E*TRADE vs ActivTrades 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between E*TRADE and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. E*TRADE is headquartered in Arlington, USA, while ActivTrades operates from London, UK. E*TRADE has the longer track record, established in 1982, compared to ActivTrades which was founded in 2001. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
E*TRADE
ActivTrades
| E*TRADE | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.6/5 ✓ | 3.6/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.5 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:400 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | FCA, CySEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
E*TRADE (3.6/5) and ActivTrades (3.6/5) are closely matched. E*TRADE has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.
See full side-by-side comparison belowE*TRADE vs ActivTrades: Key Differences
E*TRADE
WinnerActivTrades
Still deciding between E*TRADE and ActivTrades?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
E*TRADE
Lower feesActivTrades
Regulation & Trust
E*TRADE holds licences from SEC, CFTC. ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets. ActivTrades adds Forex, Cfd.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, E*TRADE is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.
Trading Platforms
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web.
Minimum Deposit
E*TRADE requires no minimum deposit, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes E*TRADE accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores E*TRADE at 3.60/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. E*TRADE leads overall with a marginal advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
E*TRADE
3.6/5
Choose E*TRADE if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- More established (est. 1982)
ActivTrades
3.6/5
Choose ActivTrades if you want…
- Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (3 supported)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is E*TRADE better than ActivTrades?
E*TRADE (3.6/5) and ActivTrades (3.6/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.
2Which has lower fees, E*TRADE or ActivTrades?
E*TRADE offers spreads from 0 pips, while ActivTrades starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for E*TRADE vs ActivTrades?
E*TRADE requires a minimum deposit of $0. ActivTrades requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, E*TRADE or ActivTrades?
E*TRADE is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC.
5What trading platforms do E*TRADE and ActivTrades support?
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.
6Can I use both E*TRADE and ActivTrades?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Featured
Deriv
4.0Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
