This matchup pits two regulated forex brokers with different cost models and platform ecosystems, forcing readers to weigh regulation, spreads, and platform flexibility.
ActivTrades and Forex.com are closely matched, but Forex.com offers raw spreads that ActivTrades does not.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want no minimum deposit and strong regulatory protection with volatility protection on ActivTrader.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want raw spreads and a wide platform suite including MT4/MT5 and a global regulator footprint.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades offers tighter spreads from 0.50 pips vs 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client
ActivTrader's volatility protection feature is a genuine risk management differentiator
No minimum deposit
Strong southern European presence, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 4.3/5 and Forex.com rates 4.2/5. ActivTrades 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 starts from 0.5 pips, tighter than Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Forex.com hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker'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 brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Forex.com lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Forex.com charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Forex.com is best for safety & regulation due to multiple major authorities and global oversight.
ActivTrades wins for active traders due to 400:1 leverage and no inactivity fee.
Forex.com is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
Forex.com wins for platform choice with MT4, MT5 and a proprietary Web/Mobile platform.
ActivTrades wins for instrument variety with 1000 instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 1.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 50:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $15/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | FCA ASIC MAS IIROC CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Product range narrower than IG or Saxo
No cTrader or raw ECN account option
Less known outside Europe compared to global competitors
Cons
$100 minimum deposit is higher than some peers
US clients restricted to 50:1 leverage on major pairs
Raw account pricing not available in all jurisdictions
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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