ActivTrades vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ActivTrades and IC 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
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
IC 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
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC 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 IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | No minimum | $200 |
| Regulators | CMVM SCB FCA | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
| 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 IC Markets |
ActivTrades vs IC 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
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs - tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
- Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Not available to US residents
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | IC 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 | Pass |
| 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 IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC 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 IC 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 and IC Markets appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.
Neither ActivTrades nor IC 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.
ActivTrades has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: ActivTrades has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IC 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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