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:
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)
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