ActivTradesvs
FBSStock Broker Comparison
In this comparison of ActivTrades and FBS, the focus is on stock access, regulation, and protection. The debate centers on safety, market reach, and platform provisions.
Our Verdict
ActivTrades winsby 0.4 pts
ActivTrades edges FBS on safety and market access due to top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, and broader exchange coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades provides supplementary fund protection up to GBP 1,000,000.
- 2ActivTrades has top-tier regulation and negative balance protection.
- 3FBS offers CFDs with no real share ownership.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs FBS?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prioritise strong regulation, fund protection, and a broad, regulated trading suite. You also gain access to 10 exchanges, 600+ share CFDs, and no minimum deposit on standard accounts, plus robust protection.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a very low entry point, broad MT4/MT5 automation, and ongoing multilingual support for CIS and Asian markets. You also access automated stock strategies with EA compatibility, while the offshore regulatory framework and limited real share ownership keep expectations in check.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ActivTrades leads with top-tier regulation and GBP 1,000,000 fund protection.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs FBS: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
ActivTrades vs FBS Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
ActivTrades
criteria wins
0
FBS
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and FBS rates 3.3/5. 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.
FBS 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.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CMVM, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. FBS 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.
ActivTrades stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FBS charges $20 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 FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
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 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.
