Comparison of ActivTrades vs AvaTrade [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

activtrades

ActivTrades

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

avatrade

AvaTrade

Main points

Fees

Low 3,8/5

Regulated

FCA, CySEC

Demo account

Yes
Average 3,4/5

Fees

ASIC

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

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 .
4.2 – AvaTrade stands out with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads, making it a good option for frequent traders. The only drawback is the inactivity fee .

Level

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

Brief explanation

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 .
AvaTrade operates with a clear and competitive commission structure, making it an attractive choice for traders looking for cost efficiency. There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage compared to many other platforms. Deposits can be made via credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while withdrawals are processed within 1-5 business days, depending on the method used .

AvaTrade charges spreads on cryptocurrency trades, with typical spreads being competitive. For example, the spread for BTC/USD is around 0.35%, and for ETH/USD, it’s about 0.60%. These spreads are within the industry standard, offering traders cost-effective trading opportunities .

However, there are some non-trading fees to be aware of. AvaTrade imposes an inactivity fee of $50/quarter after three months of inactivity and a $100 administrative fee after 1 year of inactivity. Additionally, overnight financing fees apply to positions held overnight, with rates varying depending on the asset . Despite these non-trading fees, AvaTrade’s overall fee structure is transparent and competitive, making it a favorable platform for active traders looking to minimize their costs.

ActivTrades

AvaTrade

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

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

Earns

ActivTrades does not offer options to earn with cryptocurrencies through staking or similar programs .
AvaTrade does not provide earning options like staking for cryptocurrencies. The platform focuses on CFD trading .

NFT marketplace

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

Cripto/debit card

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

Company information

Full name

ActivTrades Plc​​.
AVA Trade EU Ltd​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CSSF (Luxembourg), SCB (Bahamas)​​.
Central Bank of Ireland, BVIFSC, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FFAJ, ADGM-FSRA, ISA​​.

Year founded

2001​​
2006​​

Founder

Alex Pusco​​
Emanuel Kronitz, Negev Nosatzki, Clal Finance​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

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

Wire transfer

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

Card

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .
Yes, AvaTrade accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

ActivTrades Features AvaTrade
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
Minimum Trade
Minimum trade size is accessible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it suitable for beginners.
Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Competitive spreads, but inactivity and overnight fees can add up .
Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Limited selection of 13 cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum .
Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, but the range is limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .
Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
Website Transparency
The website is clear and informative, with comprehensive details about fees, trading conditions, and regulations .
ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .
No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
Storage Offering
Does not offer crypto wallets as it only deals in crypto CFDs .
No staking or reward programs available.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or rewards programs available, which could be a drawback for some users .
High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
Mobile App and Desktop
AvaTradeGO mobile app and desktop platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 provide robust trading features and user-friendly interfaces .
Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Customer Service
Multilingual customer support available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, but not 24/7 .
Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.
Deposit and Withdraw
Free deposits and withdrawals with various methods, though withdrawal processing can take up to five days

Key features

Analysis tools

ActivTrades provides high-quality daily market analysis and offers the ActivTrader platform, which includes advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and mobile trading capabilities .
AvaTrade offers the Guardian Angel risk management tool for MetaTrader 4 and 5, which provides real-time feedback on trading actions. AvaTrade also provides access to a wide range of technical indicators and charting tools within their trading platforms .

Mobile APP

Yes, ActivTrades provides mobile trading through the ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, which are available for iOS and Android devices .
Yes, AvaTrade offers the AvaTradeGo mobile app, which is reliable and provides access to all trading tools and account management features .

Security

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​​.
AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance​​.

Additional features

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 .
AvaTrade is known for its extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more. They offer leverage up to 1:2 for EU clients and up to 1:25 for non-EU clients. AvaTrade also features the Guardian Angel tool for risk management, which gives instant feedback and advice tailored to each trader’s actions. Furthermore, they provide competitive spreads and have a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5 .

Anonymity

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 .
Anonymous accounts are not available on AvaTrade. The registration process includes filling out personal information, financial details, and providing proof of identity and residence .

Key points

Available 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)​​.
AvaTrade provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Ethereum (ETH), EOS, NEO, Dash, Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), IOTA (MIOTA), and Ripple (XRP). Additionally, it offers a Crypto10 index​​.

User-friendliness

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 .
AvaTrade simplifies the crypto trading experience with a quick and fully digital account setup process. Users can start trading within minutes, which is significantly faster compared to traditional crypto exchanges. The platform supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making it convenient for global users. AvaTrade’s intuitive interface and support for various cryptocurrencies make it an excellent choice for beginners .

Value for money

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​​.
AvaTrade provides a robust value for money with no deposit or withdrawal fees, though it charges an inactivity fee of $50 after three months of inactivity. The spreads on major cryptos are competitive, making it a good option for active traders​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .
Ireland, Japan, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Israel .

Best for

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​​.
AvaTrade is great for traders who are interested in speculating on the price movements of major cryptocurrencies using CFDs. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to utilize leverage and trade within a highly regulated framework, although the limited number of available cryptocurrencies might be a drawback for some​​.

Account

Trading

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.
AvaTrade supports crypto CFD trading with a range of popular cryptocurrencies. The platform is well-regulated and offers leverage, providing a secure environment for trading cryptos.

Deposit and withdrawal

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.
AvaTrade supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is generally smooth, but withdrawal times can vary based on the method used.

Account opening process

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.
Opening an account with AvaTrade is simple and fast. Users must complete an online registration form, provide personal information, and upload verification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved within a day.

KYC required?

Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory at ActivTrades. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.
AvaTrade requires KYC verification. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

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.
AvaTrade provides strong customer support through multiple channels including live chat, email, and phone. Their support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users report occasional delays in getting complex issues resolved.

Security

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​​.
AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

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​​.
As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend AvaTrade for its robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading platforms. AvaTrade’s diverse range of trading instruments and excellent customer support make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies could be broader, and the inactivity fees lower, the overall security and ease of use make AvaTrade a strong contender in the world of crypto trading.

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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