Updated October 13, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
ActivTrades vs Bestinvest
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
What sets them apart
| Compare |  ActivTrades |  Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Stock trade fee | $0 | £4.95 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Bonds | Stocks, ETFs, Funds |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5%Lower | 0.95% |
| Platforms | ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView | Mobile app |
| Minimum deposit | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Account fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Regulators | FCA, SCB, CMVM, FSC, BACEN | Not confirmed |
| Investor protection | FSCS up to GBP 85,000 | Not confirmed |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84% | Not confirmed |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free deposits and withdrawals | Not confirmed |
| Account types | Not confirmed | ISA, SIPP, Jisa |
| Interest on cash | 3.3% | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Currency conversion fee is lower at ActivTrades: 0.5% vs 0.95%.
- Markets: only ActivTrades offers Forex, CFDs, Crypto.
- Markets: only Bestinvest offers Funds.
- Platforms: only ActivTrades offers ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Platforms: only Bestinvest offers Mobile app.
- Features: only ActivTrades offers Crypto, Demo account, Fractional shares.
- Pricing model: only ActivTrades offers Commission free.
- Pricing model: only Bestinvest offers Low fees.
Our verdict on each
ActivTrades
ActivTrades suits active share and CFD traders who want broad market access with commission free dealing and flexible platform choice for everyday orders. Minimum deposit sits at $0, stock trade fee sits at $0 and retail accounts that lose money sit at 84%, so careful risk controls remain essential.
Bestinvest
Bestinvest is an online investment platform known for pairing wide investment choice with expert coaching and planning tools. It suits newcomers and steady investors who want ISAs, pensions and junior accounts with clear guidance while they shape long term goals.
Score breakdown
| Area | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3HigherAccount fee sits at $0 so holding costs stay contained | 8.2 |
| Offer | 9.6HigherCoverage spans stocks, ETFs and forex across shares and leveraged products | 8.9 |
| Trust | 9.5Oversight includes FCA, SCB and CMVM with FCA cover for reassurance | 9.7Higher |
Side by side, item by item
| Markets | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| CFDs | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No |
| Bonds | Yes | No |
| Funds | No | Yes |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and ETF brokers | 1 of 471 | 249 of 471 |
Also worth a look
willbe has currency conversion fee at 0.3%, against 0.5% for ActivTrades and 0.95% for Bestinvest.
willbe reviewEvery fact side by side
| Fact | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Demo account, Fractional shares, Mobile appCovers more | Mobile app |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Low fees |
| Audience | Not confirmed | Beginners |
| Legal entity | Not confirmed | Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Limited |
| Headquarters | Not confirmed | United Kingdom |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 1986 |
| Support channels | Not confirmed | Phone, Help centre |
Robo-advisors
| Fact | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| Management fee | Not confirmed | 0% to 0.4% |
| Minimum investment | Not confirmed | £50 |
| Portfolio types | Not confirmed | ETF, ESG, Cash |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | ActivTrades | Bestinvest | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0below the median | Not confirmed | $25 |
| Account fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84%highest quarter | Not confirmed | 72.05% |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5%above the median | 0.95%highest quarter | 0.45% |
| Interest on cash | 3.3%above the median | Not confirmed | 3% |
Median across 134 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
ActivTrades
Pros
- Stock trade fee sits at $0 for share dealing under commission free
- Minimum deposit sits at $0, below eToro at $50
- Funding terms read Free deposits and withdrawals for deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Retail accounts that lose money sit at 84%, above the CFD median at 72.05%
- Currency conversion on funding costs 0.5% for balances held in other currencies
- Cash interest sits at 3.3%, which limits appeal for cash heavy portfolios
Bestinvest
Pros
- Operates with over 40 years of experience dating back to 1986.
- Offers expert coaching and smart planning tools alongside investment choice.
- Covers more than 3,000 shares and funds plus ETFs and investment trusts.
Cons
- Management of investments happens online and through the mobile app.
- Ready-made Portfolios are built and managed by the parent company teams.
Who each suits
ActivTrades
Who it suits
- New traders starting modestly with entry at $0 and practice via crypto, demo account and fractional shares
- Share traders wanting dealing at $0 across stocks, ETFs and forex with platform choice
- CFD traders wanting structured support via email, chat and phone where funding reads Free deposits and withdrawals
Who should look elsewhere
- Traders wanting crypto led dealing with very low cash entry may prefer Kraken at $1
- Traders wanting social and copy features may prefer eToro despite higher entry at $50
Bestinvest
Who it suits
- New investors wanting coaching with investment choice
- Parents arranging junior ISAs and pensions for children
- Planners using ISAs and SIPPs for long term goals
Who should look elsewhere
- Traders seeking face to face branch service
- Investors wanting fully independent portfolio management
Country by country
| Country | ActivTrades | Bestinvest |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | No | Yes |
Questions about each
ActivTrades
What does ActivTrades charge for stock trades?+
Stock trade fee sits at $0 for share dealing. The pricing model is described by commission free, which helps keep ticket costs predictable for equity orders. Spreads and conversion charges can still apply on leveraged trades, so review order previews and statements before dealing.
Is ActivTrades regulated and safe?+
Oversight comes via FCA, SCB and CMVM, including FCA cover alongside other regional entities. Eligible balances carry protection at FSCS up to GBP 85,000. Protection applies under scheme rules and by entity, so confirm which entity serves your account during signup and keep account records.
Bestinvest
Which accounts does Bestinvest provide?+
Bestinvest provides ISAs, Self-invested Personal Pensions, a general investment account without annual limits, and junior versions for children. You can hold Ready-made Portfolios inside these accounts or select your own investments. The range supports goals from daily investing to retirement and childhood saving.
Who runs Bestinvest and its Ready-made Portfolios?+
Bestinvest has helped investors make the most of their money since 1986, building over 40 years of experience. Its Ready-made Portfolios are built and managed by expert teams at its parent company Evelyn Partners. That relationship gives hands off investors professional portfolio management within the platform.
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