AJ Bellvs
ATFXStock Broker Comparison
AJ Bell and ATFX clash over long-term investing features and platform depth. The matchup also tests safety, access to global markets, and the appeal of stock ownership versus CFDs.
Who should choose AJ Bell vs ATFX?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose AJ Bell if you want ISA and SIPP wrappers with dividend reinvestment and a proprietary platform.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you want CFD access to 200+ stocks and multi-jurisdiction protection.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
AJ Bell vs ATFX: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $500 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
AJ Bell vs ATFX Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower fund platform fees than Hargreaves Lansdown at scale
- Stocks & Shares ISA and full-featured SIPP with drawdown
- AIM shares available inside ISA for inheritance tax planning
- Regular investment option at £1.50 per order
- LSE-listed, FCA-regulated with FSCS protection
Cons
- No fractional shares
AJ Bell vs ATFX: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AJ Bell
criteria wins
3
ATFX
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AJ Bell | ATFX |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AJ Bell vs ATFX: Frequently Asked Questions
AJ Bell rates 4.2/5 versus 3.7/5 for ATFX. AJ Bell edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ATFX starts from 1.8. Current spread data is not available for AJ Bell. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while AJ Bell requires at least $500. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AJ Bell 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.
ATFX stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AJ Bell lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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.
AJ Bell supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ATFX supports MetaTrader 4. AJ Bell has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4.
Neither AJ Bell nor ATFX is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both AJ Bell 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.
