Plus500 stands out as a US-regulated futures broker that keeps things simple and cost-effective. With low, flat-rate commissions, a clean proprietary platform, and access to a solid range of futures markets, it’s particularly well-suited to newer and price-conscious traders. While it focuses solely on futures and offers streamlined research tools, that specialization helps create a focused, no-frills trading environment.
Our expert panel has 60+ years of combined experience across stocks, crypto, forex, and commodities. Every platform is tested hands-on: we open a real account, deposit funds, explore the features, contact customer support, and withdraw, before writing a word.
Each service is then scored across 8 categories (cost, reliability, user experience, deposits & withdrawals, investing options, market range, research tools, and educational resources) to produce a star rating out of 5. Our editorial content is independent and never influenced by advertisers or commercial relationships.
Read our review methodology and editorial guidelines.
Plus500 overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | United States only (Plus500 US Financial Services LLC) |
| Regulators | Regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID: 0001398) |
| Investor protection | Client funds held in segregated accounts; no investor compensation scheme and no negative balance protection for US futures accounts |
| Minimum deposit | $100 (debit cards and digital wallets); $200 (wire transfers) |
| Stock and ETF fees | Not available; real stocks and ETFs are not supported on Plus500 US |
| Forex and CFD fees | Not available; Plus500 US does not offer CFDs or spot forex trading |
| Crypto fees (if offered) | Crypto exposure available via regulated futures contracts; standard commission applies ($0.89 per side for standard contracts, $0.49 per side for micro contracts) |
| Withdrawal fees | $0; withdrawals processed within 1-3 business days |
| Inactivity fees | None |
| Platforms (web, mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView) | Proprietary Plus500 WebTrader platform available on web and mobile (iOS, Android, Windows); no MT4, MT5, or TradingView integration |
| Account opening time | Fully digital; account setup can be completed within minutes once verification is approved |
Pros & Cons
Who is Plus500 best for?
- Beginner futures traders who want a simple trading platform and predictable trading costs.
- Cost-conscious traders focused on keeping non-trading fees to a minimum.
- US-based users looking for a regulated futures broker with straightforward account setup.
Who is Plus500 not ideal for?
- Long-term investors seeking stocks, ETFs, or portfolio-style investing.
- Advanced traders who rely on deep research, news, or third-party analytics.
- Risk-averse users, who are uncomfortable trading leveraged futures without balance protection.
Is Plus500 safe and properly regulated?
Yes, Plus500’s US business is properly regulated for futures trading. Plus500 US Financial Services LLC is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA), requiring compliance with strict rules on capital, reporting, and client fund segregation.
US clients trade through Plus500 US Financial Services LLC, a registered Futures Commission Merchant with the CFTC and an NFA member (NFA ID: 0001398). This requires the broker to comply with capital adequacy rules, routine audits, and ongoing regulatory oversight designed to reduce counterparty risk and misconduct.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from Plus500’s own operating capital. This means customer money cannot be used for business expenses and is protected if the firm were to face financial difficulty, although segregation does not eliminate trading losses.
For US futures trading, negative balance protection is not provided. Futures are leveraged instruments, and margin requirements can change, especially during volatile market conditions. If your account equity falls below maintenance margin levels, positions may be liquidated automatically, and you remain responsible for any resulting deficit.
What does it cost to use Plus500?
Plus500 US uses a flat, per-contract commission model for futures trading, so costs are predictable and show up when you place and close trades. There are no platform, data, withdrawal, or inactivity fees, but you do pay standard futures commissions, regulatory fees, and a liquidation fee if margin requirements are not met.
Plus500 US charges fixed commissions per side, per contract:
- Standard, E-mini, and E-mini contracts: $0.89 per side.
- Micro contracts: $0.49 per side.
- NFA regulatory fee: $0.02 per side per contract.
- Liquidation fee: $10 per contract (applies if positions are forcibly closed due to insufficient margin).
There are no spreads in the CFD sense, as Plus500 US offers exchange-traded futures, where pricing comes directly from the futures exchange.
Plus500 US keeps non-trading costs low:
- Withdrawal fees: $0
- Deposit fees: $0
- Inactivity fees: None
- Platform or data fees: None
Withdrawals take 1 to 3 business days, depending on the method used.
All Plus500 US accounts are USD-denominated. As a result:
- There are no FX conversion fees within the platform.
- Any currency conversion costs would come from your bank or payment provider, not Plus500.
Futures trading requires margin rather than the full contract value. Plus500 US applies variable intraday margins, which change daily by instrument and market conditions. Examples at the time of publication include:
- Micro E-mini S&P 500: $50
- Micro Bitcoin: $100
- Australian Dollar futures: $400
Margin requirements can increase around volatile market events, which may raise trading costs or trigger liquidation if your account equity falls below maintenance levels.
Fee summary table
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard futures commission | $0.89 per side |
| Micro futures commission | $0.49 per side |
| NFA regulatory fee | $0.02 per side |
| Liquidation fee | $10 per contract |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 |
| Inactivity fee | $0 |
| Platform / data fees | $0 |
Overall, Plus500 is priced for cost transparency and simplicity, but futures trading costs can still add up quickly due to leverage and margin requirements.
What assets and markets can you access with Plus500?
Plus500 provides access exclusively to exchange-traded futures contracts across several major asset classes. The key gap is that you cannot trade real stocks, ETFs, CFDs, spot forex, or crypto directly, which limits diversification compared with multi-asset investing platforms.
US clients trade futures through Plus500 US Financial Services LLC, a CFTC-regulated Futures Commission Merchant. The platform supports futures across the following categories:
- Equity indices: Including Micro E-mini contracts such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nikkei (USD).
- Commodities: Covering energy (e.g., Micro WTI Crude Oil, Natural Gas), metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum), and agriculture (Corn, Wheat, Soybean Meal).
- Forex futures: Currency futures such as the Australian Dollar, Euro FX, and micro FX contracts.
- Cryptocurrency futures: Regulated derivatives such as Micro Bitcoin, Micro Ether, and short-dated Bitcoin futures.
- Interest rates: US Treasury futures including 2-Year T-Notes, 10-Year Yield, and micro interest rate contracts.
These instruments are traded on regulated US futures exchanges, with pricing and contract specifications set by the exchange rather than the broker.
Real stocks and ETFs are not available on Plus500 US. The platform operates a separate stock-dealing service (Plus500 Invest) in some countries; it is not offered to US clients and is not part of the futures platform.
Plus500 US does not offer CFDs or spot forex trading. All currency exposure is provided through futures contracts, which behave differently from retail forex products and involve margin requirements set by the exchange.
Cryptocurrency trading on Plus500 US is limited to crypto futures only. You do not own the underlying digital assets, cannot transfer crypto on or off the platform, and are exposed to leveraged price movements rather than spot prices.
Plus500 does not provide access to options, mutual funds, or cash bonds, with bond exposure limited to interest rate futures contracts.
Overall, Plus500 offers broad coverage within futures markets, but it is a specialist platform, not a general investing solution. It suits traders who specifically want regulated access to futures rather than long-term investors seeking traditional assets.
How do deposits and withdrawals work on Plus500?
Plus500 supports debit cards, wire transfers, and selected digital wallets, with no deposit or withdrawal fees charged by the platform. Deposits are instant, while withdrawals take 1 to 3 business days, depending on the method.
The main limits to be aware of are minimum funding thresholds and the requirement that all payments come from accounts in your own name.
Supported deposit methods and minimums
US clients can fund their Plus500 account using the following methods:
| Deposit method | Minimum deposit | Typical speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit card (Visa, Mastercard) | $100 | Instant | $0 |
| Apple Pay | $100 | Instant | $0 |
| Google Pay | $100 | Instant | $0 |
| Wire transfer | $200 | Several business days | $0 |
Deposits must be made from a payment method registered in the account holder’s name.
Withdrawals are processed using the same methods available for deposits and are free of charge:
- Withdrawal fee: $0
- Processing time: 1 to 3 business days after the request is approved.
- Minimum withdrawal: applies depending on the method, with higher thresholds for wire transfers.
As with deposits, withdrawals can only be sent to accounts held in your own name, which helps reduce fraud and comply with US regulatory requirements.
Because trading, deposits, and withdrawals are all handled in US dollars, there are no internal currency conversion costs. Any conversion fees would come from your bank or card provider if your funding source is not USD-denominated.
How easy is it to open an account?
Opening an account with Plus500 US is fast and fully digital, with users able to complete the process in a matter of minutes once identity checks are approved. To start live trading, you need to complete standard KYC checks and make a minimum deposit of $100.
As a US-regulated futures broker, Plus500 US must verify your identity before you can trade.
During signup, you are asked to provide:
- Personal details such as date of birth and residential address
- A valid Social Security Number (SSN) for regulatory and tax purposes
- Basic financial information, including annual income
- Confirmation that you have read and accepted the platform’s legal agreements
Yes, Plus500 US offers a free demo trading account that mirrors live market conditions using real-time futures prices. The demo account allows you to:
- Explore the trading platform and order types.
- Practice trading futures without risking real money.
- Switch to a live account at any time once you are ready.
There is no time limit on demo usage, and balances can be reset automatically.
Plus500 supports one account type for retail futures traders. There are no tiered accounts or professional classifications. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a resident in the United States.
- Meet regulatory suitability and identity requirements.
- Fund the account with at least $100 (or $200 for wire transfers).
Account opening at Plus500 is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
How good is the app and web platform for everyday use?
The Plus500 trading app and web platform are easy to use and well-suited to everyday futures trading, especially for beginners and intermediate traders. Core actions such as finding markets, placing orders, monitoring margin, and managing positions are clearly laid out, though advanced customization and research tools are limited.
Plus500 supports all standard futures order types, including market, limit, and stop-loss. Orders can be placed directly from charts or via the trade ticket, which clearly displays margin requirements, contract size, and estimated exposure before confirmation.
The platform includes robust built-in charting, with:
- 100+ technical indicators
- Multiple chart types, including candlestick, line, and range bars
- 11 timeframes, from one minute to one week
Charts are responsive and load quickly across both web and mobile. However, there is no integration with third-party tools such as TradingView.
Everyday monitoring tools are a strong point, featuring:
- Custom watchlists for tracking preferred futures contracts.
- Price alerts and notifications to help manage fast-moving markets.
- Clear portfolio and margin views, showing open positions, unrealized P&L, and account equity in real time.
Plus500 WebTrader and the mobile app are available on web browsers, iOS, Android, and Windows, using the same proprietary interface across devices. The platform supports more than 30 languages and includes two-factor authentication for added security.
What features stand out compared to similar platforms?
Plus500 stands out for its simplicity, cost transparency, and tight focus on regulated futures trading, rather than for offering a wide range of advanced or experimental features. The key differentiators are practical and execution-focused, which will matter most to newer and cost-conscious futures traders.
Plus500 US uses a simple flat-fee commission model across futures contracts, with $0.89 per side for standard contracts and $0.49 per side for micro contracts, plus the standard NFA regulatory fee of $0.02 per side.
There are no platform, data, routing, withdrawal, or inactivity fees, which reduces cost uncertainty compared with platforms that layer multiple charges on top of commissions.
The day trading platform offers relatively low intraday margin requirements on several micro futures, lowering the barrier to entry for smaller accounts.
- Micro E-mini S&P 500: $50
- Micro Bitcoin: $100
- Micro Ether: $20
While margin levels can change daily and increase during volatile periods, this structure allows traders to size positions more flexibly than with full-size contracts.
Plus500 runs on a single proprietary WebTrader platform that works the same way on web, mobile, and desktop. There is no need to learn different interfaces or manage third-party software.
The free demo account mirrors live futures pricing and platform functionality, with no time limits and automatic balance resets. This makes it easier to test strategies, learn how margin and liquidation work, and understand contract behavior before committing real capital.
What is Plus500 best for?
Plus500 is best suited to traders who want regulated, low-cost access to futures markets without the complexity of multi-asset investing apps. Its structure, pricing, and tools align most closely with the following user profiles.
- Beginner futures traders: The platform’s clean interface, integrated margin displays, and free demo account make it easier to learn how futures contracts work before committing real capital. Low intraday margins on micro contracts, such as $50 for Micro E-mini S&P 500 and $100 for Micro Bitcoin, also lower the entry barrier.
- Cost-conscious active traders: Traders who value predictable costs benefit from flat commissions of $0.89 per side on standard contracts and $0.49 per side on micro contracts, with no inactivity, platform, or withdrawal fees. This structure helps keep non-trading costs under control over time.
- US-based traders seeking strong regulatory oversight: Plus500 US operates as a CFTC-regulated Futures Commission Merchant and an NFA member (ID 0001398), offering a clear regulatory framework and segregated client funds, which can matter for traders prioritising counterparty transparency.
Plus500 works best as a focused futures trading solution, rather than a broad investing or portfolio management platform.
When is Plus500 not a good fit?
Plus500 US is a specialist futures platform, and there are several situations where it may be better to skip it in favor of a more flexible or lower-risk alternative.
- When you want to invest in stocks, ETFs, or long-term portfolios: Plus500 US does not offer real shares, ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds.
- When you need advanced research, analytics, or third-party tools: While charting is solid, the platform lacks deep fundamental research, news feeds, APIs, and integrations such as TradingView.
- When you want built-in downside protection on leveraged trades: US futures accounts do not include negative balance protection.
- When you prefer multiple account types or highly customisable platforms: Plus500 US offers a single retail account type and a fixed proprietary platform.
Plus500 is best used only when your goal is straightforward, regulated futures trading, and not when you need broader asset access or advanced trading infrastructure.
How to get started with Plus500
Getting started with Plus500 is quick and fully online. You can open an account, explore the platform in demo mode, and begin live futures trading once your identity is verified and you fund the account with at least $100.
- Create an account: Sign up on the Plus500 website using your email address or an existing Google or Facebook account, then set a password.
- Complete identity checks: Provide your personal details, Social Security Number, and basic financial information to meet CFTC and NFA requirements.
- Use the free demo account: Access live market prices in demo mode to practice trading futures and understand margin and order mechanics without risking real money.
- Fund your account: Deposit at least $100 using a debit card or digital wallet, or $200 via wire transfer.
- Start trading futures: Switch to a live account, choose a futures contract, set your order size and risk controls, and place your first trade.
Final thoughts
Plus500 is a focused, US-regulated futures trading platform built for traders who want simple access to exchange-listed contracts with clear, predictable costs. It works best for beginners and cost-conscious traders who value ease of use and regulatory oversight over breadth of assets or advanced tooling.
The main drawback is its narrow scope, as it does not support stocks, ETFs, or deeper research and analytics. For traders whose goal is straightforward futures trading without platform complexity, Plus500 is a suitable and practical choice.
FAQs
Yes, Plus500 operates in the US through Plus500 US Financial Services LLC, a registered Futures Commission Merchant regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and supervised by the National Futures Association (NFA).
Yes, Plus500 offers a dedicated US platform that allows eligible residents to trade exchange-listed futures contracts under US regulatory oversight.
US residents who meet regulatory suitability checks and complete identity verification can open an account. A Social Security Number and basic financial information are required as part of onboarding.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from the company’s operating capital. However, segregation protects against broker insolvency, not trading losses.
Plus500 US Financial Services LLC is regulated by the CFTC and is a member of the NFA (NFA ID: 0001398). This requires adherence to capital rules, reporting standards, and ongoing regulatory supervision.
US users can trade exchange-traded futures contracts across equity indices, commodities, forex, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. All trading is derivatives-based; there is no ownership of underlying assets.
No, Plus500 US does not offer real stocks or ETFs. Its US platform is limited to futures trading only.
Plus500 charges flat commissions of $0.89 per side for standard contracts and $0.49 per side for micro contracts, plus an NFA regulatory fee of $0.02 per side. There are no platform, data, inactivity, or withdrawal fees.
The minimum deposit is $100 when funded by debit card or digital wallet, and $200 for wire transfers.
No, while deposits by card or wallet are instant, withdrawals may take up to 3 days.
Withdrawals take 1 to 3 business days after approval, depending on the payment method used.
Yes, US futures accounts do not include negative balance protection, so losses can exceed your initial deposit during volatile market conditions.
Yes, Plus500 provides a free demo account with live market prices, allowing users to practice futures trading without risking real money.
The primary risks are leverage, margin calls, and potential losses beyond your deposit. Futures trading can be highly volatile, and margin requirements may change quickly during market stress.
How we tested and methodology
Plus500 was evaluated using Invezz’s standardized review framework, designed to assess trading platforms consistently and objectively. The review combines hands-on testing of the web and mobile platforms with detailed analysis of fees, available markets, account features, and regulatory disclosures.
Each platform is scored out of 5 across the following categories: investing options, platforms and usability, products and markets, safety and reliability, deposits and withdrawals, research tools, fees and costs, and education.
Scores are then weighted based on their importance to US retail traders to produce an overall rating, ensuring the final assessment reflects real-world usability, costs, and risk considerations rather than promotional claims.