ActivTrades and BlackBull Markets square off in a stocks comparison focused on regulation, platform choice, and exchange coverage. The tension hinges on protection, reach, and trading experience.
ActivTrades and BlackBull Markets are closely matched overall, but ActivTrades carries a compensation scheme that BlackBull Markets does not.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value a proprietary platform and direct phone support.
Choose BlackBull Markets if…
Choose BlackBull Markets if you want broad exchange access and multiple platforms.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades is stronger for regulation due to a compensation scheme and FCA-based oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades and BlackBull Markets share the same editorial score of 3.7/5. One concrete differentiator: BlackBull Markets has tighter spreads from 0 pips.
BlackBull Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither ActivTrades nor BlackBull Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and BlackBull Markets 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while BlackBull Markets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
BlackBull Markets charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while BlackBull Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. BlackBull Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and DXtrade.
Neither ActivTrades nor BlackBull Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
ActivTrades scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
BlackBull Markets wins for active traders due to genuine DMA via IRESS and multiple platforms.
ActivTrades is best for beginners due to zero-commission standard accounts and low minimum deposit.
BlackBull Markets wins for global access with 20 exchanges.
ActivTrades wins for low-cost trading due to no commissions on standard accounts.
BlackBull Markets suits long-term investors with real ownership via IRESS.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | FSC FMA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView DXtrade MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Score 3.7 / 5
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