Plus500 is an online trading platform that provides access to a broad range of financial markets through two distinct products: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and, in certain regions, futures contracts. CFDs are available on the Plus500 CFD platform while futures contracts are offered on the Plus500 Futures platform. Both platforms enable traders to speculate on the price movements of various financial assets including forex, commodities, indices, metals, cryptocurrencies, and more without owning the underlying assets.
It is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced traders. For beginners, Plus500 offers a simple and intuitive interface, educational resources, and a free, unlimited demo account to practice. For experienced traders, it provides a feature-rich platform with competitive commissions, advanced order types, and access to a broad range of instruments.
The following information is sourced from the Plus500 Futures website, which highlights the platform’s focus on leveraged futures trading.
Plus500’s trading offering is centered around leveraged products, which means clients can control a larger position than their initial deposit would otherwise allow. Leverage is instrument-specific and varies by product, but it enables traders to pursue strategies that involve both long and short positions to profit from rising and falling markets.
Table of Contents
Platform Highlights
- Cutting-edge platform available across web
- Feature-rich app and unlimited demo account
- Wide range of futures markets
- Standard, Mini and Micro contracts
- Competitive commissions
- Strong educational resources
- Low intraday margins
- 24/7 support via live chat and email
- Trailing Stop and other advanced features
This information comes directly from the Plus500 Futures website, showcasing the platform’s emphasis on leveraged futures trading.
The platform is designed to work seamlessly on web browsers (WebTrader), desktop, and mobile devices. It combines ease of use with powerful functionality, making it accessible to traders of all experience levels.
Users can trade in real-time with live quotes, monitor market movements with advanced charts, and manage their positions with risk management tools such as take profit and close at loss orders. Support for multiple contract sizes, competitive commissions, and the availability of an unlimited demo account make it appealing to a broad audience. The platform also features educational content to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.
Company Information
Plus500 Ltd is the parent company of the Plus500 trading platform, headquartered in Israel. Established in 2008, Plus500 operates through a number of regulated subsidiaries around the world, each of which is licensed in its respective jurisdiction. This structure ensures compliance with local financial regulations and provides traders with a level of trust and transparency.
Sourced from the Plus500 Futures website, the following details underscore the platform’s specialization in leveraged futures trading.
Plus500 is also known for its high-profile sponsorships in the sports world. The company has been the main sponsor of notable football clubs, such as BSC Young Boys in Switzerland and Legia Warsaw in Poland. Additionally, it has extended its sponsorships to basketball, becoming a partner of the Chicago Bulls — one of the most recognized names in global sports.
The company continues to expand its range of offerings by operating three distinct platforms: Plus500CFD, which provides access to more than 2800 CFD instruments; Plus500Invest, which offers direct investing in over 2700 shares (available in certain countries); and Plus500Futures, which is a dedicated futures trading platform currently available only in the United States.
This diversified approach allows Plus500 to serve clients with varying needs and preferences, maintaining its position as a major player in the online trading industry. These details, taken from the Plus500 Futures website, reflect the platform’s commitment to offering leveraged futures trading.
Financial Instruments Available
Plus500 offers an extensive variety of instruments for trading, particularly on its futures platform in the US. The range of markets includes:
- Agriculture: 9 agriculture futures contracts
- Cryptocurrencies: 5 cryptocurrency futures contracts. These include both micro contracts and ETFs tracking Bitcoin and other digital assets. The list includes Micro Bitcoin, Micro Ether, IBIT iShares Bitcoin, HODL VanEck Bitcoin, EZBC Franklin Bitcoin, FBTC Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin, DEFI Hashdex Bitcoin, GBTC Grayscale Bitcoin, BITB Bitwise Bitcoin, BRRR Vakyrie Bitcoin, ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin, BTCO Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin, BTCW WisdomTree Bitcoin.
- Metals: 7 metals futures contracts
- Commodities: 23 commodity futures contracts, covering raw materials such as gold, oil, and soybeans. This count includes 7 metals, 7 energy, and 9 agriculture contracts.
- Forex: 13 forex futures contracts, giving access to the global currency markets.
- Interest Rates: 4 interest rate futures contracts, which are based on instruments that pay interest.
- Energy: 7 energy futures contracts, covering markets like crude oil and natural gas.
- Equity Indices: 10 equity index futures contracts, tracking the performance of major stock markets and their segments.
This diverse set of instruments enables traders to build diversified portfolios, hedge their exposures, and speculate across asset classes. Plus500’s offering includes both standard and smaller contract sizes, which provides flexibility for traders with different capital levels and risk appetites.
Demo Account (free, unlimited)
The following section describes our experience specifically with the demo account on the Plus500 CFD platform.
Plus500 offers a free, unlimited demo account through its WebTrader platform and mobile app. This demo account is designed to simulate live market conditions using real-time quotes, giving users a realistic trading experience without any financial risk.
The demo mode allows beginners to learn how to navigate the platform, place trades, and manage positions without committing real funds. At the same time, more experienced traders can use it to test strategies, practice risk management, or familiarize themselves with new instruments.
We Tried the Demo Account on the Plus500 CFD Platform — Let’s Have a Look
The fact that the demo account is unlimited in time makes it particularly valuable, as users can practice at their own pace without worrying about expiration. Once users are confident, they can easily switch to a live trading account directly on the same platform.
We Tried the Demo Account — Let’s Have a Look
One of the standout features of Plus500 is its free, unlimited demo account, which allows traders to experience the platform without any financial risk. We decided to try it out ourselves to see what it’s really like. Here’s our step-by-step experience exploring the demo platform:
Funds Management Overview
We started by checking our available funds. The demo account came preloaded with €40,000, clearly shown under the Funds Management screen, along with equity, initial margin, and maintenance margin — all at €40,000 and €0 respectively since we hadn’t opened any positions yet.
Navigating the Menu & Tools
Next, we opened the main menu. Here, we found useful tools like the Economic Calendar, Market News, and Reports, along with account options, alerts, and access to the Trading Academy for education. The interface felt intuitive, and the tools were easy to locate and use.
Checking Insights
The platform’s +Insights section was a great addition — giving us a look at what other traders are doing. We saw the most traded, most viewed, and most followed instruments, as well as data on profitable and loss-making positions and buy/sell ratios. This is helpful for understanding market sentiment.
Exploring Instruments & Market Data
We then explored the trading screen, which displayed a variety of instruments like Natural Gas, Oil, Germany 40, EUR/USD, and more — with live bid/ask prices and recent percentage changes. A candlestick chart updated in real time, and it was easy to toggle between timeframes and instruments.
Preparing a Trade
We decided to test a short position on Natural Gas. Clicking the instrument brought up the trade panel, where we adjusted the contract size to 130,800, viewed the required margin and position value, and had the option to set profit and loss levels. The interface clearly indicated sufficient funds for the trade.
Setting Profit Target
Before executing, we toggled on “Close at profit” and set a target sell price. The platform calculated the expected profit at that level. This risk management feature was straightforward and easy to adjust.
Viewing Info & Stats
We also explored the Info tab for Natural Gas, which displayed live statistics like price changes over different timeframes and high/low levels for the last 5 and 60 minutes. This helped us make a more informed decision before placing the trade.
Checking Trader Activity
Lastly, we reviewed the +Insights > Activity section for Natural Gas. We learned that it was the second most-traded instrument in the last 24 hours, with almost 1 million views — indicating strong market interest.
Our Verdict on the Demo Account Experience
The Plus500 demo account delivers exactly what it promises: a realistic trading experience, unlimited practice, and access to the full suite of tools and insights. The platform is intuitive yet feature-rich, making it a great choice for both beginners looking to learn and experienced traders testing strategies risk-free.
Whether you’re exploring the markets for the first time or refining your trading plan, the Plus500 demo account is a valuable and accessible way to get started.
The workflow for Real Account
Opening a real trading account on Plus500 requires prospective clients to provide personal and financial information as part of the account verification process, in compliance with regulatory requirements. The information collected includes:
- Name and date of birth
- Country of residence and full residential address
- Social security number and phone number
- Employment status
- Financial details, including annual income, net worth, and source of funds
- Trading experience level
The minimum deposit required to fund a real account is $100. After verification and deposit, users gain full access to live trading on all supported instruments, with the ability to trade using real funds.
Plus500’s real account integrates all of the platform’s features, including advanced order types, risk management tools, and real-time market data. It is designed to make the transition from demo trading to live trading as seamless as possible.
Get a Bonus
Plus500 US offers a deposit bonus of up to $200, specifically designed to help new clients reduce initial trading costs. This bonus is available only on the first deposit made into the trading account. Once the deposit is completed, the corresponding bonus amount is automatically credited to the client’s trading account.
The bonus amount can be seen both at the top of the trading platform interface and within the Funds Management screen. It allows traders to trade without paying commissions until the bonus amount is fully used up. This feature is particularly appealing to new users as it lowers the barrier to entry and provides an opportunity to explore the platform’s full capabilities with a reduced cost burden on early trades.
It is important to note that the bonus applies only to the first deposit and is structured as a credit toward covering commissions rather than as withdrawable cash.
Maximum Leverage Possible
The maximum leverage on Plus500 varies depending on the specific instrument being traded, as it is directly tied to the margin requirement of each contract.
Rather than offering a fixed maximum leverage across the board, Plus500 sets leverage levels for each product based on its volatility, liquidity, and regulatory considerations. For example, instruments with higher risk (like cryptocurrencies) typically have lower maximum leverage than more stable instruments (like major currency pairs or indices).
This product-specific approach to leverage helps traders better manage their risk while still giving them access to the benefits of margin trading. Traders can view the exact margin requirements and resulting leverage for any instrument directly on the platform before opening a position.
Fee Structure
Plus500 offers competitive and transparent fee structures, with clear information about what traders will pay per transaction. The main components of the fee schedule are:
- Standard contract commission: 0.89 (per side)
- Micro contract commission: 0.49 (per side)
- Liquidation fee per contract: 10
- Withdrawal by wire transfer: 0
Importantly, Plus500 does not charge fees for the following:
- Data fees
- Platform usage fees
- Deposits and withdrawals
- Inactivity fees
- Routing fees
It is worth noting that exchange and NFA fees are passed through to the client at cost and are applied per side of the trade. Clients can refer to the CME Group’s published fee schedules for additional details on these regulatory and exchange-imposed fees:
This structure ensures that traders know exactly what they are paying for and avoids hidden costs, which is especially valuable for active traders looking to keep costs under control.
Spread
Unlike some brokers who charge through wide bid-ask spreads, Plus500 US does not rely on spreads as a primary cost for clients. Instead, it uses transparent commissions and margins.
Specifically:
- No spreads are applied (✘ Spreads)
- Instead, traders see and manage:
- Initial margin
- Intraday margin
- Place order margin
- SPAN margin
This margin-based approach is typical in futures markets, aligning with exchange-traded contracts where pricing and liquidity are determined by the exchange order book, not by the broker’s internal dealing desk. This makes costs more predictable and market-driven.
Deposit and withdrawal methods
Plus500 US offers simple and fee-free methods for depositing and withdrawing funds (with the exception of a fee on wire withdrawals). Supported payment methods include debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and wire transfers.
For deposits:
- Bank transfer: No fee, minimum amount $200, processing time approximately 24 hours
- Debit card: No fee, minimum amount $100, processing time immediate
For withdrawals:
- Bank transfer: No fee, processing time 1–3 business days
- Debit card: No fee, processing time 1–3 business days
Plus500 US does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. Any additional delays in receiving withdrawn funds are typically due to the client’s own bank or financial institution processing times. This straightforward and low-cost approach to funding and withdrawing from accounts is designed to make account management as seamless as possible for clients.
Risk Management Tools
Plus500 provides traders with essential risk management tools to help them manage exposure and protect against unexpected market movements. The available tools include:
- Take Profit: Allows traders to automatically close a position when it reaches a specified profit level.
- Stop Loss: Enables traders to set a maximum acceptable loss level, automatically closing the position if that level is reached.
It is important to note that trailing stop-loss orders are available on the Plus500 Futures platform. This feature allows traders to automatically adjust stop levels to follow favorable price movements dynamically, offering enhanced risk management. In addition to trailing stops, the platform also provides core stop and limit order functions, giving traders important controls over risk and potential outcomes.
Learn more with Futures Academy
Plus500 offers several platform features designed to enhance the trading experience, with a focus on education and accessibility. One notable feature is the Futures Academy, which provides free educational videos and articles.
The Futures Academy helps traders of all levels improve their knowledge of futures markets, trading strategies, and platform functionality. This educational resource is particularly beneficial for beginners who want to build confidence before trading live, and for experienced traders looking to refine their understanding of specific instruments or techniques.
In addition to the educational materials, the platform itself integrates real-time data, risk management tools, and customizable trading interfaces, making it a comprehensive environment for trading futures effectively.
Order types
Plus500 US supports two fundamental order types that allow traders to execute trades in either direction of the market:
- Buy orders (long positions): Used when a trader expects the price of the asset to rise.
- Sell orders (short positions): Used when a trader expects the price of the asset to fall.
These basic order types enable traders to participate in both upward and downward market trends. Together with the platform’s stop and limit functionality, they provide a straightforward but flexible way to enter and exit positions according to market outlook and strategy.
Regulations
Plus500 US operates under strict regulatory oversight, providing clients with confidence in the platform’s integrity and compliance. The company is authorized by two top-tier regulators in the United States:
- National Futures Association (NFA), with ID number 0001398
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
These regulatory bodies enforce high standards of conduct, financial transparency, and customer protection. Being regulated by both the NFA and CFTC ensures that Plus500 US adheres to all applicable rules on client fund segregation, reporting, and trading practices, giving customers a secure and trustworthy trading environment.
Client money protection
Client funds at Plus500 US are held in segregated accounts, separate from the company’s operational funds. This means that client money is not used by the company for its own business activities and remains safeguarded in the event of company insolvency.
Segregation of client funds is a key requirement of the regulatory framework and provides an added layer of financial protection for customers, ensuring that their deposits and account balances are secure and properly accounted for.
Allowed countries
Plus500 US is restricted to serving clients only from the United States. Residents of other countries are not eligible to open accounts or trade on the Plus500 US futures platform.
This restriction aligns with regulatory requirements and licensing agreements in the jurisdictions where Plus500 operates. Traders in other regions may instead access Plus500’s other platforms, such as Plus500CFD or Plus500Invest, where permitted.
By focusing exclusively on US-based clients for its futures offering, Plus500 ensures full compliance with US trading laws and regulations while tailoring its platform and services to meet the specific needs and standards of the American market.
Customer Support 24/7
Plus500 US provides customer support via chat and email (contact form). The support service is available 24/7, ensuring that clients can get assistance at any time of the day or night, including weekends.
It is important to note that support is offered in English & Spanish, which aligns with the platform’s focus on US-based clients. The availability of live chat makes it easy for traders to resolve issues quickly and efficiently, while email support is useful for more complex or non-urgent inquiries. This round-the-clock service is particularly valuable in futures markets, which can be highly active outside of regular business hours.
Available devices
The Plus500 platform is accessible on a wide range of devices, offering flexibility and convenience for traders. It is available via the WebTrader, a browser-based interface that works without requiring any downloads.
WebTrader supports access in 30 different languages, making it versatile for traders who prefer to use interfaces in their native languages even though Plus500 US itself only serves US clients. The platform is designed to work smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring that clients can monitor markets and execute trades whether they are at home, in the office, or on the go.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier US regulators (NFA and CFTC), ensuring compliance and client protection
- Client funds are kept in segregated accounts, safeguarding deposits
- Cutting-edge WebTrader platform, accessible without downloads and optimized for desktop and mobile
- Free, unlimited demo account for practice and strategy testing
- Competitive commissions, no platform or inactivity fees, and transparent fee structure
- Wide range of futures contracts across multiple asset classes (agriculture, energy, metals, indices, cryptocurrencies, forex, and more)
- Multiple contract sizes (standard, mini, micro) to suit different account sizes and strategies
- Futures Academy with free educational resources to help traders learn and improve
- 24/7 customer support available via chat and email
- Quick and fee-free deposits and withdrawals (except for wire withdrawal fee)
Cons
- Available only to clients based in the United States
- Support available only in English & Spanish
- Limited to futures contracts, no direct investing or spot CFD trading on the US platform
Rating: 4.5 / 5
1. Regulation and Trustworthiness: 5/5
Plus500 is regulated by two of the most stringent US regulators (NFA and CFTC), and it keeps client funds segregated from its own operations. This inspires a high level of trust and security — especially important in a leveraged futures trading environment.
2. Platform Quality and Features: 4.5/5
The WebTrader platform is modern, fast, and works seamlessly on desktop and mobile without requiring downloads. It supports advanced risk management tools, an unlimited demo account, and a diverse range of instruments and contract sizes.
3. Pricing and Fees: 5/5
Fees are highly competitive, with no hidden platform, data, inactivity, or deposit fees. The transparent per-side commissions and low intraday margins make it attractive even for active traders.
4. Education and Support: 4.5/5
The Futures Academy and 24/7 live chat/email support (in English & Spanish) are strong points. The only drawback is the lack of multilingual support and reliance on English & Spanish -only communication, which can feel restrictive for some users.
5. Product Scope and Flexibility: 4/5
The platform offers a solid variety of futures contracts across asset classes, with standard, mini, and micro sizes. However, it is limited to futures (no CFDs or spot investing in the US), and service is restricted to US clients only.
Why this rating reflects confidence
Plus500 US earns a high score because it delivers exactly what serious futures traders need: a transparent, regulated, and cost-effective platform with an excellent range of contracts and educational resources. Its limitations are outweighed by its regulatory strength, technology, and value.
For traders who understand the risks of leverage and futures, Plus500 US is among the most trustworthy and competitive choices available today.
Overall Verdict
Plus500 US stands out as a strong choice for traders looking for a reliable and transparent futures trading platform. Its strict regulation by the NFA and CFTC, along with segregated client funds, provides reassurance of its trustworthiness. The platform combines a user-friendly interface with competitive fees, advanced features, and a comprehensive range of instruments covering all major asset classes.
The availability of a free, unlimited demo account, robust educational resources, and trailing stop orders makes Plus500 US suitable for beginners, while its deep market coverage and flexible contract options appeal to more experienced traders. However, the restriction to US-based clients may be a limiting factor for some.
Overall, Plus500 US provides a balanced and professional solution for futures trading, with a strong emphasis on transparency, regulatory compliance, and trader support. It is best suited for traders who understand the risks of leveraged products and appreciate a regulated, cost-effective platform.
