Two CFD brokers, ATFX and Plus500, offer regulated crypto exposure. They diverge on platform and asset depth, creating differing paths for crypto traders.
ATFX and Plus500 are closely matched, but Plus500’s proprietary WebTrader differentiates it from ATFX’s MT4 crypto CFDs.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you value phone support and zero inactivity fees. You gain MT4 access to crypto CFDs with eight listed coins and strong regulation from FCA, CySEC, and FSCA, plus negative balance protection and UK FSCS protection.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer a proprietary platform and a larger coin selection. You trade on a clean WebTrader with 15 tokens and no MT4, but you accept higher spreads than ECN options, plus an inactivity fee after three months.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Plus500 wins for security; it is LSE-listed and regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, and CMA.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.6/5 and Plus500 rates 3.7/5. Plus500 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.
Plus500 lists a lower spread from 0.6, 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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both ATFX and Plus500 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 Plus500'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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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.
Plus500 wins for low fees with no commissions and spread-based pricing.
Plus500 is better for beginners with a clean platform and no minimum deposit.
Equally matched for DeFi & Web3; neither offers DeFi access or staking.
| $10/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
|---|
| 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 3.6 / 5
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