Plus500

If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly trading platform, Plus500 is a multi-asset broker worth considering. I’ve had the opportunity to use Plus500 myself, particularly because it is one of the few platforms available in Cyprus, and I found it to be an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. In this review, I’ll dive into the features I liked most, the regulatory framework, and what makes Plus500 stand out, especially for traders in the US who face strict regulatory limitations. It is important to note, that if you are a beginner, you must use the demo account and the Trading academy to gain experience before trading with real capital due to the risks involved.

Plus500 Overview

Plus500™ is a global fintech trading platform that offers an advanced yet user-friendly experience for traders of various levels. With a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and over 26 million customers worldwide, it provides access to a diverse range of trading instruments, including Contracts for Difference (CFDs), share dealing, and futures. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Plus500AU Pty Ltd operates under licenses from key regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand.

Regulation and Licensing

One of the most critical factors when choosing a forex broker is its regulatory status. Plus500 is a highly regulated broker, ensuring that it operates with a high degree of transparency and security. The platform is authorized and regulated by several leading financial authorities, including:

• Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC): Plus500CY Ltd is authorized and regulated by CySEC (License No. 250/14), making it a secure choice for traders in Cyprus and other EU countries.
• UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Plus500UK Ltd is authorized and regulated by the FCA (FRN 509909), providing a high level of protection for traders in the UK.
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Plus500AU Pty Ltd is authorized by ASIC (AFSL #417727), ensuring compliance with Australian trading regulations.
• Israel Securities Authority (ISA): Plus500IL Ltd is licensed and regulated by the ISA, making it a compliant and safe choice for Israeli traders.
• Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa: Plus500 is also regulated by these authorities, which broadens its reach and credibility.
• The trading of futures is available through Cunningham Commodities, LLC d/b/a Plus500, a Futures Commission Merchant registered with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID number 0001398). Cunningham Commodities, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plus500US Inc.

The broad spectrum of licenses and regulatory oversight makes Plus500 one of the most trusted brokers in the industry, providing peace of mind to traders across multiple regions. Moreover, it is one of the few multi-asset brokers that can operate in the US, making it an attractive option for American traders who often struggle to find compliant trading platforms due to strict local regulations.

User Experience and Demo Account Availability

From the moment I signed up on Plus500, I found the platform to be extremely user-friendly. The sign-up process was straightforward, and within minutes, I was able to access the trading platform. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, which is a significant advantage for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by more complex trading platforms.

One feature that stood out to me was the Plus500 demo account offered by Plus500, which is a necessity for beginner traders. Along with the Trading Academy, this allows new users to practice trading with virtual money before committing any real funds. It’s a great way to get familiar with the platform and the mechanics of trading without any risk. I spent several days using the demo account, and it helped me build confidence before transitioning to live trading.

The trading platform is web-based, meaning there’s no need to download any software. However, Plus500 also offers a mobile app that’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, providing the flexibility to trade on the go. I found the mobile app to be just as efficient as the web version, with all the key features and tools easily accessible.

One downside, is that they have a minimum deposit amount of $100 for new traders, and their minimum withdrawls start at $50 for PayPal and $100 for other methods, which may make beginner traders hesitant to choose them. Of course, that comes with the territory, with Plus500 being one of the market leaders & having being established since 2008.

Trading Instruments and Markets

Plus500 offers a vast range of CFD trading instruments, its a multi-asset broker that offers trading on three different markets – The Plus500 CFD platform, which offers users more than 2800 CFD instruments, the Plus500 Invest platform, which offers more than 2700 Shares and finally the Plus500 Futures, where futures can be traded and is available only to US traders.The platform provides access to over 2,000 financial instruments across multiple asset classes, including:

• Forex: Trade a wide variety of currency pairs with competitive spreads. Major, minor, and exotic pairs are available.
• Commodities: Trade in popular commodities such as gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas.
• Indices: It offers indices from major markets around the world, including the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and NASDAQ.
• Shares: Trade shares of leading companies across global markets.
• Cryptocurrencies: It allows you to trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
• ETFs and Options: Expand your trading strategies with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options.

One thing I appreciated about Plus500 is the ability to trade all these instruments from a single platform. The diversity of markets available means you can easily switch between different assets, making it easier to diversify your portfolio.

Trading Features and Tools

Plus500 comes equipped with several features and tools designed to enhance the trading experience. Some of the standout features include:

• Risk Management Tools: It offers various risk management tools such as stop-loss orders, guaranteed stop-loss, and trailing stop orders. These tools help protect your investments by allowing you to set predetermined exit points for your trades.
• Leverage: It also provides leverage options, allowing you to trade larger positions with a smaller capital outlay. It’s important to note that while leverage can amplify profits, it can also increase losses.
• Charting and Analysis: The platform includes a wide range of charting tools and technical indicators, making it easier to perform in-depth market analysis. I found the charting interface to be highly customizable, which is a big plus for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis.
• Real-Time Quotes and Alerts: It provides real-time quotes and customizable alerts, ensuring you stay informed about market movements that could impact your trades.
• +Me Comparison Tool: Enables traders to compare themselves among other traders. Gathering important insights into their trading activities.
• Negative Balance Protection: Is a regulatory requirement, which Plus500 complies with.

Customer Support and Education

Customer support is another area where it excels. The platform offers 24/7 customer service via live chat and email. During my time using Plus500, I reached out to their support team on several occasions and found them to be responsive and helpful. Whether you have questions about the platform, need assistance with a trade, or require help with account verification, Plus500’s support team is there to assist you.

Is Plus500 Broker the Right Choice for You?

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a straightforward and secure platform or an experienced trader seeking a wide range of instruments and features, Plus500 is an excellent option. The platform’s user-friendly interface, combined with its robust regulatory framework, makes it a reliable choice for traders worldwide.

Moreover, Plus500’s availability in the U.S., where many brokers are restricted, is a significant advantage for American traders. The no-commission model, coupled with a wide variety of trading instruments, provides flexibility and cost efficiency.