Comparison of IG vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

ig

IG

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,9/5
  • 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

Average 3,4/5

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 – IG offers competitive spreads and a transparent fee structure for crypto CFDs. However, the inactivity fee after 24 months can be a downside for less active traders .
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

Average 3,4/5
Low 3,8/5

Brief explanation

IG’s commission structure for cryptocurrency trading primarily involves spreads and overnight funding fees. When trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies, IG charges a spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price. This spread varies depending on the cryptocurrency being traded. For example, spreads for Bitcoin and Ethereum are typically lower due to higher liquidity, while smaller altcoins may have wider spreads. Additionally, IG charges an overnight funding fee if positions are held open past a certain time. This fee is based on the size of the position and the duration it is held. Unlike some exchanges, IG does not charge a direct commission per trade, making the spread the primary cost to consider. However, traders should be aware of the potential for overnight fees to accumulate if positions are held long-term. Overall, while IG’s fee structure can seem complex due to the combination of spreads and overnight funding fees, it remains competitive for those who trade actively and manage their positions effectively.
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 .

IG

ig
Read IG review
  • Year Founded: IG was founded in 1974, giving it a long-standing reputation and extensive experience in the trading industry. This longevity demonstrates its stability and reliability as a trading platform.
  • Number of Users: IG serves over 239,000 clients worldwide, reflecting its widespread acceptance and trust among traders. A large user base often indicates a platform's credibility and reliability.
  • Security Methods: IG employs top-tier security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption protocols, and segregated client funds, ensuring that user data and assets are well-protected.
  • Reputation and Reviews: IG has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings from users and industry experts alike. Its commitment to transparency, customer service, and innovative tools has earned it numerous awards and recognitions.
  • Regulation: IG is regulated by several top financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These stringent regulatory standards provide additional assurance of its legitimacy and trustworthiness.
  • Pros
  • Competitive spreads on crypto CFDs.
  • Extensive range of cryptocurrency options.
  • Advanced trading tools and analytics.
  • Cons
  • Platform complexity can overwhelm beginners.
  • Only offers cryptocurrency CFDs.

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

IG does not have a native token.
ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

IG does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It offers crypto trading primarily through CFDs .
ActivTrades does not offer options to earn with cryptocurrencies through staking or similar programs .

NFT marketplace

IG does not have an NFT marketplace.
ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

IG does not provide a card for its clients .
ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

IG Group Holdings Plc​​.
ActivTrades Plc​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, CFTC/NFA (USA)​​.
FCA (UK), CSSF (Luxembourg), SCB (Bahamas)​​.

Year founded

1974​​
2001​​

Founder

Stuart Wheeler​​
Alex Pusco​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

Yes, IG accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is supported as a payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, IG accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .
Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

IG Features ActivTrades
IG’s low minimum trade size makes it accessible for beginners looking to start small.
Minimum Trade
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
While IG offers competitive spreads, its fee structure can be confusing and relatively high due to additional charges.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
IG provides a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, focusing primarily on major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The platform mainly supports crypto-to-fiat trading, with fewer options for trading between different cryptocurrencies.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
IG excels in transparency, providing clear and detailed information about fees, regulations, and trading options.
Website Transparency
Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
IG does not provide a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
IG does not offer dedicated crypto wallets, as it focuses on CFD trading rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.
Storage Offering
No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
There are no staking or reward programs for holding cryptocurrencies on IG.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or reward programs available.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are well-designed, offering advanced trading tools and features.
Mobile App and Desktop
High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
IG provides responsive and helpful customer service through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat.
Customer Service
Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
IG offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, though some may incur fees, and processing times can vary.
Deposit and Withdraw
Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

IG provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a highly functional mobile app. They also offer educational resources and risk management tools, including stop and limit orders .
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, IG offers the IG Trading app, which is highly regarded and packed with features for both casual and advanced traders .
Yes, ActivTrades provides mobile trading through the ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, which are available for iOS and Android devices .

Security

IG is highly trusted and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer robust security features such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption. IG also provides negative balance protection, ensuring clients do not lose more than their account balance​​.
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

IG offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies for trading via CFDs. Their platform includes robust charting tools, various order types, and 24/7 customer support. IG is regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of security and reliability. However, their services might not be available to all regions, and they do not provide direct ownership of 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

IG requires personal identification and verification documents for account opening, thus not supporting anonymous accounts .
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

IG offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies are Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), NEO, Stellar (XLM), and EOS​​.
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

IG’s platform is well-regarded for its usability, offering a straightforward interface for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform provides access to various educational resources and customer support, making it easier for new traders to get started. IG’s robust regulatory framework and security measures also contribute to a trustworthy trading environment .
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

IG provides excellent value for money with competitive fees and a wide range of tradable cryptocurrencies. However, its fee structure can be complex, and occasional traders may find some charges, such as inactivity fees, to be less appealing​​.
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, Australia, United States, Singapore .
United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

IG is suitable for traders who value a well-established, regulated platform with a range of educational resources. It’s best for those who prefer trading cryptocurrency CFDs and are looking for a comprehensive trading experience with robust security measures​​.
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

IG provides a robust platform for trading crypto CFDs, offering a variety of cryptocurrencies with leverage options. It is well-regulated and provides excellent trading tools, making it suitable for serious 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

IG offers free deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal. The process is quick and efficient, with most transactions processed within a few business days.
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

IG offers a smooth and fast account opening process. Users fill out an online application form, provide personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually approved within a 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 verification is compulsory at IG. Users are required to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.
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

IG offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to get 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

IG is highly trusted and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer robust security features such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption. IG also provides negative balance protection, ensuring clients do not lose more than their account balance​​.
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 on our website, I would recommend IG for its robust and secure trading platform. IG’s long-standing reputation, coupled with its strong regulatory oversight, makes it a reliable choice for cryptocurrency trading. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources are perfect for beginners, while the advanced trading tools cater to more experienced traders. However, it’s important to be aware of the complex fee structure and limited selection of cryptocurrencies. Overall, IG is a solid option for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies through a well-established broker.
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 IG review

View all comparisons against IG

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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