Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IronFX 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.
IronFX and ATFX are two online brokers that cater to traders seeking a reliable platform. Founded in 2010, IronFX is not publicly traded and holds 3 Tier-1 licenses, signaling a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com. Despite being established seven years later in 2017, ATFX also isn't listed on any stock exchange. However, ATFX holds 4 Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a firmer trust proposition for traders. Both brokers are not banks, which means they focus solely on brokerage services.
When it comes to licensing, IronFX has no Tier-2 licenses, whereas ATFX secures added stability with 2 Tier-2 licenses. According to ForexBrokers.com, IronFX has a Trust Score of 83, placing it well within the "trusted" range. Meanwhile, ATFX edges slightly higher in trust with a score of 85, suggesting a slightly more favorable reputation. Both brokers offer a trustworthy experience; however, ATFX may provide a more appealing choice for those weighing regulatory strength closely.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to evaluating the commissions and fees of online brokers, IronFX and ATFX both have distinctive features. IronFX offers various account types, including a Standard variable spread account with a typical spread of 1.8 pips, although the exact time period for these spreads is not specified. For those looking at fixed spreads, IronFX offers a zero fixed-spread account starting at zero pips, but with a commission of $18 per lot, and the spreads can widen to 3 pips overnight. Despite offering flexibility, IronFX's pricing still appears to be higher than the industry average. For commissions and fees, IronFX earns a respectable 4-star rating and ranks #46 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, ATFX lacks available data on average spreads, making it challenging to assess its fee structure comprehensively. Despite this, it's essential to note that ATFX is rated 3 stars in the commissions and fees category, suggesting there may be room for improvement. In comparison to IronFX, ATFX is ranked lower, coming in at #60 out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. This positioning indicates that ATFX may not be the most competitively priced option among its peers.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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.
IronFX and ATFX both provide a decent range of investment options, catering to traders interested in forex and cryptocurrency derivatives. Both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs, with IronFX providing access to 83 forex pairs, compared to ATFX's 44 pairs. When it comes to total tradeable symbols, IronFX stands out with 340 available options, while ATFX offers 150. Neither broker provides the ability to purchase exchange-traded securities, such as stocks from the U.S. or international exchanges, hence limiting their appeal to those seeking to invest in actual equities.
Investors looking to engage in copy trading can do so on both IronFX and ATFX platforms. However, neither broker allows for the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies; instead, they provide trading through cryptocurrency derivatives. Despite their limited offerings, both brokers have earned a 3.5-star rating for the range of investments. However, when ranked against each other, IronFX is positioned slightly higher at #51, compared to ATFX's ranking at #57, according to ForexBrokers.com among 63 brokers evaluated for investment range.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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.
When it comes to comparing IronFX and ATFX for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a range of features to cater to traders' needs. Both provide access to free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice trading without any financial risk. While neither IronFX nor ATFX offers a proprietary trading platform, both support popular options like MetaTrader 4 on various devices, including Windows-based desktops and web browsers. However, only ATFX extends its offering to include MetaTrader 5, which may be a consideration for those looking for more advanced functionalities.
Both brokers enable copy trading, empowering traders to mimic the strategies of seasoned investors. They also offer a similar set of charting tools, with 15 drawing tools each, and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. IronFX and ATFX both streamline market tracking with watch lists comprising seven fields. Although their trading platforms are rated equally at 3.5 out of 5 stars, their rankings among 63 brokers differ slightly, with IronFX being slightly more favored at rank #61 and ATFX at #62 in the category of Trading Platforms and Tools according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | 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.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IronFX and ATFX, both offer easy access to trading on iPhone and Android devices with features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and multiple time frame views. However, neither app supports watchlist symbol syncing between mobile and online accounts. While both platforms provide options to create watchlists with real-time quotes, IronFX offers a wider array of 30 technical studies for charting, significantly more than the 7 studies available through ATFX. Both apps automatically save chart drawings, helping traders maintain their analysis across sessions.
Despite having similar features and the same rating of 3.5 stars, IronFX and ATFX lag behind other brokers in the mobile trading space, ranking #62 and #63 out of 63 brokers respectively, according to ForexBrokers.com. This indicates that while both apps can handle basic trading needs, users might want to consider additional options if they seek more advanced mobile trading capabilities. Yet, for straightforward trading activities, both brokers provide solid options for traders on the go.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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.
IronFX and ATFX both provide daily market commentary, keeping traders informed of the latest developments. When it comes to forex news, IronFX stands out with insights from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, while ATFX does not include this feature. For those interested in technical analysis, ATFX offers tools from the renowned company Autochartist, whereas IronFX does not. Both brokers, however, offer comprehensive analytical tools from Trading Central, providing traders with valuable technical insights.
Regarding user-friendly resources, neither IronFX nor ATFX offers sentiment-based trading tools or research features from TipRanks and Acuity Trading. Both brokers do provide an economic calendar, helping traders stay updated on global events. In terms of research quality, IronFX earns a commendable four-star rating, ranking 28th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX receives three stars, ranking 54th. This comparison suggests that IronFX delivers a slightly more comprehensive research package, particularly in forex news and overall ranking.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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 | No | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners between IronFX and ATFX, both brokers provide a range of materials such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. Each offers a minimum of 10 beginner-friendly educational videos that can aid new traders in understanding the basics of trading. Additionally, both IronFX and ATFX host searchable archives of previously recorded client webinars, which can be useful for learners who want to revisit specific topics at their own pace.
However, there are areas where these brokers differ. IronFX includes an investor dictionary that defines over 50 investing terms, a feature shared by ATFX as well. Although neither broker hosts live educational webinars, ATFX's educational offerings have received a slightly lower rating of 3 stars compared to IronFX's 4 stars. Despite this, ATFX holds a higher education ranking at #28 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while IronFX is placed at #44. Each broker provides valuable learning tools, yet the differences in ratings and ranking might guide beginners to select the platform that better aligns with their learning preferences.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IronFX is better than ATFX. IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
IronFX has come a long way to rebuild its brand, acquiring multiple regulatory licenses to improve its Trust Score, and creating balanced educational material. That said, pricing is an area where IronFX has room to further improve as spreads appeared higher than the industry average.
| Feature |
IronFX
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ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 85 |
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Both IronFX and ATFX do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IronFX and ATFX provide various deposit and withdrawal options, including Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither offers ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal as available methods.
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 | IronFX | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | IronFX | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | IronFX | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 83 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IronFX | 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) | Yes | 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) | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | IronFX | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IronFX | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $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 | IronFX | 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) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | 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 | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IronFX | 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) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IronFX | 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 |
| Overall | IronFX | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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