Plus500 Review Summary of 10 Points
Founded	2008
Headquarters	Israel
Regulation	FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FMA, MAS
Market Instruments	forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and options
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:30 (forex), 1:20 (indices), 1:10 (commodities), 1:2 (cryptocurrencies), 1:5 (stocks)
EUR/USD Spread	0.5 pips
Trading Platforms	own proprietary trading platform (desktop, web, and mobile)
Minimum deposit	$/€/£100
Customer Support	24/7 email, WhatsApp and live chat

What is Plus500？

Plus500 is an online trading platform that offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on a range of financial instruments including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, options, and indices. The platform was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Israel, with additional offices in the UK, Cyprus, Australia, and Singapore. Plus500 is authorized and regulated by several financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Cyprus, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. The platform is available in more than 50 countries and supports over 30 languages.

What Type of Broker is Plus500？

Plus500 is a CFD (Contracts for Difference) broker, which means that it offers trading on derivatives based on various financial assets without actually owning the underlying assets. Traders can speculate on the price movements of assets such as stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices without having to buy or sell the assets themselves. As a CFD broker, Plus500 allows traders to take both long and short positions, and offers leverage which can increase potential profits (and losses).

Pros & Cons

Plus500 is a good option for traders looking for a user-friendly platform to trade a wide range of markets and instruments, with competitive spreads and no commissions.

However, traders who require advanced charting tools, educational resources, and alternative trading platforms may need to consider other brokers.

Pros	Cons
• Simple and easy-to-use trading platform	• Limited product offering
• Commission-free trading	• Limited research and educational tools
• Tight spreads	• No support for MetaTrader platform
• Negative balance protection	• Limited customer support options
• Regulated by reputable financial authorities	• No phone support
• Free demo account	• Withdrawal fees for some payment methods
	• Limited trading tools and features

Note that the information presented in the table is based on general observations and may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

Plus500 Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Plus500, and the best one for you will depend on your individual trading needs and preferences. Here are some popular alternatives to Plus500:

• eToro: eToro is a social trading platform that allows you to copy the trades of other traders. It offers a wide range of trading instruments and has a user-friendly platform.

• IG: IG is a well-established broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities. It also offers a range of educational resources and has a user-friendly platform.

• XM: XM is a popular broker that offers competitive spreads and a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities. It also offers a range of educational resources and has a user-friendly platform.

• Pepperstone: Pepperstone is a popular broker that offers competitive spreads and a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities. It also offers a range of educational resources and has a user-friendly platform.

• IC Markets: IC Markets is a popular broker that offers competitive spreads and a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities. It also offers a range of educational resources and has a user-friendly platform.

It's important to do your own research and compare the features and fees of different brokers before making a decision.

Is Plus500 Safe or Scam？

Plus500 is considered legitimate as it is authorized and regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Plus500 is also publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange, which provides additional transparency and accountability. The broker has been in operation since 2008 and has a large and established customer base. However, it is worth noting that no broker is entirely risk-free, and traders should always do their own due diligence before depositing funds with any broker.

How are you protected？

Plus500 takes several measures to ensure the safety and protection of its clients, and the fact that it is a regulated broker provides additional reassurance to clients. Here is a table outlining how Plus500 protects its clients:

Protection Measure	Detail
Segregated Funds	Client funds are kept separate from company funds
Negative Balance Protection	Clients can't lose more than their account balance
Risk Management Tools	Stop loss, limit order and other tools to help manage risk
Account Verification	Rigorous account verification process to prevent fraud and unauthorized access
SSL Encryption	Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption used for all communication and data transfer
Regulatory Oversight	Regulated by multiple reputable financial authorities
Investor Compensation Fund	Eligible clients may receive compensation in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy

Note: This table provides a brief overview of Plus500's client protection measures and is not exhaustive. Clients should always refer to Plus500's official website and legal documents for complete and up-to-date information.

Our Conclusion on Plus500 Reliability:

Overall, Plus500 appears to be a reliable broker with a strong emphasis on client protection. The company is regulated by multiple reputable financial authorities, has a robust risk management system in place, and offers negative balance protection to clients. Plus500 also uses encryption technology to protect clients' personal and financial information.

However, it is important to note that no broker is completely risk-free, and clients should always carefully consider their investment goals and risk tolerance before trading with any broker.

Market Instruments

Plus500 offers a wide range of trading instruments including:

• Forex pairs - major, minor, and exotic currency pairs

• Stocks - CFDs on stocks from various international markets

• Indices - CFDs on major stock indices like S&P 500, Nasdaq, FTSE 100, and more

• Commodities - CFDs on precious metals, energies, and agricultural products

• Cryptocurrencies - CFDs on popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more

Accounts

Plus500 offers two types of accounts: a live trading account and a demo account.

The live trading account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and provides access to real-time market prices and trading in over 2,000 instruments. Traders can use leverage of up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:300 for professional clients. The live account offers various features such as stop loss, take profit, and guaranteed stop loss orders. There are no commissions charged on trades. Instead, the company earns money through the bid-ask spread.

The demo account is free and allows traders to practice trading using virtual funds with access to the same trading instruments as the live account. It is a great way for traders to learn how the platform works, practice trading strategies, and get familiar with trading instruments before investing real money. The demo account is available for unlimited time and can be used to test new trading strategies without the risk of losing real money.

Leverage

Plus500 offers leverage for different financial instruments. The maximum leverage offered depends on the instrument and the jurisdiction where the trader is located. In general, the leverage for forex trading can be up to 1:30 for retail clients in the European Union, and up to 1:300 for professional clients.

For other instruments, such as stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, the leverage can vary between 1:5 and 1:30 for retail clients, and up to 1:300 for professional clients.

It's important to note that higher leverage can amplify both profits and losses, and traders should use it with caution and proper risk management.

Spreads & Commissions

Plus500 offers floating spreads on all trading instruments, meaning the spreads can fluctuate based on market conditions. The spreads can start from as low as 0.5 pips for major currency pairs like EUR/USD. Plus500 does not charge any commission on trades, and their revenue comes solely from the spreads offered.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission
Plus500	0.5 pips	No
eToro	1.0 pips	No
IG	0.75 pips	Yes
XM	1.6 pips	No
Pepperstone	0.16 pips	Yes
IC Markets	0.1 pips	Yes

Note that spreads and commissions are subject to change and can vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and other factors. Traders should always check the broker's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Trading Platforms

The Plus500 trading platform is an in-house developed web-based platform that can be accessed directly from the Plus500 website. The platform is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for traders to navigate and trade various financial instruments. It is also available in several languages.

The Plus500 trading platform offers several advanced features, including price alerts, real-time charts, and technical analysis tools. The platform also includes a demo account that traders can use to practice trading without risking any real money.

Overall, the Plus500 trading platform is well-designed and functional, but it may lack some of the advanced features found in other trading platforms. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platforms
Plus500	Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Windows Trader, Plus500 mobile app
eToro	eToro WebTrader, eToro mobile app
IG	IG Trading Platform, IG mobile app
XM	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XM WebTrader, XM mobile app
Pepperstone	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, Pepperstone mobile app
IC Markets	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, IC Markets mobile app

Deposits & Withdrawals

Plus500 offers several deposit and withdrawal methods, including:

• Credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard)

• PayPal

• Bank transfer

• Electronic wallets (Skrill, Neteller)

It's worth noting that the availability of certain payment methods may vary depending on your location.

Plus500 does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, but some payment providers may charge transaction fees, which should be checked with the provider directly. Plus500 also requires users to withdraw funds using the same payment method that was used for depositing funds, up to the deposited amount. Any excess profits can be withdrawn using any other payment method supported by Plus500.

Minimum deposit requirement

The minimum deposit requirement for Plus500 varies depending on the jurisdiction and the account type. In general, the minimum deposit ranges from $100 to $1,000. For example, in the UK, the minimum deposit is £100. In Australia, it is AUD 100, and in the EU, it is €100. It is recommended to check the specific minimum deposit requirement for your country and account type on the Plus500 website.

Plus500 minimum deposit vs other brokers

	Plus500	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$/€/£100	$/€/£100

Plus500 Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from Plus500, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Plus500 account and click on the “Funds Management” tab.

Step 2: Click on “Withdrawal” and select your preferred withdrawal method.

Step 3: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and any additional information required for the withdrawal method you have chosen.

Step 4: Click on “Submit” to initiate the withdrawal process.

It is worth noting that Plus500 may require additional documentation or information to verify your identity before processing your withdrawal request. The processing time for withdrawals may also vary depending on your chosen withdrawal method.

Fees

Plus500 charges overnight funding fees for holding positions overnight. There are no fees for deposits and withdrawals, and inactivity fees only apply after three months of inactivity.

The overnight funding fee is a cost incurred for holding positions overnight and can be a credit or debit to your account depending on the direction of the position and the prevailing interest rates. The funding rate varies based on the instrument traded.

It is important to note that Plus500 may also charge additional fees for certain actions like guaranteed stop-loss orders or currency conversions.

Overall, while the fees for Plus500 are relatively low, traders should be aware of the potential for higher overnight funding fees, as well as any additional fees that may apply for certain actions.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
Plus500	Free	$5-$10	$10/month
eToro	Free	$5	$10/month
IG	Free	Free	$18/month
XM	Free	Free	$5/month
Pepperstone	Free	Free	$0
IC Markets	Free	$3.5	$0

Customer Service

Plus500 offers customer service through email, WhatsApp and live chat. The live chat is available 24/7, while email and WhatsApp support is available during business hours. Plus500 also provides an extensive FAQ section on their website, which covers many commonly asked questions about their services and trading platform.

You can also follow Plus500 on some social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Overall, Plus500's customer service is considered to be adequate, with prompt responses and helpful support staff. However, some users have reported difficulty reaching support during busy times or experiencing long wait times for responses to their queries.

Pros	Cons
• 24/7 customer support via live chat	• No phone support available
• Multilingual support	• Sometimes response is not prompt
• User-friendly help center and FAQ section

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Plus500's customer service.

Education

Plus500 provides an educational section on their website, which includes video tutorials, a demo account, and a FAQ section. The educational resources cover topics such as trading basics, technical analysis, and risk management. However, the educational content is relatively limited compared to some other brokers and may not be sufficient for beginners looking to learn about trading.

Conclusion

Overall, Plus500 is a reputable and reliable online broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform, competitive spreads, and a wide range of trading instruments. It has a strong regulatory framework and offers various measures to protect its clients. Plus500 also provides excellent customer service with a 24/7 support team available via live chat.

However, Plus500 does have some drawbacks, such as limited educational resources, lack of a dedicated account manager, and a relatively high inactivity fee. Additionally, the broker's trading platform may not be suitable for advanced traders who require advanced charting tools and features.

In summary, Plus500 is an excellent option for beginner traders who are looking for a straightforward and easy-to-use trading platform with a low minimum deposit requirement. It is also a good choice for experienced traders who prioritize a strong regulatory framework and reliable customer service over advanced trading features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is Plus500 regulated？
A 1:	Yes. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FMA, and MAS.

Q 2:	Does Plus500 offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes.

Q 3:	Does Plus500 offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	No. Instead, Plus500 offers its own proprietary trading platform (desktop, web, and mobile).

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for Plus500？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $/€/£100.

Q 5:	Is Plus500 a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. Plus500 is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.

Darwinex	Basic Information
Founded in	2012
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom
Regulation	FCA
Minimum Initial Deposit	$500
Demo Account	Yes
Asset Classes	Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Futures
Trading Platforms	MT4, MT5
Social/Copy Trading	Yes
Maximum Leverage	1:200
Minimum Spread	0.0 pips
Commission	From $5 per lot
Payment methods	Bank transfers, Credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller
Customer support	Live chat, Email support, Phone support

Overview of Darwinex

Darwinex is a UK-based financial services firm that offers a range of investment and trading services to clients. The company was founded in 2012 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Darwinex is known for its unique trading platform that allows traders to develop and sell their trading strategies to other investors.

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares, which can be traded on its proprietary trading platform, as well as on MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). The company offers both fixed and variable spreads, with the latter starting from 0.0 pips. Darwinex does not charge any commissions on forex trades.

Darwinex offers several account types to cater to the different needs of traders, including a Standard Account, a Professional Account, and a Corporate Account. The Standard Account has a minimum deposit requirement of €500 and offers leverage of up to 1:30 for forex trading.

Is Darwinex Legit or a scam？

Darwinex is a legitimate and regulated broker. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and it also holds an MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) passport for the European Union. Additionally, Darwinex uses segregated bank accounts to hold client funds, which provides an extra layer of security for traders. However, as with any broker, it is important for traders to conduct their own due diligence and research before opening an account with Darwinex or any other broker.

Market Instruments

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments in various asset classes, including:

• Forex currency pairs: Darwinex provides access to major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Some popular pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD.

• Stock CFDs: Darwinex allows trading on a variety of popular stock CFDs, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Tesla, among others.

• Commodity CFDs: Traders can also access commodity CFDs such as gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

• Index CFDs: Darwinex provides trading on popular index CFDs, such as the US30, UK100, and GER30.

• ETFs: Darwinex also allows trading on a selection of ETFs, including SPDR S&P 500 ETF, iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF.

Account Types

Darwinex provides its clients with the flexibility to choose from three different types of accounts, each designed to cater to specific needs. The first account type is designed for traders who are more involved in the day-to-day activities of the market. The second and third account type, on the other hand, is designed for investors who prefer to take a more hands-off approach and let their investments grow over time. The minimum deposit to open either account is $10,000.

Pros	Cons
Classic account allows trading with low spreads and no commission	Limited leverage available on Classic account
DarwinIA eligibility to earn performance fees on DARWINs	Performance fees on DARWINs
Personalized default leverage up to 1:200 for professional traders	No negative balance protection on Classic account
Unlimited trading accounts for traders and investors	High minimum deposit of $500
Ability to switch between MT4 and MT5 trading platforms	Only two account types available
Stocks DARWIN account provides access to commission-free stocks trading	High commission on Futures DARWIN account
Futures DARWIN account provides access to futures trading with low margin requirements	Limited futures trading instruments available

How to open a live account？

1. Visit the Darwinex website and click on the “Open a live account” button.

1. Fill out the registration form with your personal information, such as name, email, phone number, and address.

1. Select the account type you want to open, either Classic, DARWIN or MetaTrader, and choose the currency of your account.

2. Complete the verification process by providing a copy of your ID and proof of address. You can upload the documents through your account dashboard.

3. Choose your preferred deposit method and fund your account with a minimum deposit of $500.

4. Download and install the trading platform of your choice, either MT4 or MT5.

5. Start trading by placing your first order.

Leverage

Darwinex offers varying levels of leverage to suit the needs of different traders. The maximum leverage available for forex trading is 1:200, while for stock trading it is 1:20. However, it's important to note that leverage can be a double-edged sword and while it can magnify potential profits, it can also magnify potential losses. Therefore, traders should exercise caution and use appropriate risk management strategies when trading with leverage. Darwinex also offers negative balance protection, ensuring that traders do not lose more than their account balance in the event of significant market movements.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Darwinex operates a variable spread model, meaning that the spread on its trading instruments may vary depending on market conditions. The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price of a trading instrument, and it represents the cost of trading with the broker. The typical spreads offered by Darwinex are competitive, and they start from as low as 0.5 pips on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD.

In terms of commissions, Darwinex charges a commission on trades executed on its MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. The commission charged depends on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. For example, on the Classic account, the commission charged on forex trades is 0.0035% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 2.5 units of the account currency. On the other hand, the commission charged on stocks trades on the DarwinIA account is 0.1% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 4 units of the account currency.

Non-trading Fees

Darwinex charges a few non-trading fees, such as inactivity fees and withdrawal fees. The inactivity fee is charged when the account has been inactive for more than 60 days and amounts to €/$/£ 36 per month.However, the inactivity fee is waived for clients with a balance of €500 or more. It is important to note that the inactivity fee may be subject to change, and clients are advised to check the Darwinex website for the latest information on fees and charges.The withdrawal fee varies depending on the payment method, and the minimum withdrawal amount is set at €/$/£ 100.

Trading Platform

Darwinex offers its clients two popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Both platforms are available in desktop, web, and mobile versions, providing traders with the flexibility to choose the platform that best suits their trading needs and preferences.

MetaTrader 4 is one of the most widely used trading platforms in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting capabilities. MT4 supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of automated trading systems, also known as Expert Advisors (EAs). Traders can access a range of technical indicators and charting tools, as well as real-time news and market analysis. MT4 also provides a secure and stable trading environment, with fast and reliable trade execution.

MetaTrader 5 is the successor to MT4 and is considered to be an even more advanced platform, with additional features and capabilities. Like MT4, it also supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of EAs. MT5 offers more advanced charting tools, with additional timeframes and more technical indicators. It also supports more types of pending orders, including Buy Stop Limit and Sell Stop Limit. Additionally, MT5 provides a built-in economic calendar and a customizable news feed, allowing traders to stay up-to-date with the latest market news and events.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by Darwinex, Exness, and IC Markets:

Trading Platform	Darwinex	Exness	IC Markets
MetaTrader 4	✓	✓	✓
MetaTrader 5	✓	✓	✓
cTrader	✗	✗	✓
WebTrader	✓	✓	✓
Mobile Trading	✓	✓	✓
Social Trading	✓	✗	✗
API Trading	✓	✓	✓
VPS Hosting	✓	✓	✓

Deposit & Withdrawal

Darwinex offers several deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. The available deposit methods are Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and UnionPay. It's worth noting that deposits made by bank transfer may take longer to process compared to other deposit methods.

Minimum Deposit

When it comes to the minimum deposit requirement, Darwinex may not be the most cost-effective option in the market as it requires a minimum deposit of $500, which can be perceived as relatively high compared to some of its competitors in the industry. However, it is worth noting that the minimum deposit amount varies among brokers and is often influenced by various factors such as the type of account, the trading platform, and the financial instruments offered.

Broker	Minimum Deposit
Darwinex	$500
IG	$0
Saxo Bank	$10,000
eToro	$50
Plus500	$100
AvaTrade	$100

When it comes to withdrawals, Darwinex processes them through the same deposit method used. There are no fees charged for withdrawal requests, but it's worth noting that the receiving bank or payment provider may apply their own fees. Darwinex does not charge any inactivity fees, which is a plus for traders who may not be active in their accounts for a certain period of time.

Pros	Cons
Multiple deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, Skrill, and UnionPay.	High minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Fast and secure deposit processing.	Withdrawal fees for some methods.
No deposit fees.	Limited withdrawal options compared to other brokers.
No withdrawal fees for the first 30 days of each calendar month.	Only one free withdrawal per month.
Additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication and segregated client accounts.	Withdrawal processing times may take longer than other brokers.

Customer Support

Darwinex offers several customer support channels to its clients. The broker provides customer support in English and Spanish through email, phone, and live chat.

Clients can reach out to Darwinex's customer support team through email at support@darwinex.com. The broker also has a phone line that clients can use to contact customer support during market hours. Additionally, clients can get in touch with Darwinex's support team through live chat, which is available on the broker's website.

Darwinex also has an extensive FAQ section on its website, which covers a range of topics such as account opening, funding and withdrawals, trading, and more. The broker's website also features a knowledge base that clients can use to learn about various aspects of trading and investing.

Educational Resources

Darwinex offers a range of educational resources to help traders develop their skills and knowledge. They provide regular webinars, articles, and trading guides covering a range of topics such as trading psychology, risk management, technical analysis, and more. They also offer a blog where traders can keep up to date with the latest market news and analysis.

In addition, Darwinex has a community section where traders can share ideas and interact with each other. This provides a platform for traders to learn from each other, share experiences, and get support from the community.

Conclusion

Darwinex is a regulated online broker that provides access to a range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and futures. The broker offers a choice of trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5, and competitive spreads and commissions. However, the minimum deposit requirement of $500 may be considered high compared to some other brokers, and the range of payment methods is limited. Darwinex also offers some educational resources and customer support in multiple languages, although some traders may find these to be limited. Overall, Darwinex may be a suitable choice for experienced traders looking for a range of instruments and competitive trading conditions, but beginner traders may find the broker's high minimum deposit and limited educational resources challenging.

FAQs

• Q: What is Darwinex？

  A：Darwinex is a UK-based online broker that provides access to forex, stock, and commodity markets. It also offers social trading services where traders can buy and sell trading strategies.

• Q: Is Darwinex regulated？

  A：Yes, Darwinex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

• Q: What trading platforms does Darwinex offer？

A： Darwinex offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms.

• Q: What account types are available at Darwinex？

A：Darwinex offers three types of accounts, including Classic, Stocks Darwin and Futures Darwin.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account at Darwinex？

A：The minimum deposit required to open a Classic account is $500.