ActivTradesvs
FXCMCrypto Exchange Comparison
ActivTrades and FXCM clash over crypto CFDs, regulation, and platform strengths. The tension hinges on coin count, fees, and toolsets.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
ActivTrades and FXCM are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is ActivTrades' larger coin list and absence of an inactivity fee.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin selection: ActivTrades lists 10 coins vs FXCM's 4.
- 2Minimum deposit: ActivTrades $0; FXCM $50.
- 3FXCM imposes inactivity fees; ActivTrades does not.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs FXCM?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want a $0 minimum deposit and access to 10 coins.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you value Trading Station tools and FCA/ASIC regulation.
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 offers strong security with FCA regulation and FSCS coverage up to GBP 1,000,000.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ActivTrades minimizes entry costs with $0 minimum deposit and no inactivity fee.
ActivTrades vs FXCM: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
ActivTrades vs FXCM 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 FXCM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
0
FXCM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXCM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and FXCM rates 3.8/5. FXCM 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.
FXCM lists a lower spread from 0.4, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. 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.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both ActivTrades and FXCM 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, two factors stand out: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus FXCM'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 FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader.
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.
