ActivTradesvs
SwissquoteStock Broker Comparison
ActivTrades and Swissquote clash on regulation strength, platform breadth, and global access. The scene sets up a tension between safety protections and expansive market reach.
Our Verdict
Swissquote winsClear Winner
Swissquote edges ActivTrades on the editorial score, supported by stronger regulation and broader exchange access.
Swissquote
4.3/5
ActivTrades
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchange reach: ActivTrades covers 10 exchanges; Swissquote covers 60 exchanges.
- 2Regulatory footprint: FCA/CMVM/SCB (ActivTrades) vs FINMA, FCA, DFSA (Swissquote).
- 3Cost structure: ActivTrades offers zero commission on standard accounts; Swissquote charges commissions.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Swissquote?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want zero min deposit and commission-free standard accounts.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you prioritise strong regulation and access to 60 exchanges.
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
Swissquote wins for safety and regulation due to FINMA license and broader oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
ActivTrades vs Swissquote 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 Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
1
Swissquote
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
Swissquote rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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 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.
