Two regulators and two business models frame this comparison. ATFX and XTB clash over regulation depth, platform choice, and instrument breadth.
XTB edges ATFX on the editorial score (4.5 vs 4.2). Its platforms and regulation scores are stronger across the board.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
XTB offers tighter spreads from 0.80 pips vs 1.80 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 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 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 4.2/5 and XTB rates 4.5/5. XTB 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.
XTB starts from 0.8 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 XTB requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and XTB 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 XTB lists up to 500:1. 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 XTB supports xStation 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB wins for safety & regulation, with higher trust rating and multiple EU and KNF licenses.
XTB wins for active traders with advanced charting and a broad instrument universe.
XTB is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.80 pips.
XTB is best for platform choice, offering a proprietary xStation 5 alongside MT4.
XTB is best for instrument variety, offering 5800 instruments versus ATFX's 300.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2002 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Warsaw, Poland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | 0.8 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | €10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA CySEC KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | xStation 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| 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
LSE- and WSE-listed with FCA, CySEC, and KNF regulation, exceptional corporate transparency
xStation 5 is one of the best proprietary platforms in retail forex
Zero-commission stock CFDs up to EUR 100,000/month
No minimum deposit on standard accounts
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
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
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
Market maker on forex, not appropriate for raw ECN scalpers
Product breadth narrower than IG or Saxo
Support quality varies outside European hours
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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