This matchup contrasts a regulated CFD broker with a native crypto exchange, highlighting security, coin selection, and fee structures.
Bybit is the editorial winner with a higher score (4.3 vs 3.7), while ActivTrades trails.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prioritise regulatory oversight and investor protection, specifically FCA regulation with FSCS coverage. You gain access to crypto CFDs on ActivTrader or MT4, backed by negative balance protection and GBP 1,000,000 fund protection for UK retail clients.
Choose Bybit if…
Choose Bybit if you want a native crypto exchange with broad coin coverage and monthly proof of reserves. You also access top-tier derivatives liquidity and a full platform ecosystem with copy trading features and multilingual 24/5 support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades benefits from FCA regulation with FSCS protection and negative balance protection.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Bybit |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Pass |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Bybit rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. Bybit edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for Bybit. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ActivTrades nor Bybit requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CMVM, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. Bybit may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
ActivTrades offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Bybit's 100:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Bybit charges $0.1 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Bybit supports Bybit. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Bybit has exclusive access to Bybit.
Bybit offers staking while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Bybit's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Bybit lists 500+ coins while ActivTrades does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Bybit has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
In our data: Bybit supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
Bybit provides maker rebates and no deposit or inactivity fees.
Bybit dominates coin selection with around 500 assets; ActivTrades lists about 10.
Bybit offers NFT trading and DeFi exposure via a native platform.
ActivTrades suits beginners with FCA oversight and protective safeguards.
Bybit offers staking and yield-earning options while ActivTrades does not, making Bybit the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free (crypto/bank); card ~2% |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | VARA MiCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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