Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC 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 IC Markets and ATFX, both are privately held companies that are not registered as banks, but they differ in their regulatory standing and trust scores. IC Markets was established in 2007 and holds two Tier-1 licenses, signifying a high level of trust. However, it holds no Tier-2 licenses, meaning it relies solely on its primary licenses for credibility. Its ForexBrokers.com Trust Score stands at 84, placing it in the trusted category.
On the other hand, ATFX, founded in 2017, boasts a stronger regulatory position with four Tier-1 licenses, which indicates a high degree of trust, as well as two Tier-2 licenses. This gives ATFX a slight edge regarding regulatory oversight. Their ForexBrokers.com Trust Score is 85, also marking them as a trusted broker. Both brokers offer high trust levels, but ATFX has a more diverse range of regulatory credentials.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 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 | 3 | 1 |
When comparing IC Markets and ATFX for commissions and fees, IC Markets stands out as a premier choice for traders, thanks to its highly competitive trading costs. With low spreads and a reasonable deposit requirement in its commission-based accounts, IC Markets offers some of the most attractive terms for forex trading. Their commission structure for cTrader and MetaTrader accounts are similar, with a slight edge for cTrader due to its lower cost of $3.0 per side for 100,000 units. IC Markets boasts an average spread on EUR/USD of 0.62 pips on its cTrader account and 0.72 pips on MetaTrader, making it a strong contender among low-cost brokers.
In contrast, ATFX does not provide comprehensive average spread data, making a direct comparison with IC Markets challenging. However, the notable difference in ranking and star ratings reflects the disparity in competitiveness between the two brokers. IC Markets has earned a stellar 5-star rating in the Commissions & Fees category and ranks 5th out of 63 brokers, highlighting its efficient cost structure. Meanwhile, ATFX lags behind with a 3-star rating, placing 60th in the same category, which suggests its fees may not be as attractive as its counterpart.
Overall, IC Markets emerges as a top-tier choice for cost-conscious traders seeking low fees and transparent pricing. The availability of discounted rates for active traders further enhances its appeal, ensuring that IC Markets remains a go-to option for those trading in high volumes. On the other hand, prospective ATFX clients should carefully consider the potential cost implications due to the lack of detailed spread data and its lower ranking for fees.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
IC Markets and ATFX both offer forex trading via CFDs and spot contracts, catering to those looking to engage in the currency markets. With 3,583 tradeable symbols, IC Markets provides a significantly wider selection compared to ATFX's 150. Specifically, IC Markets offers 61 tradeable forex pairs, while ATFX lists 44. This extensive selection contributes to IC Markets' commendable 4.5-star rating for its range of investments, reflecting its strong appeal for traders valuing diverse options.
While neither IC Markets nor ATFX offers the purchase of exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, IC Markets does enable the trading of international securities. Both brokers offer cryptocurrency derivatives, supporting digital asset trading through CFDs rather than actual cryptocurrency purchases. Additionally, each provides copy trading services, allowing clients to mimic successful trading strategies. With IC Markets ranked #25 and ATFX at #57 for their range of investments by ForexBrokers.com, it is clear that IC Markets presents a more extensive and versatile trading environment.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 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.
Choosing between IC Markets and ATFX for their trading platforms and tools can be simplified by comparing their offerings side-by-side. Both brokers provide a virtual demo account for users to practice trading risk-free. Additionally, neither IC Markets nor ATFX offers a proprietary trading platform, but both support popular external options like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). For those who prefer flexibility, both brokers also offer Windows-based desktop platforms as well as web-based options. In the realm of copy trading, IC Markets leads with support for ZuluTrade, which ATFX does not offer.
Charting capabilities with both IC Markets and ATFX are quite similar, as each provides 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart. Additionally, both brokers offer customization with seven columns available for watch lists. In terms of technical analysis, IC Markets and ATFX are well-equipped but IC Markets stands out with a slightly higher rating of four stars for Trading Platforms and Tools, compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. This difference is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where IC Markets ranks #16 among 63 brokers, leaving ATFX further behind at #62.
| Feature |
IC 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 | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IC Markets and ATFX offer versatile mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, ensuring traders can manage their investments on the go. Each platform provides essential features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, view multiple time frames, and create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, neither app supports syncing watchlists between mobile and online accounts, which may affect users who frequently switch between devices.
When it comes to charting tools, IC Markets stands out by offering 30 technical studies compared to ATFX's seven, giving users more options for in-depth analysis. Another aspect where IC Markets excels is its mobile trading app rating, receiving 4 out of 5 stars, while ATFX trails with a 3.5-star rating. Moreover, in a ranking of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets is placed at #22, significantly ahead of ATFX, which ranks at #63. These distinctions make IC Markets a more highly regarded choice for traders seeking an intuitive and well-rated mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
IC 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When exploring online brokerage platforms for market research capabilities, IC Markets and ATFX both stand out with some noteworthy features. Both offer daily market commentary and economic calendars to keep investors informed about global events. Moreover, each platform provides tools from industry leaders like Autochartist and Trading Central for technical and fundamental analysis. However, IC Markets sets itself apart by offering forex news from high-caliber sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as a sentiment-based trading tool that tracks the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments—a feature ATFX lacks.
IC Markets is rated 4 out of 5 stars for its research offerings, placing it at number 23 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, ATFX holds a rating of 3 stars and ranks 54th. Neither IC Markets nor ATFX includes market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre. Despite some similarities, the differences in news sources and sentiment tools make IC Markets a more comprehensive option for those prioritizing in-depth market insights.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | 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.
IC Markets and ATFX both extend a substantial array of educational resources to guide beginners through the world of forex and CFDs trading. IC Markets stands out by offering over ten educational pieces such as articles, videos, and webinars that cover basic trading concepts. Notably, IC Markets hosts monthly online webinars to connect learners with experts, a feature that ATFX lacks. However, both brokers provide access to a searchable archive of past webinars, ensuring users can revisit valuable content at their convenience.
When it comes to video content, both IC Markets and ATFX provide more than ten beginner-oriented videos. Additionally, IC Markets goes a step further by offering advanced educational videos for more experienced traders, unlike ATFX. Both platforms maintain an investor dictionary with definitions of over 50 investing terms, aiding users in understanding complex jargon. Based on user ratings, IC Markets earns a 4-star rating for education while ATFX holds a 3-star rating. In a broader comparison with other brokers, IC Markets is ranked 16th, whereas ATFX is positioned at 28th, reflecting a slight edge for IC Markets in educational offerings.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IC Markets is better than ATFX. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 85 |
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Both IC Markets and ATFX do not offer the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Comparing the deposit and withdrawal options for IC Markets and ATFX, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers, while IC Markets supports PayPal and both brokers accept Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, with ATFX not offering 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 | IC Markets | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC 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). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 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 | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 | IC 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC 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 | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IC Markets | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | 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 | IC 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 | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review |
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