ActivTrades vs Switchere: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between ActivTrades and Switchere This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on September 5, 2025

ActivTrades

Switchere

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Available Countries

United States

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Yes

Canada

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

China

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

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ActivTrades is ideal if:

User-Friendly Platforms – ActivTrades offers intuitive trading via MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and its proprietary ActivTrader, plus handy tools like progressive trailing stops and sentiment indicators, making it straightforward for both newer and seasoned traders.
Strong Safety and Trust – With multi-regulatory oversight and enhanced investor protection—including negative-balance coverage and insurance exceeding standard thresholds—it prioritizes client security across regions.
Wide Multi-Asset Access – It supports a broad market portfolio including CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, bonds, and select crypto, giving you flexible diversification opportunities under one roof.

Switchere is ideal if:

Effortless fiat-to-crypto gateway – ideal if you want a no-fuss, speedy way to convert USD or EUR into crypto using cards or online banking, with funds delivered directly to your wallet.
Friendly for total beginners – offers a streamlined, intuitive platform that removes complexity, making it a welcoming entry point into crypto for new users.
Regulated and non-custodial setup – delivers peace of mind through legal compliance and ensures you retain control of your crypto by sending purchases straight to your own wallet.

ActivTrades isn’t ideal if:

Limited real equity access – Offers only CFDs, which means you can’t buy actual stocks or ETFs directly.
No copy-trading or social tools – Doesn’t support automated strategy sharing or social trading, which may be a drawback for those seeking passive or collaborative trading methods.
Potential inactivity and funding limits – May charge dormancy fees after extended inactivity, and deposit/withdrawal options can vary depending on your region.

Switchere isn’t ideal if:

Limited crypto selection – if you're looking for a broad portfolio that includes niche altcoins, Switchere only offers a basic range of major tokens.
Premium pricing for convenience – the platform’s streamlined experience comes with higher-than-average purchase costs, which may deter budget-conscious users.
Browser-only access – no dedicated mobile app means you’ll need to navigate the platform via web browser on phones and tablets, which could affect convenience for on-the-go use.

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

ActivTrades offers zero-commission crypto CFD trading with spreads embedded in the price instead of separate maker/taker fees. There’s no tiered pricing based on trading volume and no native-token-based discounts available.

Switchere primarily serves as a straightforward “buy crypto” service rather than a traditional exchange, so it doesn’t offer maker/taker fee tiers by volume or discounts for using a native token—it simply charges a built-in processing fee for every transaction.

Futures/Derivatives

Since ActivTrades focuses on spot crypto CFDs rather than traditional futures contracts, there are no maker or taker fees—costs come via spread and overnight financing charges if you hold positions beyond a trading day.

Switchere does not support derivatives or futures trading, so there are no maker/taker fees or funding rates to consider.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

ActivTrades aims to offer tight spreads and minimal slippage on its most traded crypto CFDs, though specific spread values for pairs like BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT aren’t reported publicly as fixed figures.

There’s no transparent order book or spread data since you purchase directly via a widget; the cost is embedded in the exchange rate presented at time of purchase.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

You can deposit or withdraw fiat via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or e-wallet. Most methods are free, but deposits using cards incur a small percentage fee depending on your region. Processing time ranges from near-instant for cards and e-wallets to the same working day for bank transfers.

You can pay using credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA/instant bank transfers—fees and processing speeds vary by method, and cashouts are not handled since crypto goes straight to your wallet.

On-chain Withdrawals

ActivTrades doesn’t support on-chain crypto withdrawals—only CFDs—so there are no network-based or fixed blockchain withdrawal fees to consider.

Switchere doesn’t charge separate withdrawal fees

Hidden Costs

There’s a small currency conversion fee if your deposit or withdrawal currency doesn’t match your account base. After prolonged inactivity (typically over a year), a monthly dormancy fee applies. There’s no explicit, paid “KYC express” service advertised, keeping these verification costs minimal or absorbed in standard processes.

The platform clearly displays all fees before confirmation; there are no extra charges for inactivity, fast-track KYC, or currency conversions—you just pay the visible processing plus the network fee.

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

If you use €500 to buy BTC via CFD, you’d face a spread-based cost embedded in the execution price (since it’s commission-free), followed by any applicable currency conversion if your base isn’t in euros, and would then encounter no actual withdrawal fee—since crypto cannot be withdrawn, you’re unable to transfer real BTC out of the platform.

You’d see a single total cost that includes the platform’s processing fee and the blockchain cost—everything is bundled into the final euro-to-BTC rate shown at checkout.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

ActivTrades provides around 16 crypto CFDs covering major coins like BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC and others—not ranked by volume—so you’ll trade the most recognized tokens but won’t find a broader altcoin selection or a highlights list of top 20 by trading volume.

Switchere supports over 180 cryptocurrencies, covering a wide variety of tokens from major coins to DeFi, GameFi, and utility assets; the most traded usually include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Cardano.

Product Range

ActivTrades specializes in spot-style crypto CFDs only; it does not offer derivatives like perpetuals or options, nor crypto ETFs, staking, lending, copy trading, grid strategies, or automatic DCA functionalities.

The platform focuses exclusively on spot purchases—there’s no margin, derivatives, options, ETFs, staking/earn programs, loans, copy trading, grid bots, or automated DCA services available.

Liquidity

Liquidity must be inferred from competitive spreads and seamless execution, as ActivTrades does not publish direct 24-hour volumes or depth-of-book data for BTC or ETH CFDs—but execution speed and tight pricing suggest adequate market depth.

As a fiat-to-crypto gateway rather than an order-book exchange, Switchere does not provide public 24-hour volume or order book depth metrics for BTC or ETH pairs.

Tools

ActivTrades features robust trading tools across its proprietary ActivTrader, MT4, MT5, and TradingView platforms, offering limit/stop orders (including OCO), real-time alerts, sophisticated charting, and API/WS access on desktop and mobile.

There are no advanced order types like limit, stop, or OCO; nor are there alerts, in-platform charting tools, API/WS access, or native TradingView integration.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

Certain features—such as leverage levels and guaranteed stop-loss tools—vary by jurisdiction due to regulatory boundaries, and crucially, crypto CFDs aren’t available to clients in the United States.

While Switchere is broadly available across many regions, advanced trading tools simply don’t exist anywhere, so there are no geographic restrictions in that sense—everyone has the same (limited) functionality.

Innovation

ActivTrades focuses on core CFD trading and doesn’t extend into more avant-garde offerings like launchpads, launchpools, or flexible/locked crypto earning programs.

The platform currently does not offer launchpads, launchpools, flexible vs locked earn programs, or similar innovation-driven products—it remains strongly rooted in streamlined fiat-to-crypto simplicity.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

ActivTrades is operated by ActivTrades PLC, incorporated in 2001 and headquartered in London, UK, with international branches in Milan, Sofia, and The Bahamas.

Switchere is operated by SH EUROPE UAB (and services are provided by PayBis Poland Sp. z o.o.), with its legal foundation in Lithuania (HQ in Vilnius) and operations regulated under Estonian jurisdiction—creating a dual-layer structure that combines Lithuanian incorporation with Estonian oversight.

Licenses/Registration

The firm is regulated by the UK’s FCA, Portugal’s CMVM, and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB), with a previously held Dubai license now revoked—no explicit VASP or MiCA registration is noted.

The platform holds virtual currency service licenses from Estonia’s Financial Intelligence Unit, affirming legal compliance under EU standards for handling cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet operations.

Custody

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier financial institutions; the broker does not publish proof-of-reserves, cold storage percentages, or third-party custody details.

Switchere operates as a non-custodial gateway—crypto assets are sent directly to your personal wallet rather than held under its control, with no public proof-of-reserves or cold storage disclosures, as it does not hold funds itself.

Insurance & Protection Funds

Beyond regulatory safeguards, ActivTrades maintains up to $1 million in supplemental insurance (underwritten by Lloyd’s syndicates) to protect client funds in the event of firm insolvency.

There are no publicized funds or insurance schemes to cover user balances, as the model avoids custodial risks by transferring all assets directly to users’ personal wallets.

Incident History

There are no widely known or recent incidents involving hacks, platform suspensions, or asset freezes; a past fine in 2011 for fund segregation issues has since been addressed through strengthened client fund protections.

To date, there are no widely reported hacks, suspension events, or major regulatory penalties associated with Switchere; it maintains a comparatively incident-free record.

Risk Controls

The platform enforces robust security measures—including SSL encryption, 2FA, anti-phishing protocols—as well as functionality for sub-accounts and granular API permissions to help manage risk and ensure safer access.

The platform employs industry-standard security measures—including SSL/TLS encryption, 3D Secure for card payments, and mandatory identity verification via AML/KYC—however, features like 2FA, whitelists, or granular API permissions are not prominently offered.

Transparency

ActivTrades operates within MiFID II frameworks, offering best-execution policies and regulatory compliance documents, though it doesn’t provide public wallets, monthly financial reports, or explicit SLA disclosures on its website.

Switchere provides clear upfront cost disclosures and limit tiers, but lacks public monthly transparency reports, publicly viewable wallet addresses, or guaranteed service-level agreements (SLA) for operations.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

ActivTrades allows fiat deposits via bank wire, credit/debit card, and e-wallets like Skrill, PayPal, and Sofort—with no universal minimum deposit (except higher thresholds for China and Brazil), typically credited instantly via cards/e-wallets and same-day for bank transfers.

You can fund purchases using debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), SEPA transfers, and even e-wallets like Neteller or M-Pesa, with typical deposit times ranging from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the method, and flexible per-transaction limits based on your verification level.

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

KYC (Verification Levels)

Account functionality is gated until full identity and address verification are submitted; there are no functional “levels” with specific tradeable limits publicly defined—it’s a verification-first model.

There are tiered verification levels—basic (no documentation required) lets you transact up to around €700 monthly, ID/address verification raises limits to around €15,000, and adding proof of income unlocks effectively unlimited purchasing power.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals are processed to the original funding method—bank transfers, cards, or e-wallets—and often reach users within a few business days, with at least a $30 minimum per request; crypto on-chain withdrawals are not supported.

Since Switchere operates as a non-custodial fiat-to-crypto service, there’s no direct “withdrawal” feature—instead, purchased crypto is instantly sent to your own wallet on relevant networks (e.g., ERC-20), subject only to the built-in blockchain fee.

Customer Support

ActivTrades provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone—with multilingual assistance—and hosts a detailed help center and FAQs to guide users independently.

Support is available around the clock via live chat and email, typically responding quickly, and is supplemented by an in-app FAQ/knowledge base to guide you through common questions and transaction flows.

Languages & Localization

The platform supports multiple languages including native Spanish, displays amounts in base currency like euros, and operates under local regulation frameworks where applicable.

The platform supports multiple languages (including English, Spanish, French), displays prices in your local fiat (EUR or USD), and adjusts payment options based on your region to maintain regulatory compliance.

App Quality & Stability

Their mobile and desktop platforms (ActivTrader, MT4/5) are well-maintained, frequently updated, and recognized for stability—though specific crash-rate metrics aren’t published, user feedback generally reflects reliable performance.

Switchere offers a mobile app for both Android and iOS, noted for its simple, smooth interface; while user reviews suggest occasional crashes, it is regularly updated, providing a dependable experience for on-the-go users.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

ActivTrades delivers a modern and intuitive interface—its proprietary ActivTrader and xStation platforms cater well to beginners and advanced users alike, with a clear, browser-friendly layout rather than separate Lite or Pro modes.

The interface is clean and ultra-simple, with no “Lite/Pro” toggles—making it beginner-friendly, but potentially too basic for advanced users craving flexibility or customization.

Performance

The broker boasts a robust cloud-based infrastructure ensuring lightning-fast order execution—around 0.004 seconds—and generally steady performance even during volatile periods, with no major reports of downtime or onboarding bottlenecks.

Transactions are generally smooth and fast, though during major market surges verification queues and payment processing can slow things down slightly for new users.

Education

ActivTrades supports skill-building with a full demo account, platform guides, webinars, and a rich help center—while Spanish-language materials are available, there’s no formally branded “academy” or simulator beyond their standard demo environment.

There’s no formal academy, demo environment, or Spanish-language tutorials—Switchere keeps things minimal, relying on straightforward interface cues instead of built-in educational content.

Community

While ActivTrades doesn’t host public forums or Telegram/Discord communities, it runs a direct referral program offering up to $5,500 and cashback incentives per referred client.

While there’s no dedicated forum or Discord channel, a basic referral program encourages word-of-mouth growth; otherwise, community interaction happens through external platforms.

Integrations

ActivTrades excels in integration—its ActivTrader platform is powered by TradingView charts and supports automated strategies via Expert Advisors (EAs), but it lacks built-in external trading bots, tax tools, or accounting integrations.

The platform stands alone—there are no built-in integrations with TradingView, external bots, tax reporting tools, or accounting suites, keeping it simple but limited for advanced workflows.

Who Each One Is Best For

This setup favors self-driven traders who value a polished, fast, and stable CFD experience with strong platform tools—especially those comfortable using TradingView and MetaTrader—but less so for social traders seeking copy trading or tax/reporting automation.

Switchere is best suited for newcomers or occasional buyers looking for a fast and hassle-free fiat-to-crypto purchase experience—professionals who want powerful tools or automation might find it too bare-bones.