ActivTrades

ActivTrades Trading Broker Review: UK 2025

When I first started exploring ActivTrades, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. While they’ve been in the game since 2001 and are known for their focus on forex and CFDs, they don’t carry the same immediate name recognition in the UK as some other brokers like IG or XTB. However, their reputation for strong regulation and a bespoke trading platform intrigued me.

Over several weeks, I took a deep dive into their offerings, including their platforms, fees, customer support, and trading conditions. Here’s my complete review based on hands-on experience.

Is ActivTrades a Good Broker?

Yes, ActivTrades is a solid choice for UK traders who value regulation and reliability. Their proprietary platform, ActivTrader, is packed with tools for manual trading – although it might not be as flashy or have the sheer excellence of Xstation5 – MetaTrader 4 is available for those who prefer a more traditional platform. However, their lack of MetaTrader 5 support and a smaller range of tradable instruments compared to competitors might limit some traders.

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What Can You Trade on ActivTrades?

Trading Markets – 4 / 5 Stars

ActivTrades offers a focused selection of over 1,000 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and share CFDs. While this range is sufficient for most traders, it falls short compared to brokers like City Index or IG that offer thousands on thousands of options.

What You Can Trade

• Forex: With over 50 currency pairs, ActivTrades covers all the essentials, including popular pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Spreads are competitive, starting at 0.5 pips for major pairs.
• Indices: Trade major indices like the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and DAX 40 with spreads starting at 0.5 points.
• Commodities: Includes metals like gold and silver, as well as energy products like crude oil. Gold spreads start at 0.25 points, making it ideal for short-term traders.
• Shares and ETFs: A solid range of share CFDs is available, covering major markets in the UK, US, and Europe.
• Cryptocurrencies: Due to FCA regulations, crypto CFDs are only available to professional traders.

My Experience

I spent most of my time trading forex and indices, and ActivTrades delivered a smooth experience. EUR/USD spreads were consistently tight at around 0.5 pips, which is excellent for day trading. Indices, particularly the FTSE 100, also offered competitive spreads, and I found execution speeds to be reliable even during volatile market conditions.

One downside I noticed was the limited range of commodities compared to larger brokers. While gold and crude oil were well-covered, soft commodities like coffee and wheat weren’t available, which could be a drawback for traders focused on this area.

Verdict

ActivTrades’ market range is well-suited for forex and index traders, but it may feel limited if you’re looking for niche instruments or direct stock ownership options.

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What are ActivTrades Fees?

Fees – 4.5 / 5 Stars

ActivTrades’ fees are transparent and competitive, particularly for forex and index traders. They even have live spread updates on their ‘forex-trading’ page on their site – which, believe me, to quote the actual live spread is a brave move but one that pretty much sums up how transparent they actually are.

What to Expect

• Forex Spreads: Spreads start at 0.5 pips for major pairs, with no additional commissions.
• CFDs on Shares and ETFs: Commission-based, with fees starting at 0.05% per trade (minimum £1).
• Indices Spreads: Indices like the FTSE 100 have spreads starting at 0.5 points.
• No Inactivity Fees: Unlike many brokers, ActivTrades doesn’t charge for inactive accounts.

My Experience

The fee structure was straightforward, which I appreciated. Trading EUR/USD was cost-effective, with spreads consistently around 0.5 pips. For share CFDs, the commission model worked out well for medium to large trades, but the minimum fee of £1 could add up for smaller positions.

One highlight was the lack of inactivity fees. As someone who doesn’t always trade daily, this feature was a relief compared to brokers that start charging after a few months of inactivity.

Verdict

ActivTrades offers competitive fees with no hidden surprises. Their low spreads and lack of inactivity fees make them a great choice for cost-conscious traders.

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What are ActivTrades Platforms?

Trading Platforms – 4 / 5 Stars

ActivTrades provides two platform options: their proprietary ActivTrader platform and the classic MetaTrader 4 (MT4). I tested both and to be honest the ActivTrader platform was pretty great – here’s what it looks like beyond the glossy screenshots on their homepage (see below).

Now those of you have explored this site a bit and know your trading brokers, might realise this looks like a giant, zoomed in (although you can adjust this) version of XTB’s xStation platform albeit missing a few cool little features. It actually looks like and I’m fairly sure I am 100% correct here (because it says so at the bottom), a TradingView iframe / embed into a proprietary dashboard.

Now, two things. This isn”t a bad thing as TradingView is one of the most popular trading platforms in the world so why not leverage it right? But if you are looking for a TradingView broker then why not just take an EightCap or Pepperstone which integrates directly with TradingView? You’ll have to figure that out for yourself, but my two cents here is that it is a fairly good platform, not quite xStation level, but good enough for most traders who are familiar with TradingView.

Key Features

• ActivTrader:
  • Advanced charting tools and over 80 technical indicators
  • Risk management tools like trailing stop orders
  • Intuitive, user-friendly design suitable for beginners
  • Multi-device compatibility, including web and mobile versions
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4):
  • Customizable interface and robust charting features
  • Support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs)
  • Ideal for forex traders who prefer tried-and-tested platforms

My Experience

I found ActivTrader to be an intuitive platform being powered by TradingView, with plenty of tools for technical analysis. The charting capabilities were robust, and I liked the range of order types available for managing trades. The mobile app mirrored the desktop experience, making it easy to manage positions on the go.

While MT4 performed reliably, I missed the advanced features of MetaTrader 5, which isn’t supported by ActivTrades. This might be a limitation for traders who rely on more modern automation tools.

Verdict

ActivTrader is a solid platform for manual trading, while MT4 caters to those who prefer automation. However, the lack of MetaTrader 5 support might deter advanced users.

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Is ActiveTrades Fast at Trade Execution?

Execution Speed – 5 / 5 Stars

Execution speed is one of ActivTrades’ strongest suits, thanks to their no-dealing desk (NDD) model. This setup ensures trades are processed directly in the market without broker interference, reducing the risk of slippage.

My Experience

I tested ActivTrades during periods of both high and low volatility, including events like a major central bank rate decision. Even in fast-moving markets, my trades were executed almost instantly. For forex pairs like EUR/USD, I noticed minimal slippage, which is a significant advantage for day traders and scalpers.

The indices performed equally well. Trades on the FTSE 100 and DAX 40 went through seamlessly, and the spreads remained tight even during volatile market hours. The fast execution is particularly reassuring when managing multiple trades or scaling positions during news events.

Verdict

ActivTrades excels in execution speed, making it an ideal broker for traders who rely on precision and fast order placement. Whether you’re trading forex, indices, or share CFDs, the platform delivers reliable performance.

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Is it Easy to Deposit & Withdraw from ActivTrades?

Deposit & Withdrawal – 4 / 5 Stars

ActivTrades makes depositing and withdrawing funds straightforward, with a variety of payment options available for UK traders.

What You Can Use

• Debit/Credit Cards: Instant processing for deposits.
• Bank Transfers: Typically processed within 1–3 business days.
• PayPal: Available for both deposits and withdrawals, offering added convenience.

My Experience

Depositing funds with ActivTrades was seamless. I used PayPal for my initial deposit (just to switch it up a bit), and the funds were available in my trading account within minutes. The process was hassle-free and felt secure.

Withdrawals were equally smooth. I tested a withdrawal using both PayPal and a bank transfer. The PayPal transaction was completed within 24 hours, while the bank transfer took around two business days to reach my account. The broker doesn’t charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is always a bonus, though third-party charges may apply depending on your payment method.

One standout feature was the transparency around processing times. ActivTrades clearly communicates what to expect for each payment method, which made planning my transactions much easier.

Verdict

ActivTrades offers a smooth and transparent deposit and withdrawal process. With no fees on their side and the availability of PayPal, managing funds is hassle-free and efficient.

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Is ActivTrades a Legit & Trusted Broker?

Regulation and Security – 5 / 5 Stars

ActivTrades is one of the most regulated brokers I’ve come across, offering traders a high level of security and reliability – for UK traders, you’ll be happy to know that yes, they are regulated by the FCA.

Who Regulates ActivTrades?

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Regulates ActivTrades in the UK, ensuring strict compliance with financial laws and safeguarding client funds.
• Additional Regulators: ActivTrades is also licensed by authorities in Luxembourg and the Bahamas, covering its European and international operations.

Key Security Features

• Client Fund Segregation: All client funds are held in segregated accounts with tier-1 banks, ensuring they remain protected even if the broker faces financial issues.
• Negative Balance Protection: Retail clients can’t lose more than their account balance, providing peace of mind when trading leveraged products.
• Excess of FSCS Coverage: ActivTrades goes beyond the standard £85,000 FSCS protection, offering up to £1 million in additional insurance for UK clients.

Verdict

ActivTrades stands out for its robust regulation and commitment to client security. If trust and transparency are priorities for you, this broker is a top-tier choice.

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How Easy it it to Start Trading with ActivTrades?

Onboarding – 5 / 5 Stars

Getting started with ActivTrades was super simple, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader. There are a few different types of accounts (see below) including spread betting, professional, individual accounts (this is the one you will probably end up choosing), demo account and Islamic accounts.

My Experience

The sign-up process was straightforward and fully digital. I filled out the online application for the Individual account in about 15 minutes, providing my name, address, and trading experience. For verification, I uploaded a photo ID and a utility bill, and my account was approved within 24 hours.

What stood out was the clear guidance at every step. ActivTrades even provided helpful prompts to ensure my documents met their requirements, saving me time and potential frustration (trust me I’ve been there with many a broker!)

I also tested the demo account, which comes preloaded with virtual funds. It’s a great way to explore the platform and test strategies before committing real money. Switching from the demo account to a live account was seamless and required no additional steps.

Verdict

ActivTrades offers one of the smoothest onboarding experiences I’ve had. The process is quick, beginner-friendly, and well-supported with clear instructions.

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Is ActivTrades Good for Beginner Traders?

Education – 4 / 5 Stars

Yes, while ActivTrades provides some educational resources, their offering isn’t as extensive as competitors like IG or XTB. They focus heavily on webinars it seems with at least one a week and they seems to heavily favour someone called Ross Maxwell (at least when I was looking at them, as he featured in over 50% of all webinars)! Now that might just be the time of year I was testing ActivTrades but a deeper variety of Webinar presenters would be nice, or maybe I’m being too nit-picky.

What’s Available

• Webinars: Live sessions covering topics like risk management and trading strategies.
• Market Analysis: Daily updates on market trends and economic events.
• Platform Tutorials: Guides on how to use ActivTrader and MetaTrader 4 effectively.

My Experience

I attended a webinar on trading psychology, which was engaging and packed with actionable tips. The presenter explained how to manage emotions during high-stress trading situations, which I found particularly useful.

What I found really useful actually was their MT4 & MT5 manuals – now these might exist elsewhere but I wasn’t able to find them as easily as I did on ActivTrades and I thought this was a nice touch for traders who need to learn MQL5 or just understand the ins-and-outs of trading with MetaTrader. While their educational content is not as detailed as some brokers (like XTB), they provided a concise overview of key events and their potential market impact in their ‘Weekly Outlook’ section which is really nice.

However, I did feel that the educational resources were somewhat limited & looked pretty dated compared to other brokers. For example, there’s no structured course or trading academy, which might leave newer traders wanting more.

Verdict

ActivTrades’ educational resources are practical but limited. While their webinars and market analysis are helpful, the lack of structured courses or beginner-focused content might be a drawback for less experienced traders.

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FAQs

ActivTrades provides answers to many common questions on their website, but here are the key points most traders want to know:

1. Is ActivTrades regulated?

Yes, ActivTrades is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. They also operate under regulatory oversight in Luxembourg and the Bahamas, offering global compliance standards.

2. What platforms does ActivTrades offer?

ActivTrades supports its proprietary platform, ActivTrader, and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Unfortunately, they don’t offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5) or TradingView.

3. Are there fees for inactivity?

No, ActivTrades does not charge inactivity fees, which is a significant advantage compared to other brokers.

4. What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

The minimum deposit required to open an account with ActivTrades is just £100, making it accessible to most traders.

5. Can UK retail clients trade cryptocurrencies?

No, due to FCA regulations, cryptocurrency CFDs are only available to professional clients in the UK.

6. What payment methods are available for deposits and withdrawals?

ActivTrades supports deposits and withdrawals via debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals can take 1–3 business days.

7. Does ActivTrades offer negative balance protection?

Yes, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring you can’t lose more than your account balance.

8. Is there a demo account available?

Yes, ActivTrades offers a demo account with virtual funds. This is ideal for testing strategies or exploring their platforms before committing real money.

9. What kind of support does ActivTrades provide?

ActivTrades offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. Their support team is knowledgeable and responsive.

10. Are Islamic accounts available?

Yes, ActivTrades provides Islamic (swap-free) accounts, designed for traders who adhere to Sharia law.