ActivTrades Trading Platform Review

Founded in 2001 in Switzerland, ActivTrades relocated to London in 2005 and now operates its global headquarters in the heart of the UK capital. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under licence number 434413, providing a strong 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 benefit from flexible account types designed for various experience levels and trading needs, including Individual, Spread Betting, Professional, Islamic (swap-free), and Demo accounts.

Clients can choose among four recognised trading platforms: ActivTrader (proprietary), MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and TradingView. This diverse offering accommodates a broad spectrum of trading preferences and strategies within a secure, FCA-regulated environment.

Highlights of ActivTrades

• Regulation: ActivTrades is fully authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring strict compliance with investor protections, including client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and  Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) coverage up to £85,000.
• Spread Betting Account: This account type offers UK traders tax-free speculation on price movements across forex, shares, indices, and commodities, with competitive spreads from around 0.5 pips and no commissions on forex.
• Professional traders keep enhanced protection of funds and negative balance protection: Professional clients benefit from higher leverage up to 1:400, plus negative balance protection and insurance on client funds up to $1,000,000.
• Proprietary platform and three third-party platforms: ActivTrades supports its proprietary ActivTrader platform along with MT4, MT5, and TradingView, offering powerful tools for analysis, automated trading, and mobile access.
• Competitive spreads and transparent trading conditions: Traders enjoy tight and transparent pricing with spreads from 0.5 pips on major FX pairs, no requotes, execution under 4 milliseconds, and clear differentiation 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, spanning a broad selection of asset classes. These include forex currency pairs, global shares, major indices, ETFs, commodities, and bonds, catering to diverse 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 said markets through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) or spread betting. The extensive market coverage and precise instrument data reflect ActivTrades’ commitment to meeting the varied needs of UK clients in a regulated environment.

Forex

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to 51 forex pairs, including a comprehensive range of major, minor, and exotic currencies. Each forex instrument is supported by detailed market data such as target spreads, real-time currency spreads, market sentiment indicators, leverage limits, and specified minimum and maximum trade volumes from 0.01 to 100 lots. This transparent provision of information helps traders manage risk and optimise their strategies effectively.

• Offers 15 major, 16 minor, and 20 exotic currency pairs.
• Leverage is capped per FCA rules: up to 1:30 for major pairs and 1:20 for minor pairs.
• Tight 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 instruments.

Average Forex Spreads at ActivTrades

Shares

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to shares from 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 USA. Shares can be easily browsed by country, allowing traders to quickly locate 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 shares commission: 0.10% of transaction value, minimum £1.
  • US shares commission: fixed $0.02 per share, minimum $1.
  • European (non-UK) shares commission: 0.05% (minimum €1) or 0.01% (min €5), depending on the market.
• Minimum trading volume is 0.01 lots; maximum varies by share CFD.
• Shares are tradable on ActivTrader, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView platforms.
• The New Investor Profile lets UK traders choose between two share-trading styles.
  • Selecting the New Investor Profile means no commission and no swap fees on all 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 allowed and standard commissions/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 for short-term trading, while Index Futures cater to longer-term strategies with contract-based trading and different margin requirements. Leverage is capped by FCA rules at 1:20 for major indices and 1:10 for minors, and no commissions are charged on index CFD trades.

• Provides 19 Cash Indices and 14 Index Futures CFDs.
• UK 100 Cash Index example: target spread 0.60 points, minimum 0.1 lots, maximum 1000 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, per FCA regulations.
• No commissions on index CFD trades, enabling cost-efficient speculation.

ETFs

ActivTrades offers UK traders a diverse ETF selection, including 4 UK ETFs, 3 European ETFs, and over 120 US ETFs, providing broad exposure across global markets. ETFs are investment funds that hold portfolios of securities such as stocks, 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 (min $1).
• European ETFs (excluding London) commissions: 0.05% of transaction value (min €1) or 0.01% (min €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 tight spreads, rapid execution, and no commissions, suitable for those seeking immediate market exposure. Futures contracts provide an option for traders focused on hedging or longer-term commodity price movements under FCA-regulated 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 tight spreads, fast execution, and no commissions.
• Futures trading suits those interested in hedging or longer-term strategies.
• Leverage up to 1:20 (gold), and 1:10 (other commodities/futures), aligned with FCA regulations.

Bonds

ActivTrades offers UK traders access to bond trading across several global fixed-income markets, providing opportunities to diversify portfolios beyond traditional asset classes. Bonds are traded as CFDs, allowing speculation on price movements without owning the underlying asset. This offering is designed to suit 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 traded as CFDs with no commissions, supporting cost-efficient trading.
• Leverage is applied in line with FCA regulations, up to 1:5, to help manage risk.
• Trading is available via ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
• Minimum trading volume starts from 0.01 lots and maximums vary per instrument.

Trading Costs at ActivTrades

In this section, we review the costs associated with trading at ActivTrades, encompassing both trading-related expenses, such as spreads, commissions, and overnight financing fees, and non-trading charges like deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees.

Spreads

Spreads represent the bid-ask difference and are a primary fee across most asset classes, except shares and ETFs, where commissions apply. ActivTrades offers competitive, floating spreads that adjust with market conditions. For forex, spreads start from 0.5 pips on major pairs, making trading cost-effective for retail clients. Similarly, spreads on indices, commodities, and bonds are attractively priced to support efficient trading. The broker provides target spreads and real-time currency market spreads, offering transparency and helping traders gauge trading costs clearly.

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. U.S. equities are subject to a $0.02 per share commission, with a minimum charge of $1. European share CFDs entail a commission of 0.05% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €1, or a commission of 0.01% of the transaction value with a minimum charge of €5.

Similar to share CFDs, ETF CFDs entail commissions. For US ETFs, the broker charges a fixed commission of $0.02 per ETF 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 a commission of 0.01% of the transaction value, with a minimum charge of €5.

Overnight Fees

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

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

Non-Trading Fees

ActivTrades applies several non-trading fees:

• Deposits made with UK/EEA-issued 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 an inactivity fee of €10 (or equivalent) and is charged monthly until activity resumes.

These fees are important to consider when managing your account with ActivTrades.

Trading Platforms Supported by ActivTrades

ActivTrades supports multiple trading platforms to cater to various 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 the proprietary ActivTrader platform, which is designed to be intuitive for beginners while providing professional tools for experienced traders. TradingView charts are integrated within ActivTrader, enhancing charting capabilities. Platforms are available in desktop versions for Windows and Mac, web-based interfaces, and mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing seamless trading 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 powerful professional tools for experienced traders. It provides access to over 1,500 financial instruments across forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs, and bonds, allowing diverse trading opportunities. The platform supports hedging mode, enabling traders to open both long and short positions on the same instrument to manage risk effectively. Account currencies include GBP, accommodating UK users. A demo account is available for practice and familiarisation without financial risk. ActivTrader offers mini and micro lot trading to suit different trading sizes and strategies.

• The platform integrates TradingView charts, enhancing charting and technical analysis capabilities with a 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 lock in profits, and pullback entry tools to assist timing entries during retracements.
• Bulk position management simplifies handling multiple open trades simultaneously.
• ActivTrader includes a free educational section to support ongoing trader development and market understanding.

TradingView

ActivTrades offers seamless integration with TradingView, allowing traders to connect their ActivTrader accounts to TradingView for enhanced trading and charting experiences. Users start by signing up for 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 direct trading from TradingView charts.

Key features of the ActivTrades-TradingView integration include:

• Access to 12 chart types, including unique styles like 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 and range bars, for precise trading strategies.
• Command search functionality for quick navigation and order placement.
• Availability of TradingView on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile apps (Google Play, App Store) for trading on the go.

MetaTrader 4

ActivTrades offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a well-established and popular trading platform known for its rich features and user-friendly interface. MT4 at ActivTrades supports forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities, but not stock CFDs. The platform is highly customisable with dozens of preinstalled 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 preinstalled 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 for a global user base.
• A simple strategy tester for backtesting trading strategies with historical data, although it operates in a single-threaded mode.

MetaTrader 5

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

• MetaTrader 5 on ActivTrades gives access to more than 500 CFDs on stocks and ETFs, along with 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.
• 3 chart types, 9 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, 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, ensuring clients can access global financial markets anytime, anywhere.

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

The ActivTrades app allows access to thousands of CFDs and spread betting on forex, stocks, 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 features a rating of 4.9 / 5.0 from 19 reviews. The app is accessible for devices running Android 6.0+ or iOS 16.4+, and supports multiple languages.

Account Types Available at ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers a versatile range of account types tailored to meet the needs of UK traders at every experience level. From standard Individual and tax-efficient Spread Betting accounts to Professional and Islamic options, clients can choose the setup that best suits their trading style. A free Demo Account is also available for risk-free practice with real market conditions.

Individual Account Account

ActivTrades’ Individual Account is tailored for retail traders, providing access to over 1,500 tradable instruments across all supported trading platforms, including ActivTrader, TradingView, MT4, and MT5. This account features competitive, spread-based pricing on forex majors with target spreads starting at 0.5 pips and applies swap rates on positions held overnight. It delivers ultra-fast execution speeds under 4 milliseconds, no requotes, and leverages negative balance protection compliant with FCA regulations.

• Offers spread-based pricing on forex, commodities, and indices, and commission-based pricing on shares and ETFs CFDs.
• Leverage caps comply with FCA retail trader limits, ensuring regulated and safe trading exposure.
• Supports multiple base currencies, including GBP.
• Provides ultra-fast trade execution of under 4 milliseconds with no requotes.
• Includes essential retail protections such as negative balance protection and enhanced funds insurance up to $1,000.000.

Spread Betting Account

Spread betting lets users speculate on price movements across markets without owning the underlying assets. By placing bets on whether the price of an asset, such as forex, shares, indices, or commodities, will rise or fall, your profit or loss depends on the accuracy of your prediction. In the UK and Ireland, spread betting profits are tax-free, which adds 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 minimal commissions on shares/ETFs; spreads start competitively from around 0.5 pips on major currency pairs.
• Strong regulatory oversight and safety through authorisation from the FCA, with client funds held in segregated accounts, enhanced encryption, and negative balance protection to ensure trader security.
• ActivTrades supports popular and reliable platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and proprietary ActivTrader, catering to both beginner and advanced traders with tools for analysis, automation, and trade execution.
• Spread betting is a tax-free activity in the UK and Ireland, meaning profits from spread betting are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty, providing a significant tax advantage to traders.

Profesional Account

ActivTrades’ Pro Account is tailored for experienced traders who qualify as professionals and seek higher leverage and enhanced trading conditions. To apply for a professional account and check their eligibility, traders must download, fill in, and send a PDF form. This account grants access to over 1,500 financial instruments with leverage up to 1:400 and up to 30% Close Out level. It also offers a Dedicated Account Manager, fast execution, and insurance up to $1,000,000, and negative balance protection on client funds.

• Provides leverage up to 1:400, significantly higher than retail accounts, for increased trading flexibility.
• Access to all platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and ActivTrader for advanced trading tools and automation.
• Pro traders also get 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 security with client funds insured up to $1 million and negative balance protection under FCA regulations.

Demo Account

ActivTrades’ Demo Account provides a risk-free platform to practice trading using virtual funds, 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 functionalities. 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 practice trading without financial risk.
• Provides access to all supported platforms and full trading features.
• Enables testing of strategies and exploration of markets before using real funds.
• Simple online registration with quick setup and immediate platform access.
• Unlimited usage of ActivTrades Demo Accounts.

Islamic Account

ActivTrades’ Islamic Account is designed to comply with Sharia law, offering a swap-free trading environment that avoids charging or earning interest on overnight positions. This account supports trading on popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with the option to open accounts in multiple base currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF. It caters to traders from eligible countries, providing access to mini and micro lots and maintaining competitive spreads, while eliminating rollover commissions and swap fees to ensure compliance with Islamic finance principles.

• The Islamic Account applies no interest or swap fees on positions held longer than 24 hours, aligning with Islamic religious requirements.
• It supports trading in mini and micro lots, allowing flexible position sizing for various trader 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 available 24 hours a day, five days a week, ensuring timely assistance for traders. The UK entity of the broker has its headquarters located at The Loom 2.6, 14 Gower’s Walk, London, E1 8PY. Clients can get in touch with the support team via email, phone, and live chat.

Additionally, customers can contact the support team via WhatsApp, request a free callback, or send messages through the online contact form for quick and efficient service. The ActivTrades Help Centre provides a comprehensive library of articles covering Accounts, Payments and Deposits, Platforms, Trading Instruments, and Education, supporting traders with valuable information anytime.

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 robust 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 entity receive important consumer protections, such as negative balance protection and eligibility for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers client funds up to £85,000 per person in the event of broker insolvency. Additionally, ActivTrades extends insurance on client funds up to $1,000,000, providing an extra layer of security.Beyond the UK, ActivTrades holds licenses 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, the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) in Brazil, and registration with CONSOB in Italy. This comprehensive regulatory framework reflects the broker’s commitment to worldwide compliance, client security, and transparent operations.

Client Security at ActivTrades

ActivTrades adheres strictly to retail leverage caps mandated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to enhance customer security and manage trading risks. For retail traders, leverage is limited depending on the 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 stocks. These caps reduce the risk of significant losses from highly leveraged positions and ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition to leverage limits, ActivTrades offers negative balance protection, preventing losses beyond deposited funds. This regulatory framework safeguards retail traders, promoting responsible trading and financial safety.

What 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 rated the broker with 5 stars, reflecting strong satisfaction with the platform’s reliability, competitive pricing, and fast trade execution. Conversely, about 5% of reviews are 1-star, where some users reported issues mainly related to withdrawal processes and customer service experiences.

Overall, UK traders appreciate ActivTrades for its FCA framework, strong trading tools, and client fund safety, with many lauding swift execution and diverse market access. The broker’s combination of security, competitive spreads, and supportive trading environment appears to meet the needs of both novice and professional traders.