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.

Aspect	Information
Company Name	Interactive Brokers
Registered Country/Area	United States
Founded year	1978
Regulation	Suspicious Clone under ASIC, FCA, CBI, MAS
Market Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, futures, CFDs, cryptocurrencies, warrants, structured products
Minimum Deposit	$0
Customer Support	Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn)

Overview of Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers, founded in the United States, offers a wide array of trading assets including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures, providing traders with various opportunities across global markets.

However, risks have been raised about its legitimacy, with reports of the platform being identified as a suspicious clone. Traders are directly impacted by the platform's regulatory status, influencing oversight, transparency, and legal protections. Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation, emphasizing the importance of due diligence.

Is Interactive Brokers legit or a scam？

Interactive Brokers is identified as Suspicious Clone under various regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

However, the presence of “Suspicious Clone” designations in some regions suggests potential regulatory risks. Traders on the platform are directly impacted by the regulatory status, as it influences the level of oversight, transparency, and legal protections afforded to their investments.

Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation. Thus, traders are likely to favor jurisdictions where Interactive Brokers maintains clear and reputable regulatory standing, ensuring a safer trading environment.

What are Clone Brokers？

The prevalence of clone brokers is increasingly alarming, as deceptive entities exploit the names of reputable firms to lure unsuspecting clients into believing they are trading with regulated forex firms.

These fraudulent companies go to great lengths, even utilizing the license numbers of legitimate brokers, to deceive traders into opening accounts with them. Remaining vigilant is paramount to avoid falling prey to such scams. Additionally, these unscrupulous entities resort to aggressive tactics, akin to boiler room operations, pressuring clients into opening accounts or increasing their deposits.

It's crucial to heed the adage: if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Traders must exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any brokerage firm to safeguard their investments and financial security.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Wide range of tradable assets	Identify as Suspicious Clone
Access to global markets	Limited customer support options
	Potential for technical glitches
	Risk of exposure to scams

Pros:

• Wide range of tradable assets: Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of tradable assets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures. This diversity provides traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore various investment strategies, catering to different risk appetites and objectives.

• Access to global markets: The platform grants users access to a broad range of global markets, enabling them to trade securities and currencies from around the world. This global reach allows traders to capitalize on international market trends, economic developments, and geopolitical events, enhancing their trading flexibility and potential for profit.

Cons:

• Identified as Suspicious Clone: Some users have reported instances where Interactive Brokers was identified as a suspicious clone, potentially raising risks about the platform's legitimacy and trustworthiness. Such allegations can undermine user confidence and deter participation in trading activities.

• Limited customer support options: Interactive Brokers may offer limited options for customer support, which can lead to delays in addressing user inquiries, resolving issues, or providing assistance when needed. This lack of robust support channels may frustrate users and hinder their overall trading experience.

• Potential for technical glitches: Like any online platform, Interactive Brokers is susceptible to technical glitches or system failures, which can disrupt trading activities, cause delays in order execution, or lead to inaccuracies in account information. These technical issues may impede users' ability to trade effectively and impact their overall experience on the platform.

• Risk of exposure to scams: Users may face the risk of exposure to scams or fraudulent activities associated with Interactive Brokers, such as clone brokers attempting to deceive traders. Falling victim to such schemes can result in financial losses and damage to one's reputation, highlighting the importance of vigilance and due diligence when engaging with the platform.

Market Instruments

Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of tradable financial instruments on its platform.

Traders can access a variety of assets including Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Funds, Bonds, Options, Futures, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, Warrants, and Structured Products.

This extensive selection provides traders with opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios and pursue different trading strategies across global markets.

With access to such a broad array of instruments, traders have the flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities and manage risk effectively.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Interactive Brokers offers a variety of payment methods to fund your account:

• Bank wire transfer: This is the most common and preferred method. It's free for most currencies.

• ACH transfer: This is another electronic transfer option available for US accounts. It's also free.

• Check: You can mail a check to Interactive Brokers. However, there may be processing fees and delays associated with this method.

• Wire transfer from another brokerage: You can transfer funds from another brokerage account to your Interactive Brokers account. This may be subject to fees from both brokers.

• Bill pay: This option is available for US accounts only. It allows you to pay your Interactive Brokers account from your bank's online bill pay service.

• Third-party deposits: Interactive Brokers generally discourages and rejects third-party deposits due to potential fraud and money laundering risks.

There is no minimum deposit required to open an Interactive Brokers account. This makes it a good option for beginners who want to start with a small amount of money.

Customer Support

Interactive Brokers provides the following contact information for customer support:

1. Twitter: @IBKR

2. Facebook: Interactive Brokers

3. Instagram: Interactive Brokers

4. YouTube: Interactive Brokers

5. LinkedIn: Interactive Brokers

These social media platforms serve as channels for reaching out to Interactive Brokers for support and assistance. However, Interactive Brokers' customer support lacks efficiency and responsiveness. Traders often encounter significant delays in receiving assistance, with support tickets remaining unresolved for extended periods. Communication channels such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn are available, but their effectiveness in addressing customer risks is questionable.

Exposure

Users have reported a single instance of exposure related to a pyramid scheme complaint, which unveiled a potential scam on the Interactive Brokers platform.

The complaint alleges that the platform induced clients to participate in activities, promising withdrawal options upon event completion. However, upon attempting to withdraw profits, users encountered obstacles, including unexpected tax requirements not deducted from the platform. The inability to access funds and unresponsive customer service exacerbates the situation for affected users. Such exposure to fraudulent activities undermines trust and confidence in the platform, potentially dissuading traders from engaging in further transactions.

Conclusion

This instance of Interactive Brokers is suspected to be a clone operated by a company known as Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Notably, this particular iteration of Interactive Brokers lacks regulation, posing potential risks for traders. Therefore, it is advisable for traders to refrain from engaging with this broker.