ActivTradesvs
CMC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated crypto CFD providers square off on asset depth, platform power, and investor protections. The outcome weighs which attributes matter most to crypto traders.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
CMC Markets edges ActivTrades on editorial score, as it offers a broader 100+ coin CFD range and the Next Generation platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin selection depth: ActivTrades lists about 10 coins; CMC Markets lists 100+.
- 2Platform variety: ActivTrades uses ActivTrader and MT4; CMC uses MT4 and Next Generation.
- 3Regulatory protection: ActivTrades FSCS GBP 1,000,000; CMC has FCA/ASIC oversight.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs CMC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want zero-min deposits and UK FSCS protection.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 100+ crypto CFDs and the Next Generation platform. Inactivity fees apply after 12 months of inactivity at CMC.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ActivTrades wins for security thanks to FSCS coverage up to GBP 1,000,000 and UK client protections.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, strongest fund protection among mid-tier brokers
- ActivTrader's volatility protection automatically cancels orders during extreme crypto market spikes
- Crypto CFDs available on ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- Negative balance protection and FSCS coverage for UK retail clients
Cons
- Limited coin selection (major tokens only, no altcoins or DeFi access)
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
0
CMC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and CMC Markets rates 4.1/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
ActivTrades lists a lower spread from 0.5, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Neither ActivTrades nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and CMC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. 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 CMC Markets's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
ActivTrades scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
