Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Questrade 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.
Questrade and ATFX are two online brokers that offer various financial services. Founded in 2000, Questrade has built a solid reputation over the years. While it isn't a bank or publicly traded, it does hold two Tier-1 licenses, which indicates a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com standards. With a Trust Score rating of 86, Questrade is considered a trusted broker, reflecting its commitment to providing reliable services to its customers.
ATFX, on the other hand, was established in 2017 and has quickly gained recognition in the industry. Similar to Questrade, ATFX is neither a bank nor publicly traded. However, it holds four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, showcasing a robust regulatory framework. Despite being a younger company, it boasts a slightly lower Trust Score rating of 85, still placing it in the trusted category. Both brokers offer secure and reliable trading experiences, yet their regulatory credentials slightly differ, catering to varied preferences and needs.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2000 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Questrade and ATFX in terms of commissions and fees, it's clear there are differences to consider. Questrade has a target spread on the popular EUR/USD currency pair set at 1.9 pips, which is relatively high compared to the industry average. This could mean higher costs for traders looking at frequent transactions or significant volume trading. Both platforms have been given a 3-star rating for their commissions and fees, indicating they are on par with each other in this aspect.
Unfortunately, ATFX does not provide specific average spread data, making it difficult to fully assess their fee structure against other brokers. This lack of transparency can be a point of concern for traders seeking clarity on potential costs before opening an account. Despite this, ATFX maintains a similar 3-star rating in the commissions and fees category, mirroring Questrade's standing.
In terms of overall ranking, according to ForexBrokers.com, Questrade holds the 57th position out of 62 brokers evaluated in the Commissions and Fees category. ATFX is ranked slightly lower at 59th place. Both brokers fall towards the lower end of the ranking spectrum, suggesting there may be more cost-effective options available in the market for traders focusing on minimizing expenses.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 Questrade and ATFX in terms of investment options, Questrade stands out with a broader range. Questrade offers a total of 641 tradeable symbols, including 110 forex pairs, which outshines ATFX's offering of 150 tradeable symbols and 44 forex pairs. Furthermore, Questrade provides access to exchange traded securities on both U.S. and international markets, allowing investors to purchase shares like Apple and Vodafone. In contrast, ATFX does not provide access to exchange traded securities on these markets. Both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, and they also allow investment in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither offers the purchase of actual cryptocurrency.
Additionally, Questrade and ATFX cater to different trading preferences, with ATFX offering copy trading capabilities, a feature lacking in Questrade. These factors have led to Questrade achieving a higher rating of 5 stars for the range of investments versus ATFX's 3.5 stars. In rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Questrade is positioned at #11 out of 62 brokers for their investment range, significantly ahead of ATFX, which ranks at #57. This highlights Questrade's appeal to investors seeking diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 641 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 110 | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, both Questrade and ATFX offer a variety of features, but they cater to different trader preferences. Questrade shines with its in-house developed platform, offering a unique trading experience. It supports a Windows desktop download and a browser-based platform, making it versatile for different user needs. Moreover, with 20 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, Questrade offers a comprehensive charting experience. Although it lacks copy trading and MetaTrader support, it does offer the DupliTrade feature for strategic trading. On the other hand, Questrade stands out with a robust watchlist feature, offering 52 columns for detailed tracking, and holds a competitive ranking among brokers.
In contrast, ATFX offers a platform that integrates well with popular trading software like MetaTrader 4 and 5, appealing to traders familiar with these tools. While ATFX lacks a proprietary platform, it compensates with copy trading options and a user-friendly web-based trading interface. Although its charting tools are slightly fewer, with 15 drawing tools, ATFX still allows for stock chart-based trading. The watchlist functionality with 7 customizable fields may be less detailed compared to Questrade, yet ATFX's offering remains effective for traders who value simplicity and the ability to use well-known platforms. While it has a lower ranking and star rating compared to Questrade, ATFX’s features are tailored for those who appreciate the familiarity and reliability of MetaTrader platforms.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
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) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 64 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 52 | 7 |
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Both Questrade and ATFX provide comprehensive mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android users, ensuring users can trade on the go with ease. These apps come loaded with essential features like real-time quotes and stock or forex price alerts. However, there's a significant difference when it comes to managing watchlists. Questrade allows seamless syncing of watchlists between its mobile app and your online account, offering convenience if you frequently switch between devices. ATFX, on the other hand, lacks this syncing capability, requiring manual updates to stay consistent across platforms.
In terms of charting tools and customization, Questrade leads with 64 technical studies available, compared to just 7 offered by ATFX. Both apps support drawing trendlines and viewing charts across various time frames, like daily or intraday views, with auto-saving features ensuring your work isn't lost. Despite these similarities, user ratings and rankings differ. Questrade's mobile app is rated 4 out of 5 stars and is ranked 34th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, ATFX earns a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked last. These distinctions highlight Questrade as a more feature-rich and user-preferred option for mobile trading.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 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 comparing market research offerings between Questrade and ATFX, several key differences emerge that can guide your decision. Questrade does not provide daily market commentary, whereas ATFX keeps you informed with daily updates. Both brokers provide technical analysis tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, offering valuable insights for informed trading. Neither Questrade nor ATFX includes top-tier forex news from leading providers like Bloomberg or Reuters, and both lack sentiment-based trading tools indicating long or short positions across currency pairs. Although Questrade offers market research through TipRanks, ATFX does not, which can be a determining factor for investors seeking detailed analysis. Additionally, both platforms provide an economic calendar to track important global financial events.
In terms of overall research quality, Questrade earns a rating of 3.5 stars, slightly outperforming ATFX, which scores 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Questrade is ranked #51 out of 62 brokers for research, while ATFX is positioned at #54. These rankings suggest that while both brokers offer useful tools, Questrade may offer a slight edge in providing more comprehensive research features. Consider these aspects when choosing the platform that best aligns with your market analysis needs.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to the educational resources available for beginners, both Questrade and ATFX offer a range of tools and materials designed to help newcomers understand forex and CFDs trading. Each platform provides more than ten educational pieces including articles, videos, and archived webinars that are focused on these subjects. Additionally, both Questrade and ATFX have a searchable archive of previously recorded client webinars, which can serve as a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of trading strategies on their own time.
However, there are some differences between the two brokers. While both platforms offer at least ten educational videos aimed at beginners, they do not provide as much content for more advanced learners, as neither offers ten advanced educational videos. Moreover, ATFX gives beginners access to an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, whereas Questrade does not offer this feature. In terms of ratings, Questrade receives 3.5 stars for education while ATFX receives 3 stars. Despite its higher rating, Questrade ranks at #36 among 62 brokers for education, while ATFX ranks better at #28, likely due to its inclusion of the investor dictionary.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Questrade is better than ATFX. Questrade finished with an overall rank of #32, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Regulated in both the U.S. and Canada, Questrade is a trusted full-service multi-asset broker now offering forex and CFDs alongside its stock trading services for active and passive investors. While its scope of educational resources and in-house research is limited, Questrade has an impressive platform lineup.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 |
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Both Questrade and ATFX do not provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both Questrade and ATFX provide options to deposit or withdraw account funds using Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but while neither supports ACH, SEPA, or PayPal transfers, only ATFX offers the additional flexibility of using Skrill for transactions.
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 | Questrade | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Questrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Questrade | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 641 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 110 | 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). |
| Cost | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 52 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 64 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Questrade | 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 | 64 | 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 | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Questrade | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Questrade | 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 | Questrade Review |
| Overall | Questrade | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Questrade Review |
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