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 BUX Markets

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated financial institution registered in the United Kingdom. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with license number 184333. The company has been regulated since December 2001, and its adherence to financial regulations is overseen by the FCA to ensure market integrity and investor protection. However, it is important to note that BUX Markets does not currently have a trading software available.

BUX Markets offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide two types of accounts: retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. The broker offers a demo account for practice trading and various educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos to support traders' learning.

The proprietary trading platform provided by BUX Markets is called “TradeHub®,” offering advanced indicators, charts, and one-click trading. The platform supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Customer support is available through phone and email during business hours, and there is a trading desk for trade-related inquiries.

Pros and Cons

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated trading platform based in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. BUX Markets has a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®” and offers educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos. Customer support is available via phone and email during business hours, and a trading desk is available for trade-related inquiries. While BUX Markets is regulated and offers a diverse range of trading options, it's worth noting that its spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Is BUX Markets Legit？

BUX Markets, operating under the licensed institution BUX Financial Services Limited, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company holds a Market Making (MM) license with license number 184333. The regulatory oversight provided by the FCA ensures that BUX Markets adheres to financial regulations and standards.

Market Instruments

BUX Markets offers a variety of market instruments for trading.

Indices: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities for various indices, including the UK 100 Future, Wall Street Future, US 500 Future, US Tech 100 Future, Germany 30 Future, France 40 Future, and other European and Asian indices.

Currencies: Traders can access the foreign exchange market through BUX Markets. They offer currency pairs such as AUDCAD, AUDCHF, AUDJPY, AUDNZD, AUDUSD, CADCHF, CADJPY, CHFJPY, EURAUD, and other combinations.

Shares: BUX Markets allows trading of shares from different countries. They offer shares in various market segments like the UK Blue Chip, UK Mid Cap, US Large Cap, France Large Cap, Germany Large Cap, and many more.

ETFs: BUX Markets provides access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track underlying indices or commodities. Some of the available ETFs include Powershares QQQ Nasdaq, SPDR DJIA Trust, SPDR Gold Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets, iShares FTSE 100, and iShares Silver Trust.

Commodities: Traders can participate in commodity markets through BUX Markets. They offer futures contracts for metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy commodities like US Light Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil. Additionally, there are futures contracts for soft commodities like Feed Wheat.

Interest Rates & Bonds: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities in interest rates and bonds. Traders can access products like 3-Month Short Sterling Future and Long Gilt Future in the United Kingdom, and Bund Future, Bobl Future, and Schatz Future in Germany.

Cryptocurrencies: BUX Markets also claims to offer trading options in cryptocurrencies.

Account Types

BUX Markets offers two types of accounts: one for retail traders and one for professional traders. The minimum deposit required to start trading is $100, which is in line with the standard in the industry. Additionally, BUX Markets provides demo trading accounts that allow users to practice trading online using virtual funds. These demo accounts serve as a way for traders to familiarize themselves with the trading platform and the services offered by the broker, while also allowing them to test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

In addition to the retail account, BUX Markets offers a premium service targeted towards traders who may qualify as Professional Clients. Professional Clients are exempt from certain product intervention measures introduced by ESMA. To be classified as a Professional Client, traders need to meet at least two out of the following three criteria: having executed significant leverage trades at an average frequency of 10 per quarter over the last 4 quarters, possessing a financial instrument portfolio (including cash deposits) exceeding €500,000, or having at least one year of professional experience in a financial sector position that requires knowledge of leveraged products.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with BUX Markets, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BUX Markets website and locate the “Start trading now” button.

2. Click on the “Start trading now” button to initiate the account opening process.

3. Fill in the required personal information, including your personal details such as name, date of birth, and nationality.

4. Provide your contact details, such as your email address and phone number, which will be used for communication purposes.

5. Enter your postal address to ensure accurate correspondence.

6. Proceed to provide the necessary financial information as requested by BUX Markets.

7. Share your trading experience details to give the broker an understanding of your level of expertise.

8. Finally, provide the required account details to set up your trading account with BUX Markets.

Leverage

BUX Markets offers leverage for different instruments based on specific ratios. For major currency pairs, the leverage provided is set at 30:1. When it comes to minor or currency pairs, the leverage ratio is 20:1. Odd currency pairs have a leverage ratio of 10:1. For gold, silver, and platinum futures, the leverage is set at 20:1. US light crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 5:1, while Brent crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 10:1. Lastly, UK, German, and other European bonds have a leverage ratio of 5:1. These leverage ratios determine the amount of exposure and risk that traders can take in their positions.

Spreads & Commissions

Nabtrade offers competitive spreads across various global markets, enhancing trading efficiency for investors. Key examples include:

• EUR/USD: Features a tight spread of 1.2 pips with a bid of 1.08796 and an ask of 1.08808.

• Gold: Trades with a spread of 2.0 points between the bid at 2,354.4 and the ask at 2,356.4.

• Germany 30 Rolling (24): Offers a minimal spread of 1.0 point, with a bid of 18,333.5 and an ask of 18,334.5.

These spreads reflect nabtrade's commitment to providing cost-effective trading options in forex, commodities, and indices.

Fees

Overall fees at BUX Markets are focused on keeping costs low to enhance performance. This includes minimizing spreads, rollover costs, and financing costs. Access to personalized customer service in London is provided free of charge, and there are no account charges.

Funding charges apply for overnight financing, typically at a rate of 0.0098% + ARR (0.0096% + ARR for GBP denominated assets). Long positions attract financing charges, while short positions may receive financial interest credited to the account. Cryptocurrencies may have significantly different financing charges, so it is advisable to review the specific details.

When futures are the reference market, BUX Markets charges only half of the bid offer for rollovers from one contract to the next. This means that the new position is only 50% of the standard spread for that market, reducing the cost for traders.

Inactivity fees are applicable if a trading account remains inactive for 180 days. After this period, an Inactivity Fee will be charged, and if the account continues to be inactive, the fee will recur in increments of £10 in subsequent periods of 30 calendar days. It's important to refer to the company's Terms and Conditions for more information, particularly regarding accounts held in currencies other than GBP.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Credit/Debit Card:

BUX Markets allows users to fund their trading account using both debit and credit cards. Deposits made through these payment methods are processed immediately. It is important to note that the name on the card must match the name on the trading account. Deposits made with credit/debit cards are generally free of charge, except for cards issued outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), which may incur a 1.75% transaction fee. However, BUX Markets only accepts card payments that are 3-D secure, which adds an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that BUX Markets does not accept third-party payments to maintain compliance with its internal policies.

Bank Wire Transfer:

BUX Markets also accepts deposits through bank wire transfer in various currencies such as EUR, GBP, USD, SEK, DKK, SGD, and CHF. To initiate a bank transfer, the account holder's name should match the name on the BUX Markets account. It is advisable to include the account holder's name and trading account number as a reference to ensure smooth allocation of funds. For the first deposit in GBP via bank transfer, BUX Markets may require a copy of a bank statement or transaction receipt. Cash deposits are not accepted due to money laundering regulations. Similar to credit/debit card deposits, third-party payments are not allowed, and users should ensure they fund their account with their own funds. Bank transfers may take up to 5 working days to appear in the trading account.

Withdrawing Funds:

The process of withdrawing funds from a BUX Markets account is straightforward. If a withdrawal is requested using a credit or debit card, the funds are debited from the trading account upon receipt of the request. BUX Markets returns funds only to their original source. Withdrawal requests made after 12:30 (GMT) are processed on the following working day. The withdrawal process generally takes up to 5 working days to complete. While it is possible to withdraw funds via bank wire transfer, debit/credit cards are the preferred method, and cheque refunds are not available.

Payment Methods:

BUX Markets accepts various payment methods, including VISA, Maestro, Mastercard, bank wire transfer, and Klarna. There is a minimum deposit requirement of 100 GBP/EUR/USD for credit card deposits, while there is no minimum deposit requirement for bank wire transfers.

Trading Platforms

BUX Markets offers traders a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which differentiates itself from the popular MT4/MT5 platforms.

TradeHub® provides advanced indicators and charts for market analysis and allows for one-click trading directly from the charts. The platform's lifecycle costs are presented neutrally, including spreads, funding, and rollover costs.

Traders can opt for variable margin levels, ranging from low to 100%, to manage risk. Notional value trades allow users to input specific amounts for trades, providing options to adjust positions based on individual needs, strategies, or investment goals.

TradeHub® supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices through the iOS and Android app. The platform offers a 24-hour dealing desk and emphasizes fast and accurate execution. Telephone trading is available without charge. Personal client service is based in London to provide support and assistance to traders.

Trading Tools

The trading tools offered by BUX Markets encompass various features to support traders in their activities. One of these tools is the TradeHub® charting package, which allows users to trade directly from the charts. The charts in TradeHub® provide persistent indicators that apply to the new instrument when it is changed, maintaining consistency. Traders have the option to customize technical indicators' parameters according to their preferences and strategies.

The TradeHub® charting package also includes pattern recognition capabilities, enabling users to identify market patterns and trends. The charts support bid, offer, and mid-prices for different timeframes and instruments. Users can choose from a variety of chart types and studies to analyze market data.

The charting package is compatible with mobile devices, allowing traders to access and monitor their trades. Simple filters are available to facilitate quick and accurate searches. The charts are browser-based, eliminating the need for additional software downloads.

Educational Resources

BUX Markets provides educational resources to help clients enhance their performance in CFD Trading and Spread Betting. These resources include webinars, guides, and videos, which are available to clients at no cost. These materials can simplify the learning process and provide insights into BUX Markets' products.

Additionally, customers have access to expert client services teams based in London. These teams can offer further assistance and support to clients.

The educational resources cover topics such as Spread Betting and CFDs, and include frequently asked questions (FAQs), a glossary of relevant terms, and useful dates related to trading activities. These resources are designed to provide clients with information and knowledge to make informed decisions in their trading endeavors.

Customer Support

BUX Markets provides customer support services during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 17:00 UK time. Clients can reach out to the service team through phone or email for assistance with their inquiries. The company aims to respond to customer queries as promptly as possible.

For trade-related inquiries, BUX Markets offers support through their trading desk. The trading desk's phone lines are open from 22:15 on Sunday until 22:15 on Friday, UK time. Clients can direct their trading-related questions to the trading desk via phone or email.

BUX Markets is headquartered in London, specifically at the following address: BUX Financial Services Limited, 3rd Floor, Canvas, 35 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4LH, United Kingdom. Clients can contact the company's London office through the provided phone number or email address for any support needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BUX Markets is a registered company, BUX Financial Services Limited, operating in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). With over 20 years of experience, BUX Markets offers a variety of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which offers advanced charting and one-click trading capabilities. BUX Markets offers two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. They also provide a demo account for practice trading and offer customer support through phone and email during business hours. However, it should be noted that BUX Markets does not have a trading software available, and their spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Educational Resources

Webinars, trading manuals, a dictionary of words, frequently asked questions, and instructional videos are all available. It's awesome that you can get them at no cost from the site. This is great since it makes learning about internet trading accessible to complete novices. To put it another way, they want you to make well-informed trading decisions, and this is evidence of that. The benefits of the broker's products and how they can help you can be researched as well. CM Trading has an extensive library of learning resources available if you feel you need some additional guidance.

FAQs

Is BUX Markets a legitimate company？

Yes, BUX Markets is a legitimate company registered in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

What trading platforms does BUX Markets offer？

BUX Markets offers a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®”

What are the available account types at BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers retail and professional accounts to cater to different types of traders.

What markets and instruments can I trade with BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers a wide range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with BUX Markets？

The minimum deposit requirement is $100.

What is the maximum leverage offered by BUX Markets？

The maximum leverage is set at 1:30 for most instruments.