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.

General Information & Regulation

Spread Co Limited is a limited liability company registered in England and Wales with its registered office at 22 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QE. Company No. 05614477. Spread Co is an online spread betting and CFD broker specialising in forex, commodities, equities and indices. Spread Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with regulatory license no. 446677.

Market Instruments

With a Spread Co account, investors can trade on a wide range of global markets, from major indices and global equities to foreign exchange currency pairs, commodities, crude oil, precious metals, and bitcoin, to meet a wide range of investment needs.

Account Types

Spread Co has two different types of accounts, the spread trading account and the CFD account. Minimum deposits depend on account types. To open a spread trading account, traders are required a minimum initial deposit of £200 and £250 for a CFD account.

Demo Account

Spread Co does offer a demo trading account for beginners to practice forex trading in a 100% risk-free environment. The Spread Co demo account does not have a specific expiry date. Some features of the Spread Co demo accounts include the following:

• Practice trading with £25,000 virtual funds

• Develope you strategies with no risk

• Learn how risk management tools work

Leverage

Leverage level offered by Spread Co do depends on the regulatory requirement you trading with and the brokerage operates. This applies due to various safety measures applied to eliminate the risks involved while trading, specially for retail traders.

With Spread Co, LverageTrading leverage vary by different instruments:

• 1:30 for Forex currency pairs,

• 1:10 for commodities

• 1:20 for indices

• 1:5 for enquities

Spreads & Commissions

Spread Co offers commission-free trading, and the broker only takes its cut from the spread. EURUSD spreads start from 0.8 pips, 4 pips for US Crude Oil, 4 pips for Gold, and 40 pips for Bitcoin/USD.

There are no other fee indicated for Spread Co, but traders are advised to verified fees pertainning to the following：

• Account maintenance and management

• Inactivity fees and Conversion fees

Trading Platforms

What Spread Co offers traders is not the MT4 trading platform, which is currently the most popular one, but its in-house developed online trading platform. This online trading platform requires no download and allows traders to customize their trading experience for experienced traders and novice traders. Anyway, lack of widely used MT4 & MT5 trading platforms really a drawback for such a big broker.

Deposit and Withdrawal of Spread Co

Spread Co allows traders to deposit and withdraw funds from their investment accounts via the following methods:

• Credit Card;

• UK Credit Card;

• Bank Transfer;

• Skrill

Spread Co does not charge traders any fees for withdrawals or deposits . Spread Co has no limit to how much you can fund via the platform, but the maximum amount which it can accept for your first payment is GBP500 via the phone. Successfully authorized payments will be available immediately.

Spread Co suppports the following deposit currencies when deposits and withdrawals are made to end from the trading account: GBP, USD, EUR.

Customer Support

Customer services are available in several options: email, whatapp, Live chat, and telephone.

Here are some contact details:

Telephone: 0800 078 9398

Email: info@spreadco.com

Or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Educational Resources

Spread Co provides clients support through relationship managers that provide assistance as well as providing eucation. The broker provides educational library with multiple guides and video updates along with the market overview, platform, news and economic calendars.

Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spread Co legal ？

Yes, Spread Co is a legal broker that adheres to rules and regulations stipulated by the FCA.

Does Spread Co offer a demo account？

Yes, Spread Co does offer a demo account that is valid for 2 weeks.

What is the maximum trading leverage offered by Spread Co？

The maximum trading leverage offered by Spread Co is up to 1:30.

What are the deposit and withdrawal methods supported by Spread Co ？

Payment methods supported by Spread Co include Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Skrill.

What is the overall rating for Spread Co ？

The overall rating for Spread Co is 7.06/10 based on its License Index, Business Index, Risk Management Index, Software Index and Regulatory Index.