Updated September 29, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
ActivTrades vs UNest
ActivTrades
Higher score in this comparison
UNest
Where ActivTrades and UNest differ
| Compare | ActivTradesReviewVisitVisit | UNestReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0Lower | $25 |
| Account fee | $0Lower | $24 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, BondsCovers more | ETFs |
| Regulators | FCA, SCB, CMVM, FSC, BACEN | SEC, SIPC |
| Investor protection | FSCS up to GBP 85,000 | SIPC up to USD 500,000 |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free deposits and withdrawals | No withdrawal fee |
| Platforms | ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView | iOS app, Android app, Web |
| Stock trade fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84% | Not confirmed |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% | Not confirmed |
| Interest on cash | 3.3% | Not confirmed |
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings. Partners with a live offer in your country come first, then every other brand by score.
Key differences
- ActivTrades scores higher overall: 9.4 vs 8.6.
- Regulators: only ActivTrades offers FCA, SCB, CMVM.
- Regulators: only UNest offers SEC, SIPC.
- ActivTrades is available in 2 more countries.
- Minimum deposit is lower at ActivTrades: $0 vs $25.
- Account fee is lower at ActivTrades: $0 vs $24.
- Markets: only ActivTrades offers Stocks, Forex, CFDs.
- Platforms: only ActivTrades offers ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Platforms: only UNest offers iOS app, Android app, Web.
- Features: only ActivTrades offers Crypto, Demo account, Fractional shares.
Our verdict on each
ActivTrades
ActivTrades suits active traders seeking broad market access with commission free share dealing alongside forex, CFDs and bonds in a single account. Minimum deposit sits at $0 with stock trade fees at $0 and cover through FSCS up to GBP 85,000, while retail loss share stands at 84%.
UNest
UNest suits parents saving for children through simple ETF portfolios on mobile and web, where low entry matters more than broad market choice. You can start with $25 and pay an account fee of $24, with cover of SIPC up to USD 500,000 under SEC oversight.
Score breakdown
| Area | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3HigherAccount upkeep stays light with charges at $0 for everyday holders. | 8.5Cost reflects $25 to open and $24 for the account, offset by No withdrawal fee. |
| Offer | 9.6HigherChoice spans asset classes listed as stocks, ETFs and forex for varied strategies. | 8.5Offer reflects narrow focus on ETFs reached through iOS app, Android app and web for family saving. |
| Trust | 9.5HigherOversight spans regulators shown as FCA, SCB and CMVM for added assurance. | 8.7Trust reflects oversight by SEC and SIPC and cover of SIPC up to USD 500,000 for clients. |
Availability and regulation
| Country | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Not confirmed | SIPC SIPC member 70576 |
Additional countries for ActivTrades: 3. Additional countries for UNest: 1.
How they place
| Ranking | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Investing | 2 of 654 | 9 of 654 |
| Stock and ETF brokers | 1 of 358 | 6 of 358 |
What we checked
ActivTrades
- activtrades.com: 12 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- help.activtrades.com: 1 fact, checked September 29, 2026
UNest
- unest.co: 9 facts, checked September 29, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Demo account, Fractional shares, Mobile appCovers more | Mobile app |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Low fees |
Crypto exchanges
| Fact | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Taker fee | 0% | Not confirmed |
| Coins listed | 10 | Not confirmed |
| Fiat deposit methods | Card, Bank | Not confirmed |
| Maker fee | 0% | Not confirmed |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Not confirmed |
| Derivatives | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Exchange type | Cex | Not confirmed |
Savings
| Fact | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Headline rate | 3.3% | Not confirmed |
| Rate type | Variable | Not confirmed |
| Deposit protection | FSCS up to GBP 85,000 | Not confirmed |
| Access terms | Funds stay in the account and are free to trade at any time; interest on free margin is paid monthly | Not confirmed |
| Account kind | Easy access | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | ActivTrades | UNest | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0below the median | $25above the median | $23.50 |
| Stock trade fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Account fee | $0at the median | $24highest quarter | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84%highest quarter | Not confirmed | 72.21% |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5%above the median | Not confirmed | 0.4% |
| Interest on cash | 3.3%above the median | Not confirmed | 2.875% |
Median across 138 listed providers.
Pros and cons
ActivTrades
Pros
- Share dealing costs nothing with fees at $0, unlike DKB with fees of €10.
- Entry stays accessible with minimum deposit at $0 alongside funding via card and bank.
- Crypto derivatives are available with taker pricing at 0% for cost aware traders.
Cons
- Coin choice stays narrow at 10 for traders seeking wide crypto coverage.
- Currency conversion applies at 0.5% which adds cost for cross currency activity.
- Retail loss share stands elevated at 84%, highlighting CFD risk.
UNest
Pros
- Start saving with $25, which keeps the first step affordable for family budgets
- Pay No withdrawal fee, so taking money out adds no platform charge
- Invest through ETFs, which keeps long term family portfolios simple and clear
Cons
- Account fee of $24 applies on balances of all sizes, unlike DKB with €0 for the account
- Support runs on help centre only, which limits direct contact when you need help with your account
- Choice stays limited to ETFs, so you miss stocks, bonds and funds available at broader brokers such as XTB
Who each suits
ActivTrades
Who it suits
- Traders seeking commission free stocks with fees at $0 and varied venues at ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
- Investors comfortable with forex and CFD exposure across assets at stocks, ETFs and forex.
- Savers holding trading cash who value interest at 3.3% with easy access.
Who should look elsewhere
- Traders seeking bank bundled saving plus investing may consider DKB, which structures share dealing around €10.
- Investors seeking social portfolios and guided themes may consider eToro, where entry starts at $50.
UNest
Who it suits
- Parents who prefer UNest over XTB for steady ETF saving for children rather than active share trading
- Small budget starters who prefer UNest over ActivTrades for a family saving app rather than a trading platform
Who should look elsewhere
- Active share traders who want broad stock coverage should look at XTB rather than UNest narrow ETF range
- Cost conscious savers who want to avoid ongoing charges should look at DKB rather than UNest account fee
Country by country
| Country | ActivTrades | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Yes | No |
| Belgium | Yes | No |
| United Kingdom | Yes | No |
| United States | No | Yes |
Questions about each
ActivTrades
What does ActivTrades charge for investing?+
Stock dealing carries fees of $0 with account upkeep at $0. Deposits and withdrawals are described as Free deposits and withdrawals. Currency conversion applies at 0.5%, so cross currency moves need care when sizing orders and planning holding periods.
How is money protected at ActivTrades?+
Investor protection is stated as FSCS up to GBP 85,000 with deposit protection described as FSCS up to GBP 85,000. Oversight comes from regulators listed as FCA, SCB and CMVM. Such cover has limits and conditions, so readers should check eligibility for their entity before funding.
UNest
What is the minimum deposit at UNest?+
You can open with $25. That entry point keeps family saving within reach, though ActivTrades with $0 and XTB with €0 allow a lower start. Fund the account, then set regular contributions that match your household budget and aims.
Does UNest charge an account fee?+
UNest charges an account fee of $24. That charge applies whether markets rise or fall, so weigh it against expected contributions and time horizon. DKB charges €0, which may appeal if you wish to avoid ongoing account costs while you save.
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