ActivTrades Trading Platform Review

Founded in 2001 in Switzerland, ActivTrades relocated to London in 2005 and now has its global headquarters in the heart of the UK capital. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 434413, within a regulatory framework focused on client protection and operational transparency. The broker serves over 100,000 customers across 170 countries and holds additional licences from several regulators, including the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) of Brazil.

ActivTrades Contact Information

ActivTrades offers access to 1,500+ tradable markets across major asset classes, including Forex, shares, indices, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), commodities and bonds. UK traders can choose from flexible account types designed for different experience levels and trading needs, including Individual, Spread Betting, Professional, Islamic (swap-free) and Demo accounts.

Clients can choose from four established trading platforms: ActivTrader (proprietary), MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and TradingView. This range accommodates a broad variety of trading preferences and strategies, supported by client safeguards within an FCA-regulated environment.

Highlights of ActivTrades

• Regulation: ActivTrades is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must comply with investor protection requirements, including client money segregation, negative balance protection and Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection of up to £85,000 for eligible clients.
• Spread Betting Account: This account type allows UK traders to speculate on price movements across Forex, shares, indices and commodities, with profits potentially free of tax, competitive spreads from around 0.5 pips and no commissions on Forex.
• Professional traders retain enhanced protection of funds and negative balance protection: Professional clients benefit from higher leverage of up to 1:400, alongside negative balance protection and insurance on client funds of up to $1,000,000.
• Proprietary platform and three third-party platforms: ActivTrades supports its proprietary ActivTrader platform alongside MT4, MT5 and TradingView, offering advanced tools for analysis, automated trading and mobile access.
• Competitive spreads and transparent trading conditions: Traders benefit from competitive, transparent pricing with spreads from 0.5 pips on major Forex pairs, no requotes, execution in under 4 milliseconds and a clear distinction between spread-based and commission-based instruments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ActivTrades

Available Markets at ActivTrades

ActivTrades provides UK traders with access to 1,500+ tradable instruments across a broad selection of asset classes. These include Forex currency pairs, global shares, major indices, ETFs, commodities and bonds, catering for a variety of trading strategies and investment preferences. Each instrument is supported by detailed product information, including current and target spreads, available leverage and specified minimum and maximum trade volumes. UK traders can access these markets through contracts for difference (CFDs) or spread betting. The extensive market coverage and detailed instrument data reflect ActivTrades’ focus on meeting the varied needs of UK clients in a regulated environment.

Forex

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to 51 Forex pairs, including a broad range of major, minor and exotic currencies. Each Forex instrument is supported by detailed market data, including target spreads, real-time currency spreads, market sentiment indicators, leverage limits and specified minimum and maximum trade volumes ranging from 0.01 to 100 lots. This readily available information helps traders manage risk and refine their strategies.

• Offers 15 major, 16 minor and 20 exotic currency pairs.
• Leverage is capped under FCA rules: up to 1:30 for major pairs and 1:20 for minor pairs.
• Competitive spreads from 0.5 pips with no commissions on Forex trades.
• Fast execution speeds averaging under 4 ms.
• Trading is available through both CFDs and spread betting.

Average Forex Spreads at ActivTrades

Shares

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to shares in companies across multiple European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Ireland, as well as the US. Shares can be easily browsed by country, allowing traders to quickly find instruments relevant to their interests.

• Leverage on share CFDs is capped at 1:5 in line with FCA regulations to help manage trading risk.
• Trading share CFDs incurs commissions:
  • UK share commission: 0.10% of transaction value, minimum £1.
  • US share commission: fixed $0.02 per share, minimum $1.
  • European (non-UK) share commission: 0.05% (minimum €1) or 0.01% (minimum €5), depending on the market.
• Minimum trading volume is 0.01 lots; the maximum varies by share CFD.
• Shares are tradable on the ActivTrader, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView platforms.
• The New Investor Profile gives UK traders a choice between two approaches to share trading.
  • Selecting the New Investor Profile means no commission or swap fees on any shares, but trading is limited to 1:1 leverage.
  • Alternatively, traders can opt for the standard leveraged shares profile, where leverage above 1:1 is permitted and standard commissions and fees apply.

Indices

ActivTrades offers trading in a diverse range of 19 cash indices and 14 index futures, both available as CFDs, allowing UK traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets. Cash indices provide immediate exposure with tighter spreads, suited to short-term trading, while index futures cater for longer-term strategies with contract-based trading and different margin requirements. Leverage is capped under FCA rules at 1:20 for major indices and 1:10 for minor indices, and no commissions are charged on index CFD trades.

• Provides 19 cash index CFDs and 14 index futures CFDs.
• UK 100 Cash Index example: target spread 0.60 points, minimum 0.1 lots, maximum 1,000 lots, point value £1.
• UK 100 Index Futures example: target spread 1.0 points, minimum 0.01 lots, maximum 100 lots, point value £10.
• Leverage capped at 1:20 for major indices and 1:10 for minor indices, in line with FCA regulations.
• No commissions on index CFD trades, helping to keep trading costs down.

ETFs

ActivTrades offers UK traders a diverse ETF selection, including 4 UK ETFs, 3 European ETFs and over 120 US ETFs, providing broad exposure to global markets. ETFs are investment funds that hold portfolios of securities such as shares, bonds or commodities, allowing traders to benefit from diversification, transparent pricing and intraday trading. ActivTrades applies FCA leverage limits of 1:5 for ETF trading, supporting risk management for retail clients.

• Provides 4 UK ETFs, 3 European ETFs and 120+ US ETFs.
• Leverage capped at 1:5 in line with FCA regulations.
• Commissions for US ETFs: $0.02 per share (minimum $1).
• Commissions for European ETFs (excluding London): 0.05% of transaction value (minimum €1) or 0.01% (minimum €5), depending on the market.
• ETFs are tradable on the MetaTrader 5 and ActivTrader platforms.

Commodities

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to over 30 commodity markets, including both spot and futures contracts for popular commodities such as cocoa, sugar, coffee, gold, silver, natural gas and Brent oil. Spot commodities are traded as CFDs with competitive spreads, rapid execution and no commissions, and may suit those seeking immediate market exposure. Futures contracts provide an option for traders focused on hedging or longer-term commodity price movements, subject to FCA leverage limits.

• Over 30 spot and futures commodity markets available.
• Examples include cocoa, sugar, coffee, gold, silver, natural gas and Brent oil.
• Spot commodity CFDs have competitive spreads, fast execution and no commissions.
• Futures trading may suit those interested in hedging or longer-term strategies.
• Leverage up to 1:20 for gold and 1:10 for other commodities and futures, in line with FCA regulations.

Bonds

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to bond trading across several global fixed-income markets, providing opportunities to diversify portfolios beyond other traditional asset classes. Bonds are traded as CFDs, allowing speculation on price movements without owning the underlying asset. This offering is designed for traders seeking exposure to sovereign and corporate debt instruments within a regulated environment.

• Provides access to a range of bond CFDs, including government bonds such as German Bunds.
• Bonds are traded as CFDs with no commissions, helping to keep trading costs down.
• Leverage is capped at 1:5 in line with FCA regulations to help manage risk.
• Trading is available via the ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
• Minimum trading volume starts from 0.01 lots and maximum volumes vary by instrument.

Trading Costs at ActivTrades

In this section, we review the costs of trading with ActivTrades, covering both trading costs such as spreads, commissions and overnight financing, and non-trading charges such as deposit, withdrawal and inactivity fees.

Spreads

Spreads are the difference between the bid and ask prices and are a primary trading cost across most asset classes, except shares and ETFs, where commissions apply. ActivTrades offers competitive variable spreads that adjust to market conditions. For Forex, spreads start from 0.5 pips on major pairs, helping to keep trading costs down for retail clients. Spreads on indices, commodities and bonds are similarly competitive, supporting cost-effective trading. The broker provides target spreads and real-time currency market spreads, offering transparency and helping traders assess trading costs.

Commissions

ActivTrades charges commissions only on share and ETF CFDs; all other instruments are commission-free. For UK shares, the broker applies a 0.10% commission on the transaction value, with a £1 minimum. US equities are subject to a commission of $0.02 per share, with a minimum charge of $1. European share CFDs incur a commission of 0.05% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €1, or 0.01% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €5.

Like share CFDs, ETF CFDs incur commissions. For US ETFs, the broker charges a fixed commission of $0.02 per ETF share, with a minimum charge of $1. For European ETFs (excluding London), the commission is 0.05% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €1, or 0.01% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €5.

Overnight Fees

ActivTrades charges overnight fees, also known as swap charges, on positions held beyond the trading day. For Forex positions, these charges depend on the currency pair, position direction (long or short) and prevailing interest-rate differential between the two currencies. Swap rates fluctuate and are applied at midnight platform time. On Wednesdays, a triple swap is charged to account for the weekend. The broker’s swap charges form part of its overall low-cost trading structure but are subject to change with market conditions and interest rates.

Below, we have compiled swap rates for long and short positions held overnight in several popular currency pairs. These values are indicative and subject to change.

Non-Trading Fees

ActivTrades applies several non-trading fees:

• Deposits made with UK/EEA-issued cards incur a 1.5% fee on the deposited amount.
• Withdrawals via bank transfer carry a fixed charge of £9 per transaction.
• If a deposit currency differs from the account’s base currency, a currency conversion fee of 0.5% is applied to the conversion rate.
• Accounts with no activity for 18 months are subject to a monthly inactivity fee of €10 (or equivalent), charged until activity resumes.

These fees should be taken into account when managing your ActivTrades account.

Trading Platforms Supported by ActivTrades

ActivTrades supports multiple trading platforms to suit different trading preferences. These include the widely used MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), known for their advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading support and custom add-ons. The broker also offers its proprietary ActivTrader platform, which is designed to be intuitive for beginners while providing professional tools for experienced traders. TradingView charts are integrated into ActivTrader, enhancing its charting capabilities. Platforms are available as desktop versions for Windows and Mac, web-based interfaces and mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing clients to trade across devices. All platforms support CFD trading across numerous asset classes.

ActivTrader

ActivTrader is ActivTrades’ proprietary trading platform, designed to be intuitive for beginners while offering advanced professional tools for experienced traders. It provides access to over 1,500 financial instruments across Forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs and bonds, offering a broad range of trading opportunities. The platform supports hedging mode, enabling traders to open both long and short positions on the same instrument to help manage risk. Account currencies include GBP, catering for UK users. A demo account is available for practice and familiarisation without financial risk. ActivTrader offers mini and micro lot trading to suit different position sizes and strategies.

• The platform integrates TradingView charts, enhancing charting and technical analysis capabilities through a feature-rich interface.
• Traders benefit from eight order types, nine timeframes and 14 chart types, providing flexibility in trade execution and analysis.
• Advanced features include a progressive trailing stop, which dynamically adjusts stop-loss levels to help lock in profits, and pullback entry tools to help traders time entries during retracements.
• Bulk position management makes it easier to manage multiple open trades simultaneously.
• ActivTrader includes a free educational section to support traders’ ongoing development and understanding of markets.

TradingView

ActivTrades integrates with TradingView, allowing traders to connect their ActivTrader accounts to TradingView for enhanced trading and charting capabilities. Users start by opening an ActivTrader account and logging into TradingView. In TradingView’s “full chart view”, they open the “Trading Panel”, select “ActivTrades” and authorise the connection, enabling them to trade directly from TradingView charts.

Key features of the ActivTrades-TradingView integration include:

• Access to 12 chart types, including distinctive styles such as Renko, Kagi and Point & Figure.
• Support for up to 8 charts per tab, allowing comprehensive multi-chart analysis.
• A wide range of timeframes, including seconds, alongside range bars, to support precise trading strategies.
• Command search functionality for quick navigation and order placement.
• TradingView is available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and through mobile apps (Google Play, App Store) for trading on the move.

MetaTrader 4

ActivTrades offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a well-established and popular trading platform known for its extensive features and user-friendly interface. MT4 at ActivTrades supports Forex, indices, precious metals and commodities, but not share CFDs. The platform is highly customisable, with dozens of pre-installed technical indicators and the ability to create custom indicators and automated trading strategies through Expert Advisors (EAs).

Key features of MetaTrader 4 at ActivTrades include:

• Over 50 pre-installed technical indicators for in-depth market analysis, such as moving averages, Bollinger Bands and Ichimoku.
• Support for algorithmic trading with Expert Advisors using the MQL4 programming language.
• Multiple customisation options enable users to tailor charts, indicators and scripts to their trading style.
• Availability in over 20 languages makes the platform accessible to a global user base.
• A simple strategy tester for back-testing trading strategies with historical data, although it operates in single-threaded mode.

MetaTrader 5

ActivTrades integrates MetaTrader 5 (MT5) to provide clients with an advanced, flexible platform for Forex and CFD trading. The integration supports both novice and experienced users, allowing them to access thousands of financial instruments, automated trading strategies and extensive analytical tools. With MT5, ActivTrades clients benefit from features such as one-click trading, a variety of order types and advanced risk management tools.

• MetaTrader 5 at ActivTrades gives access to more than 500 CFDs on shares and ETFs, alongside the other financial instruments available on MT4.
• Users can analyse markets, monitor their accounts and execute trades efficiently with enhanced tools such as One-Click Trading.
• Three chart types, nine order types and 21 timeframes.
• Clients benefit from a customisable interface, multilingual support and comprehensive product lists that can be updated in real time.
• ActivTrades’ MT5 platform provides exposure monitoring and fast strategy testing, and supports advanced MQL5 programming for experienced traders.

Mobile Trading at ActivTrades

All trading platforms supported by ActivTrades, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView and the proprietary ActivTrader platform, offer full mobile trading capabilities, allowing clients to access global financial markets while away from their desks.

The ActivTrades mobile app for Android and iOS mirrors the desktop functionality for trading on the move. It has an intuitive interface, real-time chart trading, personalised watchlists, and dark and light modes, as well as advanced order features such as Trailing Stop and Partial Close, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. Security is strengthened by two-factor authentication, and users can monitor accounts, analyse markets and execute trades from their phones or tablets.

The ActivTrades app provides access to thousands of CFDs and spread betting on Forex, shares, indices and commodities.

On the Google Play Store, the ActivTrades app has a rating of 4.1 / 5.0 based on 755 reviews and 100K+ downloads. On the Apple App Store, it has a rating of 4.9 / 5.0 from 19 reviews. The app is available for devices running Android 6.0+ or iOS 16.4+, and supports multiple languages.

Account Types Available at ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers a range of account types designed to meet the needs of UK traders at different experience levels. From standard Individual and potentially tax-efficient Spread Betting accounts to Professional and Islamic options, clients can choose the account that best suits their trading style. A free Demo Account is also available for practice under real market conditions without risking real funds.

Individual Account

ActivTrades’ Individual Account is designed for retail traders, providing access to over 1,500 tradable instruments across all supported trading platforms, including ActivTrader, TradingView, MT4 and MT5. This account offers competitive, spread-based pricing on major Forex pairs, with target spreads starting at 0.5 pips, and applies swap rates to positions held overnight. It provides fast execution in under 4 milliseconds, no requotes and negative balance protection in line with FCA regulations.

• Offers spread-based pricing on Forex, commodities and indices, and commission-based pricing on share and ETF CFDs.
• Leverage caps comply with FCA retail client limits, helping to control trading exposure within regulatory requirements.
• Supports multiple base currencies, including GBP.
• Provides fast trade execution in under 4 milliseconds with no requotes.
• Includes key retail protections such as negative balance protection and enhanced insurance on client funds of up to $1,000,000.

Spread Betting Account

Spread betting allows traders to speculate on price movements across markets without owning the underlying assets. Traders bet on whether the price of an asset, such as a Forex pair, share, index or commodity, will rise or fall, with profit or loss depending on the accuracy of their prediction. In the UK and Ireland, spread betting profits can be tax-free, offering an advantage over similar financial products.

• ActivTrades allows spread betting across various asset classes, including Forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and bonds, providing broad trading opportunities.
• The broker offers spread-only pricing on most instruments, with no commissions on Forex and low commissions on shares and ETFs; competitive spreads start from around 0.5 pips on major currency pairs.
• FCA authorisation provides regulatory oversight, while segregated client funds, enhanced encryption and negative balance protection support client security.
• ActivTrades supports popular, established platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and its proprietary ActivTrader, catering for both beginner and experienced traders with tools for analysis, automation and trade execution.
• Spread betting can be tax-free in the UK and Ireland, with exemptions from capital gains tax and stamp duty providing a significant potential tax advantage to traders.

Professional Account

ActivTrades’ Pro Account is designed for experienced traders who qualify as professional clients and seek higher leverage and enhanced trading conditions. To apply for a professional account and have their eligibility assessed, traders must download, complete and submit a PDF form. This account provides access to over 1,500 financial instruments, with leverage of up to 1:400 and a close-out level of up to 30%. It also offers a dedicated account manager, fast execution, insurance on client funds of up to $1,000,000 and negative balance protection.

• Provides leverage of up to 1:400, significantly higher than that available on retail accounts, for increased trading flexibility.
• Access to all platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and ActivTrader, for advanced trading tools and automation.
• Professional traders also receive personal invitations to exclusive seminars and networking events organised by ActivTrades.
• Competitive pricing with spreads from 0.5 pips on Forex pairs and low commissions on shares and ETFs.
• Enhanced protection with client funds insured up to $1 million and negative balance protection within the FCA-regulated service.

Demo Account

ActivTrades’ Demo Account provides a platform to practise trading using virtual funds without financial risk, replicating a live account. It offers access to the same platforms-MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and ActivTrader-and includes over 1,500 tradable instruments, allowing users to explore market conditions, test strategies and familiarise themselves with platform features. The demo account is free and typically valid for 30 days. Once it expires, traders can open a new one from their client area.

• Offers a balance from 250 to 200,000 in virtual funds to practise trading without financial risk.
• Provides access to all supported platforms and full trading features.
• Enables users to test strategies and explore markets before using real funds.
• Simple online registration with quick setup and immediate platform access.
• Unlimited use of ActivTrades Demo Accounts.

Islamic Account

ActivTrades’ Islamic Account is designed to comply with Sharia law, offering swap-free trading without charging or earning interest on overnight positions. This account supports trading on popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with the option to open accounts in multiple base currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP and CHF. It caters for traders from eligible countries, providing access to mini and micro lots and maintaining competitive spreads, while eliminating rollover commissions and swap charges to comply with Islamic finance principles.

• The Islamic Account applies no interest or swap charges to positions held longer than 24 hours, in line with Islamic religious requirements.
• It supports trading in mini and micro lots, allowing flexible position sizing to suit different trading preferences.
• Accounts can be opened in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP and CHF, across the platforms supported by the broker.
• Available to clients from eligible countries in the Middle East and other regions observing Sharia law.
• The account maintains standard trading conditions such as competitive spreads, direct execution and no additional rollover commissions.

Customer Support at ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers award-winning customer support 24 hours a day, five days a week, providing timely assistance for traders. The broker’s UK entity has its headquarters at The Loom 2.6, 14 Gower’s Walk, London, E1 8PY. Clients can contact the support team by email, phone and live chat.

Clients can also contact the support team via WhatsApp, request a free callback or send messages through the online contact form for prompt assistance. The ActivTrades Help Centre provides a comprehensive library of articles covering Accounts, Payments and Deposits, Platforms, Trading Instruments and Education, giving traders access to useful information at any time.

Regulatory Background and Compliance

ActivTrades is a global brokerage established in 2001, with its parent company headquartered in London, UK. The UK branch is located at The Loom, Office 2.6, 14 Gower’s Walk, London, E1 8PY. ActivTrades operates under regulatory oversight from several authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK (FRN 434413), as well as regulatory bodies in the Bahamas, Mauritius, Portugal, Brazil and Italy. As an FCA-regulated firm, ActivTrades must segregate client funds from its own corporate assets. Clients registered with the FCA-regulated entity receive important consumer protections, such as negative balance protection and eligibility for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers eligible client funds up to £85,000 per person in the event of broker insolvency. ActivTrades also provides insurance on client funds up to $1,000,000, offering an additional layer of protection. Beyond the UK, ActivTrades holds licences from the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius, the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) in Portugal and the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) in Brazil, and is registered with CONSOB in Italy. This regulatory framework reflects the broker’s commitment to compliance across its international operations, client security and operational transparency.

Client Security at ActivTrades

ActivTrades adheres to retail leverage caps set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to strengthen client protection and manage trading risks. For retail clients, leverage is limited by asset class: up to 1:30 for major currency pairs, 1:20 for non-major Forex pairs, gold and major indices, 1:10 for other commodities and minor indices, and 1:5 for individual shares. These caps reduce the risk of significant losses from highly leveraged positions and ensure compliance with regulatory limits.

In addition to leverage limits, ActivTrades offers negative balance protection, preventing losses beyond deposited funds. This regulatory framework provides safeguards for retail clients, supporting responsible trading and helping to limit financial exposure.

What Do UK Traders Say About ActivTrades?

UK traders have shared extensive feedback about ActivTrades on Trustpilot, where the broker holds a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5, based on 1,481 reviews. Approximately 74% of reviewers gave the broker 5 stars, reflecting strong satisfaction with the platform’s reliability, competitive pricing and fast trade execution. By contrast, about 5% of reviews gave 1 star, with some users reporting issues mainly related to withdrawals and customer service.

UK traders appreciate ActivTrades for its FCA regulation, advanced trading tools and protection of client funds, with many praising swift execution and access to a diverse range of markets. The broker’s combination of security measures, competitive spreads and trading support appears to meet the needs of both novice and professional traders.