This comparison pits two CFD brokers offering crypto exposure via MT4 against each other. The tension centers on regulation, security, and the breadth of crypto assets.
ATFX edges Alpari International on the editorial score (3.6 vs 3.4) and carries FCA/CySEC/FSCA regulation with FSCS protection for UK clients, plus negative balance protection; Alpari remains offshore-regulated with weaker coverage.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a very low minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you seek stronger regulatory protections and negative balance protection.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
ATFX wins on security with FCA/CySEC/FSCA oversight and negative balance protection.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.8 pips |
| Taker Fee | 6.00% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | ATFX |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Alpari International rates 3.4/5 and ATFX rates 3.6/5. ATFX has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Alpari International lists a lower spread from 0, compared with ATFX's 1.8. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
ATFX stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus ATFX's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Alpari International charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while ATFX supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
ATFX scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
ATFX has no inactivity fee, reducing ongoing costs.
ATFX offers a larger coin range, eight coins versus six at Alpari.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or Web3 features.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FSCA | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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