ATFXvs
Hargreaves LansdownStock Broker Comparison
ATFX and Hargreaves Lansdown present two different approaches to investing. The comparison weighs costs, access to markets, and protective schemes across a CFD-focused platform versus a long-standing UK investment hub.
Key Differences
- 1ATFX offers zero minimum deposit while HL requires $1.
- 2ATFX uses MT4 for trading while HL relies on a proprietary platform.
- 3HL provides real stock ownership via ISA/SIPP while ATFX offers CFDs.
Who should choose ATFX vs Hargreaves Lansdown?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you want zero minimum deposit and MT4 access to stock CFDs with up to 400:1 leverage.
ATFX vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
ATFX vs Hargreaves Lansdown Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and CySEC regulated, dual tier-1 coverage with FSCS and ICF protection
- 200+ share CFDs across US, UK, EU, and Asian markets
- Zero minimum deposit with MT4/MT5 platform access
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Commission structure less competitive than ECN-focused alternatives
ATFX vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
ATFX
criteria wins
2
Hargreaves Lansdown
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Hargreaves Lansdown |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Frequently Asked Questions
Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for ATFX. Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while Hargreaves Lansdown requires at least $1. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
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.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Hargreaves Lansdown lists up to 1:1. 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 Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ATFX nor Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
