ActivTradesvs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
Both brokers target global equity CFD traders, yet their approach to cost, support, and platforms pulls in different directions. The axis of tension centers on service coverage and platform ecosystem.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
ActivTrades and Skilling are closely matched overall, with the clearest differentiator being ActivTrades' 24/5 live chat and phone support. ActivTrades offers ActivTrader with MT4, while Skilling provides Skilling Trader with cTrader and MT4.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades offers live chat 24/5; Skilling does not.
- 2ActivTrades provides phone support; Skilling does not.
- 3ActivTrades uses ActivTrader with MT4; Skilling uses Skilling Trader, cTrader, MT4.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Skilling?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value 24/5 live chat and phone support.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a broader platform suite including Skilling Trader and cTrader.
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
ActivTrades wins with supplemental GBP 1,000,000 insurance and FCA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
ActivTrades vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
0
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
ActivTrades and Skilling share the same editorial score of 3.7/5. One concrete differentiator: ActivTrades requires a lower minimum deposit.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with Skilling's 0.7. 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Neither ActivTrades nor Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
