 is a well-established trading platform known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of CFD (Contract for Difference) products, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities, and indices. While it doesn’t offer direct crypto asset ownership, it provides a regulated, secure environment for speculating on crypto price movements without needing a digital wallet. With tight spreads, risk management tools, and a streamlined mobile app, Plus500 appeals to traders looking for short-term opportunities in the crypto market and beyond.
- Minimum Deposit: £100 (varies by funding method)
- Trade crypto CFDs—speculate on price without owning the asset
- FCA regulated and adheres to UK financial promotion standards
- Sleek web and mobile platform with built-in risk tools
- Best suited for active traders focused on market volatility
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Quick Review Summary
| Aspect | Score (Out of 5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Intuitive and beginner-friendly. |
| Asset Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Broad CFD offering but lacks physical asset trading. |
| Fees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Transparent and competitive fees, though inactivity costs are a drawback. |
| Risk Management Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comprehensive tools like guaranteed stop-loss and negative balance protection. |
| Research & Tools | ⭐⭐ | Basic tools, limited market insights, and no MetaTrader integration. |
| Educational Resources | ⭐⭐⭐ | Helpful for beginners but lacks depth for advanced traders. |
| Customer Support | ⭐⭐⭐ | Prompt responses but no phone support. |
| Regulation & Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High regulatory compliance and FSCS protection in the UK. |
What is Plus500?
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 has built a solid reputation in the trading world. It is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, making it part of the FTSE 250 Index.
It’s clean, responsive, and works just as well on mobile as it does on desktop. Setting up watchlists, managing trades, and tracking positions is completely seamless.
The platform is proprietary, offering a streamlined and intuitive trading experience that doesn’t rely on third-party tools. With access to over 2,800 CFDs spanning forex, stocks and indices, Plus500 caters to diverse trading interests.
Plus 500’s Key features include:
- Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders to manage market risks.
- Negative Balance Protection ensuring traders never lose more than their deposited funds.
- Responsive mobile and desktop interfaces, which are easy to navigate and consistent across devices
Who Should Use Plus500?
Plus500 is designed for traders who value simplicity, transparency, and a broad range of CFDs. Its features make it an excellent choice for:
- Casual traders who prefer a straightforward platform.
- Active traders looking for risk management tools like stop-loss orders.
However, CFD trading carries inherent risks due to leverage.
Is Plus500 Available in the UK?
Yes, Plus500 operates legally in the UK and is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). That kind of oversight offers peace of mind, especially when you’re trusting a platform with your money. What’s more, UK traders are protected under the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), which covers up to £85,000 if the broker were ever to go under.
For UK users, you can deposit and withdraw in GBP, which means there are no annoying currency conversion fees cutting into your balance.
What markets are available to UK traders?
UK traders can access a wide variety of CFDs, including:
- Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.
- Indices: Global indices like FTSE 100 and S&P 500.
- Stocks: Leading UK and international equities.
- Commodities: Trade gold, crude oil, and other key assets.
This broad market range makes Plus500 versatile for different trading strategies.
What is the difference between live trading and a demo account?
One thing I really like about Plus500 is its demo account. It mirrors real market conditions but uses virtual funds, so you can test-drive the platform, practice strategies, and get comfortable, without risking a penny.
When you’re ready, switching to a live account means trading with real money and real-time market movements. But remember: emotions come into play with real cash on the line, so having proper risk management tools is key.
How Do You Fund a Live Account?
Funding your Plus500 account is pretty straightforward. The minimum deposit is £100, and if you’re trading in anything other than GBP, there’s a 0.7% currency conversion fee. Still, the variety of payment methods gives traders plenty of flexibility. You can use:
- Debit/Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard)
- PayPal or Skrill for fast e-wallet deposits
- Bank transfers for direct deposits
What Fees Does Plus500 Charge?
Plus500 keeps things simple with no commissions and no withdrawal fees—a big win for casual traders. Instead, the platform makes money through spreads, overnight fees, and optional charges like guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs). Everything’s clearly laid out, so you won’t be hit with any surprise costs.
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Spreads | Competitive—EUR/USD averages around 1.2 pips |
| Overnight Fees | Charged for holding trades overnight—varies depending on the asset |
| GSLO Fee | Comes with a wider spread if you use guaranteed stop-loss orders |
| Withdrawal Fees | None |
| Deposit Fees | None |
How Does Plus500 Help You Manage Risk?
Risk is part of trading, but Plus500 offers solid tools to help keep things under control. The standout feature? Negative balance protection, so you’ll never lose more than what’s in your account. It’s a safety net that all brokers should have, and thankfully, Plus500 does.
You’ll also get access to risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs) to lock in your limits even in fast-moving markets. These tools make Plus500 a solid option if you’re trading riskier assets or just want extra control over your exposure.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Negative Balance Protection | Stops your balance from going below zero—required by ESMA rules |
| GSLOs (Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders) | Closes trades at your exact price, no matter how volatile the market gets |
Quick Tips for Safer Trading
Want to manage risk like a pro on Plus500? Here are a few smart habits:
- Always use stop-loss orders to set a clear exit point
- Avoid overleveraging—don’t borrow more than you can handle
- Diversify your trades across different assets or sectors
These strategies can help smooth out the bumps, because even experienced traders don’t make a profit with every trade.
Does Plus500 Offer any Learning Tools?
Yes—Plus500 but the focus is more on quick tips and tools rather than deep educational content. The Insights Tool is quite useful, giving you a snapshot of trending assets and showing what other traders are keeping an eye on. Their Trading Academy includes a series of short videos and articles designed to help you grasp the basics, which is great if you’re a beginner or new to trading. And if you ever need help, customer support is available via email or WhatsApp to assist you.
It’s not the most in-depth learning hub compared to other platforms, but these features are still helpful for building a solid foundation and staying informed.
Is My Money Safe with Plus500?
Yes—Plus500 is a regulated and secure platform, licensed by top-tier regulators like the FCA (UK), and it puts serious safeguards in place to protect your funds. With these features, Plus500 provides a secure trading environment for users worldwide.
| Safety Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Top-Tier Regulation | Regulated by FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus) |
| Segregated Accounts | Your money is kept separate from company funds |
| FSCS Protection | UK users are covered up to £85,000 if the broker becomes insolvent |
| Public Company | Listed on the London Stock Exchange, so they follow strict financial standards |
How To Start Trading with Plus500
First, explore their demo account to practise strategies, then transition to live trading with a small deposit. The platform’s tools and intuitive interface support efficient trading and risk management.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Create a Demo Account
- Register for free on Plus500’s platform and gain access to virtual funds.
- Use this account to practise and explore available trading tools risk-free.
2. Understand the Markets
- Familiarise yourself with the range of CFDs, including forex, stocks and commodities.
- Leverage the +Insights Tool to identify trends and market sentiment.
3. Set Clear Goals
- Define your trading objectives and risk tolerance.
- Plan a strategy before transitioning to live trading.
4. Fund Your Live Account
- Deposit a minimum of £100 via debit/credit card, PayPal, Skrill, or bank transfer.
- Monitor currency conversion fees if trading in non-GBP assets.
What are the Pros & Cons of trading with Plus500?
The CFD offering is massive—over 2,800 instruments covering forex, stocks and indices. As someone who likes to dip into different markets, that variety was a real highlight for me.
Risk management is another win. Having features like guaranteed stop-loss orders and negative balance protection gave me confidence, especially when testing high-volatility trades.
What Could Be Better?
- Limited research tools – If you’re into advanced market analysis, you might find it a bit light.
- No social or copy trading – Unlike eToro, there’s no way to follow other traders.
- Education lacks depth – The Trading Academy is fine, but it doesn’t go beyond the basics like thers do.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive platform design | Limited advanced research tools |
| The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile, making it ideal for beginners. | Tools like technical analysis, screeners, and in-depth market reports are quite limited compared to competitors. |
| Wide range of CFDs | No third-party integrations |
| Access to over 2,800 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, options, and cryptocurrencies. | You can't connect platforms like MetaTrader 4 or TradingView—what you see is what you get. |
| Guaranteed stop-loss orders | Basic educational content |
| GSLOs help you lock in your maximum loss, even during market volatility—great for risk management. | The Trading Academy offers basic guides and videos but lacks depth for intermediate to advanced traders. |
| No commission or withdrawal fees | No social or copy trading features |
| You only pay the spread, and there are no hidden charges for withdrawing or depositing funds. | Unlike platforms like eToro, Plus500 doesn’t support community trading or strategy copying. |
| FCA regulated & FSCS protection | Inactivity fee applies |
| Plus500 is regulated by the FCA and offers up to £85,000 in FSCS protection for UK users. | If your account is inactive for more than 3 months, you’ll be charged a £10 quarterly fee. |
Final Verdict
Plus500 earns a strong 4.5-star rating for its combination of user-friendly design, diverse CFD offerings, and robust risk management tools. While the platform’s simplicity is a major strength, its lack of advanced research tools and social trading options may not appeal to all traders.
For anyone seeking a straightforward trading platform with comprehensive risk management features, Plus500 is a strong choice. To get started, explore the demo account to assess its features and suitability for your trading goals.
Featured Broker
- User Friendly
- Diverse CFD Offerings
- Transparent Fee Structure
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FAQs
Is Plus500 suitable for experienced traders?
Yes, Plus500 offers a wide range of CFDs, competitive spreads, and risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders, making it appealing for traders with some experience.
Does Plus500 work in the UK?
Yes, Plus500 is fully FCA-regulated and offers GBP transactions alongside FSCS protection. UK users can trade a variety of CFDs securely.
Does Plus500 use real money?
Yes, live trading on Plus500 involves real money. However, a demo account is available for practising and exploring the platform risk-free.
What fees does Plus500 charge?
Plus500 charges spreads, overnight funding fees, and inactivity fees but does not charge commissions or withdrawal fees. All costs are transparently displayed.
Can you go into debt with Plus500?
No, negative balance protection ensures that users cannot lose more money than their account balance.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Plus500 is regulated in the UK by the FCA.
- London Stock Exchange – Plus500 Ltd Company Profile
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) – Details UK protection
- Plus500 Official Website – Fees and Charges
- BBC – Understanding Leverage in Trading
- BBC – What is CFD Trading, and Why Is It So Popular?
- Trustpilot – Plus500 User Reviews
- Finance Magnates – Broker News and Analysis
