Plus500 Demo vs Real Account: Which Should You Use First?

When you sign up with Plus500, you’ll notice there are two main ways to trade: the Demo Account and the Real Account.

At first glance, they look almost identical. Both give you access to the same platform, the same charts, and the same markets. But there’s a big difference in what’s at stake — and in how you experience trading.

This guide will help you understand exactly how the two accounts compare, their benefits, limitations, and which one you should use depending on your experience and goals.

Quick Differences Between the Plus500 Demo vs Real Account

If you just want the key facts, here’s a side-by-side table:

Benefits of the Plus500 Demo Account

The demo account is designed for one thing — learning. And it does that job well.

1. Risk-Free Practice

You trade using virtual funds, so you can explore the platform without the fear of losing money. It is ideal for complete beginners.

2. Real Market Experience

Even though the funds aren’t real, the prices, spreads, and charts are live. If gold moves $10 in the real market, you’ll see the same movement in your demo account.

3. Full Feature Access

The demo gives you the same tools as the live account:

• Technical indicators like RSI, MACD, and Bollinger Bands
• Different chart types (candlesticks, line, area)
• Stop loss and take profit options
• Price alerts

4. Unlimited Time

Some brokers limit demo accounts to 30 days. Plus500 doesn’t. You can keep using the demo as long as you want.

5. Strategy Testing

If you want to try day trading, swing trading, or scalping, the demo lets you test your ideas in a realistic setting without financial consequences.

Click here to open your free Plus500 demo account

Disclaimer: “82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.”

Limitations of the Plus500 Demo Account

It’s not all perfect. The demo has some important drawbacks to remember.

1. No Real Consequences

Because you’re not using real money, it’s easy to take bigger risks or trade recklessly — something you might never do in real life.

2. Overconfidence Trap

Many beginners win big in demo mode, then assume they’ll do the same in live trading. The shift to real money changes everything.

3. No Withdrawals

Profits in the demo are virtual. You can’t cash them out. The main goal here is education, not earning.

Benefits of the Plus500 Real Account

When you open a real account, the stakes change — and so does the experience.

1. Real Profits

Your wins are now real money. If you make $200, you can withdraw it to your bank or PayPal.

2. Emotional Training

Trading with real money triggers emotions like fear, greed, and excitement. Learning to manage these is a big part of becoming a successful trader.

3. Real-World Accountability

When your hard-earned cash is on the line, you naturally become more disciplined and careful.

4. No Downgrade in Features

The real account offers the same tools as the demo, so you don’t have to learn anything new.

Risks of the Plus500 Real Account

1. Financial Losses

CFDs are leveraged products. A $100 deposit could control a much larger trade. It can magnify profits but also magnify losses.

2. Emotional Pressure

Fear of losing money can make you close trades too early. Greed can make you hold losing positions too long.

3. Fees Apply

Now spreads, overnight funding fees, and currency conversion charges are real. They’ll affect your bottom line.

How to Transition from Demo to Real Account

If you’re ready to move from demo to live trading, here’s a safe way to do it:

Step 1: Review Your Results

Look at your demo trading history. Are you profitable over a decent sample size (e.g., 50+ trades)? If not, keep practicing.

Step 2: Deposit Small

Start with the minimum deposit (usually $100). Think of it as tuition for learning in the real market.

Step 3: Keep Positions Small

Don’t risk your whole account on one trade. Stick to risking 1–2% of your capital per trade.

Step 4: Use Both Accounts

Keep the demo for testing new strategies. Use the real account for trades you’re confident in.

Click here to open your free Plus500 demo account

Disclaimer: “82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.”

Which Account Should You Use?

Here’s a quick guide based on your situation:

• Stick with the Demo Account if:
  • You’re brand new to trading
  • You’re still learning how CFDs work
  • You haven’t developed a trading plan yet
  • You can’t afford to lose money
• Switch to a Real Account if:
  • You’ve practiced extensively in demo mode
  • You understand the risks and rules of CFD trading
  • You can trade without letting emotions take over
  • You can afford potential losses without financial stress

Pro Tip: Use Them Together

Many experienced traders still use both accounts.

• Demo: To test a new trading strategy, indicator, or risk setting.
• Real: To trade with their main, proven methods.

This way, you keep improving while protecting your capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Plus500 demo account free?

Yes, 100% free. No deposit or card details required.

Q: Does the demo account expire?

No. You can use it indefinitely.

Q: Are demo account prices real?

Yes, they mirror real market prices and conditions.

Q: Can I lose more than I deposit in the real account?

No. Plus500 offers negative balance protection for retail traders.

Final Verdict on Plus500 Demo vs Real Account

The Plus500 demo account is your safe space to learn, test, and gain confidence. If you’re new, it’s the smart choice.

The Plus500 real account is where the learning gets serious — because now you’re dealing with real profits and losses.

For most traders, the best approach is to use both:

• Demo for experimenting
• Real account for your trusted strategies

Click here to open your free Plus500 demo account and start practicing today.

Click here to open your free Plus500 demo account

Disclaimer: “82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.”