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)

Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.