You’ve just signed up to Plus500, ready to explore trading, maybe even excited to make your first deposit—and then comes the pause: verification. It feels like a speed bump, especially if you’re new. But this step is a core part of the journey.
It’s about protecting your money, keeping your account safe, and following the law. So how long does Plus500 verification take, really?
Let’s break it down with clear answers, real user experiences, and simple guidance to help you move forward confidently.
Why Plus500 Verification Matters
Before you can trade with real money or withdraw funds, Plus500 needs to confirm your identity and address. This step—known as KYC (Know Your Customer)—isn’t just bureaucracy. It has a real purpose:
- It helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and identity theft
- It keeps your money safer by blocking unauthorized access
- It ensures Plus500 follows strict international regulations
Plus500 is a publicly traded, globally regulated broker that serves millions of users. It’s licensed by respected regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These licenses require strict ID checks and security protocols. If you feel like the process is a hassle, it helps to know it’s built to protect both you and the platform.
Feeling stuck waiting? You’re not alone. Every trader—new or experienced—goes through this. Think of it as a lock that keeps the door secure.
How Long Does Plus500 Verification Take?
Most Users: 1 to 3 Business Days
In general, Plus500 verification takes between 1 and 3 business days. Many users report getting approved the same day, especially when they upload clear and correct documents. However, the actual time can vary depending on several factors.
Here’s how the timeline typically breaks down:
- Fast Track (Same-Day): Happens if you submit perfect documents on a weekday morning
- Standard (1–3 Business Days): Most traders fall in this range
- Delayed (3–5 Days): May occur during holidays, weekends, or if documents need manual review
Some traders from forums say they were verified within an hour. Others had to re-upload a document and wait 48–72 hours. Both are normal. But what if your account is still pending after that? Let’s look deeper.
What Can Delay the Process?
Verification isn’t random. If it’s slow, there’s usually a reason. Here’s what often causes delays:
Document Quality Issues
If your photo is blurry, cropped, or missing information, the system might flag it. For example:
- A passport photo that cuts off the edges
- A bank statement where your name is unreadable
- A scanned document with too much glare or shadow
Document Type Problems
To get verified, you need:
- Proof of Identity (POI): Passport, national ID card, or driver’s license
- Proof of Address (POA): Bank statement, utility bill, or tax document from the last 6 months
Documents like mobile phone bills, screenshots, or handwritten letters are often rejected. Use official PDFs or paper-based statements whenever possible.
Mismatched Information
If the name on your POI doesn’t match your Plus500 account name, or the address on your POA doesn’t match what you entered—expect a delay. Even small errors like a missing middle name or different spelling can cause issues.
High-Risk Regions or Manual Reviews
If you’re registering from a region that requires extra checks, or if the system detects something unusual, your documents may go through manual review. This adds extra time but is meant to protect you and the platform.
Common Mistake: Uploading a bank card instead of a proper ID. It’s not accepted and will slow you down.
Real-World Insights from Traders
We reviewed dozens of posts from Reddit, Trustpilot, and trading forums to gather real user experiences:
- “Got verified in 6 hours. Used a passport and tax letter. Super smooth!” – Reddit user @FX_Jake
- “I had to resend my ID because I took a photo in bad lighting. After that, it was approved in two days.” – Trustpilot review
- “Took four days because I signed up right before a holiday weekend.” – ForexFactory user
- “They didn’t accept my phone bill, but my bank statement worked fine.” – Quora contributor
The takeaway: clear, matching documents = fast approval. Errors or unusual uploads = expect a short delay.
Top 3 Myths About Plus500 Verification
- Myth 1: You need a credit card to verify – False. ID and address docs are all that’s needed.
- Myth 2: Demo users must upload documents too – False. No documents required for demo use.
- Myth 3: Any address document will work – False. It must be official, recent, and show your name and full address.
How to Speed Up Your Plus500 Verification
Here’s a ready-to-go checklist to help you get verified faster:
Use Valid Documents
- For POI: Choose a passport or national ID—these are almost always accepted
- For POA: Bank statement, utility bill, or tax letter dated within the past 6 months
Take Clear Photos
- Use natural light, not flash
- Don’t crop or hide corners
- All text should be readable, and all four corners visible
Match Your Info Exactly
- Use the same name, spelling, and format across your Plus500 profile and documents
Upload Supported File Types
- Stick to JPG, PNG, or PDF formats
Submit Documents Early in the Week
- Submitting on a Monday or Tuesday often results in faster approvals than weekends
Rename files clearly before uploading
- Avoid IMG_0599.jpg — use “passport_plus500.jpg” or “bank_statement_April2025.pdf”
Pro Tip: Use the Plus500 mobile app to snap and upload documents in one go. Just be sure to double-check clarity before submitting.
What Happens After You’re Verified?
Once you’re verified, you unlock:
- Full deposit and withdrawal access
- Real-money trading
- Additional account settings and security features
No more restrictions. Your account becomes fully functional, and you’re ready to start trading live. This is the moment many traders remember as their true starting point. Everything opens up after this.
What If Verification Takes Too Long?
If it’s been more than 3 business days, here’s what to do:
- Log into your Plus500 account and check for updates or rejection reasons
- Check your email, including spam folders, for a message from Plus500
- Prepare a backup document in case they request a second proof
- Contact Plus500 support through the in-app live chat or email form
Pro Tip: Keep your backup documents ready. A second submission usually moves faster than the first.
Can You Trade Before You’re Verified?
You can open and use a demo account right away—no verification needed. Demo trading lets you:
- Practice with virtual money
- Test strategies in real-time
- Learn the platform without risk
But if you want to trade with real money or withdraw funds, you must complete verification first.
Pro Tip: Use this waiting time to learn. Demo trade, read platform guides, and explore risk management basics.
What Documents Work Best by Country?
Some document types work better depending on where you live. Here are a few real examples:
- UK: Bank statements and council tax bills are often accepted quickly
- Germany: Government-issued tax letters or Deutsche Bank PDFs work best
- South Africa: Electricity bills and Telkom statements are often successful
- India: Aadhaar cards with address + bank statements get accepted more than mobile bills
Before You Upload: Pre-Verification Toolkit
Prepare these to avoid delays:
- A valid, non-expired passport or government ID
- A clean utility bill or bank statement dated in the last 6 months
- A well-lit room or daylight for photos
- A phone or scanner that captures high-quality images
- A few quiet minutes to double-check everything before uploading
Pro Tip: Make a folder on your desktop or phone titled “Plus500 KYC” so everything’s ready in one place.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Uploading expired or blurry documents
- Using different names or addresses across documents
- Submitting cropped or low-resolution images
Avoiding these saves time—and frustration.
If You’re Still Anxious…
Still feeling unsure? That’s okay. Many traders feel nervous their first time. But Plus500’s team sees thousands of accounts per day. You’re not being judged—just reviewed. Calm, clear uploads go a long way.
What to Do If All Else Fails
Still not verified after 5 full business days? Here’s your fallback plan:
- Re-upload your documents with improved lighting or different format
- Check for mismatches in your account name, spelling, or date of birth
- Contact support with your account email, date of submission and the exact documents used
Be polite, clear, and specific in your message. Most issues get resolved quickly once you’re in direct contact.
What Comes Next? Your First Week as a Verified Trader
Once verified, here’s what you can explore right away:
- Make your first deposit
- Open your first live position (with tight spreads and live data)
- Set price alerts and test risk management tools
- Learn how trailing stops and take profits work
This is where your trading skills begin to grow—step by step, not all at once. Give yourself permission to learn slowly. You didn’t get here by accident. You’re setting yourself up to grow responsibly.
Final Encouragement
Verification is temporary. But trading confidently starts here—and that confidence lasts. You’re closer than you think, and you’re doing it the right way.
FAQs
1. How will I know if my Plus500 account is verified? You’ll get an email, and your account status will update inside the Plus500 platform.
2. Can I trade before I’m verified? You can trade in demo mode, but not with real funds until you’re fully verified.
3. What if my documents are rejected? You’ll get a reason and a chance to re-upload. Most rejections are due to unclear images or mismatches.
4. Can I upload documents from my phone? Yes. The Plus500 app makes this easy. Just ensure the photos are clear and include all document edges.
5. What if I don’t have a utility bill? You can use a recent bank statement, tax document, or government letter—anything official with your name and address.
6. How secure is my personal information? Plus500 uses encryption and follows global data protection rules. Your documents are safe and used only for verification.
7. I live in a strict country—will verification take longer? Possibly. Some regions require manual reviews. This can add a day or two, but it’s part of the process.
8. Can I skip verification if I only want to use the demo? Yes. Demo accounts don’t require any documents.
9. I uploaded my documents but haven’t heard back. What should I do? Wait 72 business hours, then check your email and account. Contact support if you see no update.
10. Do I need to verify again later? Not unless you change your name, address, or if regulations change. You’ll be notified if re-verification is needed.