ATFX vs Swissquote Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and Swissquote 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 4.2 / 5
2 bonusesSwiss banking heritage with exceptional fund security, the broadest asset range in retail trading, and FINMA oversight - though minimum deposits are high.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
ATFX and Swissquote are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.2/5 and 4.2/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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
Swissquote offers tighter spreads from 1.7 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
Swissquote has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 1.7 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
Swissquote offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
Both brokers share the same editorial score of 4.2/5, but ATFX requires a lower minimum deposit ($0 vs $1120 for Swissquote), making it more accessible for new traders.
ATFX vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 3.9 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Gland, Switzerland |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $1,120 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 100:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA DFSA FINMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit Swissquote |
ATFX vs Swissquote 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
Swiss banking heritage with FINMA regulation and bank-level fund security
Broadest multi-asset range including real stocks, bonds, and options
Listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SIX)
FCA and DFSA regulated for UK and UAE clients
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
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
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
Very high minimum deposit (CHF 1,000, approximately $1,120)
Spreads wider than ECN peers on standard account
Primarily suited to larger, more sophisticated accounts
Inactivity fee applies
No 24/5 live chat
ATFX vs Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ATFX
criteria wins
2
Swissquote
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
ATFX and Swissquote share the same editorial score of 4.2/5. The right choice depends on your priorities: trading costs, platform preference, or regulatory coverage.
Swissquote offers tighter spreads starting from 1.7 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.
ATFX has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Swissquote requires at least $1120. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and Swissquote 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 Swissquote offers up to 100:1. 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 Swissquote offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4; Swissquote exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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Score 4.2 / 5
Score 4.2 / 5
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