Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of VT Markets 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.
When comparing online brokers VT Markets and ATFX, it's important to look at their trust ratings and regulatory standing. VT Markets, founded in 2016, holds one Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license, which reflects a Trust Score of 70 according to ForexBrokers.com. This score suggests an average risk level for traders. Not publicly listed or operating as a bank, VT Markets remains a private entity.
In contrast, ATFX, established in 2017, possesses four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. This gives ATFX a Trust Score of 85, indicating a higher level of trust. Like VT Markets, ATFX is not listed on a stock exchange and does not function as a bank, maintaining its status as a private firm. These factors make ATFX appear more appealing for those who prioritize regulatory oversight and trust ratings.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
VT Markets and ATFX differ significantly in their approach to commissions and fees. VT Markets offers two account types: the Raw ECN and the Standard STP. The Standard STP account is commission-free, but it has higher spreads than the Raw ECN account. Both options require a minimum deposit of $100. For the Standard STP account, VT Markets lists the average spread for the EUR/USD at 1.2 pips. In contrast, the Raw ECN account offers an effective spread of 0.83 pips, reflecting a 0.6 round turn commission and a 0.23 pips average spread noted in September 2021. While the Raw ECN pricing aligns with industry norms, the Standard STP account is considered less competitive.
In contrast, ATFX does not provide average spread data, making it difficult to directly compare costs with VT Markets. Without these details, prospective traders may find it challenging to assess the true value and competitiveness of ATFX's offerings in terms of pricing. This lack of transparency could be a consideration for those weighing their options between these two platforms.
When it comes to ratings, VT Markets is highly rated with 4.5 stars for commissions and fees, placing it in the commendable #20 spot among 62 brokers ranked by ForexBrokers.com. ATFX, however, receives a lower rating of 3 stars and ranks #59, indicating that VT Markets may offer a more favorable fee structure for traders seeking cost efficiency.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
VT Markets and ATFX each provide a solid foundation for forex trading, with both brokers offering the ability to trade forex as CFDs or spot contracts. VT Markets boasts a broader selection, offering 1,000 tradeable symbols compared to ATFX’s 150, yet they both offer a fairly similar number of forex pairs, with VT Markets at 39 and ATFX slightly ahead with 44 pairs. Neither broker provides access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, such as shares of Apple, and both also refrain from offering actual cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on cryptocurrency derivatives.
Each broker allows for copy trading, giving traders an opportunity to mirror successful strategies. However, VT Markets stands out with their support for trading international exchange securities, like Vodafone shares, a feature missing from ATFX. In terms of investment range ratings, both brokers earn equally satisfactory scores of 3.5 out of 5 stars. When ranked among 62 brokers, VT Markets takes a higher position at #39 compared to ATFX, which is positioned at #57, suggesting a slightly more diversified offering from VT Markets for those interested in a wider array of investment options.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 39 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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.
VT Markets and ATFX both provide traders with free virtual demo accounts, facilitating practice without financial risk. Neither broker has a proprietary platform, but both offer comprehensive tools through MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are available on Windows desktop and web-based platforms. Additionally, traders can engage in copy trading with both brokers, expanding their trading strategies by following skilled investors. However, options such as DupliTrade and ZuluTrade are not available with either broker.
When comparing the charting tools and customization options, VT Markets leads with 30 drawing tools, significantly more than the 15 provided by ATFX. Both brokers allow direct trading from stock charts, and watch lists come equipped with seven customizable columns for efficient monitoring. Despite these similarities, VT Markets marginally outshines ATFX with a 4-star rating, positioning it 47th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX holds 3.5 stars, ranking 61st in the same category.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading, both VT Markets and ATFX provide apps for iPhone and Android users, making trading easy and accessible. They allow traders to set stock or forex price alerts, giving them the ability to stay updated on market movements directly on their phones. Additionally, both platforms offer features such as viewing multiple time frames and drawing trendlines on charts. However, while both support real-time quotes in custom watchlists, neither broker syncs watchlist symbols between the mobile app and the user's online account.
For charting enthusiasts, VT Markets stands out with 30 technical studies available on its mobile app, compared to just 7 offered by ATFX. A notable difference is in drawing functionalities; ATFX auto-saves chart drawings, which isn't available with VT Markets. In terms of user feedback, VT Markets edges ahead with a 4-star rating compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. This slightly higher satisfaction is reflected in their rankings too, as VT Markets is positioned at 44th in the Mobile Trading Apps category on ForexBrokers.com, leaving ATFX further down the list at 62nd.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of VT Markets and ATFX, both brokers provide daily market commentary, fostering informed trading decisions. However, VT Markets stands out by offering forex news from leading financial news sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, a feature not available with ATFX. In terms of technical analysis, ATFX utilizes Autochartist for advanced research tools, whereas VT Markets does not. Both brokers use Trading Central for technical analytics, showcasing their commitment to providing valuable analysis tools for traders.
VT Markets distinguishes itself further by offering a sentiment-based trading tool that reveals the proportion of long or short positions across currencies or other instruments, a tool not offered by ATFX. Both VT Markets and ATFX lack market research from TipRanks and research tools from Acuity Trading. However, they each provide an economic calendar for tracking significant global news. For research, VT Markets earns a rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked #36 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX secures 3 stars and ranks #54. This suggests that VT Markets may offer more comprehensive market research resources than ATFX.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both VT Markets and ATFX provide a solid foundation for learning about forex and CFDs. Each offers over ten educational materials, which include articles and videos on forex or CFDs, catering to those new to trading. Both platforms also feature educational videos specifically designed for beginners, making them accessible for individuals just starting their trading journey. Additionally, both brokers provide an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of trading vocabulary.
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two brokers. ATFX stands out by offering a searchable archive of recorded client webinars, which can be a valuable resource for traders seeking to expand their knowledge through past sessions. In terms of educational ratings, VT Markets slightly edges out ATFX, receiving 3.5 stars compared to ATFX's 3 stars for educational offerings. However, ATFX ranks higher in the overall education category among brokers, standing at #28 compared to VT Markets' rank of #55, reflecting its diverse range of educational services.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | 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 VT Markets is better than ATFX. VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #45, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
VT Markets benefits from being part of the Vantage Group of companies, and provides access to the MetaTrader suite of platforms as well as its own VT Pro trading app.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 85 |
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Both VT Markets and ATFX do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both VT Markets and ATFX do not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal for deposits or withdrawals, but they both offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires as funding options.
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 | VT Markets | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | VT Markets | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 70 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | 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) | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 39 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | VT Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | VT Markets | 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | VT Markets | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | VT Markets Review |
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