Choosing the right broker is one of the most important decisions a trader can make. With so many brokers available, it can be overwhelming to find one that suits your needs. In this article, we’ll compare two popular brokers, FXCC and ActivTrades, to help you decide which one is the better choice for your trading journey. Let’s break down the differences between these two brokers based on key factors such as regulation, trading platforms, spreads, and more.
This table provides a clear, side-by-side comparison to help users make an informed decision.
| Feature | FXCC | ActivTrades |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2001 |
| Regulation | CySEC | FCA, CSSF |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips | From 0.5 pips |
| Commission | No commissions on most trades | Commissions on shares, ETFs |
| Minimum Deposit | No minimum deposit | $500 |
| Account Types | ECN XL | Individual, Professional, Islamic |
| Customer Support | 24/5 via chat, email, phone | 24/5 with local support and webinars |
| Education Resources | Basic articles and market analysis | Extensive webinars and tutorials |
| Safety Features | Segregated accounts, ICF | GBP 1,000,000 fund protection |
1. Overview of FXCC and ActivTrades
FXCC
FXCC, short for Foreign Exchange Central Clearing Ltd, is a well-established broker that offers a variety of trading services. Founded in 2010, FXCC is known for its ECN/STP (Electronic Communication Network/Straight Through Processing) model, which allows traders to access the interbank market directly. This model ensures that there are no conflicts of interest between the broker and the trader.
- Founded: 2010
- Regulation: FXCC is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
- Trading Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals.
- Account Types: ECN XL, which features low spreads and no commissions on most trades.
ActivTrades
ActivTrades, founded in 2001, is a globally recognized broker with a focus on providing cutting-edge technology for its users. With competitive spreads and a user-friendly platform, ActivTrades caters to both beginner and advanced traders. The broker has a strong reputation for safety and security, ensuring that clients’ funds are protected.
- Founded: 2001
- Regulation: ActivTrades is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg.
- Trading Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, and ETFs.
- Account Types: Individual, professional, and Islamic accounts.
2. Regulation and Safety
When choosing a broker, regulation is critical for ensuring the safety of your funds. Both FXCC and ActivTrades are regulated by reputable authorities.
- FXCC: Regulated by CySEC, which ensures a high level of protection for clients. Traders’ funds are kept in segregated accounts, and the broker is part of the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), offering an additional layer of protection.
- ActivTrades: Regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA and CSSF, ActivTrades also provides added security by offering insurance that protects clients’ funds up to GBP 1,000,000 in case of insolvency. This level of protection is rare and highly appealing to cautious traders.
Winner: ActivTrades takes the lead here with its extra insurance and regulation by the highly regarded FCA.
3. Trading Platforms
Both brokers provide access to powerful trading platforms, but there are key differences.
- FXCC: FXCC uses the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely regarded for its ease of use, customization options, and advanced charting tools. MT4 is particularly favored by forex traders due to its large selection of technical indicators and automated trading capabilities (via Expert Advisors).
- ActivTrades: While ActivTrades also offers MT4, it stands out by providing MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the more advanced successor to MT4. MT5 offers more timeframes, advanced charting tools, and more order types. Additionally, ActivTrades offers its proprietary platform, ActivTrader, which is designed with a modern and intuitive interface, perfect for mobile and desktop trading.
Winner: ActivTrades offers more variety with both MT4, MT5, and its own ActivTrader platform.
4. Spreads and Fees
Lower spreads and transparent fee structures are essential for maximizing your trading profits. Let’s see how FXCC and ActivTrades compare in this regard.
- FXCC: FXCC offers tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs, which is beneficial for scalpers and day traders. In addition, there are no commission fees on the ECN XL account for most trades, making it cost-effective for traders.
- ActivTrades: ActivTrades also provides competitive spreads, with spreads on EUR/USD starting from 0.5 pips. However, there is a commission on certain products like CFDs on shares and ETFs. They also offer swap-free accounts for Islamic traders.
Winner: FXCC offers lower spreads and no commissions on most trades, making it a better choice for cost-conscious traders.
5. Account Types and Minimum Deposit
- FXCC: FXCC provides a single ECN XL account with no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to new traders. The account also offers several features like tight spreads and fast execution speeds.
- ActivTrades: ActivTrades offers a more varied account structure, including individual, professional, and Islamic accounts. The minimum deposit is $500, which may be restrictive for some beginners. However, the variety of accounts ensures that traders at different experience levels can find a suitable option.
Winner: FXCC is more accessible with no minimum deposit, making it ideal for beginners.
6. Customer Support
Good customer support can make a big difference when you face challenges or have questions about your trades.
- FXCC: FXCC provides 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. The response times are generally fast, and the support team is knowledgeable.
- ActivTrades: ActivTrades also offers 24/5 customer support, but they go the extra mile by providing local support in several countries. They also offer educational resources and webinars to help traders improve their skills.
Winner: ActivTrades wins for its more extensive support and educational offerings.
7. Educational Resources
- FXCC: FXCC offers basic educational content, including articles and market analysis. However, the resources may feel limited for more advanced traders.
- ActivTrades: ActivTrades excels in this area, offering a rich library of educational materials, including webinars, tutorials, and a learning center designed to help traders of all experience levels.
Winner: ActivTrades offers a superior educational platform for traders looking to improve their skills.
Conclusion
In the battle of FXCC vs ActivTrades, the right choice will depend on your specific trading needs:
- Choose FXCC if you are a beginner or cost-conscious trader looking for low spreads and no commissions, with no minimum deposit.
- Choose ActivTrades if you want advanced trading platforms, superior regulation, extra fund protection, and a wealth of educational resources.
Both brokers have their strengths, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Regardless of which you choose, both FXCC and ActivTrades offer robust trading experiences to help you succeed in the financial markets.
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Editorial Staff at Chweya is a team of financial experts led by Vincent Nyagaka, with over 9 years of experience in finance, commerce, forex, crypto, and marketing. Started in 2014, Chweya is now among the largest free financial resource sites in the industry and is often referred to as Wikipedia for business.