Admiralsvs
ATFXStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on stock access, platform breadth, and safety nets. One blends real shares with MT4/MT5, the other focuses on CFDs under strict regulation.
Our Verdict
Admirals winsby 0.3 pts
Admirals edges ATFX on overall score, supported by a higher editorial rating and access to real shares via Invest.MT5. ATFX remains solid for regulated CFDs but lacks the real-share ownership feature.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Admirals offers 24/5 live chat, ATFX does not.
- 2Admirals provides zero-commission real shares via Invest.MT5.
- 3Admirals covers 15 exchanges; ATFX covers 12.
Who should choose Admirals vs ATFX?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want real share ownership via Invest.MT5 with zero commission and no minimum deposit across MT4/MT5. Access to 15 exchanges, a broad research toolkit, and 24/5 live chat support plus ongoing updates.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you prefer regulated CFDs with FSCS and ICF protection and a zero minimum deposit. You gain access to more than 200 stock CFDs across US, UK, EU, and Asia, supported by CySEC and FCA oversight.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Admirals wins with zero-commission real shares via Invest.MT5.
Best for safety & regulation
Admirals vs ATFX: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 1.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
Admirals vs ATFX Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real share ownership via Invest.MT5 at zero commission alongside leveraged share CFDs
- 4,500+ stocks and ETFs across MT4 and MT5 with MetaTrader Supreme Edition
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulated, strong multi-jurisdictional profile
- No minimum deposit on standard accounts; FSCS protection for UK clients
Cons
- Invest.MT5 (real shares) and CFD account are separate products, no unified view
Admirals vs ATFX: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Admirals
criteria wins
0
ATFX
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Admirals | ATFX |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Admirals vs ATFX: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Admirals rates 4/5 and ATFX rates 3.7/5. Admirals 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.
Admirals lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with ATFX's 1.8. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither Admirals nor ATFX requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Admirals and ATFX 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.
Admirals lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while ATFX lists up to 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Admirals charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while ATFX supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Admirals has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Admirals offers commission-free stock trading while ATFX does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both Admirals and ATFX are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
