ATFXvs
CMC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
ATFX and CMC Markets face off over regulation, platform strategy, and pricing. The clash hinges on MT4 compatibility versus a proprietary platform and a vast instrument universe.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets tops the editorial score (4.5 vs 4.2) and offers a proprietary platform alongside MT4, unlike ATFX.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ATFX supports only MT4; CMC Markets provides a proprietary platform.
- 2CMC Markets offers 12,000 instruments vs ATFX's 300.
- 3ATFX max leverage 400:1 vs CMC's 30:1.
Who should choose ATFX vs CMC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want MT4 only and leverage up to 400:1.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you prefer a proprietary platform and access to a much broader instrument universe.
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 0.70 pips vs 1.80 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
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▲ |
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
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
The scores are close: ATFX rates 4.2/5 and CMC Markets rates 4.5/5. CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips, tighter than ATFX's 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most 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. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
