This comparison pits ActivTrades and DEGIRO, two European brokers with different priorities. The axis of tension is cost versus breadth of market access and ownership features.
DEGIRO edges ActivTrades in the editorial score, driven by lower fees and access to more exchanges.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support.
Choose DEGIRO if…
Choose DEGIRO if you want access to 50 exchanges and a stock screener.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades wins safety & regulation due to supplemental compensation and FCA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
DEGIRO rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. DEGIRO edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades starts from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for DEGIRO. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for DEGIRO.
Both ActivTrades and DEGIRO 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, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while DEGIRO lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. DEGIRO has exclusive access to DEGIRO Platform.
Neither ActivTrades nor DEGIRO 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.
DEGIRO is best for long-term investing thanks to dividend reinvestment.
ActivTrades wins for active traders with advanced charting and strong support.
ActivTrades suits beginners with accessible support and regulatory protections.
DEGIRO wins for low-cost trading due to flat-fee pricing and low commissions.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | BaFin AFM |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | DEGIRO Platform |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker