Plus500 Review 2025
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 stocks, commodities, indices, options, and forex. It offers a regulated and secure environment with features such as tight spreads, risk management tools, and a streamlined mobile app. These qualities make Plus500 especially appealing to traders looking for a simple yet professional platform to pursue short-term trading opportunities across global markets.
- Minimum Deposit: £100 (varies by funding method)
- Trade CFDs on global markets—speculate on price movements 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
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Platform | User-friendly interface with intuitive design |
| Instruments | CFDs on stocks, indices, forex, ETFs, commodities |
| Costs | No commissions, tight spreads, inactivity fee after 3 months |
| Tools | Advanced risk management features including GSLO |
| Education | Trading Academy, webinars, and market insights |
| Support | Multiple contact channels available |
| Security | SSL-protected platform with FSCS protection |
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 | No commissions and tight spreads—EUR/USD averages around 1.2 pips |
| Overnight Funding | Charged for holding positions overnight—varies depending on the asset |
| Currency Conversion Fee | Applied when trading in a currency different from your account currency |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month charged after 3 months of no trading activity |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss Order (GSLO) | Available 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 day 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 Reliable Trading
Want to manage risk effectively when trading on Plus500? Here are a few smart habits to keep in mind:
Always set stop-loss orders – they help you define a clear exit point and limit potential losses.
Use leverage responsibly – Plus500 provides built-in limits to prevent overleveraging, but it’s still important to choose position sizes that match your risk tolerance.
Diversify your portfolio – spreading trades across different asset classes or sectors can reduce the impact of a single losing position.
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—Plus500UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 509909), 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.
| What's Offered | Considerations |
|---|---|
| User-friendly platform interface on desktop and mobile | Platform-specific trading only (no MT4/TradingView) |
| CFDs on 2,800+ instruments (stocks, indices, forex, ETFs, commodities) | No social or copy trading features |
| No commissions with tight spreads | Inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months |
| Advanced risk management tools including GSLO | Research tools focus on essential analysis |
| No deposit or withdrawal fees | Trading Academy and educational resources cover fundamentals |
| SSL-secured platform with FSCS protection | Single platform option without third-party integrations |
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
