Plus500 Overview and Features Explained

Plus500 is a well-established online trading platform that offers a wide range of financial instruments, including CFDs on forex, stocks, commodities, and indices.

Its platform is user-friendly and accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to trade on the go.

The platform offers a vast array of trading tools and features, including charting and analysis tools, news and market updates, and a range of order types.

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Plus500 has come a long way since its inception in 2008. The company started with a Windows-based trading platform, which was later followed by web-based versions for Mac and Linux users.

In 2012, Plus500 launched an Android-based trading platform, making it accessible to mobile users. This move was a significant step in expanding its reach to a wider audience.

Despite facing challenges, such as a £205,128 fine in 2012 for failing to report transactions accurately, Plus500 went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. This marked a significant milestone for the company.

Plus500 has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, expanding its offerings to traders globally, and establishing a robust position in the competitive trading market. Its user-friendly interface and efficient trading tools have made it a popular choice among both seasoned and novice traders.

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Plus500 has come a long way since its inception in 2008. The company started with a Windows-based trading platform, which was later followed by web-based versions for Mac and Linux users.

In 2012, Plus500 launched an Android-based trading platform, making it accessible to mobile users. This move showed the company's commitment to innovation and expanding its reach.

The road hasn't been smooth for Plus500, however. In October 2012, the U.K. subsidiary was fined £205,128 by the FCA for failing to report transactions accurately.

Despite these setbacks, Plus500 went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. This marked a significant milestone for the company and demonstrated its resilience.

Plus500 continued expanding globally through acquisitions, such as EZ Invest Securities, and Cunningham Commodities LLC/Cunningham Trading Systems LLC. These strategic moves helped the company establish a robust position in the competitive trading market.

In June 2021, Plus500 opened a new R&D center in Tel Aviv and released its 'Plus500 Invest' stock-trading platform with over 2,000 financial trading instruments. This new platform showcased the company's commitment to innovation and providing traders with a wide range of options.

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The company made headlines when Kiefer Sutherland was featured as part of its advertising campaign, which launched in 2022. This high-profile endorsement helped increase Plus500's visibility and appeal to a wider audience.

In September 2022, Plus500 expanded its reach even further with the launch of TradeSniper. This move demonstrated the company's continued commitment to innovation and providing traders with new and exciting opportunities.

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Cryptocurrency is a key area of focus for Plus500, offering a range of popular cryptocurrencies to trade as CFDs.

Trading cryptocurrency CFDs on the Plus500 platform is possible 24/7, unlike other instruments that are only available from Monday to Friday.

Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies available to trade include Axie Infinity, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.

The Plus500 platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, with over 15 options available to trade.

Here are some of the cryptocurrencies available to trade on the Plus500 platform:

Trading options with Plus500 offers a range of possibilities, with call and put option CFDs available on 20 popular stocks, indices, and currency pairs.

You can trade options on well-known stocks like Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple, as well as indices like the Europe 50 and the USA 500.

Plus500 also offers options on currency pairs like EUR/USD and commodities like Gold and Oil.

Some of the specific options available include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Deutsche Bank, EUR/USD, Europe 50, Germany 40, Gold, Meta, Microsoft, NASDAQ 100, NIO, Natural Gas, Netflix, Netherlands 25, Oil, Snap, Tesla, UK 100, and USA 500.

Here are some of the options available for trading:

Keep in mind that options trading is a complex and nuanced topic, and it's recommended to learn more about it before diving in.

Plus500 is expanding its options and futures trading capabilities through the acquisition of Cunningham Commodities LLC. This move is worth $30m and will bring options and futures trading to US traders.

The company will utilize specialized software from Cunningham Commodities LLC to bring options and futures trading to the platform. This software has already been used with leading futures exchanges like the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

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Plus500 already offers a wide range of tradable instruments, including commodities, currencies, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, futures, indices, and stocks. However, options and futures trading will be a new addition to the platform.

Options CFDs are available on 20 popular stocks, indices, and currency pairs. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Deutsche Bank, EUR/USD, Europe 50, Germany 40, Gold, Meta, Microsoft, NASDAQ 100, NIO, Natural Gas, Netflix, Netherlands 25, Oil, Snap, Tesla, UK 100, and USA 500.

The company also offers futures trading through its Plus500Futures platform, which provides professional support and reliable clearing services for users in the United States. This platform allows traders to trade on E-mini and micro Futures contracts.

Plus500's options and futures trading capabilities will provide traders with more opportunities to diversify their portfolios and pursue various trading strategies. However, it's essential to note that trading involves risks, including the potential loss of invested capital.

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If you're new to trading options, you'll want to know about the different types of accounts available. Plus500 offers three possibilities: a demo account, a real money account, and a professional account.

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A demo account is a great way to practice trading with fake money, allowing you to get a feel for the platform and test your strategies without risking any real losses.

The real money account is the one you'll use to trade with actual money, and it's the most common type of account for traders.

If you're a professional trader, you may be eligible for a professional account, which offers additional features and benefits.

Here are the three account types in a nutshell:

Having a demo account can be a game-changer for traders. You can test ideas and trading strategies in a risk-free environment, with $40,000 worth of play money, just like with Plus500.

You can open a Plus500 demo account without having to open a real money account, which is a big plus. This allows you to dip your toes in without committing to anything.

One of the standout features of Plus500's demo account is that you can keep it open indefinitely. Most platforms limit you to a few weeks, but Plus500 lets you use the demo account as part of your overall trading strategy.

For example, you can use the demo account to practice trading with different strategies and see how they play out in real market conditions.

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Trading with options can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to understand the maximum leverage amounts you can use. Maximum leverage for Professional accounts is dependent on the underlying asset class.

For commodities, the maximum leverage is 1:150, which means you can trade with 150 times the amount of money in your account. The same goes for indices, which also have a maximum leverage of 1:150.

If you're trading options, you'll be happy to know that the maximum leverage is 1:5. This is also the case for ETFs, shares, and currencies.

Opening a trade on Plus500 is a straightforward process that can be done on both their mobile and web trader platforms.

To open a trade, you'll need to follow the step-by-step guide provided by Plus500.

You can set a rate at which your position will close with the purpose of protecting your profit or minimizing your loss.

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This is done by clicking on the "Close at profit" or "Close at loss" box below the trade amount on the position screen.

These orders are free, but Plus500 warns that they don't guarantee your position will close at the exact specified price.

This is due to something called slippage, where sudden big price movements beyond your stop level can occur.

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Spread is a crucial aspect of trading options, and it's essential to understand how it works. A spread fee is a small markup added to the price of an asset when you buy or sell, making it a common practice among trading platforms.

The spread fee varies across assets, depending on the volume of trades for that particular asset. If it's high volume, the spread is often lower for the platform to have competitive fees, and if there's not much trading volume, the spread can be fairly high.

You'll see the spread fee within the platform when researching an asset, and it's shown when making a trade. For instance, some forex fees can be as low as 0.6 pips (0.00006), and stocks and indices are much lower.

Plus500 emphasizes minimizing additional costs for traders by offering tight spreads and incorporating fees into the spreads, providing a straightforward and cost-effective trading experience.

Here's a comparison of spread fees with another low-cost broker, XTB, which has a minimum of 0.9 pips.

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Overnight trading can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to understand the fees involved. Overnight fees are charged if you keep a position open overnight, and the fee is a percentage of your trade volume.

These fees are usually applied around 10pm-11pm each day, depending on the asset. The fee is mentioned when you view the asset and make the trade, so be sure to check it out.

The overnight funding fee is another type of fee you might incur when holding CFD positions overnight. This fee is applied to positions that are not closed by a specified time, and it typically incurs a cost for maintaining the position overnight.

Some assets might even offer a payment to hold a position, but this depends on the volume on the opposite side of your trade. If there's a lot of people making the same trade, the fee might be higher, and you might get paid to balance it out.

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Managing your Plus500 account is a breeze, thanks to the platform's user-friendly interface. You can easily access your account information, including your balance, trading history, and account settings.

To start, you'll need to log in to your account using your username and password. This can be done through the Plus500 website or mobile app, both of which are available 24/7.

Plus500's account management system allows you to easily switch between different trading accounts, making it simple to manage multiple accounts at once.

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Plus500's user base has grown significantly, with over 24 million registered customers since its inception. This impressive growth can be attributed to the company's ability to attract and retain customers.

The platform offers an intuitive and user-friendly trading experience that caters to both novice and experienced traders. Its advanced trading tools allow users to trade CFDs on various financial instruments.

Plus500 prioritizes transparency in all aspects of its operations, including pricing policies and regulatory compliance. The company adheres strictly to regulations set forth by top-tier authorities.

Excellent customer support services are available through multiple channels, including email support, live chat, and phone calls. This helps resolve issues quickly, improving the overall user experience.

The combination of high-quality services, affordable prices, and great customer service has contributed to Plus500's customer base growth over time.

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Customer support is a crucial aspect of any online trading platform, and Plus500 delivers in this regard. Plus500 has a dedicated FAQ section on their website that answers the most commonly asked questions.

You can easily access this section by visiting their website. If you have a unique problem or question that isn't answered, there are three ways to contact the CFD provider for support: email, live chat, or WhatsApp.

Plus500 was the first major CFD provider to introduce WhatsApp support, making it a convenient option for many users. However, keep in mind that customer support in your country may not be available in every format or in all the languages the Plus500 website and trading platform is available in.

Here are the three ways to contact Plus500 for support:

It's worth noting that Plus500 does not offer phone support, so be sure to use one of these alternative methods to get help when you need it.

To verify your profile on Plus500, you'll need to upload documents to confirm your identity, address, and source of funds. This process is straightforward, but it does require some specific documents.

You'll need to provide a photo of one of the following: an ID card, driver's license, passport, or residence permit, which should show your photo, ID number, full name, date of birth, and expiry date of the document. This is a standard requirement for identity verification.

For address verification, you'll need to upload a photo or scan of an official document that's not older than 6 months. This could be a bank statement, electricity bill, tax letter, or internet bill, as long as it shows your full name and address.

To prove your source of funds, you'll need to upload a bank/credit card statement and/or a photo of the front of the corresponding card. This is a one-time requirement, but it's essential for Plus500 to ensure that you're a genuine trader.

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Here's a quick rundown of the required documents:

Once you've uploaded all the required documents, your profile will be verified, and you'll be able to start trading with confidence.

To qualify for a professional account, you'll need to meet at least two of the following criteria.

To start, let's talk about trading activity. You'll need to have an average of 10 transactions per quarter of significant size over the previous four quarters with a CFD provider like Plus500.

This means you'll need to be actively trading, with a consistent level of activity over time.

Here are the specific criteria you'll need to meet:

Meeting these criteria will show that you're a serious and experienced trader, which is exactly what you need to qualify for a professional account.

The Close at Profit or Loss feature is a useful tool for managing your account. This feature allows you to set a rate at which your position will close with the purpose of protecting your profit or minimizing your loss.

The Close at Profit and Close at Loss boxes are located below the trade amount on the position screen. These orders are free to use, but Plus500 warns that they don't guarantee your position will close at the exact specified price.

Slippage can occur when there are sudden big price movements beyond your stop level, causing your position to close at the next available level. This can be frustrating, but it's essential to understand that it's a risk associated with trading.

The minimum deposit required to start trading with Plus500 varies depending on the payment method and your country of residence. For online bank transfers, electronic wallets, and credit/debit cards, the minimum amount is $100 or its currency equivalent.

You'll need to deposit at least $500 if you choose to make a wire transfer. Plus500 itself doesn't charge deposit or withdrawal fees, but be aware that your payment provider may have their own transaction fees.

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Plus500's annual revenue reached a staggering $832.6 million as of December 31, 2022.

This impressive figure marks a significant growth in customer income, which reached $639 million during the same year.

Customer trading performance also experienced a remarkable improvement, with a total of $193 million compared to just $15.9 million in the previous year – an increase of over ten times.

The company's focus on high-value customers has paid off, with average revenue per user (ARPU) improving significantly by 70%.

Here's a breakdown of Plus500's quarterly revenue for 2022:

Total customer deposits also reached a new record high of $2.3 billion, with the average deposit per active customer hitting $8,000.

The minimum deposit to open a trading account with Plus500 is relatively low, making it accessible to traders with varying levels of capital.

You can deposit as little as $100 or the currency equivalent via online bank transfer, electronic wallet, and credit/debit card. Wire transfers, on the other hand, require a minimum deposit of $500.

It's worth noting that the minimum deposit varies depending on the payment method and country of residence, so be sure to check the specifics before making a deposit.

The Plus500 trading platform is a proprietary system designed for exclusive use by their clients. It's available on desktop, mobile, and tablet, and offers a wide range of advanced features for more advanced traders.

You can access the platform through three main channels: Apple iOS and Android mobile trading apps, the WebTrader on Desktop version, or the Windows 10 Trader. This flexibility allows traders to trade on the go or from the comfort of their own homes.

The platform has a great charting system that updates in near real-time, providing traders with essential information to make informed decisions. It also features a range of customisable features, such as time ranges and chart types, as well as drawing tools to help with analysis.

The Plus500 WebTrader is a solid choice for beginner traders, offering a user-friendly platform with a robust charting experience across devices. The web-based trading platform is designed for ease-of-use, with an uncluttered dashboard that makes it easy to navigate.

One of the standout features of Plus500 WebTrader is its advanced price-alert and notification system, which allows you to stay on top of market movements. This feature is especially useful for traders who need to stay informed about market changes.

Plus500 WebTrader also offers a demo account that's free and unlimited by time, allowing you to practice trading without risking any real money. This is a great way to get a feel for the platform before committing to a live account.

On the other hand, one of the downsides of Plus500 WebTrader is that it doesn't support algorithmic trading, which may be a limitation for more advanced traders. Additionally, the platform's technical analysis tools are limited, which may make it harder to analyze market data.

Here are some key pros and cons of the Plus500 WebTrader platform:

The mobile trading experience with Plus500 is top-notch. Their mobile app is highly rated by traders in both the App Store and Google Play.

You can access your account and trade on the go with Plus500's mobile trading apps for both Android and iOS devices. These apps provide a seamless trading experience with features like real-time price quotes, advanced charting tools, and instant trade execution.

The mobile apps are designed for optimal performance on mobile devices and tablets, ensuring that traders can stay connected to the markets at all times. Plus500's mobile apps have the same functionality as the web trader, including price alerts and real-time quotes on currency pairs and stocks.

The mobile app also includes an economic calendar, which includes corporate events. Traders can track their finances and link directly to their bank accounts.

Here are some key features of Plus500's mobile trading apps:

The Plus500 web trader is accessible through any modern web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads or installations.

You can access the platform by opening it in any browser, making it a convenient option for traders who prefer a more flexible approach.

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The web trader offers a user-friendly interface where traders can access real-time market data, place trades, manage positions, and monitor their account activity all within the browser-based platform.

Plus500's web trader is known for its straightforward navigation and user-friendly interface, making it easy for traders to find what they need.

Here are some of the key features of the Plus500 web trader:

The Plus500 web trader also offers a demo account, which is free and unlimited by time, allowing traders to practice trades and apply risk management strategies without risking real money.

The Plus500 trading platform is designed for straightforward and efficient use, with a user-friendly interface and straightforward navigation.

The proprietary platform provides essential trading features, including order execution, risk management tools, and access to real-time market data.

One of the standout features of Plus500 is its competitive spreads, which eliminate the need for traders to pay a fee per trade.

Plus500 generates revenue through the spreads, which are the differences between the bid and ask prices.

The platform also offers a range of specialized trading platforms, including CFD instruments.

You can trade over 2800+ assets on the Plus500 platform, including a wide range of CFD instruments.

There are no fees to open an account, deposit money, or withdraw money on the Plus500 platform.

However, if you want to trade foreign stocks via CFDs, you might pay a currency conversion fee, which is typically around 0.7% of the net profit or loss of your trade.

Here are some of the key benefits of trading with Plus500:

Plus500's fees are transparent, with no hidden charges or fees per trade. The only fee you'll pay is the spread fee, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices.

Plus500 is a regulated broker, authorized by reputable financial authorities such as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

Plus500 has multiple subsidiaries, each regulated by the relevant authorities in their respective jurisdictions. For example, Plus500UK Ltd is regulated by the FCA, while Plus500CY Ltd is regulated by CySEC.

Here's a breakdown of Plus500's regulatory bodies and their status:

Plus500's commitment to regulation and safety is evident in its public listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and its inclusion in the FTSE 250 Index. This adds an extra layer of financial stability and transparency to the broker.

Plus500's client fund security is another key aspect of its safety measures. Client funds are held in segregated client bank accounts, separate from the broker's operational funds, reducing the risk of misappropriation.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) provides additional protection for clients, up to £85,000, in the unlikely event of Plus500's insolvency.

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Plus500 has a wide range of trading features that support various trading strategies. These features can be automated, saving you time for more research and investments.

The platform offers an uncluttered dashboard designed for ease-of-use, making it easy to navigate and find what you need. Plus500 also allows you to switch between demo and real money accounts, giving you flexibility and control.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of Plus500:

Plus500's demo account is free and unlimited by time, allowing you to practice and test your trading skills without risk. The platform also offers a range of specialized trading platforms, giving you even more options for trading and investing.

Plus500 boasts an impressive user base of over 24+ million registered customers worldwide, who conduct transactions exceeding 2 million US dollars every month. This is a testament to the platform's global reach and popularity.

The company provides support for over 50 different countries, which undoubtedly broadens its customer base. This allows traders from all around the world to access the platform and take advantage of its features.

Plus500's revenue growth is also noteworthy, with revenue reaching $832.6 million in 2022, a 16% increase from the previous year. This significant growth is a result of the company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and meet the needs of its customers.

Here are some key statistics that highlight the platform's financial performance:

The company's net profit also showed substantial growth, increasing from $310.6 million in 2021 to $370.4 million by December 2022. This is a clear indication of the platform's financial stability and success.

If you're looking to take your trading to the next level, Plus500 offers a professional account that's worth considering.

To qualify for a professional account, you'll need to meet at least two of the specified criteria, which include sufficient trading activity, a significant portfolio size, or relevant work experience in the financial sector.

Sufficient trading activity requires an average of 10 transactions per quarter of significant size over the previous four quarters with Plus500 or another CFD provider.

A financial instrument portfolio of at least €500,000 is required to meet the portfolio size criterion, with cash savings also taken into account.

Applicants must have worked in the financial sector for at least a year in a position that requires knowledge of the relevant products and services to meet the relevant work experience criterion.

The professional account comes with advanced risk management tools and higher maximum leverage, giving you more flexibility and control over your trades.

However, it's worth noting that you can revert back to a basic real money account at any time if needed.

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Here are the specific criteria you'll need to meet to qualify for a professional account:

Leverage is a key feature of CFD trading that allows you to trade with borrowed money. This means you can gain exposure to the financial markets by self-funding only a fraction of the total value of a trade.

The margin required to open a trade is known as the initial margin, and the minimum amount to keep the position open is the maintenance margin.

The leverage ratio determines the margin requirements for each trade. For example, a leverage ratio of 1:10 means you must have at least 10% of the total value of the trade available as margin.

The maximum leverage allowed varies by asset type, with stocks and shares offering up to 5x, indices up to 20x, and forex up to 30x.

Here's a breakdown of the maximum leverage allowed for different CFD asset types:

It's essential to understand that leverage can magnify both profits and losses, so it's crucial to use a sensible trading strategy and only use leverage when you're confident in your trades.

Plus500 offers three types of trading tools to help you minimize and manage your risk. These tools are designed to help you stay in control and make informed decisions.

One of the tools is stop-loss orders, which allow you to automatically close a losing trade at a predetermined price. This can help limit your losses and prevent further financial damage.

Having the right risk management tools can make all the difference in your trading experience. By using these tools, you can trade with confidence and focus on your long-term goals.

Plus500's risk management tools are easy to use and can be customized to fit your individual needs. This means you can tailor your risk management strategy to suit your trading style and risk tolerance.

Plus500 offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for traders. One of the key advantages is its wide range of traded assets, with over 2,800 options available.

Plus500 also offers a user-friendly trading platform with a free and unlimited demo account, making it easy for beginners to get started. The platform is designed for ease-of-use, with an uncluttered dashboard and advanced price-alert and notification system.

In addition to its trading platform, Plus500 offers a range of specialized trading platforms, including a mobile app that provides a great trading experience. The app is highly rated, with many users praising its ease of use and functionality.

One of the standout features of Plus500 is its unique +Insights analytics tool, which incorporates proprietary sentiment data and advanced sentiment features from Trading Central and FactSet. This tool can help traders make more informed decisions and stay ahead of the market.

Here are some of the key pros and cons of using Plus500:

Overall, Plus500 offers a range of benefits that make it a great option for traders. With its user-friendly platform, wide range of traded assets, and unique analytics tool, it's no wonder that Plus500 has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.

Plus500 offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options, including Visa and MasterCard debit/credit cards, electronic wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and bank transfers. You may also be able to deposit funds with iDeal, BPAY, Klarna, Giropay, and Trustly.

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The minimum deposit varies depending on the payment method and country of residence, but as a general rule, it's $100 or currency equivalent. For wire transfers, the minimum deposit is $500.

To withdraw funds, you'll need to meet a minimum withdrawal amount, which is $50 or currency equivalent for electronic wallets and $100 or currency equivalent for bank transfers and credit cards.

Here are the withdrawal processing times for each method:

Note that these processing times don't include the extra 1 to 3 business days it takes for Plus500 to complete security checks before initiating payment.

Plus500 typically doesn't charge deposit or withdrawal fees, but be sure to check with your payment provider, as they may have their own transaction fees.

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