What is ActivTrades？

Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a brokerage firm, headquartered in London, with offices in Milan, Nassau, and Sofia. It initially focused on the forex business and then gradually expanded its product ranges, providing trading conditions and service support for clients in more than 140 countries. The company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

ActivTrades also provides its clients with a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as its proprietary platform, ActivTrader. The broker aims to provide its clients with a safe and transparent trading environment, offering segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and a range of educational resources.

Pros & Cons

ActivTrades offers a good range of trading instruments, is regulated by a reputable financial authority, and offers various account types with negative balance protection and segregated accounts.

However, some clients have reported issues with trading platform stability.

ActivTrades Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ActivTrades depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Darwinex - a regulated broker that offers unique social trading features, with a focus on transparency and competitive pricing.

• Dukascopy - a Swiss-based broker that provides excellent trading technology, including a proprietary trading platform, but it has high account minimums and limited product offerings.

• Hantec Markets - a UK-based broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform and competitive pricing, but its educational resources are limited compared to some other brokers.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is ActivTrades Safe or a Scam？

ActivTrades is regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB).

The FCA regulation ensures strict adherence to financial standards and integrity within the UK as a Market Maker. Additionally, SCB regulation allows ActivTrades to hold a Retail Forex License in the Bahamas, providing broader international service under reliable oversight.

These dual regulations underscore ActivTrades' commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards and ensuring client security across multiple jurisdictions.

Market Instruments

At ActivTrades, you can trade over 1,000 different CFD instruments across 7 asset classes, including forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, bonds, and spread betting. This provides clients with a diversified portfolio and the opportunity to trade a range of different assets.

Accounts

Traders can open either an Individual Account (which allows them to trade small and micro lots) or a Professional Account (minimum financial portfolio size of $500,000, Dedicated Account Manager) with ActivTrades. Beginner traders can test out the trading interface and get a feel for how the broker works with a free demo account. People who adhere to Sharia law can choose from two more account options: an Islamic (Swap-Free) Account.

Leverage

Leverage is capped at 1:30 in line with the EMSA regulations, the maximum leverage is 1:30 for currency pairs, 1:20 for indices and shares, 1:10 for commodities and 1:5 for cryptocurrencies. While only the Pro account holders can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:400.

It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.

Spreads & Commissions

ActivTrades' currency spreads begin at 0.5 pips, and its spreads on indices and financial CFDs are also 0.5 pips, both of which are competitively cheap.

It's also important to note that this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight (the underlying Futures price already accounts for the adjustment). Commissions for trading shares as CFDs begin at €1 per side, whereas spread betting on shares incurs no fees beyond 0.10% of the transaction value.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades also stands out due to its platform selection, which features not only the company's proprietary platform - ActivTrader but also the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as a set of unique Add-Ons.

• Web Trading

The ActiveTrades trading platform is web-based, allowing trades to be made directly in the browser; it also has a dedicated app for the iPhone and iPad. The platform has an easy-to-use design but advanced functionality, such as access to more than 90 technical analysis indicators, for seasoned traders of all trading types.

• ActivTrader

The upgraded ActivTrader platform incorporates cutting-edge tools and features to provide a revolutionary trading environment. You can gain exposure to the Forex, Commodities, Financial & Indices, Shares, and Exchange-Traded Funds markets and trade over a thousand CFDs.

• MetaTrader4

ActivTrades' desktop trading platform MT4 is available to those who prefer a more traditional trading experience. In addition, the technology has been upgraded in accordance with the firm's security standards, and the use of sophisticated charts has made it possible to automate the tactics using EAs.

• MetaTrader5

New and improved features take online trading to a whole new level in MetaTrader5. More than 450 CFDs on equities with diverse characteristics and the option to auto-trade are available on the platform, and trading statements are seamlessly integrated.

Overall, ActivTrades' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

In addition to the robust platform itself, a plethora of utility extensions is available to further develop trading functionalities and automation features, as well as to provide decision-making and signaling instruments. The term “indicators” can refer to a wide variety of tools, from those used for making decisions to those used for trading.

Deposits & Withdrawals

ActivTrades accepts deposits via Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Sofort, and PayPal, while only Sofort is excluded from withdrawal methods.

Base Currencies:

EUR, USD, GBP or CHF

The minimum deposit is as high as $500.

ActivTrades minimum deposit vs other brokers

Deposits via credit/debit card UK&EEA are charged 0.5% fees, while credit/debit card non-EEA are charged 1.5% fees. Other deposits and all withdrawals are free of charge.

Most deposits are said to take 30 minutes (except for Bank Transfer deposits are processed on the same working day), while all withdrawals can be processed on the same working day.

More details can be found in the table below:

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: Fees and charges are subject to change. This table is only for informational purposes and may not reflect the latest fee structure of the brokers mentioned. It is recommended to always check with the brokers directly for the latest fees and charges.

Customer Service

ActivTrades offers 24/5 multilingual customer service via live chat, telephone: +44 (0) 207 6500 567, +44 (0) 207 6500 500, email: englishdesk@activtrades.com, institutional_en@activtrades.com, request a callback, or messaging online. Help Center is also available. You can also follow this broker on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Company address: The Loom 2.5, 14 Gower's Walk, London, E1 8PY.

Overall, ActivTrades' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with ActivTrades' customer service.

Education

ActivTrades provides comprehensive educational resources organized by subject, including webinars, seminars, manuals, news & analysis. In addition, you get access to a demo account, robust analytical and technical analysis tools within the platforms and exclusive add-ons that will help you study and trade more effectively.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

As a whole, ActivTrades is a regulated broker that provides a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. The company offers several account types and has competitive trading fees with low spreads. The broker also provides negative balance protection and segregated client accounts.

However, ActivTrades has some negative reviews from clients regarding trading platform. Additionally, the broker charges deposit fees for some payment methods. Overall, ActivTrades may be a good option for experienced traders who prioritize low trading fees and a variety of trading instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

Overview of Avatrade

Avatrade is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2006. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and is regulated by several financial authorities around the world, including ASIC, CBI, FSA, FSCA, FSC, CBI, FFAJ.

As a market maker broker, Avatrade offers a range of tradable assets including forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker provides clients with access to multiple trading platforms, including AvaTradeGO, MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaOptions, and DupliTrade. Mobile trading is also available.

Avatrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open an account, and clients can choose from a variety of payment methods including credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallets, and Rapid Transfer.

Customer support is available via live chat, phone, email, and a knowledge base. The broker also provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, trading videos, and articles.

Is Avatrade Legit or a scam？

Avatrade is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands, and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and The Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ). These regulatory bodies ensure that Avatrade operates with transparency, integrity, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd - authorized by ASIC (Australia) registration no. 406684

• AVA Trade EU Ltd - authorized by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)

• Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd - authorized by FSCA (South Africa) registration no. 45984

• Ava Trade Japan K.K. - authorized by FSA (Japan) registration no. 2010401081157 and FFAJ registration no. 1574

• Ava Trade Middle East Ltd - authorized by FRSA (Abu Dhabi Global Markets) registration no. 190018

• AVA Trade EU Limited - authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), holding a license of European Authorized Representative (EEA), registration no. 504072

Pros and Cons of Avatrade

When it comes to choosing a broker, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons to determine which one is right for you. Some potential advantages of a broker may include competitive fees and spreads, a user-friendly platform, and a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. Additionally, a regulated broker can provide peace of mind knowing that your funds are protected.

However, there may also be potential downsides to consider, such as limited trading instruments, customer support options, and research tools. A high minimum deposit requirement and limited bonus offers may also be a drawback for some traders.

Market Intruments

Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments across various markets, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, spread betting, FX OPtions. Here's a breakdown of the market instruments available:

• Forex: Avatrade offers more than 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

• Stocks: Traders can trade stocks from major global exchanges, such as NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE, and more.

• Commodities: Avatrade offers trading in precious metals like gold and silver, energy commodities like oil and gas, and agricultural commodities like wheat and coffee.

• Cryptocurrencies: This broker offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, as well as lesser-known coins like Dash, Monero, and NEO.

• Indices: Avatrade provides access to major indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and more.

• FX options allow traders to take advantage of currency movements while limiting their risk. With FX options, traders can set a specific strike price at which they want to buy or sell a currency pair, and the option will be exercised only if the market reaches that price. This allows traders to potentially profit from market movements while limiting their potential losses.

• Spread betting is a tax-free way to speculate on the direction of various financial markets, including forex, commodities, and indices. With spread betting, traders can bet on whether the market will rise or fall and potentially profit from both upward and downward movements.

Account Types

When it comes to account types, Avatrade only offers a standard account. This means that all clients will have access to the same features and trading conditions, regardless of the size of their deposit.

The standard account provides access to all of Avatrade's trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This means that traders can diversify their portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions, all within the same account.

Avatrade has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is relatively low compared to other brokers in the industry. For example, brokers like IG and Saxo Bank have a minimum deposit requirement of $300 and $10,000, respectively. However, there are other brokers that have a lower minimum deposit requirement than Avatrade. For instance, Pepperstone and XM have a minimum deposit requirement of $0 and $5, respectively.

Demo Accounts

Avatrade offers demo accounts for traders who want to practice their trading skills or test out the trading platform without risking real money. The demo account allows traders to access the full range of trading instruments and features on the Avatrade platform using virtual funds. It is a useful tool for new traders to get familiar with the platform and for experienced traders to test new strategies before using them in live trading. The demo account is available for 21 days and can be renewed upon request.

How to open an account？

When it comes to the process of opening an account with Avatrade, rest assured that it is one of the most streamlined and user-friendly experiences out there. Not only is the process simple and straightforward, but it is also designed to ensure that new traders can start their journey with ease.

• First, you need to visit the Avatrade website and click on the “Register” button, which is prominently displayed on the homepage.

• Then, you will then be taken to a registration form where you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to create a password and select your account currency.

• After filling out the registration form, you will need to verify your identity by submitting a copy of your government-issued ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement. This is a standard requirement for all regulated brokers and is done to ensure the security and integrity of the trading platform.

• Once your account is verified, you can fund your account using one of the many payment options available, such as credit/debit card, bank transfer, or electronic wallets like Neteller or Skrill. After funding your account, you can download the Avatrade trading platform or use the web-based version to start trading.

Leverage

Avatrade offers leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading and up to 1:200 for other instruments such as commodities and indices. This means that traders can control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. However, it's important to keep in mind that leverage can magnify both profits and losses, and traders should use it responsibly and with caution.

Avatrade also offers a range of leverage options for different account types, including 1:30 for retail clients in compliance with ESMA regulations and 1:400 for professional clients. It's important to note that professional clients must meet certain criteria to qualify for higher leverage.

Overall, Avatrade's leverage offerings are competitive with other brokers in the industry and can provide traders with greater trading opportunities. However, traders should always consider their risk management strategies and use leverage responsibly.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Avatrade offers competitive spreads and charges no commission fees for trading on its platform. The spreads offered by Avatrade vary depending on the trading instrument and market conditions. For example, the typical spread for EUR/USD is 0.9 pips, while for GBP/USD, it is 1.5 pips. Spreads for other instruments, such as indices and commodities, also vary.

However, it's important to note that spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility. Additionally, Avatrade charges commissions on certain trading instruments such as CFDs, which can impact the overall cost of trading. Traders should compare the spreads and commission rates of Avatrade with other brokers to determine if it meets their trading needs and preferences.

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are the fees that a broker charges for activities other than trading, such as deposit and withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and account closure fees. These fees can significantly impact the profitability of a trader, and it's important to be aware of them when choosing a broker.

Avatrade has several non-trading fees that traders should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Overall, Avatrade's non-trading fees are reasonable compared to other brokers in the industry. The deposit fee is free, which is a significant advantage, but the withdrawal fee can be relatively high, depending on the payment method used. The inactivity fee is also something to keep in mind, as it can add up quickly if there is no trading activity. However, it's important to note that the inactivity fee is only charged after 12 months of inactivity, which is longer than some other brokers.

Trading Platform

Avatrade offers a selection of trading platforms that are designed to meet the needs of different types of traders. Here are some of the trading platforms offered by Avatrade:

1. AvatradeGO: This is a mobile app that is available on both iOS and Android platforms. It allows traders to access their accounts and trade on the go.

2. MT4: Avatrade offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by traders around the world. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a range of custom indicators and expert advisors.

3. MT5: Avatrade also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is the successor to MT4. MT5 has several new features, including more advanced charting tools, a wider range of order types, and improved back-testing capabilities.

4. WebTrader: Avatrade's WebTrader platform allows traders to access their accounts and trade directly from their web browser. The platform is easy to use and offers a range of trading tools and indicators.

5. AvaOptions: This is Avatrade's platform for trading options. It offers a range of options trading tools, including risk management tools, and a range of customizable trading strategies.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. The methods available may vary depending on the client's location and the currency used.

Deposit options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. The processing time for deposits is usually instant or up to one business day.

Withdrawal options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. Withdrawals usually take 1-2 business days to process.

Avatrade does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, but clients may incur fees from their payment provider or bank.

To withdraw funds from your Avatrade account, you need to follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Avatrade account.

2. Click on the “Withdraw Funds” tab located in the main menu.

3. Choose your preferred withdrawal method from the list of available options, such as bank wire, credit card, or electronic payment systems like Skrill or Neteller.

4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and any necessary payment details.

5. Review and confirm the transaction details.

6. Submit your withdrawal request.

It's important to note that Avatrade requires you to withdraw funds using the same payment method that you used to deposit funds into your account. The processing time for withdrawals varies depending on the payment method, but Avatrade strives to process all withdrawal requests within 24 hours.

Customer Support

Avatrade offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone support, email, and an online contact form. They have customer support available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, and Chinese.

Their customer support team is available 24/5, meaning that they are available Monday through Friday to help with any questions or concerns that traders may have. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, which covers a wide range of topics related to the platform and trading.

Avatrade's customer support has received positive reviews for their responsiveness and helpfulness. They also offer free educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

Educational Resources

Avatrade offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. They have a comprehensive educational section on their website that includes a range of materials such as e-books, video tutorials, webinars, and trading courses.

The e-books cover a range of topics, from basic trading concepts to advanced strategies. The video tutorials are easy to follow and cover a variety of topics, including trading platforms, technical analysis, and risk management.

Avatrade also offers webinars that are conducted by experienced traders and cover a variety of topics. These webinars are interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and receive feedback from the presenter. Additionally, they offer a range of trading courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced traders.

Conclusion

Avatrade is a well-established broker with a long history of providing trading services to traders worldwide. They offer a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with competitive spreads and leverage options. Their trading platform is user-friendly and provides a range of advanced tools and features for traders of all skill levels. Additionally, they provide excellent customer support, educational resources, and a demo account for traders to practice their strategies. However, there are some downsides to consider, such as higher non-trading fees and limited account options.

FAQs

• Q: Is Avatrade regulated？

A: Yes, Avatrade is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

• Q: Does Avatrade offer a demo account？

A: Yes, Avatrade offers a free demo account for traders to practice and test their strategies before trading with real money.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade？

A: The minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade is $100.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Avatrade？

A: The maximum leverage offered by Avatrade is 1:400.

• Q: Does Avatrade charge any trading fees？

A: Yes, Avatrade charges spreads and commissions on certain trading instruments.

• Q: What deposit and withdrawal methods are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

• Q: Does Avatrade provide educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, Avatrade provides a range of educational resources including webinars, e-books, trading courses, and more.

• Q: What kind of customer support does Avatrade offer？

A: Avatrade offers 24/5 customer support through phone, email, as well as an extensive FAQ section on their website.