ActivTrades vs FXCM 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 77/100).
ActivTrades is a multi-entity CFD broker trading since 2001 whose UK entity ActivTrades PLC is FCA-regulated, offering MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView, with no minimum deposit in most jurisdictions.
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
FXCM operates through Stratos group entities including Stratos Markets Limited (FCA, UK), Stratos Trading Pty Ltd (ASIC, Australia) and Stratos Europe Limited (CySEC), offering Trading Station, MT4 and TradingView. FXCM UK now says new trading accounts are provided through Trade Nation.
67% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100▲ | 77/100 |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 34/35▲3 tier-1 regulators (FCA, ASIC, CySEC), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 15/25▲Spreads and commission not published (counted as neutral) |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 14/208 deposit methods, 2 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView | 14/20MT4, TradingView; leverage up to 30:1 on major forex pairs for UK retail clients (Stratos Markets Limited) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA, ASIC, CySEC |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | 50 currency units (PayPal deposits); no account-wide minimum published |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | Not published |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | Zero Commissions (standard accounts; Active Trader accounts use commission-based pricing) |
| Max leverage | Not published | 30:1 on major forex pairs for UK retail clients (Stratos Markets Limited) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Debit/Credit card (up to the amount deposited by card), Wire |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 67% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · FXCM review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or FXCM better?
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 77/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and FXCM regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. FXCM: FCA, ASIC, CySEC. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or FXCM?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); FXCM holds 3 (FCA, ASIC and CySEC). Tier-1 regulators have the strictest rules on client money. Your protection depends on which company opens your account.
What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades and FXCM?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). FXCM: 50 currency units (PayPal deposits); no account-wide minimum published.
Do ActivTrades and FXCM offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4 and TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. FXCM: Trading Station, MetaTrader 4, TradingView.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and FXCM?
ActivTrades states 69% and FXCM states 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More FXCM comparisons
Forex trading at these brokers is done through CFDs (contracts for difference): you trade on the price moving up or down, without owning the currency itself.Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read the full risk warning