Comparison of CMC Markets vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theCMC Markets vs ActivTrades comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

CMC Markets

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,7/5
  • Investor protection: Yes
  • Security: 5/5
  • Available cryptocurrencies: 11 (CFDs)
Go crypto broker

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

activtrades

ActivTrades

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,5/5
  • Investor protection: Yes
  • Security: 5/5
  • Available cryptocurrencies: 12 (CFDs)
Go crypto broker

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FCA, ASIC

Demo account

Yes
Low 3,8/5

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – CMC Markets offers competitive pricing and precision with aggregated prices from multiple sources. However, the daily and overnight holding costs can be significant for long-term positions .
3.8 – ActivTrades offers competitive spreads on crypto CFDs and no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods. However, the commissions and overnight fees can add up .

Level

Low 4/5
Low 3,8/5

Brief explanation

CMC Markets offers a competitive fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, primarily operating through spreads rather than commission-based fees. The spreads on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are relatively tight, making it cost-effective for traders to execute their strategies. Additionally, CMC Markets does not charge deposit fees, which is a significant advantage for traders looking to fund their accounts without incurring extra costs. However, users should be aware of potential overnight holding costs for CFD positions, which can add up if trades are held for extended periods. For cryptocurrency CFDs, the primary cost is the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices. This spread is competitive with other major exchanges, particularly for popular cryptocurrencies. CMC Markets also employs a tiered spread system, where spreads can vary depending on market conditions and liquidity. This dynamic pricing model helps ensure that traders receive fair pricing, especially during times of high market volatility. Additionally, the absence of commission fees on crypto trades further enhances the platform’s attractiveness to cost-conscious traders. While there are no hidden fees, it’s important for traders to consider the overall cost of trading, including potential overnight fees for positions held beyond a day. These fees can vary based on the specific cryptocurrency and market conditions. Moreover, CMC Markets provides detailed information on all costs associated with trading on their platform, promoting transparency and helping traders make informed decisions. Overall, CMC Markets’ fee structure is designed to be straightforward and competitive, making it a strong choice for both novice and experienced cryptocurrency traders.
ActivTrades charges competitive spreads on its cryptocurrency CFD trades, making it an attractive option for those looking to trade without high transaction costs. The platform’s spread is the primary cost, which varies depending on the cryptocurrency being traded. Additionally, ActivTrades imposes an overnight financing fee for positions held beyond a day, a standard practice among CFD brokers. The spread and overnight fees are key factors for traders to consider, as they can impact profitability, especially for long-term positions. The platform does not charge any deposit fees for most methods, although there are specific charges for credit/debit card deposits outside the UK and EEA. Withdrawal fees are also minimal, with free withdrawals via most methods except for some bank transfers, particularly in non-EEA regions. It’s important to note the £10 monthly inactivity fee for accounts that are dormant for over a year, which can add up if the account is not actively used .

CMC Markets

Read CMC Markets review
  • Year Founded: CMC Markets was founded in 1989, providing it with a long history and substantial experience in the trading industry. Its longevity is a testament to its reliability and ability to adapt to market changes over the decades.
  • Number of Users: With over 60,000 active clients globally, CMC Markets has built a large and loyal user base. This widespread adoption is a strong indicator of the platform's credibility and the trust it has earned from traders around the world.
  • Security Methods: CMC Markets employs advanced security measures, including encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), to protect user accounts and funds. This commitment to security helps ensure a safe trading environment for all users.
  • Regulation: CMC Markets is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This stringent regulatory oversight adds a significant layer of protection and trust for users.
  • Reputation and Reviews: CMC Markets has received positive reviews from both users and industry experts. Its reputation for reliability, advanced trading tools, and excellent customer service further solidifies its standing as a trusted exchange in the crypto market.
  • Pros
  • Wide range of cryptocurrency CFDs.
  • Competitive dynamic crypto spreads.
  • Advanced charting and analysis tools.
  • Cons
  • No real cryptocurrency ownership.
  • High stock CFD fees.

ActivTrades

activtrades
Read ActivTrades review
  • Regulatory Oversight: ActivTrades is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg, and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB). This extensive regulation ensures a high level of oversight and compliance with international financial standards​​.
  • Robust Security Measures: ActivTrades employs state-of-the-art security measures, including advanced encryption technologies and two-factor authentication (2FA). These measures ensure that client data and funds are kept secure from unauthorized access and cyber threats​​.
  • Negative Balance Protection: The broker offers negative balance protection, which means that clients cannot lose more than their account balance. This feature is crucial for protecting traders from extreme market volatility and unexpected losses​​.
  • Transparency and Longevity: Founded in 2001, ActivTrades has over two decades of experience in the financial industry. The broker’s long track record and the numerous awards it has received are testaments to its reliability and commitment to maintaining high standards​​.
  • Insurance Coverage: ActivTrades provides additional insurance protection through Lloyd’s of London at no extra cost to clients. This insurance offers up to £1 million coverage per client, enhancing the safety net for traders beyond the standard regulatory protections​​.
  • Pros
  • Regulated by top-tier authorities.
  • Offers popular cryptocurrency CFDs.
  • No wallet or crypto exchange needed.
  • Cons
  • Limited crypto CFD selection.
  • No USA or Canada availability.

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Product selection

Native token

CMC Markets does not have a native token.
ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

CMC Markets does not support staking or other crypto earning programs. It provides trading through crypto CFDs and spread betting .
ActivTrades does not offer options to earn with cryptocurrencies through staking or similar programs .

NFT marketplace

CMC Markets does not have an NFT marketplace.
ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .
ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

CMC Markets UK Plc​​.
ActivTrades Plc​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany/EU), IIROC (Canada), ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), MAS (Singapore), DFSA (Dubai)​​.
FCA (UK), CSSF (Luxembourg), SCB (Bahamas)​​.

Year founded

1989​​
2001​​

Founder

Peter Cruddas​​
Alex Pusco​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, CMC Markets accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, ActivTrades accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, CMC Markets accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method. In some locations, third-party payment providers like Wise are not available .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, CMC Markets accepts credit/debit cards .
Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

CMC Markets Features ActivTrades
The minimum trade size at CMC Markets is low, making it accessible for beginners who want to start trading with smaller amounts.
Minimum Trade
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
While CMC Markets offers competitive spreads, the stock CFD fees are relatively high compared to other exchanges.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
With around 19 cryptocurrencies available, the selection is decent but fewer than some competitors that offer a broader range.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Trading is limited to CFDs, and there are no direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs available, which might be a limitation for some traders.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
The CMC Markets website provides transparent and detailed information about its fees, regulatory status, and services, fostering trust among users.
Website Transparency
Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
CMC Markets does not offer direct crypto storage, as it operates through CFDs, which might not appeal to traders looking for a direct investment in cryptocurrencies.
Storage Offering
No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
The platform does not offer any staking or rewards programs, which can be a disadvantage for traders interested in earning passive income through their holdings.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or reward programs available.
CMC Markets provides high-quality mobile and desktop trading platforms with advanced features, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Mobile App and Desktop
High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
Customer service is reliable and available 24/5, but the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders needing assistance outside regular hours.
Customer Service
Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
The platform offers fast and varied deposit methods. Withdrawals are generally quick, though some methods may incur fees, which should be considered by users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

CMC Markets offers the “Next Generation” trading platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a comprehensive range of research tools. Their MT4 platform also supports algorithmic trading .
ActivTrades provides high-quality daily market analysis and offers the ActivTrader platform, which includes advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and mobile trading capabilities .

Mobile APP

Yes, CMC Markets offers a highly functional mobile app as part of their “Next Generation” trading platform, providing extensive features for mobile trading .
Yes, ActivTrades provides mobile trading through the ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, which are available for iOS and Android devices .

Security

CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.
ActivTrades is highly regulated by top-tier authorities such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a high level of security. They offer negative balance protection and additional insurance up to £1 million per client through Lloyd’s of London​​.

Additional features

CMC Markets provides an extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies. They offer 19 cryptocurrencies for trading, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The platform features advanced research and educational tools, including a comprehensive learning center. CMC Markets also boasts a high fill rate of 99.9%, making it a great choice for active crypto day traders. However, they do not support trading real stocks and have relatively high stock CFD fees .
ActivTrades offers a variety of features for cryptocurrency trading. They support crypto CFDs, allowing users to trade major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and many others without needing to deal with wallets or exchanges. The platform also includes high-quality daily market analysis, 24/5 customer support, and free webinars to enhance trading skills. Additionally, ActivTrades provides a VPS service for better trading efficiency and security .

Anonymity

CMC Markets requires identity verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not possible .
ActivTrades does not offer anonymous accounts. The account opening process requires personal details, financial information, and documents for identity verification, such as an ID or passport and a utility bill .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

CMC Markets provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), TRON (TRX), EOS, Stellar Lumens (XLM), Cardano (ADA), and crypto indices such as the All Crypto Index, Major Crypto Index, and Emerging Crypto Index​​.
ActivTrades offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Polkadot (DOT), EOS, Chainlink (LINK), Stellar (XLM), NEO, Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Binance Coin (BNB), Monero (XMR), Avalanche (AVAX), and Dogecoin (DOGE)​​.

User-friendliness

CMC Markets offers a powerful and versatile trading platform that caters well to crypto traders. The Next Generation platform is particularly noted for its configurability and advanced tools. However, the platform might require some time to master due to its extensive features, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Overall, it provides a comprehensive trading experience with access to multiple crypto assets .
ActivTrades offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience for crypto CFD trading. The platform is designed to make trading accessible even for those with minimal technical knowledge, avoiding the complexities associated with setting up wallets and managing private keys. ActivTrades is ideal for users looking for a secure and regulated environment to trade major cryptocurrencies without dealing with the intricacies of crypto exchanges .

Value for money

CMC Markets offers value through competitive pricing and a wide range of tradable instruments. The fees for holding positions overnight are standard, and the platform’s robust tools justify the costs, though its advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners​​.
ActivTrades offers competitive spreads on crypto CFDs, and the absence of deposit and withdrawal fees enhances its value for money. However, the 0.5%-1.5% fee on credit/debit card deposits and certain bank transfer fees for non-EEA clients can add up​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates .
United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

CMC Markets caters to experienced traders who appreciate a powerful trading platform with extensive configurability and tools. It is best for those who are comfortable with trading crypto CFDs and are looking for a wide range of cryptocurrency indices to trade​​.
ActivTrades is best suited for investors who prefer a regulated and secure environment for trading crypto CFDs without the need to manage wallets and private keys. It’s ideal for those who want to leverage their trades and have access to a range of major cryptocurrencies​​.

Account

Trading

CMC Markets offers a wide selection of crypto CFDs, allowing users to trade on price movements without owning the underlying assets. The platform is known for its advanced trading tools and competitive spreads.
ActivTrades offers crypto CFD trading, allowing users to speculate on price movements without owning the actual cryptocurrencies. This platform provides leverage and tight spreads, making it attractive for active traders.

Deposit and withdrawal

CMC Markets offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. The process is straightforward, though withdrawal times can be slightly longer compared to deposits.
ActivTrades offers fast and mostly free deposits and withdrawals. You can use bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, withdrawals under a certain amount may incur fees.

Account opening process

CMC Markets has an easy and efficient account opening process. Users complete an online application, provide personal and financial details, and upload identification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved quickly.
The account opening process at ActivTrades is fully digital and straightforward. Users need to fill out an online application form, provide personal and financial information, and submit identity verification documents. The account is typically approved within a day.

KYC required?

CMC Markets requires KYC verification. Personal identification documents and proof of address must be provided during the account registration process.
Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory at ActivTrades. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

CMC Markets has a reliable customer service team available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, helping users with a wide range of issues.
ActivTrades offers excellent customer service with 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being responsive and helpful, making it easy for users to resolve their issues quickly.

Security

CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.
ActivTrades is highly regulated by top-tier authorities such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a high level of security. They offer negative balance protection and additional insurance up to £1 million per client through Lloyd’s of London​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert at Threenvest, I recommend CMC Markets for crypto traders who value a secure and user-friendly platform. The advanced charting tools and comprehensive research capabilities make it ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is decent, the platform’s robust security measures and regulation by top-tier financial authorities provide added peace of mind. However, keep in mind that customer support is not available on weekends, and the range of cryptocurrencies could be expanded for more trading opportunities.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert in cryptocurrency trading, I’ve explored numerous platforms, and ActivTrades stands out as a reliable option for crypto CFD trading. The platform is ideal for those who value security and regulation without the need to manage the technical complexities of owning actual cryptocurrencies. With ActivTrades, you can trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum through CFDs, allowing for both long and short positions with leverage up to 1:10. This makes it a flexible choice for traders looking to speculate on price movements in the crypto market. However, there are areas for improvement. ActivTrades charges a high inactivity fee after a year of no trading, which could be a significant drawback for less active users. Additionally, the platform is not available to residents in the USA and Canada, limiting its accessibility. Despite these drawbacks, ActivTrades’ robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading options make it a strong choice for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies in a secure environment​​.

Read CMC Markets review

View all comparisons against CMC Markets

Read ActivTrades review

View all comparisons against ActivTrades

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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