Plus500 is one of the most well-known names in the world of online trading, providing retail traders with access to Contracts for Difference (CFDs) across a wide range of global financial markets. Whether you’re interested in forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, or stocks, Plus500 trading offers a user-friendly platform backed by strong regulatory compliance, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools.
This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know about Plus500 trading, from platform features and account types to supported instruments and trading strategies.
What Is Plus500?
Plus500 Ltd is a global fintech firm founded in 2008, listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS), and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and others.
The platform offers CFD trading services to retail and professional traders in over 50 countries. Through a proprietary web-based platform and mobile apps, traders can access thousands of financial instruments with real-time pricing and tight execution.
Key Features of Plus500 Trading Platform
✔ Multi-Asset CFD Trading
With Plus500, users can trade CFDs on:
- Forex pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, etc.)
- Indices (S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, FTSE 100)
- Commodities (Gold, Oil, Silver, Natural Gas)
- Stocks (Apple, Tesla, Amazon, etc.)
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.)
- ETFs and Options
✔ User-Friendly Interface
The proprietary Plus500 platform is designed with simplicity and speed in mind. It’s web-based with no downloads required and features:
- One-click trading
- Real-time quotes
- Customizable charts
- Risk management tools
- Integrated economic calendar
✔ Tight Spreads & No Commissions
Plus500 makes money via the bid/ask spread, not commissions. This makes trading cost-efficient, especially for scalpers and day traders.
✔ Negative Balance Protection
One of the biggest advantages for retail traders is negative balance protection, ensuring you never lose more than your account balance.
✔ Mobile Trading App
The Plus500 mobile app is one of the highest-rated in the industry, allowing you to trade on the go with full access to your account, charts, and risk tools.
Plus500 Account Types
Plus500 keeps it simple with just two main types of accounts:
1. Retail Account
Designed for everyday traders, offering:
- Up to 1:30 leverage (as per ESMA guidelines in Europe)
- Access to all instruments
- Negative balance protection
- Limited access to advanced tools
2. Professional Account
For experienced traders who meet certain criteria, including trading volume and portfolio size. Benefits include:
- Higher leverage (up to 1:300 in some regions)
- Access to advanced features
- No negative balance protection (in most regions)
Additionally, Plus500 offers a free demo account that is unlimited in duration and risk-free, ideal for learning how to trade or testing strategies.
How to Start Trading with Plus500
Step 1: Register an Account
Sign up using your email address or social login. The platform will require identity verification (KYC) to comply with regulatory laws.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
Deposit options include:
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Bank Transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
Minimum deposit typically starts at $100, depending on your region.
Step 3: Choose Your Instruments
Select from over 2,000 CFDs across multiple markets. The platform includes filters to help sort by category, volatility, popularity, etc.
Step 4: Set Up Risk Management Tools
Use features like:
- Stop Loss / Take Profit
- Guaranteed Stop Orders
- Trailing Stops
These tools are crucial for capital preservation and disciplined trading.
Step 5: Execute Your Trade
Place buy or sell orders directly from the chart or instrument panel. You’ll see your required margin, spread cost, and live P&L.
Top Markets to Trade on Plus500
1. Forex
Trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with leverage and tight spreads. Popular pairs include:
- EUR/USD
- GBP/JPY
- USD/CHF
- AUD/USD
2. Indices
CFDs on global indices like:
- S&P 500
- NASDAQ 100
- DAX 40
- FTSE 100
Indices are ideal for those trading macroeconomic trends.
3. Commodities
Speculate on price changes in:
- Gold and Silver
- Crude Oil and Natural Gas
- Copper and Corn
Commodities are highly liquid and often influenced by geopolitical and economic events.
4. Stocks and Shares
Trade price movements of top U.S., European, and global equities — including fractional shares in some regions.
5. Cryptocurrencies
Plus500 offers CFD trading in popular digital currencies without owning the actual asset. Leverage and risk tools are included.
Benefits of Trading with Plus500
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
- Zero commissions
- Access to thousands of CFDs
- Risk management tools
- Free demo account
- Intuitive and fast platform
- Mobile trading excellence
Risks and Considerations
While Plus500 trading offers many advantages, it’s important to remember:
- CFDs are high-risk instruments with leverage.
- 80%+ of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs.
- Guaranteed stop orders carry an additional spread cost.
- No access to traditional investing (no ownership of shares).
- Overnight and inactivity fees may apply.
Proper risk management, strategy development, and emotional control are essential when using leverage.
Plus500 Trading Strategies
1. Scalping
Take advantage of short-term price movements using tight spreads and fast execution.
2. Swing Trading
Hold positions over days or weeks to capture larger trends. Ideal for indices, forex, and stocks.
3. News Trading
React to macroeconomic news, earnings reports, or geopolitical events. Use economic calendars and set alerts.
4. Range Trading
Identify support and resistance zones on charts and trade bounces within a confined price channel.
Is Plus500 Right for You?
Plus500 is perfect for traders who:
- Prefer a clean, easy-to-use trading platform
- Want access to global markets without switching brokers
- Require fast trade execution and risk management tools
- Are comfortable with CFD-based speculation
It’s especially appealing for mobile traders, beginners, and intermediate-level users looking for a solid platform with robust regulation.
Final Thoughts on Plus500 Trading
Plus500 trading offers an efficient, secure, and versatile way to access global financial markets via CFDs. Backed by decades of experience, regulatory oversight, and a trader-friendly platform, Plus500 has earned its reputation as a trusted broker for thousands of traders worldwide.
Whether you’re trading forex, commodities, crypto, or indices, Plus500 delivers the tools, speed, and transparency you need to succeed — all without commission fees.