Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you want a zero minimum deposit and MT4 access.
Choose if…
Choose FP Markets if you want broad platform access, including MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS, with access to 15 exchanges.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets is best for safety & regulation due to strong ASIC and CySEC oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| 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 | FP 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 | 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 | Pass |
| 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 FP Markets rates 4.1/5. FP Markets 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.
FP 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.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and FP 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, 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 FP 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.
FP 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 FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither ATFX nor FP 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.
Both ATFX and FP Markets 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.
FP Markets is best for active traders due to DMA access and broad exchange coverage.
ATFX is best for beginners because of zero minimum deposit and MT4 simplicity.
FP Markets wins for global market access with 15 exchanges.
FP Markets is best for low cost trading due to a higher Fees & Spreads score.
Equally matched; 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 cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi |
|---|
| 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 CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Two brokers compete for stock traders on platform breadth, regulation, and global equity access. The clash contrasts FP Markets' multi-platform approach with ATFX's MT4-centric, zero-deposit model.
FP Markets leads on the editorial score, backed by stronger regulation and broader platform access than ATFX.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Score 4.1 / 5
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