Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs ActivTrades, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FXCM, established in 1999, and ActivTrades, founded in 2001, are both prominent online brokers. A noteworthy distinction lies in their market presence and trustworthiness. FXCM is publicly traded, enhancing transparency and investor confidence, while ActivTrades remains privately owned. Neither firm operates as a bank. When evaluating trust indicators, FXCM takes the lead with an impressive Trust Score of 95 out of 99, categorizing it as highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. This score is supported by FXCM's possession of four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, marking it as a highly compliant brokerage.
In comparison, ActivTrades holds a Trust Score of 81, which still considers it a trusted entity. It carries two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, indicating a strong adherence to regulatory standards, albeit at a slightly lower level than FXCM. Overall, both brokers demonstrate considerable reliability, but FXCM edges ahead with its broader regulatory footprint and higher trust rating. Potential traders may find these distinctions beneficial when deciding between the two for their trading activities.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of FXCM and ActivTrades, both brokers receive a solid four-star rating. However, FXCM holds a slight edge in its ranking, coming in at #25, while ActivTrades ranks #28 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. FXCM's pricing for forex trading is somewhat higher than the industry average, with spreads on the EUR/USD averaging 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia, whereas its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity reports higher spreads of 1.38 pips. Meanwhile, its commission-based accounts show an average spread of 0.28 pips, excluding commissions. For high-volume traders, FXCM offers an Active Trader Rebate Program—which is not available in the U.K. or EU—that can significantly discount spreads depending on trading volume.
ActivTrades offers a slightly better-than-average spread but not as attractive as the market's best low-cost forex brokers. It provides an Individual Account, Professional Account, and Islamic Account, without a specific account for high-volume traders or active trader pricing. Spreads are consistent across all account types, and the average spread for the EUR/USD is 0.98 pips for May 2024. Commissions and fees at ActivTrades vary based on the traded assets and available assets depending on the platform used.
While FXCM offers specialized rebate programs for active traders, including varied tiers and requirements for deeper discounts, ActivTrades focuses more on standard account offerings without dedicated high-volume incentives. As such, traders looking for specialized rebates might find FXCM more appealing, whereas those interested in straightforward spreads may lean towards ActivTrades. Overall, both brokers present competitive options for different trading strategies and needs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and ActivTrades both offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, providing options for traders interested in currency markets. FXCM has a total of 440 tradeable symbols, including 46 forex pairs, whereas ActivTrades boasts a broader range with 1267 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs. Both platforms support copy trading, enabling users to replicate experienced traders' strategies, and they also provide access to cryptocurrency derivatives for those wishing to explore virtual currencies in this format. However, neither broker allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies or exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges.
For those interested in international markets, FXCM does not offer the purchase of international exchange-traded securities, while ActivTrades does, creating additional opportunities for global investors. ActivTrades stands out in this regard and holds a higher star rating of 4 out of 5 for its range of investments, compared to FXCM's 3.5 stars. Furthermore, when ranked by ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades is placed at #31 out of 63 brokers for its investment range, outperforming FXCM's ranking of #47, which suggests a broader appeal for those seeking diverse investment choices.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing FXCM and ActivTrades for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer users a comprehensive range of features including proprietary platforms, Windows-based desktop downloads, web-based platforms, and the popular MetaTrader 4. They also provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to hone their skills without financial risks. While both platforms support copy trading, only FXCM is integrated with ZuluTrade, giving it a unique advantage. However, ActivTrades makes up for this by offering MetaTrader 5, a feature that FXCM does not support.
In terms of charting capabilities, FXCM provides 10 drawing tools, slightly fewer than ActivTrades, which offers 15. Both allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing trading efficiency. When it comes to customization, FXCM's watch lists feature 13 columns for different fields, compared to ActivTrades' 11. Rated 5 stars in trading platforms and tools, FXCM ranks 6th out of 63 brokers, showcasing its high-quality offerings. Meanwhile, ActivTrades holds a respectable 4-star rating and ranks 30th, making it a strong yet slightly less competitive choice in this category.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and ActivTrades both offer iPhone and Android apps for mobile trading, ensuring accessibility across major platforms. Both facilitate stock and forex trading with features such as price alerts and real-time quotes. FXCM, however, takes a lead with watchlist symbol syncing, allowing seamless updates across mobile and online accounts—a feature not available with ActivTrades. When it comes to technical charting, FXCM provides 59 technical studies compared to ActivTrades' 30, offering traders a wider array of analytical tools directly on the mobile app.
Both apps allow users to draw trendlines and view charts in multiple time frames, ensuring a comprehensive view of the market. Drawings on charts are automatically saved in both apps, providing convenience for ongoing analysis. In terms of user ratings, FXCM edges out with a 4.5-star rating, while ActivTrades holds a slightly lower 4-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM ranks #16 out of 63 for mobile trading apps, ahead of ActivTrades, which ranks at #19. This reflects FXCM's slightly higher overall user satisfaction in the mobile trading category.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing FXCM and ActivTrades for market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also include sentiment-based trading tools to help traders understand market positions. However, FXCM goes a step further by offering tools from Trading Central, while ActivTrades lacks this feature. Additionally, FXCM includes market research from TipRanks, providing users with an extra layer of financial insight, which ActivTrades does not.
Both brokers offer an economic calendar to keep traders informed about global events. In terms of ratings, FXCM comes out on top with a 4.5-star rating for research compared to ActivTrades' 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM ranks as the 11th best amongst 63 brokers in the research category, whereas ActivTrades is in the 30th position. This ranking highlights FXCM's superior resources and tools that cater to both novice and experienced traders looking for comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to education for beginner traders, both FXCM and ActivTrades offer a wealth of resources to help you navigate the world of forex and CFDs. Each broker provides more than ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and webinars, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. You'll find regular online webinars from both brokers, at least one per month, and they both maintain a searchable archive of previous webinars, allowing you to catch up on sessions you might have missed. This makes it easy to find material that suits your pace and interests.
FXCM and ActivTrades each offer at least ten beginner-focused videos, as well as ten more advanced videos for the seasoned trader. While both platforms are rich in educational content, FXCM edges ActivTrades out slightly with their investor dictionary, covering over 50 investing terms, a feature not found with ActivTrades. This added resource contributes to FXCM's higher educational rating of 4.5 stars compared to ActivTrades’ 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM is ranked #14 among 63 brokers for education, while ActivTrades sits at #38. These distinctions highlight FXCM's slightly stronger reputation for educational offerings, particularly for those new to trading.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than ActivTrades. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 81 |
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Both FXCM and ActivTrades allow traders to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither provides the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency.
FXCM stands out by providing ACH, SEPA, and PayPal options for deposits and withdrawals, unlike ActivTrades, which lacks these options, though both brokers offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire services for their users.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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| Trust Score | 95 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | ActivTrades | |
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