Two brokers clash over crypto exposure and platform design. The tension hinges on regulation-backed CFDs with MT4 versus a native crypto exchange with a proprietary platform.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you want regulation-backed CFDs on MT4 with UK FSCS protection.
Choose if…
Choose Phemex if you want a native crypto exchange with 300+ coins and a premium zero-maker-fee option.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Phemex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 Phemex rates 3.9/5. Phemex 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 Phemex. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ATFX nor Phemex requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Phemex 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 Phemex'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.
Phemex charges $0.1 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 Phemex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Phemex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Phemex 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 Phemex's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
ATFX leads on security due to FCA/CySEC/FSCA regulation and FSCS protection.
Phemex offers zero-maker-fee spot trading with a premium membership.
ATFX is better for beginners because it has no minimum deposit and regulatory protections.
Phemex offers staking and yield-earning options while ATFX does not, making Phemex the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Phemex leads for DeFi and Web3 access as a native crypto platform.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Crypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Phemex edges ATFX on the overall editorial score, reflecting its broader coin selection and platform features versus ATFX.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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