My opinion on ActivTrades
ActivTrades is a globally recognized broker, established in 2001, serving over 100,000 traders worldwide and regulated by the FCA (UK), which places its reliability above many offshore competitors, though it does not hold an IIROC license in Canada. With a Trustpilot score of 4.6 out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews, customers frequently cite excellent customer support, fast order execution, and competitive trading conditions. ActivTrades stands out for its zero minimum deposit, solid regulatory oversight, and comprehensive selection of over 1,000 instruments, including forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs. Fees are transparent: spreads start from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD, and there are rarely any deposit fees, although withdrawal or currency conversion charges may apply. The broker provides advanced yet accessible platforms (ActivTrader, MT4, MT5), supporting a wide range of strategies with robust analytical tools. Compared to main competitors in Canada, ActivTrades appeals for its unrestricted account access, strong FCA regulation and platform variety, but trails XTB and Interactive Brokers for ultra-low spreads or local investor protection. In summary, ActivTrades delivers a flexible, solidly regulated brokerage service for Canadian clients seeking multi-asset access without a minimum deposit, albeit with a few regulatory and product limitations.
According to my experience, ActivTrades is best suited for the following trader profiles:
➡️ Beginners seeking a secure, straightforward trading environment will value ActivTrades’ user-friendly platforms, accessible demo account, and no minimum deposit—making real-money trading and practice easy to start.
➡️ Intermediate traders benefit from the wide choice of CFD instruments, competitive spreads, advanced charting, and trusted regulation, enabling them to diversify and develop their strategies safely.
➡️ Advanced or professional traders looking for FCA oversight, fast execution on MT4/MT5, and deep-risk management features will appreciate ActivTrades—although those needing the broadest asset range or local protection may look elsewhere.
- ✅No minimum deposit required (flexible for all budgets)
- ✅Strong FCA (UK) regulation enhances broker reliability
- ✅Wide instrument coverage: 1,000+ CFDs on forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, crypto
- ✅Competitive spreads (from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD)
- ✅Supports ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5 (desktop, web & mobile)
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools available
- ✅User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and advanced traders
- ✅Free demo account for risk-free practice
- ✅Fast order execution with low reported slippage
- ✅24/5 responsive English-speaking customer support
- ✅Multiple account funding options (bank transfer, card, PayPal, Skrill)
- ✅Positive user feedback (Trustpilot 4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews)
- ❌Not regulated by IIROC in Canada (no CIPF protection)
- ❌Inactivity fee policy not clearly specified
- ❌Withdrawal fees may apply, depending on the method
- ❌Overnight (swap) fees on CFD positions
- ❌No spot crypto, staking, lending or integrated crypto wallet (crypto CFDs only)
- ❌No native copy trading or PAMM/MAM features (contact support for possible solutions)
- ❌Maximum leverage not specified for Canadian clients
- ❌Limited diversity of crypto CFD assets compared to specialist crypto brokers
- ❌No confirmed Islamic (swap-free) account option for Canadians
Score- ✅No minimum deposit required (flexible for all budgets)
- ✅Strong FCA (UK) regulation enhances broker reliability
- ✅Wide instrument coverage: 1,000+ CFDs on forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, crypto
- ✅Competitive spreads (from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD)
- ✅Supports ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5 (desktop, web & mobile)
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools available
- ✅User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and advanced traders
- ✅Free demo account for risk-free practice
- ✅Fast order execution with low reported slippage
- ✅24/5 responsive English-speaking customer support
- ✅Multiple account funding options (bank transfer, card, PayPal, Skrill)
- ✅Positive user feedback (Trustpilot 4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews)
My opinion on ActivTrades
- ✅No minimum deposit required (flexible for all budgets)
- ✅Strong FCA (UK) regulation enhances broker reliability
- ✅Wide instrument coverage: 1,000+ CFDs on forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, crypto
- ✅Competitive spreads (from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD)
- ✅Supports ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5 (desktop, web & mobile)
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools available
- ✅User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and advanced traders
- ✅Free demo account for risk-free practice
- ✅Fast order execution with low reported slippage
- ✅24/5 responsive English-speaking customer support
- ✅Multiple account funding options (bank transfer, card, PayPal, Skrill)
- ✅Positive user feedback (Trustpilot 4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews)
- ❌Not regulated by IIROC in Canada (no CIPF protection)
- ❌Inactivity fee policy not clearly specified
- ❌Withdrawal fees may apply, depending on the method
- ❌Overnight (swap) fees on CFD positions
- ❌No spot crypto, staking, lending or integrated crypto wallet (crypto CFDs only)
- ❌No native copy trading or PAMM/MAM features (contact support for possible solutions)
- ❌Maximum leverage not specified for Canadian clients
- ❌Limited diversity of crypto CFD assets compared to specialist crypto brokers
- ❌No confirmed Islamic (swap-free) account option for Canadians
Score- ✅No minimum deposit required (flexible for all budgets)
- ✅Strong FCA (UK) regulation enhances broker reliability
- ✅Wide instrument coverage: 1,000+ CFDs on forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, crypto
- ✅Competitive spreads (from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD)
- ✅Supports ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5 (desktop, web & mobile)
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools available
- ✅User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and advanced traders
- ✅Free demo account for risk-free practice
- ✅Fast order execution with low reported slippage
- ✅24/5 responsive English-speaking customer support
- ✅Multiple account funding options (bank transfer, card, PayPal, Skrill)
- ✅Positive user feedback (Trustpilot 4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews)
According to my experience, ActivTrades is best suited for the following trader profiles:
➡️ Beginners seeking a secure, straightforward trading environment will value ActivTrades’ user-friendly platforms, accessible demo account, and no minimum deposit—making real-money trading and practice easy to start. ➡️ Intermediate traders benefit from the wide choice of CFD instruments, competitive spreads, advanced charting, and trusted regulation, enabling them to diversify and develop their strategies safely. ➡️ Advanced or professional traders looking for FCA oversight, fast execution on MT4/MT5, and deep-risk management features will appreciate ActivTrades—although those needing the broadest asset range or local protection may look elsewhere.
Why trust Hellosafe?
I spent substantial time putting ActivTrades through its paces as a trader, opening an account, exploring its available platforms (ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5), and executing trades across forex, indices, stocks, and crypto CFDs to get a realistic feel for both costs and usability. I paid special attention to the clarity of the fee structure, how responsive the customer support was, and how efficiently deposits and withdrawals were handled.
From my experience, ActivTrades stands out thanks to its FCA regulation and wide asset choice, but not having Canadian regulation (IIROC) and protection was a notable drawback for me as a user in Canada. While both beginners and experienced traders will find ActivTrades' interface and tools intuitive, I found spreads to be a bit wider than some competitors—though the absence of a minimum deposit and the reliability of execution were clear positives.
This review is based on direct usage and side-by-side comparisons with other regulated brokers. My goal is to highlight both the advantages and limitations you might actually face so that you can decide if ActivTrades fits your trading needs in Canada.
ActivTrades at a glance
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| Fonctionnalité | Détail |
|---|---|
| 💰 Minimum deposit | $0 (no minimum required) |
| 🛡️ Regulation | FCA (UK); not IIROC regulated in Canada |
| 🪙 Crypto licence | Not available; crypto trading via CFDs only |
| 📝 FSMA registration | Not registered |
| 📈 Assets available | 1,000+ (forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, crypto CFDs) |
| 📊 Trading platforms | ActivTrader (web, desktop, mobile), MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
| 🛠️ Trading tools | Advanced charting, risk management, market analytics, news, one-click trading |
| 🧪 Demo account | Yes, free and unlimited duration |
| ☪️ Islamic account | Not explicitly listed, contact support for eligibility |
| 📝 Key order types | Market, limit, stop loss, take profit, conditional |
| ⚡ Leverage | Up to 1:30 for major forex pairs (FCA regulation) |
| 💸 Fees | Spreads from 0.5 pips (EUR/USD), commission-based on stocks/ETFs, no deposit fees, possible withdrawal fees |
| 📞 Customer support | 24/5 by phone, email, live chat |
| ⭐ Trustpilot reviews | 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews, July 2025) |
Security & Regulation
ActivTrades stands out for its strong regulatory status, being authorized by the UK’s FCA—a globally recognized tier-1 authority. This ensures strict operational oversight, full client fund segregation, and participation in the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme. While the lack of local IIROC regulation and Canadian investor protection is a limitation for clients residing in Canada, I consider its FCA license and international reputation to be robust for an offshore provider.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at regulated banks, providing a high standard of asset protection in line with FCA requirements. For holders of CFD and Forex accounts, this structure minimizes risk from broker solvency issues. Crypto trading is limited to CFDs on major digital assets, so there is no direct crypto custody, nor is proof-of-reserves relevant. However, the use of segregated client accounts extends across all asset classes.
The broker’s toolkit for risk management is comprehensive. ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, advanced pending order types, and supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for platform access— measures consistent with current best practices in global online trading.
ActivTrades has cultivated a strong industry reputation over many years. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 and more than 2,000 reviews, it is frequently praised for customer service quality, fast execution, and transparent operations. This, combined with its decade-plus track record, points to a credible and reliable choice among internationally regulated brokers —even if it is not locally regulated in Canada.
| Indicator | Description | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | FCA UK licensed (tier-1); not regulated by IIROC in Canada | 4.5/5 |
| Fund security | FCA-mandated segregation of client assets; no direct crypto custody; high standards for CFD/Forex | 4.5/5 |
| Risk management tools | Negative balance protection, advanced order types, 2FA available | 4.5/5 |
| Notoriety and coverage | Long-standing broker, strong user reputation (4.6/5 Trustpilot), solid customer feedback, decade+ of continuous operation | 4.5/5 |
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
ActivTrades provides ample flexibility for traders in terms of account funding, with no minimum deposit required and a straightforward account structure. This removes a significant barrier to entry and makes it attractive to both beginners and those wishing to diversify with small capital deployments. There are no fees charged for opening or maintaining an account, which is on par or better than most European and international brokers.
Spreads on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD begin at 0.5 pips, which is noticeably competitive among FCA-regulated brokers—though not the absolute tightest in the global market, it strikes a strong balance between cost and reliability. Commission structures on stocks, ETFs, and CFDs are transparent, with charges clearly listed per instrument and trading venue when you place an order. This is complemented by relatively low entry spreads for major indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs, making ActivTrades a suitable platform for short-term, high-frequency strategies.
Hidden fees are minimal; inactivity and management fees are not prominent in the ActivTrades framework, and deposit fees are generally absent regardless of the payment method. Withdrawal fees depend on the method used, so it’s important to factor these into your trading cost equation, especially if you expect to make frequent international transfers or currency conversions. Currency conversion charges will apply if your trading or base account currency differs from the asset being traded, typically set in line with the FX market rate plus a small markup.
Crypto CFD fees are mainly embedded in the spread, and, while variable, they are generally lower than typical spot-based crypto platforms or exchanges with high taker fees. There are no additional holding, custody, or transfer fees, as all crypto exposure is via derivatives rather than physical tokens. For equities and ETFs, there are no custody or stamp duty fees, and overnight/rollover charges are transparent and largely competitive.
What are the account-related fees?
| Fee Type | Conditions at ActivTrades | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Opening fee | $0 | $0–$100 |
| Maintenance fee | $0 | $0–$20/year |
| Withdrawal fee | $0–$15 (depends on method) | $0–$25 |
| Inactivity fee | $0 (not widely applied) | $0–$25/month |
| Currency conversion fee | ~0.5%–1% | 0.5%–2% |
Expert advice: Trader Tip
Trip: To minimize costs, use bank transfer withdrawals whenever possible and stick to your account’s base currency for trading and settlements.
Choosing highly liquid assets—especially in forex and indices—will also keep your average spread cost low on ActivTrades.
What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?
Stock and ETF trading with ActivTrades relies on a commission model, with competitive minimums by asset region and type. Spreads are market-driven, with no artificial markup for real equities and ETFs. There are no custody fees, and UK stamp duty only applies to trades involving UK-listed securities.
| Fee Type | Conditions at ActivTrades | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | from $2/trade (varies by market/venue) | $1–$10/trade |
| Spread fee | Market-based, no extra markup | Market-based |
| Overnight fee | Swap/rollover for margin/CFD trades | Swap/rollover (CFD only) |
| Custody fee | $0 | $0–$25/year |
| UK stamp duty tax | 0.5% (UK stocks only) | 0.5% (UK), $0 (CA/US stocks) |
What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?
ActivTrades provides crypto exposure only via CFDs, so you do not pay custody or transfer fees, only the trading spread plus overnight swaps for leveraged/extended positions. This keeps overall costs predictable and generally lower than pure crypto platforms for frequent traders.
| Fee Type | Conditions at ActivTrades | Market Average (crypto or CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell fees | $0 (cost embedded in spread) | 0%–0.5% |
| Spread fees | 0.2%–1.2% (variable by coin) | 0.2%–2.0% |
| Overnight fees | Standard swap/rollover | Yes |
| Custody fees | $0 (CFD only, no wallet element) | $0–$5/month |
| Transfer fees | $0 (no on-chain transfers) | $0–$10 |
What are the fees on CFDs?
Overall, ActivTrades is cost-efficient for active CFD traders who prioritize transparency and regulatory stability. Spreads on major FX, indices, and commodities are at or better than global median levels, while equity and crypto CFD costs are benchmarked to leading international brokers. Overnight financing and swap rates are transparent and in line with market averages.
| Underlying Asset | Maximum Leverage | Spread at ActivTrades | Overnight Fee | Market Average (CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD Stocks | 5:1 | from $0.02/share | Standard swap | $0.02–$0.10/share |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 20:1 | from $0.25 | Standard swap | from $0.30 |
| Silver (XAG/USD) | 20:1 | from $0.025 | Standard swap | from $0.03 |
| Oil (WTI) | 10:1 | from $0.03 | Standard swap | from $0.04 |
| EUR/USD | 30:1 | from 0.5 pips | Standard swap | from 0.2–1.0 pips |
| EUR/GBP | 20:1 | from 0.8 pips | Standard swap | from 0.5–1.8 pips |
| USD/JPY | 30:1 | from 0.5 pips | Standard swap | from 0.5–1.5 pips |
| GBP/USD | 30:1 | from 0.8 pips | Standard swap | from 0.8–1.5 pips |
| BEL 20 (BEL20) | 10:1 | from $0.50 | Standard swap | from $1.00 |
| BTC/USD (crypto CFD) | 2:1 | from 0.2% | Standard swap | 0.2%–1.5% |
Assets & Markets
ActivTrades provides access to a diverse and multi-asset trading environment, with more than 1,000 instruments covering stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, and major cryptocurrencies as CFDs. I appreciate the flexibility offered by ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, enabling both discretionary and systematic trading strategies with responsive execution.
The selection of stocks and ETFs—offered as both spot and CFDs—supports portfolio construction and equity speculation on a global scale. While the instrument list is not as vast as the top-tier competitors, it remains competitive for active traders seeking market variety, especially in US, European, and Asian shares. Indices and commodity CFDs add significant breadth, letting me trade global macro themes and short-term market events through a single platform.
Forex coverage is another highlight: an array of major, minor, and exotic pairs with tight spreads starting from 0.5 pips, providing strength for both intraday and swing strategies. The crypto CFD selection includes popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, catering to tactical traders, but there is no access to physical coin holdings or staking products.
One notable limitation is the absence of bond markets and stablecoins—useful for hedging or fixed income strategies on other platforms. NFTs and DeFi assets are not featured, and while the CFD-centric architecture encourages diversification, long-term investors looking for spot purchase or direct ownership will find the lineup less suitable. Additionally, Canadian clients should note the lack of IIROC/CIPF protection, which differentiates ActivTrades from fully local solutions.
| Asset Class | Type | Number at ActivTrades | Market Average | Example Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Spot & CFD | 500+ | 300–1,000+ | Apple (AAPL), Shopify (SHOP), Volkswagen |
| ETFs | Spot & CFD | 50+ | 20–100+ | iShares S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard FTSE Europe |
| Cryptocurrencies | CFD | 10+ | 5–30+ | Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin |
| Currencies (Forex) | Spot & CFD | 50+ | 30–90+ | EUR/USD, USD/CAD, GBP/JPY |
| Commodities | CFD | 15+ | 10–30+ | Gold, Brent Oil, Natural Gas |
| Indices | CFD | 20+ | 10–30+ | S&P 500, DAX 40, FTSE 100 |
| Bonds | N/A | 0 | 5–20 | — |
| Stablecoins | N/A | 0 | 2–10 | — |
| NFTs | N/A | 0 | 1–5 | — |
| Other derivatives | Not specified | — | 0–10 | — |
Trading Tools & Apps
ActivTrades provides a comprehensive platform suite for multi-asset trading, blending intuitive design with high-level execution tools. The proprietary ActivTrader platform stands out for its clean interface and easy navigation, making it practical for beginners. Switching screens, accessing watchlists, and managing orders is seamless, and one-click trading speeds up routine execution. Integrated news, risk analytics, and order depth visuals add an edge for more active users keeping an eye on market dynamics.
More advanced traders will appreciate the support for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both available on desktop, web, and mobile. These platforms deliver granular charting across multiple timeframes, a vast built-in indicator library, and support for custom scripts and Expert Advisors. MT5, in particular, enables sophisticated order types, multi-asset trading, and faster processing, broadening the appeal for strategy developers and automated trading enthusiasts.
On mobile, ActivTrades keeps functionality high across both ActivTrader and MT4/MT5 apps. Charting remains detailed, and asset search is fast, making it easy to react to markets on the go. Order management and notifications are reliable, and security features (like biometric login) are robust, giving reassurance to users operating from their phones.
A minor limitation is the absence of integrated TradingView or bespoke crypto apps, as well as the inability to purchase spot stocks or crypto—trading is through CFDs. Copy trading and staking are not available directly on the platform, but the emphasis on automation and algorithmic capabilities means experienced users have plenty of flexibility for creating or importing custom trading solutions.
| Feature | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | ActivTrader for iOS/Android; MetaTrader 4/5 mobile apps; no crypto wallet |
| Usability | Intuitive, fluid interface across devices; clear dashboards; efficient for both new and veteran traders |
| Compatible software | ActivTrader (proprietary), MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; TradingView not integrated; no crypto app or wallet |
| Order types | Market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, OCO (on MT5) |
| Charting and technical analysis | Extensive indicator library, drawing tools, multi-timeframe views (all platforms) |
| Auto trading / Automated strategies | Full support for Expert Advisors and bots on MT4/MT5; no in-platform copy trading or social trading |
| Algorithmic trading | Powerful scripting (MT4/MT5), strategy tester on MT5, no AI/machine learning by default |
| Negative balance protection | Yes, available on all CFD/Forex accounts |
| Trading signals | Built-in alerts/notifications (all platforms); economic calendar/news integrated on ActivTrader |
| Asset search and filters | Fast symbol search, asset category filters, customizable watchlists |
| Spot stock purchase | Not supported; all equities are via CFDs |
| Staking and earn | Not available |
Expert advice
Trip: Take advantage of the unlimited ActivTrades demo account to experiment with ActivTrader and MT4/MT5 side by side.
Test your strategies thoroughly in the sandbox environment, and don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for every login to boost account security.
Account Opening & Deposits
Account opening
Opening an account with ActivTrades is a straightforward digital process. You start by filling out the online registration form on their website, providing basic personal and contact details. After your information is submitted, you’ll be prompted to complete a regulatory questionnaire designed to assess your trading knowledge and experience, as well as your financial background. To meet KYC (Know Your Customer) standards, you need to upload clear copies of a government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) and a recent proof of address document (like a utility bill or bank statement). Additional documents may be requested, depending on regulatory requirements. Once all documents are uploaded, the verification and review process usually takes up to one business day, though it can be longer during peak account opening periods. Upon successful validation, you’ll receive a confirmation email granting full access to fund and trade your ActivTrades account.
Good to know
Selecting your base currency at registration can reduce exchange costs later on—choose the same currency you plan to use for most deposits and withdrawals.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening procedure | Online form, regulatory questionnaire, KYC document upload, compliance review |
| Validation time | Typically up to 1 business day; can be longer if extra checks or peak demand |
| Accepted deposit methods | Credit/debit card, bank transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Sofort |
| Minimum required deposit | $0 (no minimum deposit required) |
| Required documents | Government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill, bank statement), possibly further verification |
| Practical tip | Use the same legal name on all documents to speed up identity verification |
Deposits and withdrawals on ActivTrades
Funding and withdrawing from your ActivTrades account is flexible and user-friendly. You can deposit money via credit/debit cards, bank transfer, or e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Supported currencies include major options like CAD, USD, EUR, and GBP. Deposits are often instant for cards and e-wallets, while bank wire payments may take up to one business day. Most deposit methods incur no fees, but your bank or card provider may independently levy charges. For withdrawals, the same channels are available, with requests typically processed within one business day if made before the operational cut-off time. There’s no integrated crypto wallet, nor does ActivTrades offer direct fiat-to-crypto conversions—crypto trading is available only through CFDs. Always check your funding method’s compatibility and account currency to prevent delays or unnecessary fees.
Good to know
Before depositing or withdrawing, confirm with your bank or payment provider whether additional processing fees or currency conversion charges could apply, especially if funding in a currency different from your trading account.
| Payment method | Accepted currencies | Minimum amount | Processing time | Possible fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | CAD, USD, EUR, GBP | $0 | Instant–up to 1 day | No ActivTrades fee (issuer may charge) |
| Bank transfer | CAD, USD, EUR, GBP | $0 | 1 business day | No ActivTrades fee (bank may charge) |
| E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill) | CAD, USD, EUR, GBP | $0 | Instant–up to 1 day | No ActivTrades fee (provider may charge) |
| Stablecoins/cryptos | Not supported | — | — | — |
| Other local options | Sofort (EUR only) | $0 | Instant–up to 1 day | No ActivTrades fee |
Account Types
ActivTrades is an internationally regulated CFD and Forex broker offering a variety of account types with a strong focus on flexibility and user experience for both beginner and advanced traders in Canada. Clients can open real or demo accounts with no minimum deposit and trade a wide range of markets (forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and crypto CFDs) on ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, or MetaTrader 5. While it doesn’t offer physical crypto services or classic securities accounts, it does provide swap-free (Islamic) account options on request, alongside standard and professional trading solutions. Staking and tax-advantaged accounts are not available.
| Account type | Available | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Demo account | ✅ | Risk-free, unlimited access, virtual capital; test the platform and strategies |
| Standard account | ✅ | No minimum deposit, tight spreads from 0.5 pips, access to all platforms and assets |
| Raw ECN account | ❌ | Not available; all retail accounts use standard variable spreads |
| Islamic account | ✅ | Swap-free option on request, suitable for ethical/religious needs |
| Professional account | ✅ | Lower margin requirements and higher leverage (eligibility criteria apply) |
| CFD account | ✅ | Full access to 1,000+ CFDs (forex, indices, stocks, commodities, crypto) |
| Classic securities account | ❌ | Not available; no direct share or ETF ownership, only CFDs |
| Staking/earn account | ❌ | Not available; no DeFi or passive crypto earning products |
| Cold storage account | ❌ | Not available; no wallet or custody service for cryptocurrencies |
| Tax-advantaged account | ❌ | Not available; no RRSP/TFSA or other tax-beneficial structures for Canadian residents |
| Accepted base currencies | ✅ | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, JPY, and more |
Expert advice
Trip: If you want the most flexibility, consider starting with a Demo account to test your trading strategy on all available platforms. For experienced or high-volume traders eligible for a Professional account, check the leverage and margin differences carefully as risk and requirements are higher versus Standard accounts.
How ActivTrades Compares to Competitors
| ActivTrades | XTB | Libertex | Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $10 | $0 | |
| Number of instruments | 5,500+ | 300+ | 150+ global markets | |
| Spreads (examples) | EUR/USD: from 0.1 pips GBP/USD: from 0.2 Gold: from 0.25 | EUR/USD: from 0.0 pips + commission GBP/USD: from 0.1 Gold: from 0.2 | EUR/USD: from 0.1 pips + low commission GBP/USD: from 0.2 Gold: from 0.15 | |
| Trading platforms | xStation 5 (web, mobile) | Libertex web, MT4, MT5 | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, GlobalTrader | |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), CySEC, KNF | CySEC (International) | IIROC (Canada), CIPF | |
| Demo account | ✅ (30-day limit) | ✅ | ✅ (Paper Trading) | |
| Copy trading | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (via third parties) | |
| Read the review | Read the review XTB | Read the review Libertex | Read the review Interactive Brokers (IBKR) |
GBP/USD: from 0.2
Gold: from 0.25
GBP/USD: from 0.1
Gold: from 0.2
GBP/USD: from 0.2
Gold: from 0.15
Customer reviews
ActivTrades has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5, with over 2,000 user reviews. Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :
- Excellent and responsive customer service
- Fast and reliable trade execution
- No minimum deposit required, making it accessible for all traders
- User-friendly platforms, including ActivTrader and MetaTrader
- Competitive spreads, especially on major forex and indices
- Quick and efficient withdrawals
En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :
- Not regulated by Canadian IIROC authorities
- Some withdrawal fees apply depending on the method used
- Spreads can be wider on less liquid instruments
- Limited asset selection compared to some competitors
- No integrated copy trading or PAMM for Canadian users
Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :
- K.M. – 10/06/2025 : “Excellent customer service and fast execution. I’ve been trading with ActivTrades for over a year and never had any issues.”
- S.F. – 28/04/2025 : “The platform is intuitive and the spreads are very competitive. Withdrawals are processed quickly.”
- D.T. – 03/02/2025 : “I appreciate the transparency and the range of instruments available. Support is always helpful.”
FAQ
Is ActivTrades regulated in CA?
ActivTrades is not regulated by Canadian authorities such as IIROC. Instead, it operates internationally under the supervision of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Canadian users are served through this international framework and do not benefit from local investor protection programs.
What is the minimum deposit on ActivTrades?
There is no minimum deposit required to open an account with ActivTrades, making it highly accessible for users in Canada. This policy applies to both individual and demo accounts, although having sufficient funds is recommended to adequately manage positions and trading risks.
Does ActivTrades offer a welcome bonus?
ActivTrades does not usually offer a welcome bonus or sign-up promotion. The broker’s focus is on transparent pricing and robust service rather than promotional incentives. Any limited-time campaigns would be detailed on the official website if available.
How does leverage work on ActivTrades?
Maximum leverage with ActivTrades is typically up to 1:30 for major forex pairs for retail clients, in line with FCA guidelines. Leverage available may depend on your location, asset type, and regulatory restrictions, and it can amplify both potential gains and trading risks.
How does ActivTrades make money?
ActivTrades earns revenue through spreads on most CFD and forex instruments, and commissions for certain products such as stocks and ETFs. Additional income may come from currency conversion and possibly some withdrawal fees, though there are no account opening costs.
Who is behind ActivTrades?
ActivTrades is operated by ActivTrades PLC, a UK-based company regulated by the FCA. Founded in 2001, it has grown into a global brokerage, serving clients across numerous countries and known for its focus on innovation and customer service.
When was ActivTrades launched?
ActivTrades was launched in 2001. Over more than two decades, it has developed a reputation for reliability, technological advancement, and strong regulatory compliance in the trading industry.
Does ActivTrades offer copy trading or social trading?
Copy trading or social trading options are not explicitly promoted as core services by ActivTrades, unlike some other platforms. Traders should contact customer support for the most up-to-date information on any available social trading features.
How can I contact ActivTrades’s customer service?
You can contact ActivTrades customer support through live chat, phone, or email, with global support provided in English. Their team operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, making it convenient for Canadian users to access assistance.
Does ActivTrades offer any promotions or referral programs?
ActivTrades does not regularly promote referral programs or cashback offers. The company may occasionally introduce time-limited promotions, so clients should check the broker’s official website for current offers or contact customer service for updates.
Is ActivTrades regulated in CA?
ActivTrades is not regulated by Canadian authorities such as IIROC. Instead, it operates internationally under the supervision of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Canadian users are served through this international framework and do not benefit from local investor protection programs.
What is the minimum deposit on ActivTrades?
There is no minimum deposit required to open an account with ActivTrades, making it highly accessible for users in Canada. This policy applies to both individual and demo accounts, although having sufficient funds is recommended to adequately manage positions and trading risks.
Does ActivTrades offer a welcome bonus?
ActivTrades does not usually offer a welcome bonus or sign-up promotion. The broker’s focus is on transparent pricing and robust service rather than promotional incentives. Any limited-time campaigns would be detailed on the official website if available.
How does leverage work on ActivTrades?
Maximum leverage with ActivTrades is typically up to 1:30 for major forex pairs for retail clients, in line with FCA guidelines. Leverage available may depend on your location, asset type, and regulatory restrictions, and it can amplify both potential gains and trading risks.
How does ActivTrades make money?
ActivTrades earns revenue through spreads on most CFD and forex instruments, and commissions for certain products such as stocks and ETFs. Additional income may come from currency conversion and possibly some withdrawal fees, though there are no account opening costs.
Who is behind ActivTrades?
ActivTrades is operated by ActivTrades PLC, a UK-based company regulated by the FCA. Founded in 2001, it has grown into a global brokerage, serving clients across numerous countries and known for its focus on innovation and customer service.
When was ActivTrades launched?
ActivTrades was launched in 2001. Over more than two decades, it has developed a reputation for reliability, technological advancement, and strong regulatory compliance in the trading industry.
Does ActivTrades offer copy trading or social trading?
Copy trading or social trading options are not explicitly promoted as core services by ActivTrades, unlike some other platforms. Traders should contact customer support for the most up-to-date information on any available social trading features.
How can I contact ActivTrades’s customer service?
You can contact ActivTrades customer support through live chat, phone, or email, with global support provided in English. Their team operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, making it convenient for Canadian users to access assistance.
Does ActivTrades offer any promotions or referral programs?
ActivTrades does not regularly promote referral programs or cashback offers. The company may occasionally introduce time-limited promotions, so clients should check the broker’s official website for current offers or contact customer service for updates.
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