ActivTrades Review for UK Traders
Reviewed by Phillip Ashdown · Last updated · How we review
An in-depth review of ActivTrades, an FCA-regulated broker offering tight spreads and multiple platforms for UK forex traders.
4.6/5 overall rating
ActivTrades is an FCA-regulated broker offering commission-free spreads from 0.5 pips with individual client fund insurance of up to £1,000,000.
Key Facts
- FCA regulated
- Yes (FRN 434413)
- Minimum deposit
- £0
- Platforms
- ActivTrader, MT4, MT5
- Spread (EUR/USD)
- From 0.5 pips
- Account types
- CFD and spread betting
Our Verdict
ActivTrades is a well-established broker offering commission-free spreads from 0.5 pips alongside client fund insurance up to £1,000,000. It suits intermediate traders who want transparent pricing and strong financial protection.
It offers spread betting alongside CFD trading for UK clients. Educational content is less extensive than larger competitors. It is best for traders who value reliability and platform flexibility over advanced research tools.
You can find full platform details on the official ActivTrades website.
For more options, see our full list of the best FCA-regulated forex brokers in the UK.
For the criteria behind this assessment, see our guide to how to evaluate a forex broker.
Does ActivTrades offer spread betting?
Yes. ActivTrades offers spread betting to UK clients alongside CFD trading, across what it describes as tens of thousands of underlying markets.
ActivTrades offers its own ActivTrader platform, MT4, MT5 and TradingView, but its spread betting page does not say which of these support spread betting, so check before opening an account if you rely on a particular platform.
For UK residents, spread betting profits are generally free of Capital Gains Tax and stamp duty, but tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and can change.
To see how ActivTrades compares with other providers, read our ranking of the best spread betting brokers in the UK. New to spread betting? Our guide explains what spread betting is and how it works, and our forex spread betting comparison sets out published spreads on the major currency pairs.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- ✓ FCA regulated (FRN 434413) with segregated client funds and FSCS protection
- ✓ Individual client fund insurance up to £1,000,000 beyond FSCS
- ✓ Competitive spreads from 0.5 pips with no commission
- ✓ No minimum deposit requirement
- ✓ Choice of ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5
- ✓ Long operating history since 2001
⚠ Cons
- ⚠ No cTrader
- ⚠ Educational content less extensive than larger brokers
- ⚠ Narrower forex pair selection than some competitors
- ⚠ £10/month inactivity fee after 12 months
Spreads and Fees
ActivTrades offers a simple pricing model with spreads built into the trade and no commission on standard accounts.
To see what a spread or a price move is worth in pounds on your trade size, use our pip value calculator. To size a trade to the amount you want to risk, use the position size calculator.
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | From 0.5 pips |
| GBP/USD Spread | From 0.8 pips |
| Commission | None (standard account) |
| Overnight Financing | Based on interbank rate ± markup |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month after 12 months |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (bank transfer) |
Fee Comparison
| Fee | ActivTrades | IG | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | From 0.5 pips | From 0.6 pips | From 0.0 pips (raw) |
| Commission | None | None (standard) | £2.25/lot (Razor) |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None | None |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free | Free |
Trading Platforms
- ActivTrader: A proprietary platform with integrated charting, sentiment tools, and one-click trading.
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Industry-standard platform supporting automated trading and custom indicators.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Advanced version of MT4 with additional features, timeframes, and tools.
- Mobile Apps: Mobile apps for iOS and Android with full access to trading, charting, and account management.
Regulation
ActivTrades is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 434413. Client funds are held in segregated accounts. In addition to FSCS protection up to £85,000, ActivTrades provides individual client fund insurance of up to £1,000,000 through an additional insurance policy.
ActivTrades is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number 434413), which you can verify on the FCA register.
Learn more about FCA regulation and how it protects UK traders.
Who Is This Broker For?
Best For
- Intermediate traders seeking tight spreads with no commission on standard accounts
- Traders who want a choice of ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms
- UK traders valuing FCA regulation and individual client fund insurance
- Those looking for a broker with no minimum deposit requirement
- Traders interested in forex alongside CFDs on indices, commodities, and shares
Good For
- Intermediate traders
- tight spreads
- strong protection
Not For
- Traders seeking cTrader
- Beginners who need extensive structured educational courses
- Traders wanting social or copy trading features
Minimum Deposit
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to traders at all levels.
Ready to open an ActivTrades account?
If you want commission-free trading with strong protection and platform choice, ActivTrades is a solid option for UK traders.
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Final Verdict
ActivTrades is a reliable option for UK traders who want commission-free pricing, strong regulatory protection, and flexible platform choice. It is less suited to traders seeking advanced tools, but for straightforward CFD trading and spread betting, it offers a well-balanced and secure environment.