ActivTrades is a strong choice for active forex and CFD traders who want solid UK protection, fast execution and a wide platform range rather than an investing-style broker. It stands out for FCA regulation, competitive pricing on major forex pairs and indices, and strong support for algorithmic, demo and mobile trading. It is less suitable for buy-and-hold investors, copy traders or anyone focused on real shares, spot crypto, cheap gold trading or low overnight costs.
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In this ActivTrades review, we break down pros and cons, regulation and security, fees, platforms, markets, account features, and trading conditions, so you can decide faster and with more confidence. ActivTrades is also part of our selection of the top trading platforms. The tabs below let you jump directly to the factor most important to your decision.
My take after testing ActivTrades: ActivTrades is a broker for people who actually trade forex and CFDs, not somewhere you’d go to build a long-term portfolio. The UK regulation is proper, client protection is properly set, and you get a decent range of platforms to work with: ActivTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView. Execution feels fast, and support is genuinely reachable when you need it. What hasn’t changed either is the limitation. It’s CFD-first, and it’s always been CFD-first. Real shares, spot crypto, copy trading, none of that is here. If that’s what you’re after, you’ve been looking at the wrong broker.
Filippo Ucchino
Co-Founder and CEO of InvestinGoal - Introducing Broker
What type of broker is ActivTrades?
ActivTrades is a no-dealing-desk (NDD) agency broker using Straight Through Processing (STP) execution. It routes client orders directly to liquidity providers without acting as principal counterparty, operating as an intermediary rather than a market maker.
ActivTrades functions as a multi-asset CFD and spread betting broker. It offers 1,100+ CFD instruments across forex, commodities, shares, indices, ETFs, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, without real asset delivery. The broker provides variable spreads and operates without requotes or rejections, characteristic of STP models.
ActivTrades serves both retail and professional/institutional clients. Retail traders can upgrade to professional status if eligible, unlocking higher leverage (1:400 vs. 1:30 for forex CFDs). The broker also provides institutional-grade services to hedge funds and offers partnership options for high-volume traders, reflecting a hybrid client approach with tiered leverage and margin requirements.

Yes, ActivTrades PLC is a legitimate brokerage firm. It is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for investment services. ActivTrades PLC is registered in England & Wales (company number 05367727), founded in 2001 in Switzerland, and moved headquarters to London in 2005. The privately-held firm publishes financial information, reporting revenues of $37.6 million and profit of $4.6 million for 2024. ActivTrades has operated continuously since 2001, serves clients in over 140 countries, and has reached more than 100,000 customers.
The advantages of ActivTrades are listed below.
- Regulation and Client Protection: ActivTrades is FCA-authorised, holds client funds in segregated accounts, and provides additional insurance cover up to $1 million.
- Platform Variety and Tools: Supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, proprietary ActivTrader platform, and TradingView integration, plus custom add-ons like SmartOrder and SmartPatterns for enhanced charting and trade management.
- Competitive Pricing and Fast Execution: Spreads on major FX pairs start from very low levels; order execution averages under 0.004 seconds, which reduces slippage and trading costs.
- Broad Market Access: Trade 1,000+ instruments across forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds from one brokerage account for portfolio diversification.
- Account Flexibility: Offers retail, professional, and Islamic (swap-free) account types to accommodate different trading needs and Sharia-compliant requirements.
The main disadvantages of ActivTrades are listed below.
- Limited Product Range: ActivTrades is primarily a CFD and Forex broker, meaning it does not offer direct ownership of shares or ETFs. Compared to top multi-asset competitors, it offers a smaller selection of tradeable instruments.
- Currency Conversion Fees: A 0.5% fee is applied to the conversion of profits and losses if they differ from the account base currency.
- Mediocre Educational Resources: While they provide webinars, the educational content is considered less comprehensive, less structured, and more dated than that of major competitors.
- High Spreads on Certain Commodities: Although Forex and Index spreads are competitive, spreads on commodities like Gold and Crude Oil can be higher than the industry average.
Is ActivTrades regulated in UK?
Yes, ActivTrades is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). ActivTrades PLC holds FRN 434413 and is authorised to provide retail trading services. UK retail clients receive FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person, plus Excess of Loss insurance extending coverage to £1 million, alongside FCA-mandated negative balance protection, segregated client funds, leverage caps, and a ban on crypto CFDs.
Outside the UK, the group operates via:
- ActivTrades Europe SA: CSSF (Luxembourg)
- ActivTrades Corp: SCB (Bahamas)
- ActivTrades PLC, Italian branch: CONSOB (Italy)
- ActivTrades Markets SA: CVM (Brazil)
| Broker |
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| Regulated in UK | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulatory status in UK | Regulated | Regulated | Regulated |
| Tier 1 regulations held | FCA, ESMA (CMVM) | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (BaFin, CySEC) | ASIC, CFTC, FCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA |
| Tier 2 regulations held | Bacen | CMA, DFSA | DFSA, FMA |
| Tier 3 regulations held | SCB, FSC | SCB | BMA |
Yes, ActivTrades is legal in the UK through ActivTrades Plc, authorised and regulated by the FCA (licence held since 2005 per your text). UK residents can open accounts with the UK-incorporated FCA firm. CFDs/spread betting follow FCA rules (leverage limits, segregated funds, negative-balance protection). Retail crypto-derivatives and crypto-CFDs are restricted; share dealing outside CFDs and listed options aren’t part of the product line. Verify via the FCA Register for “ActivTrades Plc.”
Yes, ActivTrades accepts UK traders via ActivTrades PLC, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This licence allows the broker to offer forex and CFD trading and requires it to meet strict capital, conduct and reporting standards.
ActivTrades segregates client funds, provides negative balance protection and offers additional insurance beyond the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) through private underwriters. It is subject to 30:1 leverage limits on major currency pairs and must comply with the ban on crypto-asset CFDs for retail clients; professional clients can apply for higher leverage.
Learn more about the best Forex brokers in UK.
No, ActivTrades does not accept U.S. traders because the broker lacks licensing from U.S. regulators and therefore cannot provide services to residents of the United States or its territories, and its list of restricted countries includes the United States, meaning U.S. clients cannot open accounts or access its forex and CFD products. Learn more about the best Forex brokers in US.
Is ActivTrades safe in UK?
ActivTrades is safe: ActivTrades PLC is FCA-authorised and holds client funds in segregated accounts with major banks. UK clients receive FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person, plus excess-of-loss insurance via Lloyd’s of London covering claims between £10,000 and £1,000,000 at no extra cost. Retail clients get negative balance protection (reset to zero across all accounts). The broker may close positions when equity falls to 50% of the required maintenance margin. Security features include two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, biometric login on mobile, suspicious login monitoring, and automatic logout. IT infrastructure is hosted on IBM Cloud; the timing of penetration testing is not disclosed.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Segregated client funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor compensation scheme | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Founded in | 2001 | 2010 | 1974 |
| Publicly traded | No | No | Yes |
The risks with ActivTrades are listed below.
- Leverage risk: ActivTrades offers leverage up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:400 (professional). Leverage amplifies gains and losses; small adverse moves can exceed initial deposits, especially at higher ratios.
- CFD trading risk: ActivTrades mainly offers CFDs, which are complex derivatives where clients don’t own the underlying asset. CFDs carry high risk of rapid loss; approximately 68% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs with ActivTrades.
- Margin call risk: ActivTrades uses margin-based trading. If equity falls below maintenance levels, positions may auto-close without warning during volatility, locking in losses at unfavourable prices before clients can add funds.
- Overnight financing costs: Positions held overnight incur daily swap or financing charges that erode profitability on longer-term trades. Costs vary by instrument, size, and interest rate differentials.
- Market volatility risk: High volatility (news, geopolitical events) causes rapid price moves and wider spreads. Execution prices may differ substantially from expected levels during turbulent periods.
- Slippage risk: Orders may fill at different prices than requested, especially in fast or illiquid markets. Market orders are particularly susceptible, resulting in worse entry or exit prices.
What markets can you trade on ActivTrades?
The markets you can trade on ActivTrades are listed below.
- Currency pairs (CFDs): 50+ FX pairs. Minimum trade: 0.01 lots (1,000 base-currency units). Learn more about what is the Forex market.
- Stocks (CFDs): 1,000+ global equity CFDs with fractional share CFDs trading. Minimum trade: 0.01 lots. Retail leverage up to 1:5.
- Indices (CFDs): Global index CFDs referencing cash and futures markets across major regions. Minimum trade: 0.1 lots for most indices.
- Commodities (CFDs): Spot and futures-referenced CFDs covering hard commodities (oil, natural gas) and soft commodities (coffee, wheat). Minimum trade: 0.01 lots for most commodities.
- ETFs (CFDs): 100+ ETF CFDs. Minimum trade: 0.01 lots. Retail leverage up to 1:5.
- Cryptocurrencies (CFDs): ~15 crypto CFDs. Minimum trade: varies by instrument (0.01 lots for BTC/USD, 0.1 lots for smaller cryptocurrencies).
- Bonds (CFDs): Small selection of bond CFDs. Retail leverage up to 1:5. Minimum trade: varies by instrument.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Indices | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Commodities | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Shares | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs, Options) |
| ETFs | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs) |
| Cryptocurrencies | N/A | N/A | N/A |

The trading products not offered by ActivTrades are listed below.
- Copy trading
- Non-deliverable forwards (NDFs)
- Options
No, you can’t buy real crypto on ActivTrades. The platform offers cryptocurrency exposure exclusively through contracts for difference (CFDs), not underlying asset ownership. Clients trade crypto CFDs referencing assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, but do not hold actual coins in a wallet.
No, you can’t trade real shares on ActivTrades. ActivTrades offers only CFDs on equities, not direct ownership of shares.
Yes, ActivTrades offers fractional share CFDs for position sizing, but it does not offer fractional ownership of real shares.
How cheap are spreads with ActivTrades?
ActivTrades spreads are competitive overall, with standout pricing on indices but higher costs on gold. On EUR/USD, the ActivTrades spread averages 0.7–1.0 pips, with minimums from 0.5 pips on major pairs. On SPX500 (USA500), the ActivTrades spread is excellent at about 0.23 points. On XAU/USD (gold), the ActivTrades spread is high at about 71 pips.
ActivTrades uses the same target spreads across standard and professional accounts, so costs do not vary by account type. Most spreads are commission-free with pricing built in.
Learn more about low spread Forex brokers.
The fees with ActivTrades are listed below.
- Spreads: EUR/USD ~0.5 pips; GBP/USD ~0.8 to 1.6 pips.
- Commissions: Forex, commodities $0 (costs in spread). UK share CFDs 0.10% of transaction value ($1 min).
- Currency conversion: 0.5% when deposit/withdrawal currency differs from account base currency.
- Inactivity: $10/month after 12 months with balance remaining.
- Deposits: Bank transfer $0; credit/debit card 1.5%.
- Withdrawals: $0 for most methods.
| Broker |
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| Overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | No | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | No |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No, ActivTrades does not charge raw spread commissions. ActivTrades trading costs are effectively embedded in the spread.
| Broker |
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| Avg. EUR/USD spread (markup) | 0.70 pips | 1.10 pips | 1.26 pips |
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (raw) | N/A | 0.10 pips | N/A |
| Commission/lot | N/A | $6.00 (£4.50) Round Turn | N/A |
| All-in FX cost | $7.00 | $8.50 | $12.60 |
ActivTrades’ overnight swaps for EUR/USD are High, with a reported USD 7.10 charge for long and USD 1.30 credit for short on a 100,000-unit contract, implying an annualised financing cost above 2.5% p.a. on the long side.
Triple swaps apply on Wednesday nights for forex (and precious metals). Swap fees don’t vary across basic retail account types in the standard offering, while an Islamic (swap-free) account removes overnight interest and uses an alternative fee model instead.
ActivTrades charges commission on share CFDs by market:
- US shares: $0.02/share (min $1/trade).
- UK shares: 0.10% of trade value (min $1/trade).
- European shares: 0.05% of trade value (min ~$5/trade).
No volume or tier discounts are publicly disclosed. If the share currency differs from your account base currency, ActivTrades applies an FX conversion fee of 0.5% at execution.
ActivTrades’ crypto CFD commissions are included in the spread. BTC/USD average trading cost is cited at approximately ~US$101 (spread). No spot/real-crypto ownership is offered.
Is ActivTrades good for trading?
ActivTrades is good for trading forex, CFD stocks, CFD cryptocurrencies, algorithmic trading, demo trading and mobile trading. ActivTrades is not good for trading real stocks, real cryptocurrencies or copy trading.
ActivTrades offers around 50 to 60 forex pairs, supports scalping and hedging strategies across MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView integration, and permits algorithmic trading through MQL4 and MQL5 Expert Advisors, API, FIX access, and VPS hosting with regulation from the FCA, CMVM, CSSF, and SCB. The broker provides thousands of stock CFDs across 10 to 12 exchanges with minimum trade sizes of 0.01 lots. It offers around 15 crypto CFDs with commission free trading and fractional sizing. The broker provides free demo accounts funded with virtual funds and full featured mobile apps for Android and iOS. ActivTrades does not offer direct share brokerage or spot cryptocurrency custody as only CFD instruments are available. The broker provides no proprietary or third party copy trading platform.
ActivTrades is not a good fit for investing because it does not offer real underlying assets that clients own. The broker provides exposure to stocks and ETFs exclusively through CFDs (contracts for difference), which are derivative instruments designed for short-term speculation rather than long-term wealth building. Clients do not receive shareholder rights, dividend ownership, or custody of actual securities.
ActivTrades is excellent for demo trading because it provides comprehensive platform parity with live accounts, full instrument coverage across all asset classes, flexible virtual balance settings, and real market prices. ActivTrades demo accounts closely replicate the live trading environment with access to the same trading platforms, order types, and features available to real account holders, although market prices are delayed by approximately 15 minutes rather than delivered in real-time. The demo provides access to the complete range of tradable instruments including forex pairs, indices, commodities, and stock CFDs, matching what is available on live accounts. Users can customize their virtual balance when opening a demo account, selecting amounts ranging from around $250 to $200,000 with typical defaults around £10,000. The main limitation is that demo accounts expire after approximately 30 days, although traders can create new demo accounts after expiration without restriction.
Good alternatives to ActivTrades for Forex traders looking for a demo account are eToro, XTB, IC Markets and XM, as listed in the best Forex demo accounts listicle.
ActivTrades is a great broker for algo trading because it supports MetaTrader 4 with MQL4, MetaTrader 5 with MQL5, TradingView with Pine Script integration, and provides direct API access through FIX connectivity for advanced clients. ActivTrades is great and not excellent for algo trading because it does not support cTrader/cAlgo, prohibits latency arbitrage strategies, and does not allow price scraping with algorithms.
ActivTrades provides comprehensive infrastructure for algorithmic traders through multiple platform options and professional-grade connectivity. The broker offers both MT4 and MT5 with their respective scripting languages MQL4 and MQL5, along with TradingView integration for Pine Script users and a direct API option. FIX connectivity is available for advanced and professional clients seeking low-latency execution. ActivTrades supports VPS services with specific conditions and pricing, and emphasizes its use of Equinix LD4 servers for reduced latency. Algorithmic traders can execute scalping, hedging, shorting, and legitimate high-frequency trading strategies on the platform. However, the broker explicitly prohibits abusive or latency arbitrage strategies and does not allow price scraping activities. The absence of cTrader/cAlgo support may limit options for traders who prefer that platform ecosystem.
Pepperstone, FP Markets, IC Markets, and Roboforex are some good alternatives to ActivTrades as automated trading Forex brokers. Learn more about the best brokers for algo trading.
ActivTrades is excellent for Forex trading because it offers tight spreads averaging 0.7 pips on major pairs, operates under top-tier FCA regulation in the UK, provides full trading freedom including scalping and hedging, supports multiple platforms including MT4, MT5, and its proprietary ActivTrader, and includes comprehensive analysis tools such as traders’ sentiment, drawing tools, indicators, and an economic calendar.
ActivTrades provides competitive trading conditions with an average spread of 0.7 pips on major currency pairs and allows traders to start with micro-lot positions of 0.01 lots. The broker offers 56 forex pairs and permits scalping, hedging, and algorithmic trading through Expert Advisors on MetaTrader platforms, API access, and VPS services. Traders can choose between the industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms or the broker’s proprietary ActivTrader platform. The analysis toolkit includes traders’ sentiment data, drawing tools, technical indicators, and an economic calendar to support trading decisions. The main limitation is the forex pair selection of 56 pairs, which falls short of brokers offering more than 60 currency pairs, although this still covers all major, minor, and many exotic pairs for most trading strategies.
Pepperstone, XM, AvaTrade and FP Markets are some good alternatives to ActivTrades as best overall Forex brokers.
Explore the best Forex brokers.
ActivTrades is excellent for CFD stock trading because it offers zero commission for share CFDs at 1 to 1 leverage through its “Invest” profile, provides access to US stock CFDs across more than 10 exchanges with real-time streaming quotes, supports fractional share CFDs on MT5 and ActivTrader platforms, and operates under Tier-1 regulation by the FCA.
ActivTrades provides comprehensive trading freedom for stock CFD traders, allowing scalping, hedging, algorithmic trading, and short selling without restrictions. The broker delivers a robust platform offering through MetaTrader 5, TradingView integration, and its proprietary ActivTrader platform, giving traders multiple professional-grade execution environments. Commission structure favors both investors seeking unleveraged positions with zero fees and active traders using modest per-share or percentage-based fees for leveraged positions. Fractional share CFDs enable precise position sizing across thousands of individual stocks from approximately 10 to 12 global exchanges. However, ActivTrades lacks built-in analytical tools such as a stock screener and dedicated earnings calendar, and it offers only news feeds from Trading Central and FxStreet alongside trader sentiment indicators to support trading decisions.
Good alternatives to ActivTrades for CFD stock trading are IG Markets, Pepperstone, eToro and AvaTrade, as listed in the CFD brokers for stocks listicle. See the complete best CFD brokers guide.
ActivTrades is not a good fit for real stocks trading because the broker does not offer direct share-dealing or physical stock ownership. All equity instruments at ActivTrades are available exclusively as Contracts for Difference (CFDs), meaning clients trade on price movements without purchasing the underlying shares. This structure prevents investors from building a traditional stock portfolio, receiving dividends as shareholders, or benefiting from long-term capital gains treatment that physical stock ownership provides.
ActivTrades holds Tier-1 regulatory authorization from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) alongside European regulators including Portugal’s CMVM and Luxembourg’s CSSF, ensuring strong investor protections for its CFD services. However, the absence of any real stock trading infrastructure means the broker provides no stock commissions, no access to US or international stock exchanges for physical shares, no real-time equity market data for direct trading, and ActivTrades offers fractional share CFDs for position sizing, but it does not offer fractional ownership of real shares. These tools serve derivative contracts rather than direct equity brokerage, while the broker’s platforms ActivTrader, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView integration support sophisticated CFD trading, including algorithmic strategies. Investors seeking to own actual company shares, vote as shareholders, or hold stocks in tax-advantaged accounts will need to use a different broker that offers traditional stock-dealing services.
DEGIRO, eToro, XTB and Trading 212 are some good alternatives to ActivTrades as best brokers for stocks. Explore the best stock brokers.
ActivTrades is a good choice for CFD crypto trading. It offers commission-free trading with costs incorporated into the spread, provides real-time streaming quotes without intentional delays, and operates under proper CFD brokerage licenses.
ActivTrades is good and not excellent for CFD crypto trading. It offers only approximately 15 tradable CFD cryptocurrencies and does not clearly specify a minimum trading size below $10 notional value.
ActivTrades provides a limited but functional CFD cryptocurrency trading offering with approximately 15 digital assets available for trading. The broker employs a commission-free trading model where all costs are embedded in the spread, making the fee structure transparent and straightforward for traders. Real-time streaming quotes are provided without intentional delays, ensuring traders have access to current market data for informed decision-making. The platform notes a minimum trading size of 0.01 lots, though this does not guarantee sub-$10 notional trading accessibility. ActivTrades operates under established CFD brokerage licenses, providing regulatory oversight for its crypto CFD trading services, though it does not hold crypto-specific regulatory authorizations. The primary limitation remains the restricted selection of approximately 15 cryptocurrencies, which falls short compared to brokers offering broader digital asset portfolios.
eToro, NAGA, Pepperstone, and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to ActivTrades for CFD cryptocurrency trading (NO URL).
ActivTrades is not a good fit for real crypto trading because it does not offer spot cryptocurrency trading or any real crypto services. The broker only provides cryptocurrency trading through CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which means traders cannot buy, own, or transfer actual cryptocurrencies.
ActivTrades does not function as a cryptocurrency exchange and provides no spot crypto trading capabilities. The broker offers approximately 15 cryptocurrencies available exclusively as CFD instruments, with no ability to purchase real coins, no crypto wallets for custody, and no blockchain transactions. Traders cannot send or receive cryptocurrencies, execute crypto-to-crypto exchanges, or withdraw holdings to external wallets. The broker does not hold any crypto-specific or digital asset exchange licenses, while ActivTrades’ CFD entities operate under established financial regulators, including the FCA, CMVM, CSSF, and SCB. All cryptocurrency exposure at ActivTrades is purely derivative-based and settled in the account’s fiat currency.
Good alternatives to ActivTrades for buying cryptos are eToro, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Binance, as listed in the best crypto exchanges listicle.
ActivTrades is not a good fit for copy trading because the broker does not offer any copy trading functionality. ActivTrades provides no proprietary copy-trading platform, no integration with third-party social trading networks, and no mechanism for clients to browse, follow, or automatically replicate the trades of other traders. The broker does not support copying other traders’ portfolios, subscribing to portfolio bundles, or accessing a signal marketplace for strategy replication. Traders can only execute their own manual trades and pay standard trading costs without any additional copy-trading commissions when using ActivTrades; however, they cannot participate in any form of social or copy trading through the platform.
Good alternatives to ActivTrades for copy traders are eToro, ZuluTrade, AvaTrade and NAGA, as listed in the best copy trading platforms.
What are the ActivTrades trading conditions?
The ActivTrades trading conditions are listed below.
- Pricing model: No commission on forex, commodities, and indices as costs are included in spreads. Equity CFDs charge ~USD 0.02 per US share or ~0.05% for European shares. Variable spreads start from 0.5 pips on major pairs, widening during low liquidity or volatility.
- Order size: Minimum 0.01 lots (1,000 units for forex pairs). Maximum limits vary by instrument and liquidity; some index CFDs allow up to 1,000 lots.
- Trading approaches: Hedging, scalping, and algorithmic trading permitted across all platforms with no general restrictions. Abusive practices subject to review.
- Risk management: Negative balance protection prevents retail losses exceeding deposits. Client funds in segregated accounts with additional insurance coverage up to USD 1,000,000.
- Order execution: Over 93% of orders filled at requested price with average execution under 0.004 seconds. Spreads may widen during news events or high volatility.
| Broker |
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| Execution model | STP/Agency | ECN/STP | Market Maker |
| Max. FX leverage | 0.0625 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Min. FX trade size | 0.01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots |
| Hedging allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scalping allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ActivTrades is a no-dealing-desk (NDD) agency broker using Straight Through Processing (STP) execution. ActivTrades can set tradable prices for specific markets and can apply account-specific mark-ups to spreads. ActivTrades executes orders using market execution and can fill at the best available price with slippage in volatile conditions. ActivTrades uses market execution with external price feeds and may apply account-specific mark-ups depending on instrument and client conditions. ActivTrades can therefore produce different execution characteristics depending on instrument liquidity and account conditions.
ActivTrades’ trade execution is very fast and competitive. ActivTrades states an average order-execution speed of 4 milliseconds, and positions this figure as materially faster than typical retail-broker benchmarks. ActivTrades offer free VPS hosting for low-latency trading to clients who meet certain volume requirements. ActivTrades remains robust during volatility, and clients still face normal spread widening and slippage risk during sudden liquidity shocks.
ActivTrades max leverage in the UK is up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:400 for professional clients. Leverage does not depend on account types; it depends on client classification and asset class. You can choose leverage below the cap. ActivTrades applies margin requirements and a stop-out level that typically closes retail positions when equity falls to 50% of required margin.
The max leverage with ActivTrades for each asset class is listed below.
- Forex: 1:30 majors; 1:20 non-majors (pros: up to 1:400).
- Indices: 1:20 major; 1:10 non-major.
- Commodities: 1:20 gold; 1:10 other commodities.
- Shares (equities): 1:5 retail.
Learn more about Forex brokers with high leverage.
The minimum trade size at ActivTrades is 0.01 lots, which corresponds to approximately 1,000 units of the base currency for forex. For retail clients, the maximum trade size for forex instruments is generally up to 100 lots depending on instrument liquidity and internal limits. For other asset classes such as share CFDs, the minimum trade size is also 0.01 lots, and the maximum lot size varies by underlying stock and liquidity rather than a fixed overall cap. The broker imposes platform and order-type constraints, and on MetaTrader 4 the maximum number of open positions is 250. Additionally, for larger positions the broker applies dynamic margin thresholds, effectively reducing leverage and therefore limiting lot size once certain trade volume tiers are exceeded.
The types of trading orders you can use with ActivTrades are listed below.
- Market order
- Limit order
- Stop order
- Stop-limit order
- Trailing stop order
- Stop-loss order
- Take-profit order
ActivTrades does not offer guaranteed stop-loss orders, and does not offer conditional order groups such as one-cancels-the-other orders on mobile.
ActivTrades has low slippage in normal conditions, and can pass through positive slippage under market execution. Over 93.6% of orders at ActivTrades are filled at the requested price or better prices. ActivTrades provides execution-quality statistics including the share of orders filled at the requested price, and presents these metrics as part of its execution description rather than publishing a comprehensive slippage distribution.
Order execution speed with ActivTrades is excellent at around 4 milliseconds on average. Average execution time is presented as 0.004 seconds in broker marketing materials. Over 93.60% of orders are executed at the requested price or better.
The percentage of orders filled in under one second is not published by ActivTrades. A public breakdown of average execution latency by instrument, asset class, or order type is not provided by ActivTrades beyond the single average time figure.
What are ActivTrades account types?
The account types offered by ActivTrades are listed below.
- Individual Account: For retail traders at any experience level with standard protections. Spreads from 0.5 pips on major forex pairs, commission-free trading. Supports MT4, MT5, and proprietary platform. Multiple base currencies (EUR, USD, GBP, CHF, SEK). Micro-lots from 0.01, negative-balance protection, enhanced fund insurance up to $1 million.
- Professional Account: For experienced traders meeting eligibility criteria (large portfolio, trading history, financial experience). Higher leverage up to 1:400, dedicated account manager, exclusive seminars and personalized education. Standard retail protections may be modified or waived.
- Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: For Sharia-compliant trading conditions. Removes overnight swap charges; alternative administrative fees or wider spreads may apply. Same platforms and assets as Individual account. Eligibility depends on country of residence.
- Demo Account: Risk-free practice environment with virtual funds under live market conditions. Access to all platforms for strategy testing and familiarization. Expire after approximately 30 days, and can be renewed.
Learn more about ActivTrades account types.
ActivTrades’ most popular account is the Individual Account, the default live trading option for retail traders. ActivTrades doesn’t publish usage statistics, but the Individual Account is designed as the standard retail offering. It provides access to all platforms (MT4, MT5, ActivTrader), supports micro- and mini-lot sizing, forex spreads from ~0.5 pips, no minimum deposit in many jurisdictions, negative-balance protection, and enhanced funds insurance up to $1,000,000. Professional and Islamic (swap-free) accounts are also available but serve specialized segments with specific eligibility or religious requirements.
Yes, ActivTrades offers a demo account. The demo account provides access to the same instruments available in live trading, including forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs and crypto CFDs, with real market prices delayed by approximately 15 minutes for FX pairs. Users can set their virtual balance when opening a demo account, with options ranging from $250 to $200,000, and the platform features closely mirror the live trading environment with the same order types and functionality, although individual demo accounts expire after approximately 30 days. Learn more about the ActivTrades demo account.
Yes, ActivTrades PLC offers an Islamic (swap-free) account that removes overnight interest and rollover charges in line with Shariah principles. Clients must open a live account first, then request Islamic status. Availability is restricted to residents of specific Muslim-majority countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. It is not broadly available to UK residents despite UK regulation (FCA 434413). The Islamic account removes swap fees and rollover commissions on positions held beyond 24 hours. Trading platforms (MT4, MT5, ActivTrader), asset classes, spreads, leverage, execution, negative balance protection, and segregated funds remain the same as standard accounts. Explore the Forex brokers with Islamic account.
Yes, ActivTrades offers a Professional account for traders meeting specific eligibility criteria, including significant trading experience and demonstrated understanding of risks. Compared to retail accounts, the Professional account provides higher leverage (up to 1:400 in some jurisdictions versus lower retail limits), plus may include dedicated account management, in-depth analysis, and other tailored services, but comes with fewer regulatory protections.
Learn more about Forex brokers for professional traders.
Yes, ActivTrades offers a corporate trading account for businesses and legal entities trading under a company name. It provides the same platforms, instruments, and liquidity as retail/professional accounts. The key difference is that verification requires company registration documents and proof of corporate ownership; funding/withdrawals must use corporate bank accounts matching the registered company name.
No, ActivTrades does not explicitly offer a clearly defined “Premium” feature tier under that exact name. Standard retail clients receive the same core trading conditions regardless of account size and do not appear to access a formally labelled “Premium” tier with additional benefits beyond the account types published.
How to open an account with ActivTrades?
The steps to open an account with ActivTrades are listed below.
- Start the registration: Open the account signup page, enter name, email address, and phone number, set a password, and submit the initial application.
- Provide personal details: Enter date of birth, nationality, country of residence, and full residential address.
- Complete the appropriateness questionnaire: Answer questions on trading experience, employment, financial status, and source of funds where requested.
- Choose account settings: Select the trading platform, select the account currency, including GBP where available, and accept the terms and conditions and disclosures.
- Submit verification documents: Upload a valid photo identity document such as a passport or driving licence and upload a recent proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Fund the trading account: Deposit funds after verification using an available method such as bank transfer or payment card.
- Start trading: Log in to the selected platform after approval and deposit confirmation and place the first trade.
The form-filling steps typically take a few minutes, while verification review commonly completes within one business day when documents are clear and complete. The process is generally easy to complete, as it is fully online and presented in a guided sequence of prompts and uploads. The requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, meeting eligibility conditions based on residency and service availability, providing complete personal information, and completing the questionnaire, and funds must be added before live trading can begin. A Know Your Customer process is required, and it typically includes identity verification and proof of address before the account can be used for live trading.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit in UK | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Demo trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment methods | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets |
| Islamic account availability | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account base currencies | GBP, USD, EUR, CHF | GBP, USD, EUR, CHF | AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, USD |
ActivTrades minimum deposit (UK) is USD 0 for FCA-regulated retail clients. No minimum applies to initial or subsequent deposits, across standard, and Islamic accounts. No payment-method minimums exist for bank transfer, card, or e-wallets. Deposits accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, and SEK; a 0.5% conversion fee applies if depositing in a currency different from the account base currency. Trading Central tools (MT4/MT5) require a minimum USD 1,000 deposit. Learn more about minimum deposit with ActivTrades.
ActivTrades offers 5 account base currencies, for example EUR, USD, GBP, SEK, CHF. The moderate range of account base currencies offered at ActivTrades fits many traders in core markets, but traders may incur conversion fees when they fund in unsupported currencies.
The deposit methods supported by ActivTrades are listed below.
- Bank Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
- Mobile Payment Methods
The withdrawal methods supported by ActivTrades are listed below.
- Local Bank Transfer
- Bank Wire Transfer
- eWallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT)
Deposits and withdrawals with ActivTrades are safe for UK clients. The firm is authorised by the FCA (registration 434413), which enforces client money protection rules. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with internationally recognised financial institutions, separate from company funds. ActivTrades also provides additional insurance up to $1,000,000 for eligible clients above statutory limits.
Payment methods include bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets (Skrill, PayPal). Deposits via card are processed in around 30 minutes; bank transfers process same-day once received. Withdrawals are initiated through the client portal after login.
Security includes two-factor authentication (2FA) via authenticator app. However, there is limited public information on PCI DSS compliance, 3-D Secure support, withdrawal caps, or IBAN whitelisting. Withdrawals may require identity verification and compliance with account terms, as one FOS case records a withdrawal blocked due to a terms breach.
What trading platforms does ActivTrades offer?
The trading platforms offered by ActivTrades are listed below.
- ActivTrader: Proprietary CFD platform with 1,000+ instruments across forex, shares, indices, commodities, ETFs, and bonds. Features progressive trailing stops, market sentiment indicators, and advanced charting. Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (ActivTrader app).
- MT4: CFD trading with charting tools, custom indicators, multiple order types, and Expert Advisors (EAs). Available on Windows (desktop), macOS (compatibility solutions), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- MT5: Multi-asset CFD platform with additional order types, market depth, 21 timeframes, and strategy testing tools. Available on Windows (desktop), macOS (compatibility solutions), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- TradingView: TradingView connectivity for trade execution from the TradingView interface when linked to ActivTrader account. Available on web, desktop apps, and iOS/Android (TradingView app).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy trading platform | No | Yes | No |

The charting tools available at ActivTrades are listed below.
- Technical indicators: 30+ built-in indicators on MetaTrader 4/5 with custom indicators and Expert Advisors via MQL4/MQL5. Pine Script indicators and strategies plus public indicator library through TradingView integration.
- Drawing tools: TradingView drawing objects including trendlines, Fibonacci tools, pitchforks, text/labels, and multi-point shapes with multi-chart synchronization. MetaTrader 4/5 graphical objects including trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, channels, and shapes.
- Chart timeframes & history: 9 native timeframes on MT4 (1-minute to monthly), 21 on MT5. Granular intraday intervals and price-based charts via TradingView, with historical bar limits based on TradingView plan.
- Backtesting: MT4 single-symbol strategy tester; MT5 multi-threaded strategy tester with optimization and cloud support. Bar replay and strategy testing through TradingView (plan-dependent).
- Platforms & usability: Charting via proprietary ActivTrader (web/desktop/mobile), MT4, MT5, and TradingView integration with direct trading from TradingView charts. Chart types include candlestick, Heikin-Ashi, Renko, Kagi, Point & Figure, Range, and Line Break (TradingView); line, OHLC, candlestick (MetaTrader). Multi-chart layouts, depth-of-market (MT5), as well as customizable styling with dark/light themes.
- Pricing: TradingView connection at no extra fees; limits tied to user’s TradingView subscription tier. MT4/MT5 charting included without platform fees, with optional paid add-ons via MQL Market.
The trading tools offered by ActivTrades are listed below.
- Risk management tools: Progressive Trailing Stop and standard trailing stop in ActivTrader; hedging mode across ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5.
- One-click trading: Available on ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5.
- Market analytics widgets: Market sentiment indicators in ActivTrader displaying aggregated trader positioning.
- Algorithmic trading: Expert Advisors on MetaTrader 4/5; custom indicator development and strategy automation via MetaTrader tools; CFD application development workflows in ActivTrader.
- VPS hosting: Free VPS for clients meeting volume conditions; supports external VPS providers optimized for ActivTrades platforms.
- Trading calculators: Spread-cost calculators estimating expenses from lot size and pip value; educational materials covering pip values, spreads, and trade costs.
- Market analysis tools: Economic news headlines in MetaTrader 5; daily analysis, weekly outlooks, and price-alert reports via web and mobile platforms.
- Alerts and notifications: Price alerts and market-movement notifications on MetaTrader and ActivTrader.
- Mobile-exclusive utilities: ActivTrader mobile app with advanced charting, one-click trading, trailing-stop controls, and full account/order management mirroring desktop functionality.
- Tool access conditions: Most platform features available to all clients without premium restrictions; free VPS linked to trading-volume or account-activity thresholds.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| API support | FIX API | FIX API, cTrader API | REST API, Streaming API, FIX API |
| EAs support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coding languages supported | MQL4, MQL5, Pinescript | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo, Pinescript | MQL4 |
| VPS support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, ActivTrades provide a free dedicated VPS service to clients who meet certain trading volume or account activity thresholds. ActivTrades uses advanced infrastructure, deploying its trading platforms via IBM Cloud and VMware technologies, but this relates to its internal server architecture rather than a VPS service available to clients.
Learn more about Forex brokers with free VPS.
Yes, ActivTrades does offer access to Autochartist. Live account holders qualify for a free subscription to Autochartist, and the service can be accessed via a web application and custom indicators for the MetaTrader 4 platform. The MetaTrader plug-in for Autochartist and the web application are supported by the software provider, allowing clients to overlay Autochartist features in MetaTrader. However, publicly available recent broker reviews do not clearly specify the exact platforms supported for Autochartist, nor whether any subscription fee is charged or whether use is fully free for all account types. Therefore, it is advisable for a trader to confirm with ActivTrades directly which account types include Autochartist, which platform versions support the plug-in, and whether any extra cost applies. Learn more about the best brokers with Autochartist.
Yes. The brokerage ActivTrades offers a fully integrated connection with TradingView. The broker supports direct trading via the TradingView “Trading Panel” functionality, enabling clients to open and close trades from within TradingView linked to their ActivTrades account.
The integration uses the TradingView charting environment and trading interface rather than embedding TradingView charts within the broker’s proprietary platform. Clients must hold an ActivTrader account with ActivTrades and log in via TradingView to request the broker-connection authorisation.
There are no subscription or platform-fees reportedly charged by ActivTrades specifically for the TradingView linkage, and no special TradingView paid plan is required beyond the broker account opening. ActivTrades explicitly states that users can connect TradingView after opening a live or demo ActivTrader account by selecting ActivTrades in the Trading Panel and authorising the login. The free version of TradingView is sufficient for the connection though advanced features may require a paid TradingView plan if desired. Learn more about the best brokers with TradingView.
Yes, the broker allows algorithmic trading. It supports automated strategies through MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which enable Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom technical indicators. MT5 includes an advanced strategy tester. Algorithms can automatically place orders and execute trades at high speed.
For institutional clients, the broker offers API access for developing custom algorithms in a low-latency trading environment. Developer resources include a .NET API package using WebSockets for order execution and market data. The MT5 backend runs on IBM Cloud, delivering real-time data and rapid execution. Retail traders benefit from full EA support and automated-trading guides on both MT4 and MT5 platforms.
How good is ActivTrades for mobile trading?
ActivTrades is excellent for mobile trading because it offers three major mobile platforms (ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5), provides full compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, and delivers a comprehensive set of trading features directly in the mobile apps.
ActivTrades users have access on mobile to thousands of tradable markets across seven asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, bond CFDs, and cryptocurrency CFDs. The mobile apps support in-app account management, enabling traders to monitor balances, manage open positions, and set risk controls. Advanced charting functions are available with a wide range of built-in technical indicators and drawing tools for technical analysis. Market analysis tools such as real-time news, price alerts, and market sentiment indicators are integrated into the mobile experience. The available offering is among the most complete in the industry for most retail traders, but the only limitation is the absence of futures and options trading on mobile platforms.
XTB, IG Markets, Pepperstone, and AvaTrade are some of the best mobile trading apps and are good alternatives to ActivTrades.
Explore the best apps for Forex trading.
| Broker |
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| MT4 mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 mobile | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader mobile | No | Yes | No |
| Proprietary mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ActivTrades’ mobile app delivers core desktop functionality but is less comprehensive in advanced tools and customisation. Both platforms support CFD trading across forex, shares, indices, commodities and ETFs via ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. The desktop version provides full charting, advanced order types, multiple time-frames, and bulk position management. Mobile retains many features, such as sentiment data, TradingView charts, and trailing stops/limits, but omits one-cancels-other orders, full custom-indicator support, and some automated trading tools. Desktop allows multiple charts, extensive screen space, deep technical analysis, and custom scripting (especially on MetaTrader), while mobile prioritises convenience, portability, and simpler execution. Execution performance and latency are consistent across both. The mobile app suits everyday and on-the-go trading; desktop is better for advanced tools, customisation, and automation.
How good is ActivTrades to learn trading?
ActivTrades is decent for learning trading because it offers a robust educational hub with training articles, platform tutorials, weekly market outlooks, daily analysis, and regular live webinars and seminars. ActivTrades is decent and not excellent for learning trading due to the absence of cent or nano accounts, a lack of podcasts, and the fact that its demo account is not unlimited and expires after approximately 30 days.
ActivTrades provides a comprehensive educational section featuring written articles, platform guides, regular expert-led webinars, and in-person seminars that help traders from beginner to advanced levels. The broker’s educational resources include weekly and daily market analysis, but there are no podcasts and no formal structured courses with interactive quizzes. Beginners benefit from the ability to trade micro-lots, but the absence of true cent accounts and a demo that expires in about a month are notable drawbacks. The education and support are strong, but these limitations in demo flexibility and beginner-friendly account options make ActivTrades a solid, although not top-tier, choice for learning trading. Learn more about what is trading and how it works.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tutorials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | No | Yes |
| Live analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |

How good is ActivTrades customer care?
ActivTrades has excellent customer care because it offers comprehensive support via email, phone, and live chat 24 hours a day during the trading week. Support is available in 14 languages, with localized websites, dedicated account managers for PRO clients, and all services are provided free of charge.
Clients at ActivTrades can get assistance in several ways. Dedicated support email addresses, a direct phone line with a free callback service, and instant live chat are all available 24/5. Customer support is localized, with services offered in 14 languages and access to region-specific websites. PRO account holders benefit from dedicated account managers and invitations to exclusive events and one-to-one training. All customer care channels are free to use, with no hidden fees or pay-per-call charges. This makes ActivTrades a top performer for customer support among online brokers.
| Broker |
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| Support languages | Multiple | English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Indonesian, Italian, French, Thai, German, Polish | English, Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish |
| Phone support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support hours | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Sat-Fri (08:00-22:00 GMT) |
What are the best alternatives to ActivTrades?
The best alternatives to ActivTrades are Pepperstone, eToro, and XM.
- Pepperstone: Razor accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions; MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. It has strong regulation with negative balance protection and compensation schemes.
- eToro: Social trading via CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios; zero-commission stock investing; broad asset range; segregated funds and leverage limits for retail clients.
- XM: $5 minimum deposit; negative balance protection; MT4, MT5, and XM app; forex, indices, commodities, and stock CFDs.
Learn more about alternatives to ActivTrades.
ActivTrades is a strong choice for active forex and CFD traders who want solid UK protection, fast execution and a wide platform range rather than an investing-style broker. It stands out for FCA regulation, competitive pricing on major forex pairs and indices, and strong support for algorithmic, demo and mobile trading. It is less suitable for buy-and-hold investors, copy traders or anyone focused on real shares, spot crypto, cheap gold trading or low overnight costs.

