ActivTrades vs Saxo 2026
By Akash · Facts re-checked (UTC) · 9 of 10 facts confirmed on the brokers’ own pages
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 74/100).
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.
Saxo is a Danish bank founded in Copenhagen in 1992 (Saxo Bank A/S, Danish FSA licence 1149); UK clients use Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (FCA 551422). It offers Classic, Platinum and VIP tiers on SaxoTrader, SaxoInvestor and TradingView, with no minimum deposit.
66% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | Saxo |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100▲ | 74/100 |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 32/35▲2 tier-1 regulators (Danish FSA, FCA), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 16/25▲Spreads from 1 pips; commission not published |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 14/20Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (individual account), 3 deposit methods, 1 withdrawal method |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView | 12/20TradingView; leverage up to 3.33% initial margin on EURUSD for retail clients (about 1:30) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | Danish FSA, FCA |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | No minimum deposit (individual account) |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | 1 pip EUR/USD minimum (global page; varies by country) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | USD 3 fixed commission on FX trades under 50,000 units |
| Max leverage | Not published | 3.33% initial margin on EURUSD for retail clients (about 1:30) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Return to an account held in your name |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 66% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · Saxo review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or Saxo better?
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 74/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and Saxo regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. Saxo: Danish FSA, FCA. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or Saxo?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); Saxo holds 2 (Danish FSA and FCA). 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 Saxo?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). Saxo: No minimum deposit (individual account).
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or Saxo?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and 1 pip EUR/USD minimum (global page; varies by country) at Saxo; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), Saxo USD 3 fixed commission on FX trades under 50,000 units.
Do ActivTrades and Saxo offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. Saxo: SaxoTrader, SaxoInvestor, TradingView.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and Saxo?
ActivTrades states 69% and Saxo states 66% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More Saxo 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