ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 73/100).
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.
Interactive Brokers is a multi-asset broker offering spot forex at interbank-style prices with a separate commission, through entities regulated in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and Singapore.
58.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100▲ | 73/100 |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 35/35▲4 tier-1 regulators (FCA, CBI, ASIC…), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 14/25All-in cost from 10.00 pips, no commission |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 16/203 deposit methods, 4 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView | 8/20Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA, CBI, ASIC, MAS |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | No account minimums |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | As narrow as 1/10 PIP (spot FX, no mark-up; commission charged separately) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | 0.20 basis point * trade value (Tier I, up to USD 1 billion a month; falls to 0.08 bps at higher volume; minimum USD 2.00 per order) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Bank wire, Check, ACH, SEPA |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 58.9% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · Interactive Brokers review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or Interactive Brokers better?
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 73/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and Interactive Brokers regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. Interactive Brokers: FCA, CBI, ASIC, MAS. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or Interactive Brokers?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); Interactive Brokers holds 4 (FCA, CBI, ASIC and MAS). 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 Interactive Brokers?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). Interactive Brokers: No account minimums.
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or Interactive Brokers?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and As narrow as 1/10 PIP (spot FX, no mark-up; commission charged separately) at Interactive Brokers; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), Interactive Brokers 0.20 basis point * trade value (Tier I, up to USD 1 billion a month; falls to 0.08 bps at higher volume; minimum USD 2.00 per order).
Do ActivTrades and Interactive Brokers offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. Interactive Brokers: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and Interactive Brokers?
ActivTrades states 69% and Interactive Brokers states 58.9% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More Interactive Brokers 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