Two stock CFD specialists collide on exchange access, platform strategy, and regulatory protection. The matchup tests whether higher editorial scores translate into clearer value for cross-border equity access.
ATFX edges easyMarkets on editorial score and broader exchange access, with 12 exchanges vs 4, and both are regulated.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you value access to 12 exchanges and a zero deposit with MT4 under FCA and CySEC oversight.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you want a proprietary Web/Mobile platform and 24/5 live chat support.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Equally matched on safety and regulation.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $25 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | easyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Pass |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.7/5 and easyMarkets rates 3.4/5. 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.
easyMarkets lists tighter spreads from 0.7, 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 easyMarkets requires at least $25. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and easyMarkets 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, two factors stand out: ATFX has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while easyMarkets 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. easyMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ATFX nor easyMarkets 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 ATFX and easyMarkets 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.
ATFX wins for active traders with broader exchange access and MT4 compatibility.
Equally matched for long-term investors.
| 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 | ASIC CNV HCMC CySEC MNB |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker