ATFX vs CMC Markets Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and CMC Markets 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
Score 4.5 / 5
2 bonusesFCA-regulated and LSE-listed with one of the best proprietary platforms in retail FX and CFDs.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 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
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.7 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 0.7 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
CMC Markets offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
CMC Markets edges out ATFX with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
ATFX vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit CMC Markets |
ATFX vs CMC Markets 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
FCA-regulated, LSE-listed
Excellent proprietary platform
MT4 also available
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
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 after 12 months
No raw spread account option
ATFX vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ATFX
criteria win
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5 for ATFX. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and CMC Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 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.
Neither ATFX nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and CMC Markets 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: 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 CMC Markets offers up to 30:1. 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 CMC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4; CMC Markets exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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Score 4.2 / 5
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