In a stock CFDs showdown, Alpari International and ATFX contrast on regulation, market access, and entry costs. The axis of tension centers on safety versus breadth of reach.
ATFX edges Alpari International on regulation, market access, and investor protection, earning the higher editorial score.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want the lowest entry barrier with a $5 minimum deposit.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want zero minimum deposit and stronger regulation with FSCS/ICF protection.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ATFX is FCA and CySEC regulated with FSCS/ICF protection.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | ATFX |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | 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 |
The scores are close: Alpari International rates 3.3/5 and ATFX rates 3.7/5. ATFX 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.
Alpari International lists tighter spreads from 0, 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.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
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.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, 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.
Alpari International 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.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while ATFX supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither Alpari International 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.
ATFX scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
ATFX provides 200+ share CFDs across multiple regions for broader activity.
ATFX's zero minimum deposit reduces starting costs for new investors.
ATFX delivers wider global reach with 12 exchanges and 200+ CFDs.
ATFX offers access to 12 exchanges, enabling broader diversification.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FSCA | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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