Two brokers battle over stocks CFDs across 12 vs 20 exchanges and safety features. The tension hinges on compensation protection versus market breadth.
ATFX and BlackBull Markets are closely matched overall. ATFX gains a safety edge with a compensation scheme, while BlackBull Markets offers access to more exchanges.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ATFX if…
You choose ATFX for safety and a compensation scheme. You choose ATFX if you want phone support for direct assistance. You choose BlackBull Markets if you want broader exchange access. You choose BlackBull Markets if you want 24/5 live chat support.
Choose BlackBull Markets if…
You choose ATFX for safety and a compensation scheme. You choose ATFX if you want phone support for direct assistance. You choose BlackBull Markets if you want broader exchange access. You choose BlackBull Markets if you want 24/5 live chat support.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ATFX is favored for safety with a compensation scheme and CySEC, FSCA, FCA regulation.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ATFX and BlackBull Markets share the same editorial score of 3.7/5. One concrete differentiator: BlackBull Markets has tighter spreads from 0 pips.
BlackBull Markets 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.
Neither ATFX nor BlackBull Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and BlackBull Markets 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 BlackBull Markets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
BlackBull Markets 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while BlackBull Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. BlackBull Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and DXtrade.
Neither ATFX nor BlackBull Markets 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.
BlackBull Markets suits active traders with genuine DMA via IRESS and broad platform coverage.
Equally matched for beginners since both offer zero minimum deposits and standard platforms.
BlackBull Markets offers broader global access with 20 exchanges, vs ATFX with 12.
Equally matched for low cost trading since neither offers commission-free trading.
Equally matched for long-term investing since neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| 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 | FCA FSCA CySEC | FSC FMA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView DXtrade MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Score 3.7 / 5
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