Plus500 Review
Verdict (At a Glance)
Best for
- Traders who want a simple, commission-free CFD trading experience with broad markets and a straightforward platform.
- Beginners seeking an easy-to-use platform with minimal account setup friction and clear pricing.
- Active retail CFD traders who want access to forex, indices, commodities and share CFDs on a single platform.
Not ideal for
- Investors seeking direct ownership of shares/ETFs, advanced order types, or professional trading tools.
Plus500
FCA-regulated and London Stock Exchange-listed CFD broker with a simple proprietary platform and commission-free pricing.
- Min. Deposit
- £100
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Who This Review Is For
This review is for UK-based traders and investors who:
- Want a CFD-centric platform (no direct stock investing).
- Prioritise simplicity and usability over advanced trading tools.
- Value one integrated platform for multiple asset CFDs.
- Compare cost structure and execution quality before choosing a broker.
Evaluation Criteria
We assessed Plus500 on:
- Regulation & safety (FCA oversight).
- Trading costs (spreads, conversion fees, financing).
- Platform usability.
- Asset access breadth.
- Public user feedback patterns.
- Suitability for different trading styles.
Overview: Plus500 at a Glance
Plus500 is a UK-regulated online broker focused mainly on Contracts-for-Difference (CFDs). It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a global footprint, serving clients with a single proprietary trading platform. Plus500 operates through its FCA-regulated subsidiary in the UK.
Strengths
- ✔FCA-regulated and publicly listed (London Stock Exchange) — offering transparency and oversight.
- ✔Simple, clean trading platform across web and mobile.
- ✔Competitive, commission-free CFD pricing with no deposit fees.
- ✔Broad CFD markets (forex, indices, commodities, shares).
Limitations
- ✘Only CFD products available for UK traders — no direct asset ownership.
- ✘Mixed customer feedback on service responsiveness.
- ✘Limited advanced trading features compared with full institutional platforms.
Regulation & Safety
Plus500's UK business is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires segregated client funds and adherence to stringent financial standards. It is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding a layer of public disclosure obligations.
When to avoid: Seek a broker with direct share ownership or broader investor services (like ISA/SIPP) — Plus500's UK entity focuses solely on CFDs.
Platforms & Tools
Plus500 provides its own proprietary platform on web and mobile. It's designed for simplicity, with clear panels for trade execution, charts, watchlists and P&L. The platform does not support MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) or third-party interfaces. User feedback suggests the platform is generally intuitive, especially for beginners, though some reviews note occasional glitches or limitations in advanced order entry.
Costs & Fees
Plus500's cost structure primarily includes spreads (the main pricing mechanism on CFDs, commission-free), currency conversion fee (approx. up to 0.70% if quote currency differs from account currency), no deposit fees charged by the broker, and financing costs on leveraged CFD positions held overnight. Overall, trading costs are transparent and competitive for a simple CFD model; however, leverage and financing charges can accumulate on longer-held positions.
Asset Coverage
Plus500 offers CFDs on forex pairs, global indices, commodities, share CFDs (hundreds to thousands), and other derivative instruments depending on region. UK clients do not have access to Plus500 Invest (the direct share trading arm); that service is not available to UK residents.
Customer Feedback Snapshot
On UK and global Trustpilot profiles, Plus500's ratings vary widely. Some users report ease of depositing, intuitive design and decent support. However, a substantial number of users also report frustration with customer service, alleged account holds, and withdrawal issues — although these are not verified regulatory complaints and can occur with many online brokers. This mix contributes to an overall widely varied sentiment score in public reviews.
Cost Comparison Logic
Plus500's pricing is typical of a commission-free CFD broker. Spreads only — simplifies cost understanding but requires attention during volatile markets. Conversion charges on non-GBP trades. No tiered accounts or raw spread options like some competitors (e.g., Razor accounts). This simplicity benefits beginners but may cost active traders compared with low-spread+commission pricing models.
Risks & Considerations
- Leverage increases loss risk; significant capital can be lost quickly.
- Overnight financing on leveraged positions adds cost.
- Spread widening can occur during low liquidity or news events.
- CFD pricing mechanisms mean Plus500 can act as principal counterparty to client trades — this can generate client-loss-linked revenue.
- Mixed user experiences on support require careful personal judgement before funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Disclosure
This review reflects third-party broker data, FCA status, platform documentation and wide-sample user feedback. It is neutral and not financial advice. Affiliate relationships do not influence evaluation criteria.
Alternatives to Plus500
Capital.com
FCA-regulated CFD and spread betting broker with an intuitive platform suited to beginners and cost-conscious traders.
- Min. Deposit
- £20
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Pepperstone
Execution-focused CFD and forex broker with tight raw spreads, MT4/MT5/cTrader access and FCA regulation.
- Min. Deposit
- £0
Affiliate link · Disclosure
IG
One of the UK's largest and longest-established brokers, offering CFDs, spread betting, shares, ETFs, ISA and SIPP under FCA regulation.
- Min. Deposit
- £0
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to brokers and products featured on this site. This compensation does not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations. We maintain editorial independence and provide objective comparisons. Read our full disclosure policy.
Risk Warning: This website does not provide financial, investment, or trading advice. All information is for educational purposes only. Trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider your financial situation and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
Last updated: 2026-01-15