Plus500 Broker Review

If you're in the UK and exploring online trading, chances are you've stumbled across Plus500. With its sleek interface and FCA regulation, it's steadily built a loyal user base among CFD traders.

Whether you're into fast-paced CFD trading or want a hands-off trading platform with many perks, Plus500 is trying to offer both. In this Plus500 review, UK traders will get the full picture: account types, fees, platforms, safety, and more, all wrapped in a package that’s easy to understand.

Pros and Cons

Main Features

Before we dive into the finer details, here’s a quick snapshot of what Plus500 brings to the table:

• Regulation: Fully FCA-regulated via Plus500UK Ltd
• Investor Protection: FSCS protection up to £85,000
• Financial Assets: CFDs on forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities
• Markets: UK, US, Europe, Asia
• Account Types: CFD account
• Fees: Spread-only, with some extra charges like overnight funding and inactivity fees
• Minimum Deposit: £100
• Platform: Clean, fast, and available on web and mobile
• Contact: Live chat and support form (no phone support)

Overall, Plus500 keeps things simple but sharp.

Safety

When real money is on the line, trust matters, and this is where Plus500 punches above its weight. Regulated by the FCA, Plus500 operates under some of the most robust financial standards globally. Combine that with FSCS protection up to £85,000 and built-in negative balance protection, and you’ve got a platform where peace of mind comes as standard.

Plus500 is also listed on the LSE, which adds another layer of transparency—and since it operates during LSE hours, you can count on timely market access. If you're looking for a platform that’s both legit and proven, Plus500 has you covered.

Available Markets & Products

Now, let’s talk about what you can actually trade. Plus500 keeps it broad, offering contracts for difference (CFDs) across a variety of assets. You’ve got the heavy hitters like forex pairs and major stock indices, but also commodities like oil and gold, plus share CFDs from the UK, US, and beyond.

Whether you’re testing the waters or diversifying aggressively, the product range gives you plenty of room to move.

👉 For more information on the best forex brokers, read our review.

Account Types and Fees

The broker keeps things refreshingly simple here. Most UK users will open a standard retail account, which includes built-in protections like margin limits and negative balance protection. Plus500 also offers an investing account and one for US futures, but these are not available in the UK. 

As for fees, there’s no commission. Like many other of the best CFD brokers, the main fee you should look for is the spread. As this is variable, based on chosen asset and market volatility, make sure to do your due diligence. Other fees you need to look for include overnight funding, currency conversion fees, or guaranteed stop orders, depending on which one is applicable in your case. Also, keep in mind that three months of no activity will come at a cost of $10 per month. 

Still, there are no charges for deposits or withdrawals, which balances it out nicely. 

Deposits and Withdrawals

Plus500 UK allows deposits via debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Card and e-wallet deposits are usually instant, while bank transfers can take up to 5 business days. The minimum deposit is £100 for cards and e-wallets, and £500 for bank transfers.

Withdrawals must be at least £100 for cards and bank transfers, and £50 for e-wallets. Plus500 processes withdrawals within 1–3 business days, with funds typically arriving in 3–7 days, depending on the method.

There is no withdrawal fee, but you may have to cover currency conversions if you trade in another currency.

Trading Platforms

No Plus500 trading platform review would be complete without mentioning the interface, and it’s a clear win for usability. Whether you're on desktop or mobile, the platform feels slick, intuitive, and refreshingly distraction-free.

You get all the basics like price alerts, technical charts, and risk tools like guaranteed stop-loss. But it’s worth noting: there’s no MetaTrader 4 or 5 integration here. That could be a dealbreaker for advanced traders, but for most users, the built-in platform gets the job done, and then some.

👉 For more information on the best brokers for MetaTrader 5, read our review.

Customer Service

Support is handled online via live chat and email; no phone support, but response times are typically fast. Whether you're stuck verifying your account or have a question about withdrawals, help is just a few clicks away.

Research and Education

If you’re looking for daily analysis, trading ideas, or educational webinars, Plus500 doesn’t offer much. That might be frustrating for beginners, but the platform clearly targets users who already have a basic handle on the markets. 

You can check a Trading Academy, a Trader’s Guide, and a Beginner’s Guide, among others. Perhaps one shining feature is the Insights feature, where you can see what other traders do and identify and analyse trends. 

There's room for improvement here, but the tools may be just enough if you’re trading casually.

Bottom line

So, who should be considering Plus500?

If you’re a UK-based trader after a safe, clean, and regulated platform to access CFDs, it fits the bill. It's ideal for beginners who want simplicity, and for intermediate traders who want fast execution and solid asset variety. But if you’re after deep analytics, MT4 bots, or day-trading wizardry, this might feel limiting.

Still, for most users, this broker gets the balance right: easy to use, solidly regulated, and increasingly flexible with its new investment options.

FAQs

What is Plus500?

Plus500 doesn’t try to be all things to all traders, and that’s exactly where its strength lies. Instead of piling on third-party tools or niche add-ons, it sticks to what it does best: offering straightforward access to global markets through CFDs, all on a clean, in-house platform built from the ground up.

It’s fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which instantly gives it credibility in the UK. And it’s not just any fintech; this is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange and part of the FTSE 250.

How to open a Plus500 account in 5 simple steps

Opening an account is quick and digital. Here’s how:

1. Head to the Plus500 website or download the app
2. Click “Start Trading” or “Create Account”
3. Fill in your personal and financial details
4. Upload ID and proof of address for verification
5. Make your first deposit (minimum £100)

That’s it, you’re good to go. You can even start with a free demo account to get the feel of the platform before risking real money. 

Does Plus500 offer real stock trading or just CFDs?

In the UK, Plus500 offers only CFD trading, no real assets or futures.

Is Plus500 beginner-friendly?

It is, thanks to the simple layout and free demo account. But be aware there’s little in the way of trading education on the platform.

Is Plus500 a good choice for long-term investors?

Unfortunately, this may not be the best broker for you, given the fact that you can only trade CFDs, not real stocks.