ActivTrades Review 2025Discover ActivTrades’ trading platforms, account options, fee structure, and regulatory compliance. See if it’s the right broker for your trading journey in 2025.
Last updated
07.02.2025
Overall Rating
Minimum deposit:
No Minimum Deposit Required
Advanced platforms:
MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, TradingView
24/5 Customer Support
Competitive Spreads
Key highlights:
Trade a Wide Range of Instruments (Forex, CFDs, Cryptos, and More)
Platforms: MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, TradingView
Why Choose ActivTrades?
Regulated by FCA, SCB, BACEN, CMVM, and FSM
Tight Spreads & Transparent Fee Structure
Swap-Free Islamic Accounts & Advanced Trading Tools
What is ActivTrades? A Leading Forex Broker
Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a globally recognized online broker specializing in forex, CFDs, and other financial instruments. Headquartered in London, the broker has expanded its presence worldwide, serving a diverse client base across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. ActivTrades is known for its strong regulatory framework, innovative trading platforms, and commitment to providing a secure and transparent trading environment.
With over two decades of industry experience, ActivTrades has built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the financial markets.
ActivTrades clients benefit from a wide range of tradable instruments, competitive fees, and strong customer support, all of which contribute to a positive trading experience. Additionally, clients benefit from private insurance coverage, enhancing the overall trust in the broker's reliability.
The broker’s mission is to empower traders of all levels with advanced tools, competitive trading conditions, and comprehensive educational resources, enabling them to navigate global markets with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of trading or an experienced professional seeking advanced trading infrastructure, ActivTrades offers the flexibility, security, and support needed to enhance your trading journey.
Key Offerings
Diverse Instruments: ActivTrades offers a wide range of tradable instruments, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios across global financial markets:
Forex Trading:
Access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.
CFD Trading:
Trade Contracts for Difference on indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
Indices & Commodities:
Engage with popular indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and commodities such as gold, oil, and
silver.
Cryptocurrencies:
Trade leading digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.
Innovative Platforms: ActivTrades provides powerful trading platforms designed to meet the needs of both beginners and professional traders:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4):
A globally popular platform known for advanced charting tools and algorithmic trading capabilities.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5):
A next-generation platform offering multi-asset trading, advanced analytical tools, and faster
processing speeds.
ActivTrader:
ActivTrades’ proprietary platform featuring an intuitive interface, advanced risk management tools,
and real-time market analysis.
TradingView:
A powerful charting and analysis platform integrated for seamless trading experiences.
ActivTrades' trading services include low spreads and leverage options, catering to different trader preferences.
Regulatory Compliance: ActivTrades operates under strict regulatory frameworks to ensure the highest standards of client protection and transparency:
FCA (UK):
Authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
SCB (Bahamas):
Regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas.
BACEN (Brazil):
Compliant with Brazilian Central Bank regulations.
CMVM (Portugal):
Supervised by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission.
FSM (Vanuatu):
Licensed under the Financial Services Commission of Vanuatu.
ActivTrades’ strong commitment to regulatory compliance provides clients with peace of mind, knowing their funds and personal information are protected within a secure trading environment.
Features and Benefits
ActivTrades distinguishes itself in the competitive brokerage landscape as a reliable forex broker with advanced technology, flexible account options, strong regulatory compliance, and trader-centric tools. With over two decades of industry experience, ActivTrades caters to both beginners and professional traders, providing a secure, dynamic, and efficient trading environment.
The broker supports clients from over 140 countries, offering access to a wide range of financial markets with competitive spreads and state-of-the-art platforms. ActivTrades' extensive experience in the trading industry showcases its credibility and reliability.
Trading Platforms
ActivTrades offers a suite of cutting-edge trading platforms designed to meet the diverse needs of traders:
ActivTrader:
This proprietary platform is known for its intuitive interface and advanced features. It offers
over 90 technical indicators, customizable charts, integrated risk management tools, and one-click
trading capabilities. ActivTrader supports advanced order types like trailing stops and hedging,
giving traders flexibility to execute complex strategies efficiently.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) & MetaTrader 5 (MT5):
Trusted by millions worldwide, MT4 and MT5 are industry-standard platforms. MT4 is ideal for forex
trading with advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), and
real-time analytics. MT5, designed for multi-asset trading, offers faster execution, an economic
calendar, and support for 21 timeframes—making it perfect for traders who need
comprehensive data analysis.
WebTrader:
A browser-based platform that eliminates the need for downloads. It provides seamless access to
trading accounts from any device, offering real-time price quotes, advanced charting, and risk
management tools. This makes it a great choice for traders who prioritize flexibility and
mobility.
TradingView:
Integrated with ActivTrades, TradingView is a powerful platform known for its advanced charting
capabilities, social trading features, and access to global markets. It’s popular among traders for
its community-driven insights and customizable trading scripts.
Copy Trading (if applicable):
For those new to trading or looking to diversify strategies, ActivTrades may offer copy trading
solutions, allowing clients to automatically replicate the trades of experienced professionals. This
feature helps beginners learn trading techniques while potentially earning from market
movements.
Account Types
ActivTrades offers a variety of account types to suit different trading styles and experience levels:
Demo Account
Ideal for beginners, this risk-free account allows users to practice trading with virtual funds (up to 100,000 in virtual currency). It’s perfect for testing strategies, exploring platform features, and gaining confidence without risking real money.
Standard/Retail Account
Designed for everyday traders, this account offers competitive spreads starting from 0.5 pips, no minimum deposit requirement, and access to all trading instruments. It’s suitable for traders who want flexibility and cost-effective trading conditions.
Professional Account
Tailored for experienced traders who meet specific criteria (such as a financial portfolio exceeding 500,000 EUR, relevant trading experience, or professional qualifications). This account offers higher leverage of up to 1:400, reduced margin requirements, and advanced trading tools to support sophisticated strategies.
Islamic Account
A swap-free account that complies with Sharia law, catering to Muslim traders. It eliminates interest-based rollover fees while maintaining competitive spreads, ensuring ethical trading without compromising on performance.
Corporate Account
Specifically designed for businesses and institutional clients, offering customized trading conditions, dedicated account managers, and tailored solutions to meet corporate trading needs. This account supports large-volume trading with enhanced security protocols.
Fees and Charges
Understanding the fee structure is essential for traders to manage their costs effectively. ActivTrades maintains a competitive and transparent pricing model designed to suit both retail and professional traders. The broker aims to keep trading costs low while providing access to advanced platforms and superior trading conditions. Trading CFDs can involve commissions, particularly for shares CFDs, and it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved.
Trading Costs:
Spreads
ActivTrades offers highly competitive spreads starting from as low as 0.5 pips on major currency pairs like EUR/USD. The actual spread varies depending on the account type, trading instrument, and market conditions. For example, spreads on indices like the S&P 500 can start from 0.23 points, while commodities like gold (XAU/USD) may have spreads starting from 0.25 pips.
Commissions
For most accounts, ActivTrades operates on a spread-only model, meaning there are no additional commissions for forex and CFD trades. However, for specialized instruments such as shares CFDs, a commission may apply. For example, commissions on share CFDs typically start from 0.01 USD per share or the equivalent in other currencies, depending on the exchange.
Overnight Fees (Swap/Rollover Fees)
When holding positions overnight, traders are subject to swap or rollover fees, which can be either a cost or a credit, depending on the position and market rates. These fees are calculated based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies in a forex pair or the cost of financing a leveraged position in CFDs.
Example
A long position on EUR/USD held overnight may incur a swap fee of -1.2 points, while a short position might generate a credit of +0.8 points, depending on prevailing interest rates.
Non-Trading Fees:
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
ActivTrades does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals made via credit/debit cards or e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. However, bank wire transfers may incur charges depending on the intermediary banks involved, typically around 15–20 USD per transaction for international transfers.
Inactivity Fees
ActivTrades applies an inactivity fee to accounts that remain dormant for 12 consecutive months. The fee is usually around 10 EUR (or equivalent) per month until the account is reactivated or the balance reaches zero. This ensures resources are allocated efficiently to active traders.
Other Administrative Fees
There are no hidden administrative fees. ActivTrades is transparent about its pricing, and all costs related to trading, deposits, and withdrawals are clearly outlined on their website. Additionally, accounts are protected against negative balances, meaning traders won’t incur unexpected debts due to extreme market volatility.
ActivTrades’ cost structure is designed to be competitive while offering excellent value through tight spreads, commission-free trading on most instruments, and minimal non-trading fees. This makes it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders seeking a reliable and transparent broker.
Regulation and Security
Regulation and security are critical factors when choosing a broker, and ActivTrades excels in both areas. The company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of client protection through strong regulatory compliance and advanced security measures. This ensures traders can operate with confidence, knowing their funds and personal data are safeguarded. However, it is important to note that trading complex instruments like CFDs can lead to losing money rapidly due to leverage. A significant percentage of retail investor accounts face losses when engaging in these trades, so individuals should fully understand the risks involved before participating.
Regulatory Oversight
ActivTrades operates under strict regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, adhering to global financial standards to ensure transparency and client protection. The broker holds licenses from several top-tier financial authorities:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – United Kingdom
License Number: 434413
ActivTrades is authorized and regulated by the FCA, one of the most reputable regulatory bodies
globally, ensuring strict adherence to financial laws and client protection rules in the UK and
Europe.
Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB)
License Number: SIA-F216
This regulation allows ActivTrades to offer flexible trading conditions, including higher leverage
options of up to 1:400 for international clients.
Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN)
Compliant with Brazilian financial regulations, providing tailored services for clients in Latin
America.
Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM)
Ensures ActivTrades' operations in Portugal are fully compliant with EU financial directives.
Financial Services Commission (FSM) – Vanuatu
Provides regulatory oversight for global operations, ensuring adherence to international financial
standards.
This robust regulatory framework reflects ActivTrades’ commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent trading environment for its global client base.
Security Measures and Negative Balance Protection
ActivTrades prioritizes client security, implementing advanced measures to protect funds and personal information
Client Fund Segregation
All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, separate from the company’s operational funds. This ensures that client money is protected even in the unlikely event of company insolvency.
Negative Balance Protection
ActivTrades offers negative balance protection across all account types, ensuring that clients can never lose more than their account balance, even during extreme market volatility. This feature is particularly important during high-impact events that cause rapid price movements.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
To enhance account security, ActivTrades supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Clients are required to verify their identity through a secondary device when logging in or performing sensitive actions.
SSL Encryption and Data Protection
All data transmitted between clients and ActivTrades’ servers is protected using 256-bit SSL encryption, the same level of security used by leading financial institutions. Additionally, ActivTrades complies with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), ensuring the privacy and protection of client information.
These comprehensive security protocols demonstrate ActivTrades’ dedication to providing a safe, transparent, and trustworthy trading environment. Whether you’re a retail trader or an institutional client, you can trade with confidence, knowing your funds and data are well-protected.
Onboarding Process: How to Open an Account
Opening an account with ActivTrades is straightforward, designed to be quick and user-friendly. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, the onboarding process ensures you can start trading with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Sign-Up Process
Visit the Official ActivTrades Website
Go to www.activtrades.com and click on the “Open an Account” button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
Complete the Registration Form
Fill out the online application form with basic personal details, including:
- Full Name (as per your ID)
- Email Address (ensure it’s active for account verification)
- Phone Number (for security and communication)
- Country of Residence (to comply with regional regulations)
Choose Your Account Type
Select the type of account you’d like to open:
- Standard Account for regular traders
- Professional Account for experienced traders
- Islamic Account for swap-free trading (optional)
- Demo Account for risk-free practice
Provide Verification Documents (KYC)
To comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, you’ll need to upload the
following documents:
- Proof of Identity: Passport, national ID card, or driver’s license (must be valid and clearly visible).
- Proof of Address: A recent utility bill, bank statement, or official government correspondence (dated within the last 3 months).
Submit Your Application
After completing the form and uploading documents, click “Submit.” ActivTrades will
review your application.
- Approval Time: Typically, accounts are approved within a few hours, but it may take up to 1 business day depending on the completeness of your documents.
Key Onboarding Details
- No Fees for Account Opening: ActivTrades does not charge any fees to open an account. You’re only required to deposit funds when you’re ready to start trading.
-
Availability of Demo and Islamic Accounts:
- Demo Account: Ideal for beginners, offering a risk-free environment to practice with virtual funds (up to 100,000 in virtual currency).
- Islamic Account: Designed for Muslim traders, providing a swap-free trading environment in compliance with Sharia law.
-
Upgrading to a Professional Account:
- Having a financial portfolio exceeding 500,000 EUR
- Relevant trading experience
- Professional qualifications in the financial sector
Deposits and Withdrawals
Managing your funds with ActivTrades is straightforward, with multiple deposit and withdrawal options designed for convenience, speed, and security. The broker ensures quick processing times, minimal fees, and flexible payment methods to meet the needs of traders worldwide.
Deposit Methods
ActivTrades offers several secure deposit options, allowing you to fund your account with ease:
Bank Transfers:
- Processing Time:1–3 business days, depending on your bank and location.
- Fees:ActivTrades does not charge deposit fees, but intermediary banks may apply their own charges for international transfers.
- Best For:Large transactions due to higher transfer limits.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- Processing Time: Instant or within a few minutes.
- Fees:No deposit fees from ActivTrades.
- Best For:Quick deposits for immediate trading.
E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller):
- Processing Time: Instant or within a few minutes.
- Fees:No fees from ActivTrades, but e-wallet providers may charge a small transaction fee.
- Best For:Fast, flexible funding with easy account management.
Minimum Deposit
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for both beginners and professional traders. However, it’s recommended to deposit an amount that aligns with your trading strategy and risk management plan.
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawals with ActivTrades are processed efficiently, with a focus on security and quick turnaround times.
Withdrawal Methods:
Bank Transfers: Processing time is typically 3–5 business days.
Ideal for larger withdrawals.
Credit/Debit Cards: Funds are usually credited back to your card within 1–3
business days.
E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal): Fastest option, with processing times as
quick as 24 hours.
Fees:
ActivTrades does not charge withdrawal fees for most payment methods.
Bank wire transfers may incur fees from intermediary banks, typically ranging from
15–20 USD for international transactions.
Withdrawal Limits or Conditions:
Withdrawals are generally processed to the same method used for deposits, in compliance with
anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
Verification: Ensure your account is fully verified (KYC completed) to avoid
delays.
Minimum Withdrawal: There’s no strict minimum, but some payment providers may
impose their own limits.
Pro Tip: To ensure faster processing, submit withdrawal requests during business hours and double-check that all required documentation is up-to-date.
Customer Support and Education
Customer Support
ActivTrades offers 24/5 customer support, ensuring traders receive timely assistance during global market hours. Their support team is knowledgeable, responsive, and available in multiple languages to cater to their international client base.
Availability
Support is available 24 hours a day, five days a week, aligning with forex market hours to ensure you can get help whenever you need it.
Contact Methods
Live Chat:
Instant support via the ActivTrades website, ideal for quick queries and real-time assistance.
Email:
For more detailed inquiries, you can reach the support team at
[email protected]
and [email protected], with response times typically within 24 hours.
Phone Support:
Dedicated phone lines for different regions, offering personalized assistance for urgent matters.
- +44 (0) 207 6500 567
- +44 (0) 207 6500 500
Multilingual Support:
Available in languages such as English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese to
cater to global clients.
Educational Resources
To support traders in making informed decisions, ActivTrades offers a range of educational tools:
Webinars:
Regular sessions led by experienced traders cover various topics, such as technical analysis and
trading strategies. For instance, webinars on utilizing Fibonacci in trading are available.
Manuals:
A comprehensive library of manuals is available to help traders master the trading platforms and tools
offered by ActivTrades.
Pros and Cons of ActivTrades
PROS
Strong Regulation:
ActivTrades is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK), SCB (Bahamas), BACEN
(Brazil), CMVM (Portugal), and FSM (Vanuatu), ensuring a secure and compliant trading environment.
Advanced Trading Platforms:
Traders have access to powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, and
TradingView, offering advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading, and robust risk management
features.
Competitive Fees:
ActivTrades offers tight spreads starting from 0.5 pips on major forex pairs and operates a
commission-free model for most instruments, making it cost-effective for both retail and
professional traders.
Excellent Educational Resources:
The broker provides high-quality webinars, tutorials, market analysis, and comprehensive manuals to
support traders in developing their skills and staying informed about market trends.
CONS
Inactivity Fees:
ActivTrades charges an inactivity fee of around 10 EUR per month after 12 months of account
inactivity, which can add up for infrequent traders.
Limited Product Offerings in Certain Regions:
Due to regulatory restrictions, some financial instruments, such as cryptocurrencies, may not be
available in specific regions, limiting trading options for certain clients.
While ActivTrades offers a secure and feature-rich environment, these limitations are important to consider based on individual trading preferences and activity levels.
Who Should Use ActivTrades?
ActivTrades caters to a diverse range of traders with flexible features and tailored account options, making it a reliable choice among forex brokers due to expert recommendations.
Beginners:
Ideal for new traders, offering demo accounts with virtual funds for risk-free practice and
comprehensive educational resources like webinars and tutorials to build trading skills.
Retail Traders:
Suitable for everyday traders with competitive spreads starting from 0.5 pips, diverse instruments
(forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies), and user-friendly platforms like ActivTrader
and MetaTrader.
Professional Traders:
Designed for experienced traders, offering Professional Accounts with leverage up to 1:400, advanced
analytical tools, and fast execution for sophisticated trading strategies.
Islamic Traders:
Provides Islamic (swap-free) accounts compliant with Sharia law, eliminating interest-based overnight
fees while maintaining competitive trading conditions.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, ActivTrades offers the tools and support needed for effective trading.
Conclusion: Is ActivTrades the Right Broker for You in 2025?
ActivTrades is a strong choice for traders seeking a regulated, secure, and feature-rich platform. With advanced trading tools, competitive spreads, and comprehensive educational resources, it caters to both beginners and professionals. While inactivity fees and regional product limitations are drawbacks, its robust regulation and flexible account options make it a reliable broker for diverse trading goals in 2025.
FAQs
1. Is ActivTrades regulated?
Yes, ActivTrades is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct
Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB), the Central Bank of Brazil
(BACEN), the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), and the Financial Services Commission
(FSM) in Vanuatu.
2. What trading platforms does ActivTrades offer?
ActivTrades offers a range of advanced platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5),
its proprietary ActivTrader, and integration with TradingView for enhanced charting and analysis.
3. Are there any deposit/withdrawal fees?
ActivTrades does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals via credit/debit cards and e-wallets.
However, bank transfers may incur fees depending on intermediary banks.
4. How long does it take to withdraw funds?
Withdrawals are typically processed within 1 business day. The time for funds to reach your account
depends on the method:
- E-wallets: Within 24 hours
- Credit/Debit Cards: 1–3 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3–5 business days
5. Can I open an Islamic account?
Yes, ActivTrades offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts compliant with Sharia law, eliminating
interest-based overnight fees while maintaining competitive trading conditions.
A globally recognized broker known for its advanced trading tools, competitive fees, and strong regulatory framework, designed to empower traders of all experience levels.
