If you’re searching for a reliable online broker, you’ve likely come across ActivTrades. But is it the right choice for your trading needs? In this detailed ActivTrades review, we’ll cover everything you need to know—including regulation, trading platforms, fees, account types, and more—to help you decide if this broker is worth your time and money.
ActivTrades Overview
ActivTrades is a well-established online forex and CFD broker founded in 2001. The company is headquartered in London, UK, and is regulated by top financial authorities, including:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
- Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB)
- Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) in Italy
This strong regulatory framework ensures that traders’ funds are secure and that the broker operates transparently.
ActivTrades Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Strong Regulation – Licensed by FCA, SCB, and CONSOB.
✔ Low Minimum Deposit – Start trading with just $1 (or currency equivalent).
✔ No Commissions on Standard Accounts – Only spreads apply.
✔ Wide Range of Instruments – Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
✔ Advanced Trading Platforms – MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and ActivTrader.
✔ Negative Balance Protection – Prevents losses exceeding your account balance.
❌ Cons:
✖ Limited Product Portfolio – No options or futures trading.
✖ Inactivity Fee – £10 per month after 12 months of no trading.
✖ No Fixed Spread Accounts – Only variable spreads available.
ActivTrades Trading Platforms
ActivTrades offers three powerful trading platforms:
1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- Best for forex and CFD traders.
- Advanced charting tools, automated trading (Expert Advisors), and multiple order types.
2. MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- More advanced than MT4, with additional timeframes, economic calendars, and hedging options.
- Supports stocks and futures trading (though ActivTrades doesn’t offer futures).
3. ActivTrader (Proprietary Platform)
- User-friendly and packed with features like one-click trading, advanced order types, and risk management tools.
- Available on web, desktop, and mobile.
ActivTrades Account Types
ActivTrades offers two main account types:
1. Standard Account
- No commissions (only spreads).
- Minimum deposit: $1.
- Leverage up to 1:400 (for professional clients under FCA).
- Negative balance protection.
2. Platinum Account
- Lower spreads (but requires a higher minimum deposit).
- Dedicated account manager.
- Priority customer support.
Note: Islamic (swap-free) accounts are also available for traders who follow Sharia law.
ActivTrades Fees & Spreads
ActivTrades has a transparent fee structure:
- Spreads: Start from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD (variable).
- Commissions: Only on Professional Accounts (not standard accounts).
- Overnight Fees (Swaps): Apply for positions held overnight.
- Inactivity Fee: £10/month after 12 months of no trading.
Compared to competitors like IG or Pepperstone, ActivTrades offers competitive spreads with no hidden fees.
Deposits & Withdrawals
ActivTrades supports multiple payment methods, including:
- Bank Transfers (1-3 business days)
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard – instant deposits)
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal)
- No deposit fees, but some withdrawal fees may apply depending on the method.
Customer Support
ActivTrades provides 24/5 customer support via:
- Live Chat (fast response)
- Email ([email protected])
- Phone Support (multiple international numbers)
Most users report quick and helpful responses, making it a reliable choice for traders who need assistance.
Is ActivTrades Safe & Legit?
Yes! ActivTrades is regulated by the FCA (UK) and SCB (Bahamas), meaning:
- Client funds are kept in segregated accounts (separate from company funds).
- Negative balance protection ensures you can’t lose more than your deposit.
- Compensation schemes (up to £85,000 under FCA).
This makes ActivTrades a safe and trustworthy broker for retail and professional traders.
ActivTrades vs. Other Brokers
Feature | ActivTrades | IG Markets | Pepperstone |
---|---|---|---|
Regulation | FCA, SCB | FCA, ASIC | FCA, ASIC |
Min Deposit | $1 | $250 | $200 |
Spreads | From 0.5 | From 0.6 | From 0.0 |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, ActivTrader | MT4, IG Platform | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
Inactivity Fee | £10/month | $12/month | $0 (after 3 months) |
ActivTrades is best for:
✔ Beginners (low minimum deposit).
✔ Forex & CFD traders.
✔ Those who prefer MT4/MT5 or ActivTrader.
Final Verdict: Should You Trade with ActivTrades?
ActivTrades is a solid, well-regulated broker with competitive spreads, excellent platforms, and strong customer support. While it lacks some advanced products like futures, it’s a great choice for forex and CFD traders—especially beginners due to its low minimum deposit.
👍 Who Should Use ActivTrades?
- New traders looking for a regulated, easy-to-use broker.
- Forex & CFD traders who prefer MT4/MT5.
- Traders who want negative balance protection.
👎 Who Should Avoid ActivTrades?
- Traders looking for futures or options.
- Those who want fixed spreads.
- Long-term inactive traders (due to the £10/month fee).
⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re ready to start trading, visit ActivTrades’ official website to open an account today!
Did you find this ActivTrades review helpful? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for alternatives, check out our Pepperstone review or IG Markets review for more options.
Disclaimer: Trading CFDs and forex involves risk. Only trade with money you can afford to lose. This article is for informational purposes and not financial advice.