ActivTrades 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
ActivTrades has established itself as a reputable broker in the online trading space since its inception in 2001. The broker offers a comprehensive trading experience, catering to both novice and experienced traders with a variety of platforms and a wide selection of instruments. However, while many reviews highlight its competitive spreads and regulatory oversight, others point out limitations in product offerings and customer support.
Note: It is important to recognize that ActivTrades operates through multiple entities across different jurisdictions, which can affect trading conditions, fees, and available services. This review aims to present a fair and accurate assessment based on various sources.
Ratings Overview
We evaluate brokers based on extensive research and user feedback to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their offerings.
Broker Overview
Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is headquartered in London and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, among other regulatory bodies. The broker provides access to popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary platform, ActivTrader. Clients can trade a diverse range of assets, including forex, contracts for difference (CFDs), commodities, indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Detailed Breakdown
Regulated Geographic Regions:
ActivTrades operates under multiple regulatory frameworks, including the FCA in the UK, the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) in Portugal, and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB). This multi-regulatory approach provides a level of confidence for traders, particularly those in the UK and EU.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies:
ActivTrades supports several major currencies for deposits and withdrawals, including USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF. However, clients should note that deposits made via credit or debit cards incur a fee of 1.5%, and bank transfer withdrawals may attract a £9 fee.
Minimum Deposit:
One of the standout features of ActivTrades is its low minimum deposit requirement. Clients can open an account with as little as $0, making it accessible for traders at all levels. However, traders from Brazil and China do face a minimum deposit of $500.
Bonuses/Promotions:
While ActivTrades does not offer traditional bonuses, it has a referral program that allows clients to earn rewards for bringing in new customers. This program can be particularly beneficial for active traders looking to maximize their earnings.
Tradable Asset Classes:
ActivTrades provides a wide array of trading instruments, including over 1,000 CFDs across various asset classes. This includes forex pairs (49 in total), commodities (23), indices (37), and shares (over 1,000). However, some reviews highlight that the selection of cryptocurrencies is limited compared to other brokers.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions):
ActivTrades is known for its competitive spreads, starting from 0.5 pips for major currency pairs like EUR/USD. The broker does not charge commissions on forex trades, but there are fees associated with share CFDs, which can be as low as $0.02 per share. Additionally, an inactivity fee of £10 is charged after 12 months of inactivity.
Leverage:
The maximum leverage offered by ActivTrades varies by jurisdiction. In the UK, retail clients can access leverage up to 1:30, while professional clients may access up to 1:400 through the Bahamas entity. This flexibility allows traders to choose a leverage level that suits their risk tolerance.
Allowed Trading Platforms:
ActivTrades offers a range of trading platforms, including its proprietary ActivTrader, as well as MT4 and MT5. Each platform caters to different trading styles, with ActivTrader being particularly user-friendly for beginners and MT4/MT5 offering advanced features for experienced traders.
Restricted Areas:
While ActivTrades serves clients in over 170 countries, it does not accept traders from the United States, Canada, and several other jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions.
Available Customer Support Languages:
ActivTrades provides multilingual customer support in various languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. The support team is available 24/5, though some reviews note that support is not available on weekends.
Repeated Ratings Overview
Detailed Analysis
Account Conditions:
ActivTrades excels in providing flexible account conditions, allowing traders to start with a minimal deposit. The absence of commissions on forex trading is a significant advantage, although the inactivity fee can be a drawback for less active traders.
Tools and Resources:
The broker provides a good selection of trading tools, including advanced charting options and custom indicators for MT4/MT5. However, the educational resources could be more extensive, particularly for beginner traders.
Customer Service & Support:
Customer support at ActivTrades is generally well-rated, with quick response times noted in user reviews. However, the lack of 24/7 support could be a limitation for traders who require assistance outside of standard hours.
Trading Setup (Experience):
The trading experience on ActivTrades is smooth, with fast execution times and an intuitive platform design. The integration of TradingView charts within ActivTrader enhances the analytical capabilities for traders.
Trustworthiness:
With robust regulatory oversight and additional insurance coverage, ActivTrades is considered a trustworthy broker. The negative balance protection feature is another layer of security for traders.
User Experience:
Overall, users have reported a positive experience with ActivTrades, highlighting the user-friendly interface and efficient trading conditions. However, some users have pointed out the need for improvements in the educational content offered.
In conclusion, ActivTrades stands out as a solid choice for traders seeking a secure and versatile trading environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in educational resources and customer service availability, the broker's competitive spreads, regulatory compliance, and range of trading platforms make it a viable option for both new and experienced traders.
