This comparison pits ATFX's CFD-centric offering against Fidelity's zero-fee stock trading and advanced tools, framing a tension between access, costs, and regulation.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you value access to 12 exchanges and compensation scheme protection.
Choose if…
Choose Fidelity if you value 24/5 live chat and extended trading hours.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Fidelity rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for ATFX. Fidelity 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 Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ATFX requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Both ATFX and Fidelity 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, ATFX provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Fidelity lists up to 1:4. 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 Fidelity supports Active Trader Pro, Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Fidelity 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.
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.
Fidelity wins for low-cost trading with commission-free US stock and ETF trading.
Fidelity wins safety and regulation with SEC/FINRA oversight and up to $1B excess SIPC coverage.
Fidelity wins for long-term investing with zero-expense index funds and no minimums.
Fidelity wins for active traders with Active Trader Pro and extensive research.
Fidelity wins for beginners with no account minimum and simple commission-free trades.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free EFT; $10 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | Active Trader Pro Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Fidelity is the overall winner on editorial score. It outpaces ATFX in trust, fees, platforms, and support.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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