Comparison of TradeStation vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

TradeStation

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

ActivTrades

Main points

Fees

Low 4,2/5

Regulated

FINRA, SEC

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

3.9 – TradeStation charges competitive volume-based fees starting at $2 + 0.65% for small trades. The complex fee structure and $10 monthly inactivity fee are notable drawbacks .

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 4,2/5

Low 3,8/5

Brief explanation

TradeStation charges competitive fees for cryptocurrency trading, though there are some costs to be aware of. Trading commissions are based on a tiered structure, starting at 0.30% per trade for monthly volumes up to $100,000 and decreasing to 0.20% for volumes above $1 million. This makes TradeStation suitable for both small and large traders. Additionally, there is a spread markup, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The platform also charges an inactivity fee of $50 if there is no trading activity for 12 months, and wire transfer withdrawal fees are $25 for US clients and $35 for international clients. These fees can add up, especially for infrequent traders. Despite these costs, TradeStation’s comprehensive tools and security measures can justify the expenses for those who prioritize advanced trading capabilities and regulatory compliance.

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 .

TradeStation

Year Founded: Established in 1982, TradeStation has a long track record of stability and innovation in the brokerage industry.
Security Methods: TradeStation employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data and assets.
Regulation and Licensing: TradeStation is regulated by top-tier US authorities such as the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards.
Reputation and Reviews: TradeStation has consistently received positive reviews from users and industry experts for its advanced trading tools and comprehensive platform.
Transparency: As a subsidiary of Monex Group, a publicly listed company, TradeStation maintains a high level of transparency by regularly publishing financial statements and complying with rigorous disclosure requirements.

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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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

TradeStation does not have a native token.

ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

TradeStation does not provide staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. The platform allows direct trading of certain cryptocurrencies .

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

NFT marketplace

TradeStation does not have an NFT marketplace.

ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .

ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

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

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

Mastercard

No, TradeStation 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, TradeStation does not accept credit/debit cards .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

TradeStation	Features	ActivTrades
TradeStation allows for low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
Fees are higher than some competitors, especially for withdrawals.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Limited to major coins, restricting diversification opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
TradeStation provides clear and detailed information about its services and fees.	Website Transparency	Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
Utilizes secure storage solutions with BitGo for crypto assets.	Storage Offering	No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
No staking or rewards programs available.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or reward programs available.
Both platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, but the mobile app has fewer features.	Mobile App and Desktop	High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
Customer service is decent but has room for improvement in response times and support quality.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Limited methods and high fees for withdrawals, making it less user-friendly.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

TradeStation provides a powerful desktop trading platform with customizable sophisticated analysis tools, custom charts, and a detailed order book for crypto trading. They also offer mobile app trading with improved charting capabilities .

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, TradeStation offers a mobile app that includes advanced charting, trading, and analysis tools .

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

Security

TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency.

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

TradeStation offers direct cryptocurrency trading for a limited selection of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin. Their platform includes advanced features like strategy development and technical analysis through the TradeStation Master Class. They also support crypto trading in IRAs and provide competitive volume-based fees. However, their crypto offerings have decreased in recent years .

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

Anonymous accounts are not supported on TradeStation. Personal and financial information along with verification documents are required.

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

TradeStation offers trading in a few cryptocurrencies. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) .

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

TradeStation provides a powerful and intuitive platform for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform is designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders, with a range of tools and features that enhance the trading experience. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is limited, the platform’s overall usability and support make it a solid choice for crypto trading.

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

TradeStation offers good value with competitive volume-based fees and a range of trading tools. Its inactivity fee of $10 per month and the administrative fee for IRAs might be less attractive for occasional 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, available to most other countries except restricted regions like North Korea and Sudan .

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

TradeStation is suited for experienced traders who value advanced trading tools and direct access to crypto trading. Its detailed order book and professional-grade platform make it ideal for those who want to trade and analyze cryptocurrencies deeply.

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

TradeStation offers a limited selection of cryptocurrencies but provides a powerful trading platform with advanced tools and features. It is suitable for traders who want to integrate crypto trading with other financial products.

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

TradeStation supports deposits and withdrawals primarily via bank transfers. While the process is secure, it can be slower and more expensive compared to other brokers, with fees for wire 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

Opening an account with TradeStation is fully digital and user-friendly. Users need to provide personal and financial information and submit verification documents. The process usually takes one to two business days for approval.

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?

TradeStation requires KYC verification. Users need to provide personal 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

TradeStation provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available during market hours and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times.

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 in the crypto market, I find TradeStation to be a solid platform for those who prioritize security and advanced trading tools. While its cryptocurrency offerings are limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin, the platform excels in providing a highly regulated environment and robust trading features. TradeStation’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources make it a suitable choice for both seasoned traders and those looking to gain deeper insights into crypto trading. However, the high withdrawal fees and limited deposit options are areas that could be improved to enhance the overall user 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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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 TradeStation vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

TradeStation

ActivTrades

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

TradeStation

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 TradeStation and ActivTrades