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 |
IG outperforms ATFX on commissions and fees. IG earns 5/5 stars and ranks #8 out of 63 brokers, while ATFX receives 3/5 stars and ranks #61 out of 63 (ForexBrokers.com). IG isn’t a discount broker, but it offers competitive, transparent pricing options — especially for active traders and larger orders — whereas ATFX does not provide average spread data, making direct cost comparison harder.
IG provides multiple execution methods, including a DMA option (Forex Direct) via the L2 Dealer platform with a £1,000 minimum. In July 2023, average EUR/USD spreads on Forex Direct were 0.62 pips, with an all-in cost around 0.82 pips after commissions; the tiered commission ranges from $60 per million (base) to as low as $10 per million per side ($20 round-turn) for very high monthly volumes. On IG’s CFD account, typical EUR/USD spreads during the main session averaged 0.69 pips (July 2023), rising to 1.03 pips in thinner liquidity; the full-month global average was 0.98 pips (IG US averaged 1.18 pips). Professional clients may also qualify for spread rebates of 10% to 20%; for example, 20% off a 0.76-pip spread equates to about 0.60 pips all-in.
ATFX’s lack of published average spread data limits fee transparency. Reflecting that, its commissions-and-fees score is 3/5 stars with a #61 ranking. If you want clear, volume-based pricing, DMA access, and defined average spreads, IG is the more transparent choice for assessing your potential trading costs.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG vs ATFX: When it comes to the range of investments, IG offers a much wider selection. IG lists 19,537 tradeable symbols compared with ATFX’s 150. Forex traders get 97 currency pairs at IG versus 44 at ATFX, and both brokers let you trade forex as CFDs or spot. IG also provides access to exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international markets (for example, Apple on NASDAQ or Vodafone in London), which ATFX does not offer. For crypto, IG supports both buying actual cryptocurrency (not a CFD) and trading cryptocurrency CFDs, while ATFX offers crypto CFDs only.
These differences show up in independent ratings: IG earns 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX scores 3.5 stars and ranks #58. Choose IG if you want the broadest selection across shares, forex, and crypto; consider ATFX if you prefer a simpler lineup and want access to copy trading (available at ATFX but not at IG).
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 44 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
IG vs ATFX: Both brokers offer free demo accounts for simulated trading, and both provide web (browser) and Windows desktop platforms with the ability to place trades directly from charts. IG also delivers its own proprietary platform in addition to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while ATFX sticks to third-party platforms, offering both MT4 and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Copy trading is available at ATFX but not at IG. Indicator counts and watch list column details were not specified for either broker.
For trading platforms and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates IG at 5 stars and ranks it #2 out of 63 brokers, while ATFX earns 3.5 stars and ranks #63. If you value an in-house platform and higher platform ratings, IG stands out. If you need MT5 or copy trading, ATFX is the better fit. Both cover MT4, browser access, Windows downloads, and chart-based order entry.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and ATFX both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with price alerts for stocks and forex included. Both apps let you draw trendlines on charts and will auto-save your drawings. The big difference is depth and convenience: IG packs 33 technical studies into its charts and syncs your watchlists across mobile and web, so changes carry over automatically. ATFX offers 7 technical studies and does not sync watchlists with your online account.
For quality and recognition, IG earns 5 stars and is ranked #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps by ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX holds 3.5 stars and is ranked #64. If you want more indicators, seamless multi-device use, and top-tier app polish, IG is the stronger choice. If you only need basic charting, alerts, and drawing tools, ATFX can cover the essentials.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
IG vs ATFX market research: both brokers provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar, but IG clearly leads overall. IG is rated 5 stars for Research and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers, while ATFX holds 3 stars and ranks #55. IG delivers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones—ATFX does not. IG also includes a sentiment tool that shows the ratio of long vs. short positions across instruments, a feature ATFX lacks. IG features research from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading (Signal Centre), while ATFX does not list these offerings.
On the tools side, both IG and ATFX offer Autochartist for technical and fundamental insights. ATFX additionally provides Trading Central, which IG does not. If you need premium news, sentiment data, and third‑party research breadth, IG is the stronger pick. If Trading Central plus Autochartist covers your needs and you’re less focused on news feeds and sentiment tools, ATFX may fit.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG vs ATFX for beginner education: both brokers provide forex and CFD education with at least 10 learning pieces, and each offers 10+ beginner-friendly videos that explain core trading topics in plain terms. IG goes further with live client webinars every month and a broad set of advanced videos for when you’re ready to level up. ATFX, while helpful for getting started, does not host monthly webinars and lacks the same depth of advanced video content.
If education quality is your top priority, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Education at ForexBrokers.com, reflecting exceptional depth and consistency. ATFX holds 3 stars and ranks #28, making it a decent option for beginner videos but less comprehensive overall—especially if you want ongoing webinars and more advanced lessons.
| Feature |
IG
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 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
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 |
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In the IG vs ATFX comparison for crypto trading, IG supports buying real (delivered) cryptocurrencies as well as trading crypto CFDs, whereas ATFX offers crypto CFDs only and does not allow purchasing actual cryptocurrencies.
IG vs ATFX: IG supports ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, and bank wires but not Skrill (Visa/Mastercard not specified), while ATFX does not support ACH/SEPA and its availability of PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires is not specified.
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 | ||
| 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) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No |
| Investments | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 account | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| 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 Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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