Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs ATFX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
IG and ATFX are two well-known online brokers, but they differ significantly in terms of their establishment and regulatory standing. Founded in 1974, IG has a long history and is publicly traded on the stock exchange, providing an added layer of transparency. It operates as a bank and holds an impressive eight Tier-1 licenses. This, combined with its top-tier Trust Score of 99 out of 99 by ForexBrokers.com, means IG is considered highly trusted, offering users a sense of security.
In contrast, ATFX, established in 2017, is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank. It holds four Tier-1 licenses, which are still considered strong, along with two Tier-2 licenses. While ATFX doesn't reach the same trust level as IG, with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 85, it is still regarded as a trusted choice for users. Both brokers present appealing features, but potential users may prefer IG for its longer history and higher trust score.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the online brokers IG and ATFX in terms of commissions and fees, IG emerges as a formidable choice for active traders. With spreads on their Forex Direct account averaging 0.62 pips, IG remains closely aligned with industry standards. The broker offers flexible execution methods, including Direct Market Access (DMA), appealing to savvy traders looking for significant discounts. IG's rebate program further incentivizes high-volume traders, presenting up to a 20% spread rebate for substantial monthly forex transactions. Such incentives contribute to IG's impressive 5-star rating from ForexBrokers.com, positioning them as the 8th-ranked broker among 62 competitors in the Commissions and Fees category.
In contrast, ATFX has yet to provide average spread data, limiting the transparency of their cost structure. Rated 3 stars for commissions and fees by ForexBrokers.com, ATFX's standing posits them near the end, ranked 59th of 62 brokers in the same category. This stark difference highlights IG's competitive edge, especially for those seeking cost efficiency and comprehensive offerings tailored for active trading.
Ultimately, IG's array of benefits, coupled with their ability to cater to large orders and profession-oriented tiers, render them a preferred choice against ATFX. The detailed tiered pricing and rebate programs serve to lower costs significantly for high-volume traders, ensuring IG remains an attractive proposition for those engaging in frequent trading activity. ATFX's limited visibility in their fees structure underscores the importance of detailed insights for informed decision-making.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and ATFX for their range of investment options, IG stands out with a significantly broader selection. IG provides access to an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, allowing traders to explore a diverse financial landscape. In contrast, ATFX offers a more limited array of 150 tradeable symbols, with only 44 forex pairs available. Notably, IG also permits trading in exchange-listed securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone shares, offering a considerable advantage for those looking to invest in traditional stocks. ATFX does not provide this option, focusing instead on CFDs including cryptocurrency derivatives—similar to IG—instead of actual cryptocurrencies.
Another key distinction between these brokers is their approach to innovative trading features. While IG does not offer copy trading, ATFX provides this feature for investors looking to replicate the strategies of successful traders. Nevertheless, IG still receives a full 5-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 4th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, ATFX achieves a 3.5-star rating, placing 57th in the same category. This demonstrates IG's superior breadth of offerings, making it a more attractive choice for those seeking extensive investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Choosing between IG and ATFX for your trading platform needs can significantly impact your trading experience. Both brokers offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing new traders to practice without financial risk. IG stands out with its proprietary trading platform, developed in-house, giving users a unique and customized trading experience. On the other hand, ATFX doesn't have its own proprietary platform but supports popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with the latter offering a more advanced feature set than MT4, which IG does not support. Both brokers provide user-friendly web-based and Windows desktop platforms, but only ATFX offers copy trading, which might be appealing to beginners who want to mirror the trades of experienced investors.
When analyzing charting tools, IG offers more drawing tools with 20 options compared to ATFX's 15, along with the capability to trade directly from stock charts from both brokers. In terms of managing watch lists, ATFX provides more fields with seven columns to customize, while IG offers five. However, IG's overall platform and tool offerings have earned it a top-tier rating of five stars and a second-place ranking out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. ATFX, by contrast, is rated 3.5 stars and ranks 61st, indicating that while it offers solid functionality, it may not match the comprehensive features and polish found with IG's platforms.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IG and ATFX, you'll find options available for both iPhone and Android users. Both apps provide stock and forex price alerts, and users can draw trendlines and view various time frames on charts. However, IG stands out by offering a seamless syncing experience for watchlist symbols, which ATFX does not provide. This feature enables IG users to enjoy continuous updates between their mobile app and online account, ensuring a coherent trading experience. Additionally, IG supports 33 technical studies for charting compared to the seven offered by ATFX, offering traders more comprehensive analytical capabilities.
Both platforms allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes and auto-save drawings on charts, which is beneficial for traders looking to keep their market activities organized. Yet, when it comes to overall user experience and features, IG’s mobile trading app takes the crown with its 5-star rating, as opposed to ATFX’s rating of 3.5 stars. This distinction aligns with ForexBrokers.com's ranking of IG as the top choice among 62 brokers for mobile trading apps, while ATFX is positioned at 62nd place. These factors make IG a more appealing choice for those prioritizing a top-tier mobile trading app experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When considering IG and ATFX for their market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary, ensuring you stay updated with the latest insights. However, IG stands out by offering forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, a service that ATFX does not provide. On the technical analysis front, both brokers use tools like Autochartist, but ATFX scores an advantage with additional offerings from Trading Central. Meanwhile, IG shines with unique features like sentiment-based trading tools and research from TipRanks, services which are not part of ATFX's suite.
IG also incorporates research tools from Acuity Trading, enhancing its analytical depth, a feature missing from ATFX. Both brokers supply an economic calendar, but in terms of overall ratings, IG outshines ATFX with a perfect five-star rating for research, while ATFX earns three stars. In the competitive landscape of 62 brokers analyzed by ForexBrokers.com, IG proudly holds the #2 spot for research quality, whereas ATFX ranks at #54. These distinctions highlight IG's comprehensive approach to market research, giving traders an edge with in-depth analysis and data.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources of online brokers IG and ATFX, it's clear that both offer foundational content to help beginners get started in forex or CFDs trading. IG stands out by providing over ten educational pieces, which include articles, videos, and archived webinars dedicated to forex and CFDs. Similarly, ATFX also provides more than ten educational materials focused on these subjects. However, IG offers monthly online educational webinars to their clients, a feature that ATFX does not provide, adding a layer of engagement that can be beneficial for those new to trading.
In terms of video content aimed at both beginners and advanced traders, IG again takes the lead. It offers at least ten beginner-focused videos and an additional series tailored for more experienced traders, ensuring a broad scope of learning opportunities. ATFX matches IG's beginner video offerings but lacks the advanced educational videos. Both brokers offer a searchable archive of webinars and an investor dictionary containing over 50 terms, ensuring continued learning and reference. This comprehensive suite of educational resources has earned IG a perfect 5-star rating, ranking it first among 62 brokers for education resources, whereas ATFX holds a 3-star rating, ranked 28th. This distinction highlights IG as the preferable choice for those prioritizing educational resources in their trading journey.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than ATFX. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 |
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Both IG and ATFX do not offer the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they both provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers IG and ATFX, IG stands out by offering ACH, SEPA, and PayPal as deposit and withdrawal options, in addition to supporting Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires; whereas, ATFX accommodates Skrill along with Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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