ATFX vs AvaTrade Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and AvaTrade across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FCA and CySEC-regulated broker with a fast-growing global footprint, 300+ instruments on MT4, and a strong presence in the UAE and Asian markets - built on institutional backing and multi-regional regulation.
VS
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions with a unique AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading and strong educational content.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade winsby 0.2 pts
AvaTrade edges ahead with a score of 4.4/5 vs ATFX's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
AvaTrade offers tighter spreads from 0.9 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ATFX has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
AvaTrade offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
AvaTrade edges out ATFX with a higher editorial score (4.4/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
ATFX vs AvaTrade: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2017 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Dublin, Ireland |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.9 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 400:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FSCA ASIC ADGM CBI MFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit AvaTrade |
ATFX vs AvaTrade Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (SA) licensing
300+ instruments including ETF CFDs and bond CFDs
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
MT4 only - no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary platform
Standard spreads from 1.8 pips are not ECN-competitive
Relatively young broker - founded 2017
No raw spread account option
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
ATFX vs AvaTrade: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ATFX
criteria wins
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs AvaTrade: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, AvaTrade ranks higher with a score of 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5 for ATFX. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and AvaTrade may each suit different trader profiles.
AvaTrade offers tighter spreads starting from 0.9 pips, compared to ATFX's spreads from 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
ATFX has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and AvaTrade hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: ATFX has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
ATFX offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while AvaTrade offers up to 400:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and AvaTrade offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4; AvaTrade exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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