ATFXvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for share CFD exposure under strong regulation. The tension centers on platform choice and global exchange access.
Our Verdict
ATFX winsby 0.1 pts
ATFX and Plus500 are closely matched, but Plus500 has broader exchange access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 uses a proprietary platform; ATFX relies on MT4.
- 2Plus500 provides access to 18 exchanges vs ATFX's 12.
- 3ATFX delivers advanced charting; Plus500 lacks this feature.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Plus500 wins for safety & regulation with LSE listing and multiple licenses plus transparency.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ATFX vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit fee |
ATFX vs Plus500 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 Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ATFX
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ATFX vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.7/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. 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.
Plus500 lists tighter spreads from 0.6, 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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ATFX has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ATFX nor Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
