ActivTrades Review 2024
United States not accepted.Awards
- Best Forex Broker Europe 2022 - Forex-Awards.com
- Most Trusted Global FX Broker 2022 - International Investor Magazine
- Best CFD Broker 2021 - Rankia
- Safest Global Broker 2021 - International Investor Award Winners
- Best FX Broker 2021 - Le Fonti Award
Pros
- Fast execution speeds with an average of 0.004 seconds
- Respected brand with 20+ years experience and 45+ awards
- ActivTrader Smart Order 2 increases investing efficiency
Cons
- £10 monthly inactivity fee after a year of no trading
- Not available to residents in the USA and Canada
ActivTrades Review
ActivTrades is a UK-based broker offering forex and CFD trading plus spread betting on MT4, MT5 and its ActivTrader platform. The brand also posts average execution speeds of 0.004 seconds. Our 2024 review covers the login process, margin requirements, bonuses and more. Find out if ActivTrades is the right broker for your financial goals.
ActivTrades Overview
ActivTrades PLC was founded in 2001 in Switzerland and established its London headquarters in 2005. The broker has a strong client base in Europe across Italy, Germany, France, and Portugal as well as overseas markets, such as Australia.
The company’s number of employees runs in the hundreds and it has offices in Milan, Bahamas, Dubai, Bulgaria (Sofia) and Luxembourg. ActivTrades Corp is a subsidiary of ActivTrades PLC, authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The global brokerage also holds a license with the Securities Commission of the Bahamas.
Trading Platforms
ActivTrader
ActivTrader is a user-friendly platform that combines advanced features with industry-leading technology, perfect for beginning your trading career. The platform is compatible with major web browsers, excluding Internet Explorer.
Features include:
- Market sentiment indicators
- Instant and pending order types
- Support for hedging and scalping strategies
- 14 chart types and drawing tools to help with pattern recognition
- Progressive trailing stop functionality to protect revenue and profit
Additional advanced tools, most of which are also compatible with MT4 and MT5, include:
- SmartCalculator – improves risk management by simulating different trade scenarios
- SmartPattern – automatically detects chart patterns to highlight investing opportunities
- Pivot Points Indicator – provides 3 levels of support and resistance for depicting market trends
- SmartTemplate – indicates long and short opportunities based on chart signals relative to trend strength
- SmartForecast – brings together market trend analysis and chart retracements for a simplistic view of the markets
- SmartOrder 2 – developed by ActivTrades to increase speed and improve integration between the platform and application
- SmartLines – sets pre-defined trendlines and when the price of the chosen instrument crosses the trendline, an order is placed
MetaTrader 4
ActivTrades offers MT4, a globally recognized platform, particularly for forex trading. You can download MT4 to desktop devices, major web browsers, and mobile.
Highlights of MT4 include:
- Price alerts
- 21 languages
- 9 time frames
- One-click trading
- Advanced frame view
- Extensive historical data
- Advanced stop-out levels
- 50 pre-installed indicators
- Automated trading through APIs
MetaTrader 5
ActivTrades also offer the MT5 platform, suited to more experienced investors. In addition to trading on forex, indices and shares, MT5 provides access to ETFs and over 500 CFDs. You can download MT5 to your desktop, use the WebTrader, or trade from your mobile.
Key benefits of the MT5 solution include:
- Historical data and strategy tester
- Price alerts and trailing stops
- Integrated trading statements
- Economic news headlines
- One-click trading
- 21 time frames
- 8 order types
Assets & Markets
3.7 / 5Tradable assets at the online broker include:
- 1,000+ company shares, including stocks in the UK, US, German and Japanese markets
- 15+ large indices such as the Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Euronext, UK100 and Ger30
- 15+ commodity CFDs like gold, silver, energies and grains, with carbon emissions, oats and palladium added in 2024
- 5 bonds – EUBBL, EUBTP, EUBUND, EUSTZ and USATB
- 16 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin
- 50+ forex pairs such as USD/BRL
A variety of ETFs and spread betting is also provided for UK clients.
ActivTrades offers more company shares than the likes of Pepperstone and XTB. However other brokers, including eToro and Admiral Markets, offer a broader range of CFDs and cryptocurrencies.
Spreads & Commissions
ActivTrades offers competitive forex spreads as low as 0.5 pips on the EUR/USD and USD/JPY and 0.8 pips on the GBP/USD. The broker charges no commission on forex trades.
On CFDs and indices, financial spreads are as low as 0.01 pips. Shares are available at 0-0.1% commission of the transaction value, with minimums ranging between 1 USD to 5 EUR.
For UK-based clients, there is a low commission of 0.5 pips on spread betting.
The broker also charges swap rate fees for positions held overnight, further details of which can be found on the company website.
Leverage
Leverage rates are capped at 1:30 in countries that fall under ESMA regulations, including the UK. However, international traders can access up to 1:200 maximum leverage depending on lot size.
Margin ranges:
- Indices & financials: 1:5 – 1:200
- Commodities: 1:10 – 1:200
- Forex: 1:20 – 1:200
- Shares: 2% – 60%
The highest available margin for cryptocurrency is 1:10.
Note that professional accounts can unlock up to 1:400 leverage.
Mobile App
The ActivTrader, MT4 and MT5 platforms are all available for mobile trading. The applications allow for complete account management and price analysis from your mobile or tablet device. In addition, payments, bonuses and customer support are all available.
Head to the mobile trading section located underneath each platform page on the broker’s website for instructions on how to invest from your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
Payment Methods
Deposits
The minimum deposit at ActivTrades is fairly high at $500. Several payment methods are available offering prompt processing:
- Skrill – 30 minutes
- Neteller – 30 minutes
- Bank transfer – Same working day
- Credit/debit card (prepaid Mastercard) – 30 minutes (1.5% fee)
- Sofort – 30 minutes (only available for clients of ActivTrades PLC and ActivTrades Europe SA)
- PayPal – 30 minutes (only available for clients of ActivTrades PLC and ActivTrades Europe SA)
Withdrawals
Select ‘request a withdrawal’ from the client area to retrieve profits and revenue via the following options:
- Credit/debit card – same day if requested by 12.30 GMT
- Bank transfer – same day if requested by 12.30 GMT (£9 fee)
- Neteller – same day if requested by 12.30 GMT
- PayPal – same day if requested by 12.30 GMT
- Skrill – same day if requested by 12.30 GMT
All withdrawals are free unless transferring to Citibank or Moneycorp which incur a £9 charge.
For withdrawal problems, the customer support email address or live chat are the best forums to discuss any issues.
Demo Account
ActivTrades offers a demo account where users can test their skills with £10,000 in virtual funds. All three platforms are available in the paper trading environment. However, with the MT5 solution, market data on CFD shares are shown with a 15-minute delay.
Bonuses & Promotions
You can earn cashback on every trade you place once you reach $50m notional value traded. While a good promotion, the volume requirements in the promotional terms and conditions are high. The broker does not offer a no deposit bonus.
This offer is only available to international clients that don’t fall under ESMA laws which prohibit bonuses.
Regulation & Licensing
ActivTrades Corp is regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas and is a subsidiary of ActivTrades PLC which is regulated and authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Under this regulation, the company must follow a pillar 1, 2 and 3 system in order to secure clients’ funds. As such, ActivTrades has a robust Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP).
The FCA is a respectable regulatory body and means the broker receives a good trust rating in this review.
Note that clients from the USA are not accepted.
Additional Features
The firm has extensive training and education courses via webinars. Free content is available at all levels from fundamental principles to advanced trading theories. The broker also offers one-to-one training with industry experts on how best to use the ActivTrades platforms and tools.
In addition, the company offers bridging loans and alternative investment options. Speak to the customer support team for more information.
Account Types
ActivTrades offers several trading account options:
- Individual
- Islamic (swap-free trading)
- Professional (for those eligible under ESMA regulations)
Both individual and professional accounts share similar features such as negative balance protection, FSCS protection, segregated accounts, and best execution. However, the standard individual account includes features such as rewards, risk alerts, and leverage warnings. It also allows for trading in mini and microlots.
Required compliance documents to open an account include passports, utility bills and bank statements.
Trading Hours
ActivTrades follows standard market hours. Times vary slightly depending on the instrument but typically are open Monday to Friday. Server times on the platform may vary depending on your location. Cryptos are available between Sunday 23:00 GMT and Friday 23:00 GMT.
ActivTrades runs a reduced schedule on bank holidays in line with global financial markets. More information regarding specific changes is available on the broker’s website.
Customer Support
4.3 / 5ActivTrades offer customer support in multiple languages, 24/5. A live chat channel, a free call back hotline, plus email support are available from the respective logos and icons on the right-hand side of the official webpage. Users can also head to the FAQ section for answers to common issues. The live chat function is particularly useful with efficient and informative agents to cover most queries.
ActivTrades have a 95% customer satisfaction rating for their support service.
Security
ActivTrades Corp has fund protection insurance up to $1 million. The broker uses secure encryption protocols to protect platforms, servers and payments. The MetaTrader platforms also offer strong user security with additional authentication options at login.
ActivTrades Verdict
ActivTrades offers a broad range of accounts and tools where users can trade forex, indices, commodities, cryptos and shares. Access to the globally recognized MT4 and MT5 platforms as well as the broker’s ActivTrader solution, means investors of all ability levels are catered for.
FAQ
Is ActivTrades PLC Regulated?
ActivTrades PLC is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas. This suggests that the broker is reliable and trustworthy.
What Trading Platforms Does ActivTrades Use?
The company offers well-known industry platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus its ActivTrader terminal.
Is ActivTrades Available On Mobile?
Yes, all platforms are compatible with iOS and Android devices. The ActivTrader, MT4 and MT5 mobile apps can be downloaded from the respective app stores.
Does ActivTrades Offer A Demo Account?
ActivTrades offer a demo account on all three of its platforms. They offer £10,000 in virtual funds for users to test their ability in the financial markets.
What Is The Process For Withdrawing Money From ActivTrades?
Withdrawals can be made through bank transfers, Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal. All withdrawals are free except via bank transfers like Citibank or Moneycorp which incur a £9 fee.
Is ActivTrades An ECN Broker Or A Market Maker?
ActivTrades acts as a market maker, following a non-dealing desk model as opposed to using an ECN model.
What Is The ActivTradesades’ UK Phone Number?
The English support desk has the following phone number: +44 (0) 207 6500 567. The main desk can be reached at: +44 (0) 207 6500 500.
Top 3 Alternatives to ActivTrades
Compare ActivTrades with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.
- IG – Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- Interactive Brokers – Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- FOREX.com – Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
ActivTrades Comparison Table
| ActivTrades | IG | Interactive Brokers | FOREX.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Markets | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, ETFs, cryptos | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | $100 | 0.01 Lots |
| Regulators | FCA, SCB, CONSOB, AFM | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | NFA, CFTC |
| Bonus | Cashback on trades | – | – | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
| Education | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Leverage | 1:400 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) | 1:50 | 1:50 |
| Payment Methods | 9 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Visit | – | Visit | Visit | Visit |
| Review | – | IG Review |
Interactive Brokers Review |
FOREX.com Review |
Compare Trading Instruments
Compare the markets and instruments offered by ActivTrades and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.
| ActivTrades | IG | Interactive Brokers | FOREX.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oil | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copper | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Silver | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Corn | Yes | No | No | No |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Options | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warrants | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spreadbetting | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Volatility Index | Yes | Yes | No | No |
ActivTrades vs Other Brokers
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Customer Reviews
5 / 5This average customer rating is based on 10 ActivTrades customer reviews submitted by our visitors.
If you have traded with ActivTrades we would really like to know about your experience - please submit your own review. Thank you.
I want to say that I’m trading via an individual account and the trading conditions suit my trading strategy.
I like their trading services just because they are comprehensive and clear for me as for a noob in trading.
Navigation on the website left no questions, I quickly understood how to register an account, verify it so everything was simple as 1,2,3.
Registration took some time because they do demand lots of personal information to make sure that you aren’t an intruder, cheater, scammer, but it only evidences their care about safety of the trading environment.
All in all, I am happy to work with them. Trading conditions are transparent, leverage is dynamic and can be both big and small. Cool!
Countless traders including some of my mates like to do their analysis on tradingview and then open the trades on some terminals. Making your platform powered by tradingview is just real smart, kudos for these guys for making our lifes easy. All the features I need is here starting from just a basic interface, I used to this platform and dont plan to change it. Fast executions and all the intruments one needs to feel comfortable trading, all is well
This is the second brokerage company that I have been trading with. This time I decided to choose a reputable one, and from what I could learn from reviews and other articles available online, ActivTrades is considered as one of the most trusted brokers. Their reputation is impressive.
Also, I like that they have made it simple – there are two main account types: the individual and the professional one. As a new trader, I could immediately see which one would be a better fit for me.
To all the beginners like me who are about to start their trading journey and searching for a platform to open their first real trading account, this is for you.
As it is already widely known, our broker needs to be regulated, reliable, trustworthy and also to have attractive trading terms. ActivTrades passed everything with flying colours.
They have an extraordinary reputation as one of the most reliable brokers. I was impressed to see how many of their clients gave the highest rating.
Also, they offer high-quality educational resources, including webinars.
Great place to start trading 👍
Hm… I heard of this brokerage platform as the one which is the most secure, advanced and convenient. Many people share their feedback so I decided to share mine one too.
I work with this broker for several months, trade major currency pairs and sometimes catch nice deals on shares. Leverage is dynamic which is awesome, it helps to control risks more properly.
MT also works correctly.
Traded eur/usd with tight spreads and made some first profits in my life. Profits are cool ! I am satisfied ))
The individual account type, which is actually the most common option for us retail traders, is better than I initially thought.
I like the fact that the trading costs are low. Not only that there are no trading commissions, of course except for the overnight fees, and the spreads are pretty tight too. Better than I expected.
There is a table about the spreads and swaps on their website, so everyone can see what the costs of trading are. I can confirm that the table is accurate, and these are the spreads you will see on a real trading account.
It’s cool that you can either contact client support which replies in 2 minutes typically or just search need infor in the help center not wandering around the site for a long time.
It’s valuable.
The time has come for me to open my first real trading account and according to what I have learned so far, I needed to choose a regulated broker and broker with an excellent reputation.
I read tons of customer reviews about ActivTrades, and it seems like this platform has a great customer satisfaction score. I couldn’t find any complaints from clients regarding the broker’s misdoing.
This is the reason why I decided to start trading with ActivTrades.