ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

ActivTrades, established in 2001 and headquartered in London, operates under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). These regulatory bodies ensure that ActivTrades adheres to stringent financial standards and offers client protection such as negative balance protection. Client funds are segregated from the company’s own accounts, providing an additional layer of safety.

Interactive Brokers, with its founding in 1978 and headquartered in Greenwich, USA, is subject to regulation by multiple top-tier authorities, including the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), FCA, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This extensive regulatory coverage ensures a high level of safety and security for its clients, with funds protected and held in segregated accounts.

Fees & Spreads

ActivTrades offers competitive spreads starting from 0.5 pips with no commission fees, making it a cost-effective option for traders who prioritise low entry costs. The broker does not require a minimum deposit, providing flexibility for new traders. However, overnight fees may apply depending on the asset class, which could increase trading costs over time.

Interactive Brokers boasts some of the lowest fees in the industry with spreads starting from 0.2 pips and a commission of as low as 0.005. Like ActivTrades, Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit requirement, but it does charge an inactivity fee for smaller accounts. This broker is particularly appealing to high-volume traders who can take advantage of its low-cost structure.

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades offers a diverse range of platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as their proprietary ActivTrader platform. These platforms are known for their user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools, including SmartOrder risk management features. Interactive Brokers, on the other hand, provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms, which are highly advanced and cater to professional traders with comprehensive market access and sophisticated tools. However, they might be overwhelming for beginners.

Who Should Choose ActivTrades?

• New traders looking for a broker with no minimum deposit requirement.
• Traders who prefer using MetaTrader platforms with advanced trading tools.
• Clients who need negative balance protection.
• Forex traders who require higher leverage up to 1:400.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers?

• Experienced traders seeking access to 150+ markets globally.
• Low-cost traders looking for minimal spreads and low commissions.
• Professional traders who need advanced trading tools and analytics.
• Investors interested in trading both stocks and forex within a single account.

Our Verdict

For beginners, ActivTrades is recommended due to its user-friendly platforms and no minimum deposit. Professional traders will find Interactive Brokers more suitable because of its advanced tools and extensive market access. In terms of fees, Interactive Brokers takes the lead with its lower spreads and commissions.