In this stock CFD comparison, ATFX and Windsor Brokers clash over exchange reach and regulatory protections. The axis is exchange breadth versus regulatory coverage.
ATFX edges Windsor Brokers on editorial score, backed by broader exchange access and stronger regulatory protections (FSCS/ICF).
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want access to 12 exchanges, a zero minimum deposit, and MT4 access.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you prefer MT4/MT5, a long operating history, and CySEC oversight with ICF.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ATFX is regulated by FCA and CySEC with FSCS and ICF protection.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $8/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.7/5 and Windsor Brokers rates 3.4/5. 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.
Windsor Brokers 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 Windsor Brokers requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and Windsor 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, 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 Windsor Brokers lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Windsor Brokers charges $8 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 Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Windsor Brokers has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither ATFX nor Windsor Brokers 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 Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers offers higher leverage up to 500:1.
ATFX provides 200+ share CFDs across US, UK, EU, and Asia.
Windsor Brokers offers competitive prime account pricing.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or DRIP.
| N/A |
| 0.8 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| 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 | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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