Comparison of Trading212 vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theTrading212 vs ActivTrades comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Trading212

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

ActivTrades

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FCA, CySEC

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

4.3 – Trading212 provides commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform. However, the 0.3% to 0.5% fee on currency conversion orders and inactivity fee are potential downsides .

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

Trading212 employs a straightforward fee structure with no commissions on most trading activities, particularly for CFD accounts. Users benefit from free deposits and withdrawals, making the platform financially accessible. However, there are fees associated with specific services. For instance, a 0.7% fee is charged on deposits exceeding €2,000 when using credit/debit cards or electronic wallets. Currency conversion carries a fee of 0.15% for Invest accounts and 0.5% for CFD accounts. Additionally, inactive accounts are charged £9, €9, or $9 after six months of inactivity .

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 .

Trading212

Year Founded: Trading212 was established with a solid foundation in the trading industry and has steadily grown its reputation over the years, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy platform for its users.
Number of Users: With millions of users worldwide, Trading212 has built a large and active community, reflecting its credibility and user satisfaction.
Regulation: Trading212 is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing a strong layer of security and adherence to strict financial standards.
Customer Service: The platform offers comprehensive customer support, including a helpful community forum and various contact methods, ensuring that users can get assistance when needed.
Withdrawal and Deposit Policies: Trading212 supports a wide range of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets, making transactions easy and accessible for users.

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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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Trading212 does not have a native token.

ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

Trading212 does not offer staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. It provides trading through crypto CFDs .

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

NFT marketplace

Trading212 does not have an NFT marketplace.

ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .

ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Trading 212 accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

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

Mastercard

Yes, Trading212 accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Yes, Wise is supported as a payment method .

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, Trading 212 accepts credit/debit cards .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Trading212	Features	ActivTrades
The platform allows users to start trading with as little as £1, making it highly accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
Trading212 offers competitive fees with no commissions on real stock trades, but CFD trading involves spreads.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
Trading212 supports a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which might not satisfy traders looking for a wide variety of digital assets.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The platform does not offer direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, limiting the trading options available.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
Trading212 provides clear and comprehensive information about its fees, services, and regulatory status, ensuring transparency for users.	Website Transparency	Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
Trading212 does not offer a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
Trading212 does not provide dedicated cryptocurrency storage solutions, as it primarily deals with CFDs rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.	Storage Offering	No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
There are no staking or rewards programs available on Trading212, limiting passive income opportunities for users.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or reward programs available.
Trading212 offers robust mobile and desktop applications with a user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools.	Mobile App and Desktop	High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
The platform offers good customer support through various channels, though there is room for improvement in response times.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward and support multiple payment methods, though crypto withdrawals are not available.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

Trading 212 offers a web-based platform and mobile apps with many features, including technical indicators and charting tools. They also provide educational resources and a demo account for practice 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, Trading 212 provides mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices, featuring many of the functionalities found on their web-based platform .

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

Security

Trading 212 is regulated by the FCA and CySEC, ensuring a high level of security. However, they do not provide basic security features like two-factor authentication, which could be a concern for some investors.

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

Trading212 allows trading of cryptocurrency CFDs with benefits like leverage and short selling. They offer a user-friendly platform with a demo account for practice. Trading212 supports a wide range of payment methods and provides low fees for trading CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, and forex in addition to cryptocurrencies .

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

Trading212 does not support anonymous accounts. The registration process includes providing personal details and identity verification.

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

Trading212 supports trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other popular cryptocurrencies .

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

Trading212 offers a user-friendly and fast platform for trading crypto CFDs. The account setup process is quick, and the platform supports multiple payment methods. While the range of cryptocurrencies available for trading is limited, Trading212’s intuitive design and ease of use make it a good option for beginners.

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

Trading212 provides excellent value with commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform. However, its fee for credit/debit card deposits and a small commission on stock trades might be a downside for some users.

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, European Union, available in most countries that allow crypto trading .

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

Trading212 is best for beginner and intermediate traders looking for a user-friendly platform with commission-free trading of crypto CFDs. It’s suitable for those who want to start trading quickly and benefit from a wide range of other financial instruments.

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

Trading212 supports crypto CFD trading with leverage, offering a straightforward and easy-to-use platform. It is ideal for beginners who want to start trading cryptocurrencies without owning them.

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

Trading212 offers free deposits and withdrawals through a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is typically fast and efficient.

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

Trading212 offers a simple and fast account opening process. Users fill out an online form, provide personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. The process is fully digital and 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?

KYC is mandatory at Trading212. Users must submit identification documents and proof of address during 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

Trading212 offers customer support through live chat, email, and phone. The support is available 24/7 and is known for being responsive and helpful, providing users with timely and effective assistance.

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 at our website, I recommend Trading212 for beginners and casual traders who are looking to explore the world of cryptocurrency trading in a secure and user-friendly environment. The platform’s ease of use, competitive fees, and strong regulatory oversight make it a reliable choice. However, if you’re an advanced trader seeking a wide variety of cryptocurrencies or specialized features like staking, you might find the platform somewhat limited. Nonetheless, Trading212 is an excellent starting point for anyone new to crypto trading.

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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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 Trading212 vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

Trading212

ActivTrades

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Trading212

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 Trading212 and ActivTrades