ATFXvs
Interactive BrokersForex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits ATFX against Interactive Brokers on regulation, pricing, and platforms. The axis of tension is trust, cost structure, and trading tools.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.4 pts
Interactive Brokers earns the higher editorial score than ATFX. This advantage comes from stronger Trust & Regulation, Fees & Spreads, and Platforms & Tools ratings.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Number of instruments: 300 at ATFX vs 17,000 at Interactive Brokers.
- 2MT4 availability: ATFX offers MT4; Interactive Brokers uses a proprietary platform only.
- 3Raw spreads: Interactive Brokers offers raw spreads; ATFX does not.
Who should choose ATFX vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want MT4 and 300 instruments with 1.8 pip spreads.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want raw spreads and 17,000 instruments with a proprietary platform.
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
Interactive Brokers offers tighter spreads from 0.20 pips vs 1.80 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ATFX
criteria wins
3
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ATFX rates 4.2/5 and Interactive Brokers rates 4.6/5. Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers starts from 0.2 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 Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
