ActivTrades vs Swissquote Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ActivTrades and Swissquote 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.
Swissquote offers real shares and share CFDs on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges under a FINMA Swiss banking licence - an institutional-grade equity platform combining the deepest international stock access with banking-grade regulation and custody.
Swissquote comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.3/5 compared to ActivTrades's 3.7/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Swissquote has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Swissquote edges out ActivTrades with a higher editorial score (4.3/5 vs 3.7/5), 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 Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $1,000 |
| 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 | FCA DFSA FINMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit ActivTrades | Visit Swissquote |
ActivTrades vs Swissquote 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
- FINMA Swiss banking licence - strongest institutional-grade regulation in retail equity access
- Real share ownership on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges in Swiss bank custody
- Swiss Depositor Protection up to CHF 100,000 - stronger than FSCS or MiFID schemes
- Full range: stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex in one Swiss banking account
- Commission significantly higher than retail competitors (from USD 5 + 0.1% for US shares)
- High minimum deposit - not suited for beginner or small-capital investors
- Platform complexity creates a steep learning curve
- Cost premium is not justified for smaller accounts vs Interactive Brokers or XTB
ActivTrades vs Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Swissquote ranks higher with a score of 4.3/5 vs 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither ActivTrades nor Swissquote 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 Swissquote hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
ActivTrades has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader and Swissquote offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile. 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); Swissquote has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
More Stock Broker Comparisons
More ActivTrades comparisons
More Swissquote comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
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