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.

What is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012. The broker is based in the United Kingdom. GKFX Prime provides traders with a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They offer various account types and trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms. GKFX Prime also provides educational resources and customer support in multiple languages.

What Type of Broker is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is a Straight Through Processing (STP) broker that offers clients direct access to interbank markets without the need for a dealing desk or human intervention. This means that trades are executed instantly and efficiently without any conflict of interest between the broker and the client.

Pros & Cons

GKFX Prime's main advantages are their competitive trading conditions, including tight spreads and low commissions, as well as their extensive range of trading instruments and educational resources.

However, their lack of regulatory oversight in major jurisdictions and too many complaints from users may be a concern for some traders.

Ultimately, it's important for traders to weigh these factors against their own priorities and preferences when choosing a broker.

GKFX Prime Alternative Brokers

Some alternative brokers to GKFX Prime include:

• IC Markets: An Australian-based broker that offers ECN trading with tight spreads and low commissions. They also have a wide range of trading instruments and multiple trading platforms.

• Admiral Markets: A European-based broker with a strong focus on education and research. They offer a variety of account types and trading platforms, as well as a wide range of trading instruments.

• FxPro: A UK-based broker with over 15 years of experience in the industry. They offer a range of trading platforms and account types, including ECN trading with tight spreads.

• Pepperstone: An Australian-based broker that offers low spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading platforms. They also offer a range of educational resources for traders.

• XM: A global broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and multiple account types. They also offer a demo account for traders to practice trading strategies without risking real money.

It is important to thoroughly research and compare different brokers before choosing one that suits your trading needs and preferences.

Is GKFX Prime Safe or Scam？

As GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker, its reliability may be a concern for some traders. While the company has been operating for several years, the lack of regulatory oversight may make it less attractive to traders who prioritize safety and security. The worse is that there are too many complaints from their users.

Also, it's important to note that being unregulated doesn't necessarily mean that a broker is unreliable. However, it does mean that there is no external oversight of the broker's activities and no protection for clients in the event of financial difficulty or fraud. Clients should exercise caution when dealing with unregulated brokers and conduct thorough research before opening an account.

Market Instruments

GKFX Prime offers 400+ financial instruments to trade, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex: over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

Commodities: including gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

Indices: over 20 global indices, including popular indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 30.

Stocks: over 300 stocks from companies listed on exchanges in the US, UK, Germany, and France.

Cryptocurrency: including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Accounts

Apart from free demo accounts, there is a large variety of live trading accounts available at GKFX Prime, and each one is tailored to the specific requirements of the clients.

A trader's risk appetite, the quantity of their initial investment, and the amount of free time they have daily to devote to trading the Forex market are all important considerations when deciding which account type will best suit their needs.

The account types include the following: Standard Fixed, Standard Variable, VIP Variable and ECN Zero. Additionally, Islamic accounts are available for clients who follow Sharia laws. There is no minimum deposit requirement for Standard Fixed, Standard Variable and ECN Zero accounts, while $5,000 for VIP Variable accounts.

How to open an account with GKFX Prime？

To open a new forex trading account with GKFX Prime, you must first pass a simple “know your customer” test. Because of this, GKFX Prime can verify your identity, your account information, and the security of your cash.

Login information for the trading platform that is best suited to the type of account you opened will typically be emailed to you after the initial registration.

Step 1 – Register an account

Open your Live Trading Account.

Step 2 – Fill out the 5-page form

Supply personal detail, financial information, trade knowledge and experience, etc.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by GKFX Prime is 1:400. However, the leverage available to you may vary depending on your location and the regulatory restrictions in place.

Spreads & Commissions

Different account types have different trading conditions. Specifically, Standard Fixed accounts have spread from 1.8 pips and no commissions; Standard Variable accounts have spread from 1.2 pips and no commissions; VIP Variable accounts have spread from 0.6 pips and no commissions; ECN Zero accounts have spread as low as 0.0 pips but have to pay a commission of 10/lot.

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

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on account types and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

GKFX Prime offers the MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are popular and widely used platforms among traders. They provide access to a range of tools and features, including advanced charting, technical analysis tools, automated trading capabilities, and the ability to customize and use third-party indicators and trading algorithms.

They are both available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it convenient for traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time. Additionally, GKFX Prime offers a VPS (Virtual Private Server) service to clients who require faster and more reliable connection to the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Overall, GKFX Prime's 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:

Deposits & Withdrawals

While there is no minimum deposit requirement with GKFX Prime, we advise putting up at least five dollars so that you have more flexibility and a higher chance of building positions large enough to make a difference in the markets. The company offers quick deposit and withdrawal alternatives to GKFX Prime traders so that regular traders can have more faith in the platform and gain more market access.

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Maestro), bank transfers and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill are all acceptable methods of payment, so long as the buyer has provided the necessary “know your customer” papers to comply with AML regulations. The most common of them is a photocopy of your passport and some form of the recent bill showing your current address.

Credit cards and bank transfers are both acceptable withdrawal methods. Transfers made with a credit card take three to five business days to process, while wire transfers can take anywhere from one to five days. Withdrawal is free of charge.

Please note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain regions/countries, and fees and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method.

GKFX Prime minimum deposit vs other brokers

GKFX Prime Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their account, go to the “Withdrawal” section, select the preferred withdrawal method, and follow the instructions provided. It's worth noting that GKFX Prime may require additional documentation for verification purposes before processing the withdrawal request.

Bonus & Fees

GKFX Prime claims to offer a 100% welcome bonus and a 50% re-deposit bonus. In any case, you should be very cautious if you receive a bonus. First of all, bonuses aren't client funds, they're company funds, and fulfilling the heavy requirements that are usually attached to them can prove a very daunting and difficult task.

Apart from commission fees on the ECN Zero account, there are no other fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the country of residence and the payment method used.

Customer Service

GKFX Prime offers customer support in multiple languages through various channels including live chat, phone, and email. Their customer support is available 24/5, which means that traders can get assistance during the trading week. Additionally, GKFX Prime provides support through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The broker also provides an FAQ section and educational resources on its website to assist traders. Overall, GKFX Prime has a good reputation for customer support.

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

Education

Those interested in opening an account with GKFX Prime should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the ins and outs of forex and commodity trading before placing any trades. If a trader needs more information than is available on the GKFX Prime website, they should look elsewhere.

GKFX Prime offers a range of educational resources for traders of all levels, including video tutorials, articles, ebooks, webinars, seminars.

Webinars: GKFX Prime provides free webinars to its clients, covering various trading topics, such as market analysis, risk management, and trading strategies.

Video tutorials: The broker offers a collection of video tutorials covering a range of trading topics, including technical analysis, trading psychology, and risk management.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker with a wide range of trading instruments and account types. While their trading conditions are relatively competitive, the lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds. Their customer support and educational resources are adequate but not exceptional. Overall, traders should approach GKFX Prime with caution and consider alternative brokers that are regulated and offer more comprehensive services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)