Comparison of Firstrade vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Firstrade

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

ActivTrades

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FINRA, SEC

Demo account

Low 3,8/5

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Firstrade charges a 1% fee on crypto trades, which is higher than some competitors. Despite this, its low fees on other investment options and user-friendly platform add value .

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

Firstrade offers competitive and straightforward commission structures for cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 1% for buying or selling cryptocurrencies, which is relatively high compared to some other exchanges but remains transparent without additional hidden fees. Trading Commissions Firstrade’s trading fee for cryptocurrencies is set at 1% of the trade value. This fee applies uniformly to all cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring that users are aware of the costs upfront. The simplicity of this fee structure is advantageous for those who prefer clarity and straightforward pricing. Other Fees Firstrade does not charge any deposit fees, making it cost-effective to add funds to your account. However, while withdrawals via ACH are free, wire transfers incur a fee of $25, which is something users should be mindful of when planning their fund withdrawals. Overall, Firstrade’s commission structure is designed to be transparent and easy to understand, with the primary cost being the 1% trading fee on all cryptocurrency transactions. This can be beneficial for traders who value simplicity and predictability in their trading costs.

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 .

Firstrade

Year Founded: Firstrade was established in 1985, making it one of the most experienced brokerage firms in the industry. With nearly four decades of operation, Firstrade has demonstrated stability and reliability through various market conditions.
Number of Users: Firstrade serves a large number of clients, reflecting its broad acceptance and trust within the investment community. The significant user base is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has earned over the years.
Security Methods: Firstrade employs stringent security measures to protect client accounts and personal information. The platform is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Additionally, Firstrade provides high investor protection through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash.
Regulation: Firstrade is fully regulated by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. This regulation provides an added layer of security and transparency, assuring users that their investments are managed according to rigorous guidelines.
Customer Service: Firstrade offers robust customer service options, including phone and email support. Although not available 24/7, their customer service team is dedicated to providing helpful and relevant responses. This commitment to customer care enhances user confidence and satisfaction.

ActivTrades

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.

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Account Minimum

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And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Firstrade does not have a native token.

ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

Firstrade does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading a variety of digital assets .

ActivTrades does not offer options to earn with cryptocurrencies through staking or similar programs .

NFT marketplace

Firstrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .

ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Firstrade accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

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

Mastercard

No, Firstrade does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

No, Firstrade does not accept credit/debit cards .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Firstrade	Features	ActivTrades
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
While it offers a variety of cryptocurrencies, the number of available trading pairs is somewhat limited compared to other platforms.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.	Website Transparency	Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.	Storage Offering	No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
The platform currently does not offer staking or reward programs, which can be a downside for users looking to earn passive income.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or reward programs available.
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.	Mobile App and Desktop	High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
Firstrade’s customer service is reliable but not available 24/7, which can be an inconvenience for users needing assistance outside business hours.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Firstrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, although the lack of instant processing for some methods can be a drawback.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

Firstrade offers a variety of tools and resources including research reports, market data and analysis, and educational resources such as webinars and articles .

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, Firstrade offers a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, designed for a seamless trading experience .

Yes, ActivTrades provides mobile trading through the ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, which are available for iOS and Android devices .

Security

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information.

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

Firstrade offers trading on 38 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Their platform is integrated with Apex Crypto for secure storage and trading. Firstrade provides a highly-rated mobile app for seamless trading on the go and features like real-time data and analytics, 24/7 trading, and instant fund access. They charge a high spot crypto fee of 1% of the trade value but provide a user-friendly experience for beginners .

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

Firstrade does not support anonymous accounts. The account opening process includes submitting personal details and verification documents .

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

Firstrade provides access to 38 cryptocurrencies. These include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Stellar (XLM), Solana (SOL), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and more.

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

Firstrade offers a highly-rated mobile app for crypto trading, designed to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and allows for easy buying and selling. While it lacks a dedicated crypto wallet and some advanced features, its simplicity and accessibility make it a good choice for beginners looking to manage their crypto investments alongside other asset classes .

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

Firstrade offers a strong value proposition with low fees and no minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners. However, its 1% trading fee on crypto is higher compared to some competitors, which could affect active traders.

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 States, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong .

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

Firstrade is best for US-based investors who want a straightforward, user-friendly platform to trade a variety of cryptocurrencies. Its mobile app and low fees make it a good option for beginners and those looking to manage their crypto investments alongside traditional assets.

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

Firstrade has limited offerings in cryptocurrency trading, focusing primarily on traditional securities. It may not be the best option for dedicated crypto traders.

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

Firstrade primarily supports deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and checks. The process can be slower compared to other brokers, and international clients might face additional hurdles.

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

Opening an account with Firstrade involves completing an online application and submitting personal and financial information. Verification documents are required. The process can take a bit longer compared to other brokers, especially for international clients.

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?

Firstrade mandates KYC verification. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address as part of the account opening 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

Firstrade provides customer support via phone and email, but does not offer live chat. The support is available during regular business hours, and while it is generally helpful, the lack of live chat can be a drawback for some users.

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

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I find Firstrade to be a reliable choice for anyone looking to start investing in cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a secure and user-friendly experience, with competitive trading fees and a robust mobile app. However, the absence of a dedicated crypto wallet and 24/7 customer support are areas that could use improvement. Overall, Firstrade is a solid option for beginners and seasoned investors alike, thanks to its strong regulatory framework and extensive market experience.

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.

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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).

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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.

Comparison of Firstrade vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

Firstrade

ActivTrades

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Firstrade

ActivTrades

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives Firstrade and ActivTrades