ActivTrades vs FBS Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ActivTrades and FBS across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades offers share CFDs on 600+ global stocks via ActivTrader and MT4 under FCA regulation with supplemental client fund insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 - a regulated European broker with above-standard fund protection for equity CFD traders.
ActivTrades edges ahead with a score of 3.7/5 vs FBS's 3.3/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Both brokers offer equivalent conditions for active trading across commissions, platforms, and charting tools.
ActivTrades edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (3.7/5 vs 3.3/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
ActivTrades vs FBS: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $1 |
| 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 | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Visit broker | Visit ActivTrades | Visit FBS |
ActivTrades vs FBS Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client - above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, SIPP, or dividend entitlement
- Platform analytics below CMC Next Generation or xStation 5 for equity research
- Less well-known outside Europe - limited Asian and US market coverage
- $1 minimum deposit - widest accessibility for equity CFD markets
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated stock strategies
- 24/7 multilingual support across Asian and CIS markets
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize) - minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
- No real share ownership - CFDs only
ActivTrades vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
ActivTrades vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ActivTrades ranks higher with a score of 3.7/5 vs 3.3/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither ActivTrades nor FBS 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 our regulatory safety criteria, with top-tier regulatory oversight, segregated client funds, compensation scheme coverage. For stock investors, regulatory safety is critical — always confirm a broker's specific licences and investor protections before depositing funds.
ActivTrades has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader and FBS offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: ActivTrades has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); ActivTrades offers negative balance protection; ActivTrades has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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