This matchup pits a regulated CFD broker against a native crypto exchange. The tension centers on protection and regulation versus asset breadth and on-chain features.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you value strong regulation and UK FSCS protection.
Choose if…
Choose Gate.io if you want a native exchange with broad token coverage.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.20% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Gate.io |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.6/5 and Gate.io rates 4/5. Gate.io 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.
ATFX lists a spread from 1.8. Current spread data is not available for Gate.io. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ATFX nor Gate.io requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Gate.io 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.
For beginners, ATFX provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
ATFX offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Gate.io's 100:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Gate.io charges $0.2 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while Gate.io supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Gate.io has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Gate.io offers staking while ATFX does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Gate.io's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Gate.io lists 500+ coins while ATFX does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Gate.io has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
ATFX benefits from FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation with UK FSCS protection.
Gate.io wins for low fees with 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker futures fees and no deposit fees.
Gate.io lists 1,700+ tokens, far more than ATFX's eight coins.
ATFX provides regulated protection and MT4 CFDs for straightforward trading.
Gate.io offers staking and yield-earning options while ATFX does not, making Gate.io the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Gate.io offers staking and Web3 opportunities for DeFi use cases.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoBank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA | AUSTRAC CIMA MiCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Gate.io edges ATFX on overall score, driven by its broad asset universe and native platform features, including proof of reserves; ATFX remains stronger on regulated protection but offers far fewer coins.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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