Why Pick Plus500

Plus500 occupies an unusual position in the UAE broker landscape: it is one of very few brokers holding both a DFSA licence (F005651) in the DIFC and an CMA licence (20200000232) through Plus500Gulf Securities LLC, giving UAE traders a choice of two locally regulated entities. Founded in 2008 and listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 250 constituent, Plus500 has built its 28 million registered users on a simple proposition — CFD trading with zero commissions, spread-only pricing, and a proprietary WebTrader platform that strips away the complexity of MetaTrader. For UAE-based traders who want straightforward access to forex, index, commodity, share, and crypto CFDs without navigating EAs, cTrader, or multi-platform setups, Plus500 delivers a clean, mobile-first experience with full Arabic support and AED as a base currency. The trade-offs are real: spreads run above the industry average on major pairs (EUR/USD typically 0.8–1.3 pips versus 0.6 pips at IG or 0.0 pips at IC Markets), there is no MetaTrader support, and UAE clients via the DFSA entity trade CFDs only — Plus500 Invest (real shares) is available under the CySEC entity, not the UAE one. Guaranteed stop-loss orders, negative balance protection, and $40,000 demo funds round out the offering.

Plus500

Best For CFDs, forex, indices, commodities, crypto, shares

Recommended ForBeginner CFD traders, scalpers, day traders, UAE clients seeking simple platform & DFSA regulation

Open Account

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Best For CFDs, forex, indices, commodities, crypto, shares

Recommended ForBeginner CFD traders, scalpers, day traders, UAE clients seeking simple platform & DFSA regulation

• Number of Users 28M+ registered; ~180K active traders
• Number of Instruments 2,800+ CFDs
• Base Currencies USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, AED

4,4 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform4.5

• Fees4

• Mobile App4.5

• Deposit and withdrawal 4.5

• Available assets4.5

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 4

• Support4.5

• Overall rating4.4

Visit Interactive Brokers

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Plus500 is a DFSA + CMA dual-regulated CFD broker with FTSE 250 listing and a zero-commission, spread-only fee model. Its proprietary WebTrader is built for simplicity, making it accessible to beginners, while 2,800+ CFDs across seven asset classes and AED base currency support make it practical for UAE traders.

Overall Pros & Cons

See how the best brokers in United Arab Emirates compare to Plus500

The comparison below contrasts Plus500 against two UAE-accessible alternatives. eToro is the social trading platform with real stock ownership and copy trading. IG is the established DFSA-licensed veteran with 17,000+ markets and real share dealing.

Plus500’s fee model is the definition of simplicity: zero commissions on everything, with all costs baked into the bid/ask spread. No separate commission line, no lot-based calculations, no tiered pricing — what you see in the spread is what you pay. This transparency is genuine and suits beginners who don’t want to model all-in trading costs. The flip side is that Plus500’s spreads tend to run above the industry average. BrokerChooser’s November 2025 test recorded EUR/USD at 0.9 pips, while ForexBrokers.com measured 1.3 pips in October 2025. Plus500’s own marketing cites 0.6 pips, which reflects the tightest dynamic conditions rather than typical experience. By comparison, IG delivers 0.6 pips on EUR/USD and IC Markets hits 0.0 pips (plus commission).

The 0.7% currency conversion fee applies to all trades in instruments denominated in a different currency from your account base — this is on the higher end. The guaranteed stop-loss order feature is a genuine differentiator (IG also offers this, but few other brokers do), though it comes with a wider spread. No deposit fees, no withdrawal fees for the first five per month, and no custody or account fees round out a clean non-trading fee profile, marred only by the $10/month inactivity fee that kicks in after just three months of no login.

Forex Fees

Plus500 offers 70+ forex pairs with spread-only pricing. No commission, no lot-based fee, no tiered structure. The simplicity is the selling point, but the spreads are wider than commission-based ECN brokers.

Stock Fees

Plus500 offers 1,100+ stock CFDs globally — not real share ownership. UAE clients via the DFSA entity trade share CFDs only. Plus500 Invest (real shares with 0.08% commission) is available under the CySEC entity but not accessible to UAE DFSA clients.

ETF Fees

Plus500 offers 90+ ETF CFDs via its platform. These are contracts for difference, not real ETF ownership. No separate commission applies — costs are in the spread.

CFD Fees

Index, commodity, and individual share CFDs are Plus500’s core business. Pricing is entirely spread-based with no commission. The spreads below are dynamic averages — they widen during volatility, off-hours, and news events.

Crypto Fees

Plus500 offers 15+ crypto CFDs including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The 0.5% buy/sell spread is competitive against eToro’s 1% but wider than dedicated crypto exchanges.

Non-trading fees

Plus500’s non-trading fee profile is clean except for two items: the aggressive 3-month inactivity trigger and the 0.7% currency conversion fee. Both are avoidable (log in periodically; use AED base currency) but catch traders who aren’t paying attention.

Plus500’s regulatory profile is one of its strongest assets and a genuine differentiator in the UAE market. The broker holds a DFSA licence (F005651) through Plus500AE Ltd in the DIFC and a separate CMA licence (20200000232) through Plus500Gulf Securities LLC for the UAE mainland — making it one of very few CFD brokers with dual local regulation. Globally, Plus500 holds licences from the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, FMA, FSCA, EFSA, JFSA, and SCB. The company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250 constituent), meaning it publishes audited financials, is subject to market scrutiny, and operates under UK corporate governance standards. Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, and negative balance protection applies to all retail clients globally. The one caveat: UAE DFSA clients do not benefit from the FSCS (UK) or ICF (CySEC) investor compensation schemes — segregated funds and DFSA conduct rules are the protections available.

Who is Plus500 regulated by?

DFSA (UAE), CMA (UAE), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), EFSA (Estonia), JFSA (Japan), SCB (Bahamas), and others. UAE clients are served under Plus500AE Ltd (DFSA) or Plus500Gulf Securities LLC (CMA).

Is Plus500 a safe broker to use?

Yes. The DFSA + CMA dual licensing, FTSE 250 listing, FCA regulation, and segregated client funds create one of the strongest structural safety profiles among CFD brokers available to UAE traders. The public listing adds a layer of transparency that privately held brokers cannot match. Historical controversies (Belgium fine, Israel and Australia class actions) should be noted but have not resulted in any loss of licensing or client fund issues.

Is there investor protection for Plus500?

Depends on your entity. FCA clients: up to £85,000 via FSCS. CySEC clients: up to €20,000 via ICF. UAE DFSA clients: no statutory compensation scheme — protection is through segregated funds, negative balance protection, and DFSA conduct rules.

Plus500 Background

Founding: 2008 in Israel by six Technion alumni including Alon Gonen and Gal Haber, with $400,000 initial investment.

Mission: Simplify CFD trading through proprietary technology and transparent pricing.

Scale: 28M+ registered users, ~180,000 active traders. $792.4M revenue in 2025.

Listing: London Stock Exchange Main Market, FTSE 250 constituent (ticker: PLUS).

Parent: Plus500 Ltd (publicly traded).

Subsidiaries: 10+ licensed entities globally including Plus500AE Ltd (DFSA), Plus500Gulf Securities LLC (CMA), Plus500UK Ltd (FCA), Plus500CY Ltd (CySEC).

Awards: Multiple industry recognitions for platform usability and CFD trading.

Sponsorships: Chicago Bulls (NBA), Legia Warsaw, BSC Young Boys.

Recent Developments: In February 2026, Plus500 reported $792.4M revenue for 2025 (up from $768.3M in 2024) and announced $187.5M in shareholder returns. The company completed its acquisition of Mehta Equities (India) and expanded into US prediction markets via a Kalshi partnership. Non-OTC revenue exceeded $100M for the first time.

Plus500 offers a smooth funding experience for UAE clients. AED is supported as a base currency — a genuine advantage that eliminates the 0.7% FX conversion fee on deposits and trades in AED-denominated instruments. Deposits via card and e-wallets are instant, bank transfers take 1–3 days. No deposit fees apply. Withdrawals are free for the first five per month ($10 for each additional), with minimums of $50 for e-wallets and $100 for bank transfers. PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay (in supported regions) are all available.

Account base currencies

USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, AED — Plus500 is one of the few international CFD brokers offering AED as a base currency, which is a practical advantage for UAE residents.

Fees and options for deposits

Fees and options for withdrawal

Account opening at Plus500 is fast, fully digital, and mobile-friendly. The process takes minutes: register with email, complete ID verification (passport or Emirates ID plus proof of address), and fund with as little as $100. UAE clients can choose to onboard under Plus500AE Ltd (DFSA) or Plus500Gulf Securities LLC (CMA). A free demo account with $40,000 in virtual funds is available immediately — with no expiry date, making it one of the most generous demo offerings in the industry. Islamic swap-free accounts are available on request.

Account opening information

What is the minimum deposit at Plus500?

$100 for credit/debit card and e-wallet deposits (approximately AED 367). $500 for bank wire transfers.

Account types

Standard (Retail) Account: Plus500’s primary CFD trading account. Spread-based pricing with zero commission. Leverage up to 1:30 (DFSA retail limits). Access to all 2,800+ CFDs.

Professional Account: Higher leverage (up to 1:300) for qualified traders who meet eligibility criteria (trading experience, portfolio size, professional qualifications). Fewer regulatory protections than retail accounts.

Islamic Swap-Free Account: Standard account with overnight swap charges replaced by admin fees. Available to UAE Muslim traders on request. Compliant with Shariah principles.

Demo Account: $40,000 in virtual funds, no time limit. Mirrors live market conditions. Available to all users before or alongside live trading.

How to open an account?

1. Visit plus500.com or download the Plus500 app (iOS/Android).
2. Register with email and password — immediate access to demo.
3. Complete identity verification (passport or Emirates ID, proof of address).
4. Select base currency (AED available for UAE clients).
5. Choose entity: Plus500AE Ltd (DFSA) or Plus500Gulf Securities LLC (CMA).
6. Fund with $100+ via card, e-wallet, or bank wire.
7. Start trading — or practise on the $40,000 demo first.

The Plus500 mobile app is the broker’s strongest product. It mirrors the WebTrader platform with a clean, intuitive interface designed for quick trade execution. Available on iOS and Android in 30+ languages including Arabic, the app delivers real-time quotes, advanced charting with 100+ indicators, customisable watchlists, economic calendar, and push notifications for price alerts and trade execution. Biometric login (Face ID, Touch ID) and 2FA provide standard security. The app is fast, rarely lags, and handles volatile markets well. Where it falls short is in advanced functionality: no EA support, no algorithmic trading, no cTrader or TradingView integration, and limited chart customisation compared to MetaTrader-based competitors.

Mobile app information

Languages

30+ languages including English and Arabic.

Look and Feel / User Interface

Plus500’s app is minimalist by design. Trade, Portfolio, Funds — three core tabs that cover the entire workflow. Charts are clean with clear buy/sell buttons. The +Insights feature shows trader sentiment data (most bought, most sold, most profitable). Dark mode available.

Security & Login

2FA standard. Google, Facebook, and Apple ID authentication also available. Biometric login via Face ID and Touch ID.

Search

Fast instrument search with category filters (forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, ETFs, options).

Placing Orders

Market, limit, stop-loss, trailing stop, and guaranteed stop-loss orders. Trade execution is one-tap from the instrument screen.

Products

All 2,800+ CFDs accessible: 70+ forex pairs, 1,100+ stock CFDs, 90+ ETF CFDs, 30+ index CFDs, 100+ commodity CFDs, 15+ crypto CFDs, options CFDs.

Alerts and Notifications

Price alerts, execution notifications, economic calendar events, and market movement alerts via push notification, email, and SMS.

Plus500 WebTrader is the broker’s proprietary browser-based platform — no download, no installation, no third-party integration. It is designed for simplicity above all else. The interface is clean, fast, and uncluttered, with category-based instrument navigation, one-click trading, and integrated risk management tools. The charting package now includes 100+ indicators and 20+ drawing tools — a significant improvement from earlier versions. The +Insights sentiment tool and economic calendar add analytical value. What WebTrader lacks is the depth expected by advanced traders: no Strategy Tester, no backtesting, no custom indicators, no algorithmic trading, and no API access. There is no MT4, MT5, cTrader, or TradingView integration — Plus500 is entirely locked into its own ecosystem.

Languages

30+ languages including English and Arabic.

Look and Feel / User Interface

Minimalist, data-focused, and fast. The left sidebar categorises instruments; the main panel displays the chart with buy/sell entry. Account snapshot consolidates open positions, P&L, and available funds in one view. Dark and light mode available.

Security & Login

2FA mandatory. Google/Facebook/Apple ID authentication available. SSL encryption on all connections.

Search

Instant instrument search with auto-complete and category filtering.

Placing Orders

Market, limit, stop, trailing stop, and guaranteed stop-loss orders. Order entry is integrated into the chart view.

Products

All 2,800+ CFDs accessible from one interface.

Alerts and Notifications

Price alerts, market movement notifications, and economic calendar events configurable from the platform.

Requirements

Any modern browser. No download or plugin required.

Plus500 offers one of the widest CFD selections among retail brokers, with 2,800+ instruments across seven asset classes. For UAE clients via the DFSA entity, all assets are traded as CFDs — there is no real share ownership, no real ETF ownership, and no exchange-traded futures (US only). The forex selection (70+ pairs) covers majors, minors, and exotics. Stock CFDs span 1,100+ global companies including US, UK, European, and Asian markets. The addition of options CFDs (call and put contracts) is unusual among CFD brokers and adds a layer of strategic flexibility that competitors like eToro don’t offer.

Assets & products

Forex

70+ pairs (majors, minors, exotics).

Stock CFDs

1,100+ global companies.

ETF CFDs

90+ ETFs.

Index CFDs

30+ global indices including S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX.

Commodity CFDs

100+ including gold, silver, oil, natural gas, agricultural.

Crypto CFDs

15+ including BTC, ETH, SOL.

Options CFDs

Call and put options on popular indices and shares.

Bond CFDs

Government bond futures CFDs.

What’s not available to UAE clients

Real shares (Plus500 Invest — CySEC only), exchange-traded futures (Plus500 Futures — US only), mutual funds, real ETFs.

Plus500 has improved its education offering substantially from its early days, but it still lags behind IG’s comprehensive academy and eToro’s social learning environment. The Trading Academy now includes structured videos and articles covering CFD basics, risk management, and platform tutorials. A partnership with The Corellian Academy delivers free live webinars. The +Insights tool provides trader sentiment data — a unique feature showing which instruments are being bought, sold, and where traders are making or losing money. The economic calendar is powered by Dow Jones data. Where Plus500 falls short is in depth: no fundamental research reports, no analyst recommendations, no advanced trading guides, and no integrated news feed beyond the calendar.

Education for all levels

• Trading Academy: Videos and articles covering CFD trading basics.
• The Corellian Academy partnership: Free live webinars.
• Platform tutorials and guides.

Market insights

• Economic calendar powered by Dow Jones.
• +Insights: Trader sentiment data (most bought/sold, most profitable/losing).
• Market updates and daily analysis.

Research tools

• +Insights trader sentiment — unique to Plus500.
• 100+ technical indicators on charts.
• Real-time price quotes and historical data.

Accessibility

• Available in 30+ languages including Arabic.
• Free for all Plus500 account holders.
• Mobile and web delivery.

Plus500 offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and WhatsApp — no phone support. Response times are consistently fast: live chat typically connects within 45 seconds during our research. The absence of phone support is a deliberate design choice that aligns with Plus500’s digital-first model, though it may frustrate traders who prefer voice communication. Arabic language support is available across all channels. The FAQ and help centre are comprehensive and well-organised.

Support options available

• Email: [email protected]
• Live Chat: 24/7 instant chat
• WhatsApp: 24/7 support (Plus500 was the first CFD broker to offer this)
• Help Centre: Comprehensive FAQ and self-service documentation

Response times and quality

• Live Chat: Under 1 minute typical
• WhatsApp: Fast response during market hours
• Email: Within 24 hours
• Quality: Efficient for account, funding, and platform queries

UAE-specific support details

• Arabic language support on all channels
• 24/7 coverage — no timezone issues for UAE clients
• No phone support — live chat and WhatsApp only
• DFSA entity (Plus500AE) or CMA entity (Plus500Gulf) — support covers both

UAE specific features

• Dual UAE regulation: DFSA (Plus500AE Ltd, F005651) + CMA (Plus500Gulf Securities LLC, 20200000232)
• AED base currency available — avoids FX conversion fees on local deposits
• Full Arabic language support across platform, mobile app, and customer service
• Islamic swap-free accounts available — admin fee replaces overnight swaps
• FTSE 250 listed — public company transparency and governance
• 24/7 customer support via live chat and WhatsApp (no phone)
• Guaranteed stop-loss orders — genuine risk management for volatile markets
• Emirates ID accepted for account verification
• Negative balance protection for all retail clients
• Demo account with $40,000 virtual funds — no time limit
• PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay supported for deposits
• 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider

Author comment

Plus500 is the broker for traders who want CFD exposure without complexity. The zero-commission spread model, proprietary WebTrader, and DFSA + CMA dual regulation create a proposition that prioritises simplicity and local compliance over raw pricing or platform depth. For a UAE-based beginner who wants to trade forex, index, or commodity CFDs from a mobile phone with Arabic support and AED deposits, Plus500 is among the most accessible options available. The trade-off is clear: spreads run above what serious forex traders would accept, there is no MetaTrader or algorithmic trading capability, and the inactivity fee trigger at 3 months is the most aggressive in the industry (eToro gives you 12 months; IG gives you two years). The dual DFSA/CMA licensing is a genuine differentiator — very few brokers can match this local regulatory footprint. And the FTSE 250 listing provides a level of corporate transparency that privately held competitors simply cannot. For UAE traders who want tighter spreads and platform choice, IG is the DFSA-licensed alternative with 17,000+ markets and MetaTrader support. For those who want real stock ownership and social trading, eToro fills that gap. But for pure CFD simplicity with local regulation and Arabic support, Plus500 holds its ground.

FAQ

Is Plus500 available to UAE residents?

Yes. Plus500 is dual-regulated in the UAE — DFSA licence F005651 (Plus500AE Ltd) and CMA licence 20200000232 (Plus500Gulf Securities LLC). UAE residents can open accounts under either entity.

Does Plus500 offer Islamic accounts?

Yes. Islamic swap-free accounts are available across all account types. Overnight swap charges are replaced by an admin fee, compliant with Shariah principles.

What is the minimum deposit at Plus500?

$100 for credit/debit card and e-wallet deposits (approximately AED 367). $500 for bank wire transfers.

Can I deposit in AED?

Yes. Plus500 supports AED as a base currency — one of the few international CFD brokers to do so. This avoids the 0.7% currency conversion fee on AED-denominated instruments.

Which platform does Plus500 use?

Plus500 WebTrader — the broker’s proprietary platform available via web browser and mobile app (iOS/Android). No MT4, MT5, cTrader, or TradingView support.

Can I trade real stocks with Plus500?

Not via the UAE DFSA entity. All stock trading on Plus500AE Ltd is through CFDs. Plus500 Invest (real shares) is available under the CySEC entity only.

Are there inactivity fees at Plus500?

Yes. $10/month if you do not log in for 3 months. Simply logging in (not trading) resets the timer — unlike some brokers that require actual trade activity.

Does Plus500 support Arabic?

Yes. Platform, mobile app, and customer support (live chat, email, WhatsApp) are all available in Arabic.

Is Plus500 listed on a stock exchange?

Yes. Plus500 Ltd is listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index (ticker: PLUS).

Does Plus500 offer guaranteed stop-loss orders?

Yes. This is a genuine risk management feature that ensures your position closes at the requested price even during extreme market gaps. A wider spread applies when using this order type.

Can I access Plus500 Futures from the UAE?

No. Plus500 Futures is operated by Plus500US Financial Services LLC and is available to US residents only. UAE clients cannot access futures trading on Plus500.

Does Plus500 offer copy trading?

No. Unlike eToro, Plus500 does not offer social or copy trading features.

What is the leverage available?

Retail clients under DFSA: up to 1:30 on major forex pairs, lower on other asset classes. Professional clients: up to 1:300 (eligibility criteria apply).

Is there a demo account?

Yes. Free demo with $40,000 in virtual funds and no time limit. Available immediately on registration — no live account required.

What is the currency conversion fee?

0.7% on all trades in instruments denominated in a different currency from your account base. Use AED base currency to avoid this on AED instruments.

Does Plus500 offer phone support?

No. Support is via live chat (24/7), email, and WhatsApp only. Plus500 was the first CFD broker to offer WhatsApp support.

How many instruments are available?

2,800+ CFDs across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, crypto, options, and bonds.

What happened with the Plus500 class actions?

In 2021, an Israeli court approved a $29M class action related to alleged trading restrictions during the 2016 Brexit referendum. In 2023, an Australian class action was filed alleging misleading conduct. Both are historical matters; Plus500 continues to operate under all its regulatory licences without suspension.

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