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    Plus500 Review

    Kevin Groves
    Posted by: Kevin GrovesUpdated Feb 18th, 2023

    The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. We may receive compensation from our partners if you visit their website. Read our disclaimer to learn how we make money.

    Plus500 is an Israel-based broker that offers more than 2,800 crypto, stock, forex, ETF, and commodity CFDs. However, as the platform is limited to CFDs, investors looking to spot-purchase cryptocurrency could be disappointed by Plus500. However, with its broad range of financial instruments, Plus500 makes getting exposure to multiple asset classes cheap and straightforward. This Plus500 review will discuss the trading platform's best features, supported assets, leverage limits, and fees while comparing it to some of the other best crypto leverage platforms.

    Trading Fees:Spread & other fees
    Country:Israel
    Currency:GBP, AUD, EUR & others
    Promotion:None available at this time
    Ease of useStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
    ReputationStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
    Deposit methodsStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
    FeesStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star

    Remember that CFDs are a leveraged product and can result in the loss of your entire capital. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.

    Our Plus500 Review - Quick Verdict

    Plus500 is a broker that allows users to trade CFDs in most major asset classes. The broker supports cryptocurrency, stocks, commodities, forex, and indices. While Plus500 is a well-rounded broker for those looking to trade a wide range of financial instruments, it does not provide exposure to any underlying asset, meaning it’s not very viable for spot positions or long-term holds. Instead, Plus500 is better suited to those looking to use leverage to take advantage of short-term drops and pumps.

    Overall, Plus500 is a solid platform likely to appeal to traders. However, long-term investors are unlikely to be fans of its CFD-only nature. With that said, Plus500 boasts competitive fees and excellent educational materials, making it a solid choice for experienced traders or beginners looking to get into CFD trading.

    Plus500 Pros:
    • Trading Academy to help beginners traders
    • Competitive spread-based fees that promotes frequent trading
    • +Insights market analysis and sentiment to assist decision making
    Plus500 Pros:
    • CFD-Only which means cannot buy actual crypto assets
    • Limited selection of cryptocurrencies compared to other brokers

    Pros Explained

    • Trading Academy. Having resources designed to educate traders is a massive bonus for any platform. It increases the broker’s users’ success rates while promoting responsible trading. While primarily beginner-centric, the Academy features some information that even advanced traders could utilize.
    • Competitive Fees. Nobody wants to trade with a broker only to be faced with huge or unexpected fees. However, Plus500 offers competitive a competitive fee structure that promotes frequent trading. Furthermore, the company is transparent about any charges, avoiding nasty surprises.
    • +Insights. Market research is massively helpful in making informed decisions. For example, the +Insights service offered by Plus500 provides a massive amount of data covering trader sentiment on every asset on the platform. Knowledgeable traders can use this information to trade market trends, while beginners can use it to assist in decision-making.

    Cons Explained

    • CFD-Only. While not uncommon in the industry, being a CFD-only platform does hinder Plus500. As CFDs are typically leveraged and incur overnight funding fees, they’re seldom worth holding for the long term. As such, investors focused on more extended time frames will be disincentivized by Plus500’s offerings.
    • Limited Cryptocurrencies. Plus500 only features 19 crypto-based assets on its broker, with one being an index and another being a pair of two cryptocurrencies already supported by the broker. With Plus500 only supporting the largest cryptocurrencies, those looking to trade smaller cap projects will be better served by a crypto-specific exchange like Binance (read our full Binance review).
    Visit Plus500

    Disclaimer: 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 At A Glance

    Broker NamePlus500
    FeaturesMultiple Account Types, Propriety Crypto CFDs, Trading Platform, +Insights, Trading Academy
    Accepted Fiat CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, PLN, HUF, CZK, TRY, NOK, CHF, SGD, and SEK
    Deposit MethodsBank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, E-Wallet
    Supported Cryptocurrencies17+ Cryptos and Crypto 10 Index
    Number of Trading Pairs19
    Trading FeesSpread Based
    Customer SupportEmail, WhatsApp, Live Chat
    Security MeasuresSSL, 2FA, Segregated Accounts, Audited
    Mobile AppYes (Android and iOS)

    Overview of Plus500

    Founded in 2008, Plus500 is a leading provider of Contracts for Difference (CFDs). The broker lets people speculate on various financial markets, including cryptocurrencies, shares, forex (FX), commodities, ETFs, options, and indices. However, as a CFD provider, Plus500 provides no exposure to any underlying assets. The 23+ million Plus500 users can trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin with retail CFD accounts boasting up to 1:5 leverage, making the platform excellent for experienced traders looking to open short to medium-term positions.

    Plus500 websitePlus500 website

    As far as credibility and reputation, Pluss500 is a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and, as such, is regulated by several prominent financial authorities. These include the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (SFSA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

    As a global company, Plus500 serves users in many countries. However, the broker is unavailable to residents of countries where CFD trading is prohibited, like the US. Furthermore, UK residents are unable to trade cryptocurrencies on the platform.

    Plus500 Compared and Alternatives

    ExchangeCrypto AssetsTrading FeesRatingPromotionWebsiteReview
    eToro

    eToro

    791%
    RatingOur ratings take into account the ease of use, fees, deposit methods along with the exchange's reputation. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
    4.6/5
    StarStarStarStarEmpty Star
    None available at this timeVisit eToro

    eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. Archived, "Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk."

    eToro Review
    uphold logo

    Uphold

    2371.5% (spread)
    RatingOur ratings take into account the ease of use, fees, deposit methods along with the exchange's reputation. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
    4.5/5
    StarStarStarStarEmpty Star
    None available at this timeVisit UpholdUphold Review
    Prime XBT Logo

    Prime XBT

    390.05%
    RatingOur ratings take into account the ease of use, fees, deposit methods along with the exchange's reputation. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
    4.4/5
    StarStarStarStarEmpty Star
    None available at this timeVisit Prime XBTPrime XBT Review

    Review of the Top Features on Plus500

    Below, we’ll highlight a few of the top features offered by Plus500.

    +Insights

    Using the +Insights feature, users can find the most traded, viewed, and followed instruments offered by the broker. Furthermore, there are options to search for the most bought/sold assets and those that have generated the most significant profits for traders.

    Access to high-level analytical information, as offered by +Insights, is invaluable when selecting which assets to trade. While it would be nice to see some broader market research, anything to help users make the correct decision is likely to be widely appreciated by traders of all experience levels.

    Plus500 +insights featurePlus500 +insights feature

    Trading Academy

    Packed with free educational resources and designed to teach beginners the ins and outs of trading, this academy features informative videos discussing topics like popular trading strategies, different types of charts, slippage, and risk-reward ratios. In addition to the trading academy video guides, there is also a Plus500 ebook that explains the basics of trading in text format. Platforms offering educational materials are commonplace in the industry, with large brokers like eToro and Capital.com offering such a service.

    Plus500 trading academyPlus500 trading academy

    Nevertheless, free educational resources go a long way when it comes to assisting new traders. Unfortunately, there is far too much false information, so Plus500 Trading Academy will likely provide substantial assistance.

    Multiple Accounts

    Everybody is different. As such, it can be hugely beneficial for a broker to offer a range of other accounts. The platform ensures that everyone has the correct tools by taking such an approach. On top of providing retail CFD accounts, Plus500 provides its users with a crypto demo account funded with $40,000 or the equivalent in the account’s currency. In contrast to some trading platforms, the Plus500 demo account utilizes actual prices and charts, making a demo account an excellent way to practice trading.

    While retail investor accounts are likely to suit most uses, professional or institutional investors could benefit from a Plus500 professional account. With access to increased leverage and superior margin maintenance requirements, a professional account will likely appeal to experienced traders with a proven track record.

    Plus500 Account Creation and ID Verification

    The Plus500 account opening process can be completed in just a few clicks. Just head to the Plus500 website, press ‘Register,’ enter an email and password, then click create an account. After confirming the sign-up via email, the user will gain access to the trading platform.

    While a demo account is available on Plus500, ID verification is necessary for users looking to trade CFDs on the platform because it’s a regulated broker. Verification requires the user to confirm their identity by providing a photo ID (passport, driving license) and proof of address (bank statement, utility bill).

    Creating a Plus500 AccountCreating a Plus500 Account

    Supported Fiat Currencies and Deposit Methods

    Investors reading a Plus500 review will likely be interested in which fiat currencies and deposit methods the exchange supports. When setting up a Plus500 retail account, it’s essential to understand that changing the account currency is impossible after registering. Furthermore, a currency conversion fee will be applied whenever transacting in a currency different from the account currency. With that said, the broker does support 14 currencies, including USD, GBP, AUD, and CAD.

    Fiat deposit options on Plus500Fiat deposit options on Plus500

    While the trading platform supports a number of fiat currencies, only a few options are available to deposit money. While researching our Plus500 review, we noticed that only credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets are accepted, meaning that investors that use crypto as a preferred payment method will need to go elsewhere.

    Supported Cryptocurrencies & Trading Pairs

    It’s important to understand that as Plus500 is a CFD broker, users are not buying any underlying asset. As such, it’s not possible to purchase crypto directly on the platform, just a contract relating to the price of an asset.

    list of supported crypto on Plus500list of supported crypto on Plus500

    There are a total of 19 crypto CFDs available on Plus500. Of those, 18 are USD denominated, with the only exception being the Ethereum/Bitcoin pair. Including every asset class offered by the online trading platform, more than 2800 instruments are available to users. Although Plus500 has done well to include popular assets like BTC, ETH, and LINK, other large-cap assets like DOGE, AVAX, and XMR are missing. As such, those looking to invest primarily in cryptocurrency could be disappointed by the platform’s limited selection.

    How To Trade Crypto CFDs With Plus500

    To open a buy or sell position on Plus500, press the ‘Trade’ button on the sidebar, then search for the desired cryptocurrency, stock, or currency. Afterward, press the ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’ button next to each asset. This will bring up a simple order box. Users can then enter their desired orders and enter a trade. The ‘Close At Profit’ and ‘Close At Loss’ allows users to pre-define the take profit and loss limits before entering a trade to assist with trade management.

    Plus500 trading platform screenshotPlus500 trading platform screenshot

    Plus500 also provides the option for a ‘Guaranteed Stop.’ This means the position will close at your chosen rate (price) even if the market price surpasses it in extreme volatility. Unfortunately, this feature is not available for all assets, and a fee is charged via a wider spread.

    Plus500 Fees

    After researching for our Plus500 review, we’ve determined that the fees charged by the platform align with the industry standard for CFD brokers. While no trading fees are charged, the broker makes its money from spread fees.

    Spread Fees

    Plus500 can offer most of its services free of charge as they are compensated through market spread derived from the difference between Bid/Ask prices. When a position is opened, you essentially “pay” the spread. This spread is incorporated into the quoted rates and is not an additional charge or fee you pay above the quoted rates.

    how plus500 spread workshow plus500 spread works

    Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

    There is no fee to deposit/withdraw funds to Plus500. However, users should be aware that a fee of $10 is applicable if the maximum number of monthly withdrawals is exceeded.

    Plus500 charges currency conversion fees for all trades where the base currency differs from the trader's account currency. The currency conversion fee equals 0.7% of a trade's realized net profit and loss. In addition to the costs mentioned above, there is a minimum deposit amount on Plus500. The minimum deposit is $100, with the maximum deposit an impressive $45,000.

    Overnight Funding Fees

    An overnight funding fee will be charged if a trader holds an option position for more than one day. The fee amount differs from asset to asset, but we’ve included a few examples from popular instruments below.

    AssetOvernight Funding Fee (Buy)Overnight Funding Fee (Sell)
    Bitcoin-0.0568%‎-0.0220%
    EUR/USD-0.0124%0.0010%‎
    Gold-0.0338%‎‎-0.0101%‎

    Guaranteed Stop Order Fees

    Anyone trading with Plus500 can set up a guaranteed stop order to ensure a position closes at the desired price. This is advantageous as it helps to decrease risk and provides a safety net for traders. However, guaranteed stop orders incur a wider-than-usual spread fee which differs between assets.

    AssetGuaranteed Stop Fee
    Bitcoin37.5975 Pips
    Ethereum2.28 Pips
    EUR/USD0.00014 Pips

    Inactivity Fees

    A fee of up to USD 10 per month will be levied should you not log in to the online trading account for three months or more. Plus500 will charge this fee monthly unless a login is made to the account.

    Plus500 Fees Compared

    To highlight how Plus500 stacks up against other online investing platforms, we’ve included a comparison table showing the fees charged by a mixture of CFD brokers and leading crypto platforms.

    PlatformTrading FeeDeposit/Withdrawal FeeSpread Fee
    Plus5000%0%BTC - 50 Pips, EUR/USD - 0.00037 Pips
    Binance0.1%Network Fees OnlyN/A
    eToro1%Network Fees OnlyEUR/USD - 1 Pip
    Uphold0%0%Crypto - 0.9% to 1.2%, Fiat Currencies - 0.2%

    Plus500 Ease of Use

    A platform’s ease of use is one of the most critical aspects of user experience. If a platform hides essential information behind complex menus or features a cumbersome interface, it can quickly make a user search for another trading platform. Plus500 understands the importance of ease of use well. The financial services provider has put a lot of effort into its usability. Crucial sections are on the side menu and are labeled clearly, making it easy to find specific information or a particular feature. Furthermore, the predominantly blue and white color scheme is easy on the eyes and highlights essential areas well.

    plus500 dashboard screenshotplus500 dashboard screenshot

    Trading is made simple with Plus500. While some platforms utilize a complex order book-based interface, Plus500 keeps things simple, showing critical information like buy/sell prices and margin requirements. However, more detailed information can be found when clicking on a particular asset, offering detail while preventing clutter.

    Overall, Plus500 is an easy-to-navigate trading platform that makes it simple and intuitive to trade CFDs. The platform’s usability is further boosted by offering light and dark modes, reducing eye strain, and improving accessibility. These features make Plus500 a solid platform for both beginners and advanced traders looking to speculate on CFDs.

    Customer Support

    A good customer assistance team is instrumental to the success of a trading platform. To ensure that our Plus500 review is as accurate as possible, we’ve read many customer reviews to get an average user consensus on the quality of the broker’s support.

    Most users rated the support offered by Plus500 well. While there were a few disgruntled customers, the Plus500 team quickly responded to any complaints to rectify the situation. In addition, the support team is reachable via email, WhatsApp, and live chat. With this in mind, the broker’s customer support team seemed attentive and helpful.

    Plus500 Security

    Plus500 includes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to provide an additional layer of security by protecting login access and withdrawal operations. This level of security makes it very difficult for hackers to compromise Plus500 client accounts and withdraw funds. A bad actor would have to know the login information for an account and have the linked mobile phone (and be able to unlock it).

    Plus500 security settingsPlus500 security settings

    All users’ personal information provided at registration is automatically transferred by Secure Socket Layout (SSL). Furthermore, users’ funds are stored in segregated client bank accounts. Plus500 also offers Client Money Protection to guarantee funds are not used for hedging or other investment purposes. As it stands today, Plus500 has not been hacked, meaning that the platform’s security measures have seemingly managed to keep any bad actors at bay.

    Plus500 Mobile App

    Similar to other large online brokers, Plus500 provides its users with a mobile trading platform that allows people to trade CFDs from a smartphone or tablet and is free to download for iOS and Android. The Plus500 app allows users to browse through the entire range of assets supported by the platform, which can be filtered by category or trending assets.

    Plus500 mobile app screenshotsPlus500 mobile app screenshots

    Users can also look at individual assets to see insights like sentiment from active traders and the asset’s popularity. The mobile trading platform is surprisingly comprehensive for advanced traders looking to utilize technical indicators. Traders have access to various trading tools and all major indicators (MACD, RSI, MA, etc.), making the mobile app rather capable.

    On the Plus500 mobile app, it’s possible to monitor any open positions while trading CFDs easily. A summary of trading activity and profit/loss is included along with a chart, as well as the ability to edit open positions. Having easy access to important information is crucial for any mobile trading platform, yet it is often overlooked. However, Plus500 has included a fund management section that makes checking an account’s performance and margin requirements a breeze.

    Overall, the Plus500 mobile app is secure and capable. It benefits from the low trading costs offered by Plus500 and boasts almost the same features as the desktop platform, making it a solid choice for anyone trading CFDs on the go.

    Plus500 Review - Final Verdict and Score

    To conclude our Plus500 review, the trading platform has bridged the gap between traditional markets and cryptocurrency (Availability subject to regulation). It has allowed investors and traders worldwide to speculate on cryptocurrencies in addition to traditional markets such as forex, commodities, and stock market indices.

    With an excellent charting interface, zero deposit fees, and various traditional assets to trade with up to 1:2 leverage on digital coins, Plus500 is an excellent CFD trading platform, even if it lacks in terms of available cryptocurrencies.

    Review CriteriaHWC Scores
    Features4.5 / 5
    Supported Fiat and Deposit Methods 3.5 / 5
    Supported Crypto & Trading Pairs3.6 / 5
    Fees3 / 5
    Ease of Use5 / 5
    Customer Support5 / 5
    Security Measures4.2 / 5
    Mobile App4.3 / 5

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Plus500 is a licensed CFD provider authorized and regulated in several jurisdictions worldwide through its different subsidiaries. Plus500CY Ltd is authorized & regulated by CySEC (#250/14) and applies stringent rules and regulations designed, in particular, to protect the interests of its clients.

    The Plus500 app allows users to trade from a mobile device and is free to download for iOS and Android. In addition, the platform’s web version is available on most browsers and does not require downloading any apps or software.

    Plus500 users must verify their account by submitting all the required documents before trading CFDs. In addition, plus500 has strict KYC (Know Your Customer) policies and expects its users to verify their personal information.

    The overnight funding amount is either added to or subtracted from your account whenever a position is left open after a particular cut-off time (the “Overnight Funding Time”).

    Visit Plus500

    Disclaimer: 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Kevin GrovesKevin GrovesKevin Groves

    Kevin started in the cryptocurrency space in 2016 and began investing in Bitcoin before exclusively trading digital currencies on various brokers, exchanges and trading platforms. He started HedgewithCrypto to publish informative guides about Bitcoin and share his experiences with using a variety of crypto exchanges around the world.

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