ActivTrades vs CMC Markets Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ActivTrades and CMC Markets across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 3.7 / 5
ActivTrades offers crypto CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a select range of major altcoins via ActivTrader and MT4, under FCA regulation with supplemental client fund insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 - a regulated low-cost entry point for crypto CFD exposure.
VS
Score 4.1 / 5
CMC Markets offers a broad crypto CFD range on its award-winning Next Generation platform with competitive variable spreads and FCA regulation - one of the stronger regulated CFD options for crypto alongside an established multi-asset offering.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
CMC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.1/5 vs ActivTrades's 3.7/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ActivTrades has a lower fee profile: no deposit fee, no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
CMC Markets edges out ActivTrades with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
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 |
| Regulators | CMVM SCB FCA | ASIC DFSA FCA BaFin FMA |
| Cold Storage | No | No |
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
| Staking | No | No |
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
| NFT Trading | No | No |
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
| Visit exchange | Visit ActivTrades | Visit CMC Markets |
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)
- No real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
- Crypto spreads not competitive vs ECN alternatives for active traders
- Less known outside Europe; limited coverage of Asian and US crypto markets
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs - one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
- Spreads still wider than dedicated crypto exchanges like Kraken or Binance
- 2:1 retail leverage cap applies under ESMA/FCA rules
- Inactivity fee of £10/month after 12 months without a trade
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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
ActivTrades and CMC Markets show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
ActivTrades has a lower fee profile, with no deposit fee and no inactivity fee. Always check each platform's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto exchange fees vary by asset, trading volume, and account tier.
Neither ActivTrades nor CMC Markets is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Both ActivTrades and CMC Markets require a minimum deposit of no minimum to start trading.
For beginners: CMC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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