In this comparison, two regulation-backed brokers collide over cost, platforms, and scope. ATFX relies on MT4 and strong protection, while tastytrade emphasizes options-focused tools and scale.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you value MT4 access and 24/5 live chat support.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you want an options-first, proprietary platform with advanced multi-leg tools.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 4.2/5 and tastytrade rates 4.3/5. tastytrade 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.
ATFX starts from 1.8 pips. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ATFX nor tastytrade requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and tastytrade 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, ATFX provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 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 tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. tastytrade has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
ATFX offers spreads from 1.80 pips.
ATFX wins for safety and regulation with FCA licensing and multi-jurisdiction oversight.
tastytrade wins for active traders thanks to low options costs and a purpose-built platform.
tastytrade wins for platform choice with a proprietary, options-focused platform.
ATFX is better for beginners due to 24/5 multilingual support and zero minimum deposit.
tastytrade wins for instrument variety with about 10,000 assets.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $1/lot |
|---|
| N/A | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
ATFX and tastytrade are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is instrument variety, with tastytrade offering 10,000 vs 300.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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