Two multi-asset brokers clash over crypto exposure, CFDs on MT4 versus real crypto access under different regulations. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and fees.
Swissquote is the editorial winner, as it achieves a higher score than ATFX due to stronger trust/regulation and platform capabilities.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ATFX if…
ATFX offers you a $0 minimum deposit and 24/5 live chat support. You trade crypto CFDs on MT4 only. Swissquote requires a $1000 minimum deposit and provides MT4 and MT5 with a proprietary platform. You also access real crypto purchases and custody in the same account.
Choose Swissquote if…
ATFX offers you a $0 minimum deposit and 24/5 live chat support. You trade crypto CFDs on MT4 only. Swissquote requires a $1000 minimum deposit and provides MT4 and MT5 with a proprietary platform. You also access real crypto purchases and custody in the same account.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins for security due to FINMA license and banking protections.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | 1.7 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 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.6/5 and Swissquote rates 4.1/5. Swissquote 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.
Swissquote lists a lower spread from 1.7, 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both ATFX and Swissquote 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 Swissquote'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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and 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.
ATFX is best for low fees, since Swissquote maintains premium spreads.
Swissquote wins for coin selection with 20 coins versus 8.
ATFX is best for beginners with no minimum deposit and accessible MT4.
Equally matched.
| CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA FCA CySEC | DFSA FCA FINMA |
|---|
| 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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