ActivTradesvs
FP MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on regulation, platform capability, and global equity access. The tension centers on safety and fees versus breadth of stock coverage.
Our Verdict
FP Markets winsby 0.4 pts
FP Markets edges ActivTrades with a higher editorial score (4.1 vs 3.7), supported by stronger platform tools and regulatory profiles.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Proprietary platform: ActivTrades uses ActivTrader.
- 2FP Markets offers direct IRESS DMA access to major exchanges.
- 3Exchanges covered: ActivTrades 10 vs FP Markets 15.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs FP Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prefer a proprietary platform (ActivTrader) and 600+ share CFDs. You also gain extra protection with supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want broad exchange access via IRESS DMA and 10,000+ share CFDs. You also access MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
FP Markets is best for safety & regulation due to ASIC and CySEC oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs FP Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
ActivTrades vs FP Markets 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 FP Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
ActivTrades
criteria wins
1
FP Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | FP 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs FP Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and FP Markets rates 4.1/5. FP Markets 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.
FP 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.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and FP 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, 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 20:1, while FP 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.
FP 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 FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither ActivTrades nor FP 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.
Both ActivTrades and FP Markets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
