A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and OctaFX 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.
CySEC-regulated broker (EU entity) with a dominant presence in South Asia through OctaTrader copy trading - a purpose-built social trading interface popular with first-time traders across India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
ATFX edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs OctaFX's 4/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
OctaFX offers tighter spreads from 0.6 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
ATFX has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
OctaFX offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, OctaTrader, a proprietary platform.
ATFX edges out OctaFX with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $25 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FSCA CySEC SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 OctaTrader |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit OctaFX |
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
OctaTrader copy trading platform - transparent stats, one-click follow
Localised payment methods for India, Pakistan, Indonesia
Swap-free Islamic accounts available
$25 minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
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
Most international clients are under SVG offshore entity, not CySEC
Limited product range - no stocks or bonds
Copy trading focus means limited support for advanced discretionary traders
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No raw spread account option
Limited charting capabilities
No phone support
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | OctaFX |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ATFX ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4/5 for OctaFX. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and OctaFX may each suit different trader profiles.
OctaFX offers tighter spreads starting from 0.6 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 OctaFX requires at least $25. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. OctaFX may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
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 OctaFX offers up to 500:1. 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 OctaFX offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, OctaTrader; both support MetaTrader 4; OctaFX exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, OctaTrader.
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker