Comparison of OANDA vs ActivTrades [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

OANDA

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

ActivTrades

Main points

Fees

Low 4,3/5

Regulated

FCA, CFTC

Demo account

Yes

Low 3,8/5

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.8 – OANDA’s fees for crypto trading are competitive with no spread markups or custody fees. However, the platform’s higher fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees can be a drawback .

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 4,3/5

Low 3,8/5

Brief explanation

OANDA offers a transparent and straightforward fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, which makes it an appealing choice for many traders. The platform charges a 0.25% fee on all executed crypto orders, with a minimum fee of $0.01. This fee is calculated based on the order quantity and fill price, ensuring that traders know exactly what they are paying upfront. Unlike many other brokers, OANDA does not apply a spread markup or custody fee on crypto trades, which can help keep trading costs lower. Deposits via credit/debit cards and electronic wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are free, but bank transfers, which can take up to three business days to process, may incur conversion costs if the currency differs from the account base currency. Withdrawal fees are notably higher, especially for bank transfers, which can cost up to $20 or more per transaction, depending on the currency and region. While OANDA does not offer leverage for cryptocurrency trading, which could limit the potential for higher returns, this also reduces the risk of significant losses. The absence of short selling options is another limitation for those looking to profit from falling markets. Overall, OANDA’s fee structure is designed to be clear and straightforward, with no hidden costs, making it a reliable choice for crypto traders who prioritize transparency and security .

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 .

OANDA

Year Founded: OANDA was founded in 1996, establishing a long track record of reliability and innovation in the financial markets. This extensive experience provides a level of confidence that newer brokers may not offer .
Number of Users: With millions of users worldwide, OANDA has built a solid reputation among both retail and institutional traders. Its wide user base is a testament to its credibility and the trust it has garnered over the years .
Security Methods: OANDA employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data and funds. The partnership with Paxos ensures secure and regulated crypto trading, further enhancing trust .
Regulation: OANDA is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These stringent regulatory standards provide a high level of protection and transparency for users .
Reputation and Reviews: OANDA has consistently received positive reviews for its reliability, customer service, and comprehensive trading platform. Its commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a trusted broker in the industry .

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

OANDA does not have a native token.

ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

OANDA does not provide staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform supports trading through crypto CFDs and direct trading via partnerships .

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

NFT marketplace

OANDA does not have an NFT marketplace.

ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .

ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

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

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

Mastercard

Yes, OANDA accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, OANDA accepts credit/debit cards .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

OANDA	Features	ActivTrades
No minimum trade requirement, making it accessible for all traders.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
Competitive fees, but high withdrawal costs for bank transfers.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
Supports 63 crypto trading pairs, offering good variety.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Wide range of pairs available, enhancing trading opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
Highly transparent with detailed information about fees, regulations, and services.	Website Transparency	Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
No dedicated crypto wallet service; relies on Paxos integration for custody.	Storage Offering	No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
Does not offer staking or rewards programs.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or reward programs available.
User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms with advanced charting tools.	Mobile App and Desktop	High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
24/7 support available, though response times can vary.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Multiple methods available but high fees for bank transfers.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

OANDA offers a proprietary web platform with over 65 technical indicators powered by TradingView, advanced charting tools, and a robust mobile app. They also provide comprehensive research offerings .

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, OANDA provides a mobile app for trading, which includes advanced charting and access to their full range of trading instruments .

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

Security

OANDA is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA. They offer negative balance protection for EU clients and are known for their transparency and robust security measures, including 24/7 customer support.

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

OANDA offers trading on 13 popular cryptocurrency CFDs, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, through their platform. They provide a user-friendly app with advanced charting tools and the ability to manage risk using limit and stop orders. OANDA’s crypto trading is available 24/7 with competitive spreads and transparent 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

OANDA does not support anonymous accounts. Personal information, financial details, and verification documents are necessary for opening an account .

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

OANDA offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs and direct trading through a partnership with Paxos. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Chainlink (LINK), EOS, Binance Coin (BNB), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), Uniswap (UNI), Tezos (XTZ), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT).

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

OANDA’s crypto trading experience is integrated into its well-established forex trading platform, providing a seamless and user-friendly interface. The platform supports a range of cryptocurrencies and offers easy account funding options. OANDA’s strong regulatory framework and security features add an extra layer of trust for users .

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

OANDA provides good value with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads on crypto CFDs. However, the platform’s above-average fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees might deter less 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 Kingdom, United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Singapore .

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

OANDA is best for traders who want the flexibility to trade both crypto CFDs and underlying crypto assets. Its strong regulatory framework and user-friendly app make it a good choice for those looking for a secure trading environment.

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

OANDA offers crypto CFD trading with a focus on transparency and regulation. The platform provides competitive spreads and leverage, making it a secure choice for trading cryptocurrencies.

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

OANDA offers deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is straightforward, but fees may apply for certain withdrawal methods, especially international transfers.

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

OANDA has a straightforward and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial details and submit verification documents. Accounts are typically approved within one business day.

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?

OANDA requires KYC verification. Users must submit personal identification documents and proof of address to open an account.

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

OANDA provides strong customer support available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to resolve their 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

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend OANDA for its reliability and robust security measures in cryptocurrency trading. OANDA’s regulation by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and CFTC ensures a secure trading environment. The platform offers a user-friendly experience with advanced charting tools and over 60 crypto trading pairs through its partnership with Paxos Trust Company. Despite its higher withdrawal fees and lack of leverage for crypto, OANDA is an excellent choice for traders seeking a trustworthy and well-regulated broker.

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 OANDA review

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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.

Comparison of OANDA vs ActivTrades [ 2025 ]

OANDA

ActivTrades

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

OANDA

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 OANDA and ActivTrades