ActivTradesvs
IGCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two CFD specialists ActivTrades and IG face off over regulation, coin selection, and platform power. The tension centers on safety and access versus trading breadth.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.5 pts
IG is the editorial winner, backed by stronger regulation and broader coin access. ActivTrades offers UK FSCS protection up to GBP 1,000,000, but IG holds the edge overall.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin selection: IG lists 70 coins versus ActivTrades' 10.
- 2Regulatory breadth: IG overseen by multiple global regulators; ActivTrades by FCA/CMVM/SCB.
- 3Platform diversity: IG adds ProRealTime/TradingView; ActivTrades uses ActivTrader and MT4.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs IG?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prioritize UK FSCS protection up to GBP 1,000,000 and volatility protection on crypto orders. You can trade crypto CFDs with no minimum deposit on ActivTrader or MT4.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want broad coin coverage with 70+ tokens, including weekend markets. You also avoid deposit or withdrawal fees on standard funding methods.
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
IG is best for security due to broader multi‑jurisdiction regulation.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ActivTrades vs IG: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  IG |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
ActivTrades vs IG 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 IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
0
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.2/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a lower spread from 0.5, compared with IG's 0.6. 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 IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and IG 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 IG'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 IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
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.
