This comparison pits a traditional CFD broker, ActivTrades, against a native crypto exchange, OKX, focusing on asset breadth, platform capabilities, and regulatory protections.
OKX edges ActivTrades in overall suitability with wider asset access and DeFi capabilities, delivering a stronger crypto platform.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want UK regulation with FSCS coverage and negative balance protection. ActivTrades also offers segregated client funds.
Choose OKX if…
Choose OKX if you want broad coin access with 500+ coins and DeFi integration. OKX also operates its own exchange and publishes proofs of reserves.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades wins for safety due to FSCS coverage, negative balance protection, and segregated funds.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| NFT trading | Fail | Pass |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
OKX rates 4.2/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. OKX edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for OKX. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ActivTrades nor OKX requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CMVM, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. OKX 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 OKX'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.
OKX charges $0.1 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 MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while OKX supports OKX Exchange. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. OKX has exclusive access to OKX Exchange.
OKX 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 OKX's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
OKX lists 500+ coins while ActivTrades does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, OKX has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
In our data: OKX has DeFi integration; OKX supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
OKX wins for low fees due to maker fees starting at 0.08%.
OKX wins for DeFi & Web3 thanks to DeFi integration and NFT trading.
ActivTrades is better for beginners due to clear protections and UK-regulated environment.
OKX offers staking and yield-earning options while ActivTrades does not, making OKX the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free (crypto/bank); card ~2% |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | MiCA AUSTRAC VARA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | Yes |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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