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.

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:

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:

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:

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 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:

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.

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)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

What is IFC Markets？

IFC Markets is an international online broker that provides a wide range of financial instruments and trading services to clients worldwide. The company offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies through multiple trading platforms, including NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. However, IFC Markets operates as an unregulated broker, and traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in any trading activities.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

IFC Markets offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with flexibility and opportunities for learning. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, as well as 24/7 customer support, adds convenience for traders.

However, the lack of regulation raises concerns about investor protection and the reported instances of scams and withdrawal issues highlight potential risks. The limited information on spreads and commissions may also make it difficult for traders to assess trading costs accurately.

Please note that the information provided is based on the available data and may not reflect the complete picture of the pros and cons of IFC Markets. It's always recommended to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when choosing a broker for trading activities.

IFC Markets Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to IFC Markets depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Trading 212 - for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with a wide range of tradable instruments and a commission-free trading model.

• TrioMarkets - for experienced traders looking for competitive spreads, multiple account types, and access to various trading platforms.

• XGLOBAL Markets - for traders who prioritize competitive pricing, fast execution, and a diverse range of financial instruments for trading.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is IFC Markets Safe or Scam？

IFC Markets is a forex and CFD broker that holds licenses from various regulatory authorities, including CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), FSC (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission), and LFSA (Labuan Financial Services Authority). However, the CySEC license is exceeded, the FSC license is from an offshore jurisdiction, and the LFSA license is a suspicious clone.

It's important to note that having multiple licenses does not necessarily guarantee the safety or legitimacy of a broker. Traders should exercise caution when dealing with brokers that have offshore licenses or licenses from less reputable jurisdictions. It's recommended to conduct thorough research, consider the broker's reputation, and carefully assess the risks before engaging in any trading activities.

Market Instruments

IFC Markets provides a wide range of trading instruments to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. Traders can access over 650 instruments, including currency pairs, precious metals like gold and silver, continuous index CFDs, stock CFDs, and cryptocurrency CFDs.

Currency pairs offer opportunities to trade major, minor, and exotic pairs, allowing traders to participate in the global forex market. Precious metals provide an alternative investment option and a hedge against inflation. Continuous index CFDs enable traders to speculate on the performance of popular stock indices, while stock CFDs allow for trading on the price movements of individual company shares. Additionally, the inclusion of cryptocurrency CFDs allows traders to gain exposure to the volatile and rapidly evolving digital asset market.

Accounts

To meet different types of investors' investment needs and trading experience, IFC Markets offers two live account types. The Beginner account is designed for novice traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1 USD, 1 EUR, or 100 JPY. This account type provides access to a range of trading instruments and features, allowing beginners to start their trading journey with a smaller initial investment.

The Standard account, on the other hand, is suitable for more experienced traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1000 USD, 1000 EUR, or 100,000 JPY. It offers additional benefits and features, including access to more trading instruments, tighter spreads, and personalized customer support.

In addition to live accounts, IFC Markets also offers demo accounts for practice and testing strategies, as well as Islamic Accounts/SWAP-free accounts for clients who adhere to Islamic finance principles. These account options provide flexibility and cater to the diverse needs of traders at different skill levels.

Leverage

IFC Markets provides its clients with leverage options of up to 1:400. Leverage allows traders to control larger positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. With a leverage ratio of 1:400, traders can amplify their potential profits or losses by 400 times. While leverage can enhance trading opportunities, it is important to note that it also carries higher risks. Higher leverage increases the potential for both gains and losses, and traders should exercise caution and employ risk management strategies when utilizing leverage.

IFC Markets' offering of high leverage provides traders with the flexibility to adjust their trading strategies and access a larger market exposure, but it is crucial for traders to have a thorough understanding of leverage and its implications before engaging in leveraged trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

IFC Markets offers competitive spreads to its clients. Traders have the option to choose between fixed spreads and floating spreads. The fixed spreads start from 1.8 pips, providing traders with a clear and consistent cost of trading. On the other hand, the floating spreads start from as low as 0.4 pips, allowing traders to potentially benefit from tighter spreads during periods of market volatility or when liquidity is high.

One advantage of trading with IFC Markets is that they do not charge any hidden commissions on trades. This means that traders can have greater transparency and clarity regarding their trading costs. By offering competitive spreads and transparent fee structures, IFC Markets aims to provide traders with a cost-effective trading environment.

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

Please note that spreads and commissions can vary depending on market conditions, account type, and trading platform. It is always advisable to check with the broker directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

IFC Markets offers traders NetTradeX, the market-leading MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Both MT4 and MT5 are the most popular forex trading platforms on the market, and both support iOS, Android, and tablet versions, allowing traders to trade flexibly. NetTradeX is IFC Markets' proprietary trading platform, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of advanced trading tools. It is designed to cater to the needs of both beginner and experienced traders.

MT4 and MT5, on the other hand, are popular and widely used platforms in the industry. They offer comprehensive charting capabilities, advanced order management tools, and a wide range of technical indicators and expert advisors for automated trading.

The availability of multiple platforms allows traders to choose the one that best suits their trading preferences and strategies.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Please note that this information is subject to change, and it's always recommended to verify the availability of specific trading platforms with the respective brokers directly.

Deposits & Withdrawals

IFC Markets offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal options to cater to the needs of its clients. Traders can choose from various methods such as International Bank Transfer, bank cards (Visa/MasterCard), Pasargad Novin, Cryptocurrencies, TopChange, Perfect Money, Boleto, Bitwallet, WebMoney, ADVCash, and Fasapay.

IFC Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts, fees, and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method. It is recommended to refer to the provided screenshots or consult the IFC Markets website for detailed information on each payment option.

Customer Service

IFC Markets is committed to providing comprehensive customer support to assist its clients. With 24/7 availability, traders can reach out to the support team through various channels, including 19 languages live chat, phone, email, Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or by requesting a callback. This wide range of communication options ensures that clients can choose the method that is most convenient for them.

Additionally, IFC Markets maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, allowing clients to stay updated on the latest news and developments. Furthermore, an FAQ section is available on the website, providing answers to frequently asked questions and assisting traders in finding quick solutions to common queries.

Overall, IFC Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Education

IFC Markets places great emphasis on providing educational resources to support traders of all skill levels. Their educational offerings include a variety of materials designed to enhance traders' knowledge and skills. Video tutorials are available, offering step-by-step guidance on various trading topics. Additionally, Forex and CFD trading books provide in-depth information and insights into market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

Traders can also benefit from the Trader's Glossary, which contains a comprehensive list of terms and definitions commonly used in the financial markets. For those who seek a more structured learning experience, the IFCM Trading Academy offers courses tailored to different levels of expertise, including beginner, intermediate, and expert.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of scams and unable to withdraw. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IFC Markets offers a diverse range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with opportunities for growth and flexibility. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, along with responsive customer support, adds convenience to the trading experience.

However, the lack of regulatory licenses and reports of scams and withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the broker. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options with stronger regulatory oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)