Two different crypto trading experiences collide: ActivTrades delivers regulated crypto CFDs, Gate.io offers a broad token universe on a native exchange. The tension centers on security, fees, and asset depth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want FCA regulation with FSCS and negative balance protection.
Choose if…
Choose Gate.io if you want access to 1,700+ tokens, no deposit or inactivity fees, and transparent pricing.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.20% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Gate.io |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and Gate.io rates 4/5. Gate.io 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 spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for Gate.io. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ActivTrades nor Gate.io requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (CMVM, FCA, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. Gate.io 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 Gate.io'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.
Gate.io charges $0.2 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 ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, while Gate.io supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader and MetaTrader 4. Gate.io has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Gate.io 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 Gate.io's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Gate.io lists 500+ coins while ActivTrades does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Gate.io has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
ActivTrades wins for security due to FCA regulation with FSCS coverage.
Gate.io wins for low fees due to no deposit or inactivity fees and cheap futures.
ActivTrades is best for beginners due to regulated status and FSCS protection.
Gate.io offers staking and yield-earning options while ActivTrades does not, making Gate.io the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Gate.io wins for DeFi & Web3 thanks to staking and on-chain features.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | CMVM FCA SCB | CIMA AUSTRAC MiCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Gate.io is the overall winner on editorial score due to broader coin access, while ActivTrades remains a solid FCA-regulated option.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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