ATFXvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers square off over crypto exposure. ATFX relies on MT4 with eight coins, while IC Markets offers multiple platforms and twenty-plus coins.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges ATFX on the editorial score, thanks to broader platform support and higher category scores.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Number of coins: ATFX lists 8, IC Markets lists 20+.
- 2Platform breadth: IC Markets offers MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView; ATFX offers MT4 only.
- 3Regulatory scope: IC Markets is ASIC-regulated; ATFX is not.
Who should choose ATFX vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want a zero minimum deposit, compatible with new or cautious traders who prefer straightforward CFD exposure. Its FCA, CySEC and FSCA oversight provides regulatory comfort, while MT4 access streamlines integrated forex, indices and crypto CFDs in one account.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want broad platform choice and quick access to crypto CFDs on MT4, MT5, cTrader or TradingView. Its ASIC and CySEC oversight, plus segregated client funds and 24/7 support, align with experienced traders seeking deeper liquidity on 20+ coins.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ATFX wins with UK FSCS protection alongside FCA/CySEC oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ATFX vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ATFX |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
ATFX vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation, UK clients get FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000
- Crypto CFDs available on MT4 alongside forex, indices, and equities, no platform switching
- No minimum deposit or inactivity fee
- Negative balance protection under FCA and CySEC frameworks
Cons
- MT4 only, no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary platform for crypto
ATFX vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ATFX | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | 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 |
ATFX vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.6/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets 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.
IC Markets 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both ATFX and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: ATFX has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ATFX offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IC Markets'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.
IC Markets charges $7 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 IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
