ATFXvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits ATFX and Interactive Brokers as two paths to stock exposure, with fees, access, and ownership features shaping the choice.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers edges ATFX on overall editorial score, supported by access to 150+ exchanges and low commissions for active traders.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
ATFX
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges: ATFX 12, Interactive Brokers 150.
- 2Ownership: ATFX CFDs; IBKR real shares.
- 3Commissions: IBKR Lite offers commission-free US stocks; ATFX does not.
Who should choose ATFX vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want a zero minimum deposit and CFDs on 200+ shares under FCA and CySEC regulation, with no real share ownership.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want real stock ownership across 150+ exchanges and low commissions, plus IPO access.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free US stock trading via IBKR Lite, while ATFX charges per CFD trade.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ATFX
criteria wins
7
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| 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 |
ATFX vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.7/5 for ATFX, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, 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 Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 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 Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Interactive Brokers 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.
