C
Capital.com
4.0 / 5Score: 2 / 4
Capital.com pairs multi-tier regulatory strength with a sleek, AI-enhanced trading experience.
- Min deposit
- $20
- Max leverage
- 1:200
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CySEC, ASIC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/2/2026
Capital.com vs ActivTrades: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Capital.com and ActivTrades are both London-headquartered, multi-regulated brokers, but they appeal to different types of traders. Our research shows Capital.com pulling ahead on overall rating and regulatory strength, while ActivTrades counters with tighter spreads and a zero minimum deposit.
A
ActivTrades
3.6 / 5Score: 2 / 4
ActivTrades delivers razor-tight spreads and zero minimum deposit for accessible, cost-efficient trading.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:400
- Spread from
- 0.5 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CySEC
Overall Winner
Capital.com
Best for Beginners
ActivTrades
Lowest Fees
ActivTrades
Top Regulation
Capital.com
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | C Capital.com | A ActivTrades |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.0 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Founded | 2016 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | London, UK |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | FCA, CySEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $20 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:400 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
| Markets Offered | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Capital.com
$20
ActivTrades
$0
Spreads From
Capital.com
0.6 pips
ActivTrades
0.5 pips
Commission
Capital.com
None
ActivTrades
None
Deposit Fees
Capital.com
None
ActivTrades
None
Withdrawal Fees
Capital.com
None
ActivTrades
None
Pros & cons
C
Capital.com
Pros
- Highest overall rating in this comparison at 4.0/5
- Backed by three respected regulators, including FCA and ASIC
- No commission charges on standard trading activity
- No deposit or withdrawal fees whatsoever
- Modern proprietary platforms built for ease of use
- Broad multi-asset market access in one account
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit than ActivTrades at $20
- Slightly wider spreads starting from 0.6 pips
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:200
- No MT5 support for traders wanting the newer MetaTrader engine
A
ActivTrades
Pros
- Tightest spreads in this comparison, starting at 0.5 pips
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- Higher maximum leverage of up to 1:400
- Long-established broker founded in 2001
- Full MT4 and MT5 platform support
- No commission on trading, plus no deposit or withdrawal fees
Cons
- Lower overall rating than Capital.com at 3.6/5
- Fewer regulatory licences, with only two versus Capital.com's three
- No ASIC oversight, which may matter to some traders
- Higher leverage options carry increased risk for inexperienced traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Capital.com
Lowest fees ActivTrades
Best regulation Capital.com
Better for beginners ActivTrades
Capital.com is our recommended pick overall, earning a 3.96/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5 on our independent rating system. Capital.com's edge comes from its stronger regulatory footprint across three tier-1 jurisdictions (FCA, CySEC, ASIC), giving cautious traders extra peace of mind. That said, ActivTrades is no pushover — its 0.5 pip spreads, $0 minimum deposit, and higher 1:400 leverage make it a genuinely compelling choice for cost-conscious beginners and those with smaller starting capital.
Regulation & Safety
Capital.com holds licences from the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC — three respected tier-1 and tier-2 regulators spanning the UK, Europe, and Australia. This broader regulatory footprint gives traders access to multiple layers of investor protection depending on their region of residence.
ActivTrades, by comparison, is regulated by the FCA and CySEC. While this is still a solid two-regulator setup backed by long-standing oversight bodies, it doesn't quite match Capital.com's three-jurisdiction spread.
For traders who prioritize regulatory diversification above all else, Capital.com is the safer statistical bet. ActivTrades still offers robust protections, but with one fewer major licence in its portfolio.
Fees & Spreads
This is where ActivTrades fights back hardest. Its spreads start from 0.5 pips, undercutting Capital.com's 0.6 pip starting spread on comparable instruments.
Neither broker charges a commission on standard trading, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees entirely — a welcome relief for traders tired of hidden charges eating into returns.
The spread difference is small in absolute terms, but for high-frequency traders or scalpers executing dozens of trades daily, that 0.1 pip gap can meaningfully compound over time in ActivTrades's favor.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit at all, making it exceptionally accessible for beginners or traders who want to test the waters with a small account before committing more capital.
Capital.com asks for a modest $20 minimum — still low by industry standards, but a real barrier compared to ActivTrades's $0 threshold.
If accessibility and low upfront commitment are your top priorities, ActivTrades has a clear structural advantage here.
Trading Platforms & Tools
Capital.com runs on its own Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms alongside MT4 support, blending an in-house AI-driven interface with the familiarity of MetaTrader.
ActivTrades goes further on platform choice, offering MT4, MT5, and a Proprietary Web platform — giving traders access to the newer MT5 engine with its additional order types and timeframes.
For traders who specifically want MT5 compatibility or maximum platform flexibility, ActivTrades edges out Capital.com. Those who prefer a modern proprietary experience with AI-assisted tools may lean toward Capital.com instead.
Leverage & Trading Conditions
ActivTrades offers maximum leverage of up to 1:400, substantially higher than Capital.com's 1:200 cap. This can amplify both potential gains and potential losses, so it's a double-edged consideration.
Capital.com's more conservative 1:200 ceiling may appeal to risk-aware traders or those trading in jurisdictions with stricter leverage rules, while ActivTrades's higher cap suits experienced traders seeking more capital efficiency.
Both brokers offer identical market coverage across CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto, so instrument variety is essentially a non-factor in this comparison.
Our Verdict
Capital.com wins on our overall rating (4.0/5 vs 3.6/5) thanks largely to its stronger three-jurisdiction regulatory profile and polished proprietary platform suite.
ActivTrades remains an excellent alternative for beginners, cost-sensitive traders, and those who want zero minimum deposit combined with tighter spreads and higher leverage.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you value most: Capital.com for regulatory breadth and overall polish, or ActivTrades for accessibility, tighter pricing, and platform flexibility.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Capital.com wins overall
Capital.com edges out ActivTrades overall based on our expert rating score.
C
Highest Rated
Capital.com
4.0 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4/5).
Capital.comBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
ActivTradesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
ActivTradesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Capital.com
Frequently asked questions
According to our independent rating system, Capital.com edges out ActivTrades with a 4.0/5 score compared to 3.6/5. This is largely driven by Capital.com's broader regulatory coverage across three jurisdictions. That said, the better fit really depends on your individual priorities — see our full breakdown above.
ActivTrades offers tighter spreads starting from 0.5 pips, compared to Capital.com's 0.6 pip starting point. Both brokers charge no commission on standard trades and waive deposit and withdrawal fees, so the spread is the main differentiator on cost.
Capital.com requires a minimum deposit of just $20, while ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit at all. This makes ActivTrades marginally more accessible for traders wanting to start with minimal upfront capital.
Capital.com holds licences from the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC, spanning three separate regulatory jurisdictions. ActivTrades is regulated by the FCA and CySEC only. Both are well-regulated, but Capital.com's additional ASIC licence gives it a slight edge in regulatory breadth.
Capital.com offers its own Proprietary Web and Mobile apps alongside MT4 support. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, and its own Proprietary Web platform, giving it the edge for traders who specifically want MT5 access.
Yes, absolutely. Many traders maintain accounts with multiple brokers simultaneously to diversify their market access, compare execution quality, or take advantage of different platform tools offered by each provider.
ActivTrades offers significantly higher maximum leverage of up to 1:400, compared to Capital.com's cap of 1:200. Higher leverage can increase both potential profits and potential losses, so it should be used cautiously regardless of which broker you choose.
ActivTrades is generally considered the stronger pick for beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and tighter spreads, lowering the barrier to entry. Capital.com is still beginner-friendly with a low $20 minimum, but ActivTrades has a slight practical advantage for first-time traders.
No, neither broker charges any deposit or withdrawal fees, making both cost-effective choices when it comes to moving money in and out of your trading account.
ActivTrades has the longer track record, having been founded in 2001, compared to Capital.com which was established in 2016. Traders who value a longer operating history may see this as a point in ActivTrades's favor.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.