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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

FXCM vs ActivTrades 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between FXCM and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. FXCM is headquartered in London, UK. FXCM has the longer track record, established in 1999, 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.

FXCM

ActivTrades

Higher ratedFXCM logo

FXCM

3.7/ 5
Visit FXCM →Full review
VS
FXCMActivTrades
BrokerRank Score3.7/5 ✓3.6/5
Min. Deposit$50$0 ✓
Spread from0.2 pips ✓0.5 pips
Max Leverage1:4001:400
RegulationFCA, ASICFCA, CySEC
PlatformsMT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary MobileMT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesFXCM
Best for Low Fees
FXCMActivTrades
Best for Regulation
FXCMActivTrades
Best Overall
FXCMActivTrades
Quick Answer

FXCM is the better choice overall, scoring 3.7/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, FXCM offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

FXCM vs ActivTrades: Key Differences

Feature

FXCM

Winner

ActivTrades

Our Rating
3.7 / 5
3.6 / 5
Min. Deposit
$50
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.2 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
Platforms
MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
1999
2001
Headquarters
London, UK
London, UK
Score
3 / 4
1 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

FXCM

Lower fees

ActivTrades

Spread From
0.2 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

FXCM holds licences from FCA, ASIC. ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities markets. ActivTrades adds Stocks.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, FXCM is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.

Trading Platforms

FXCM supports MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on MT4, Proprietary Web.

Minimum Deposit

FXCM requires a minimum deposit of $50, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes ActivTrades accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores FXCM at 3.66/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. FXCM leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

FXCM is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.66/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5. FXCM holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC), offering stronger regulatory protection. FXCM also provides tighter spreads (0.2 pips) versus 0.5 pips at ActivTrades. Traders with smaller budgets may find ActivTrades's lower minimum deposit of $0 more accessible. ActivTrades is still a solid option for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital, but FXCM offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

FXCM

FXCM

3.7/5

Top pick

Choose FXCM if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.7/5)
  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
  • More established (est. 1999)
ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • No minimum deposit
  • More market types (6)

Also consider

View all rankings

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.

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ForTrade
4.3
FCA
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FxPro
4.1
FCA
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Plus500
4.0
MAS
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#5AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
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Both FXCM & ActivTrades are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is FXCM better than ActivTrades?

FXCM scores higher overall on our independent rating system. FXCM holds a 3.7/5 rating vs ActivTrades's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, FXCM or ActivTrades?

FXCM offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while ActivTrades starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for FXCM vs ActivTrades?

FXCM requires a minimum deposit of $50. ActivTrades requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, FXCM or ActivTrades?

FXCM is regulated by FCA, ASIC, while ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC.

5

What trading platforms do FXCM and ActivTrades support?

FXCM supports MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.

6

Can I use both FXCM and ActivTrades?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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