Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Saxo 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 the online brokers Saxo and ATFX, there are distinct differences in their histories and trust ratings. Established in 1992, Saxo operates as a bank and holds a total of seven Tier-1 licenses, which are highly regarded for trust. This contributes to its impressive Trust Score of 99 as per ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, ATFX was founded in 2017 and does not operate as a bank. With four Tier-1 licenses and a Trust Score of 85, it is still deemed a trusted choice, albeit not as high-ranking as Saxo.
Neither Saxo nor ATFX is publicly traded. Saxo's strong foundation and longer history, along with its extensive regulatory coverage, bolster its position as a leading broker. While ATFX is a relatively newer player in the market, its acquisition of four Tier-1 and two Tier-2 licenses reflects a commitment to maintaining trust and compliance. Both brokers offer secure options, though Saxo's higher Trust Score distinguishes it as a more established name in the brokerage space.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Saxo and ATFX for commissions and fees, Saxo stands out with its competitive pricing and flexibility for various types of traders. With Saxo's Classic, Platinum, and VIP accounts, average spreads on popular currency pairs like EUR/USD are set at 1.1, 1.0, and 0.9 pips respectively, as of November 2023. Saxo takes pride in offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume traders, where loyalty programs can elevate traders to higher account tiers, unlocking better pricing and exclusive benefits. The minimum deposit for Saxo's Classic account starts at $0, making it accessible to all, while the Platinum and VIP accounts are tailored for those with larger capital, requiring minimum deposits of $200,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. Saxo provides a commission-free trading environment, although traders who fall under certain trading volumes are subject to a small ticket fee. Overall, Saxo earns a 5-star rating and holds the 9th position out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees.
On the other hand, ATFX does not disclose average spread data, making it challenging to directly compare against Saxo's detailed pricing structure. This lack of transparency may pose a disadvantage for traders looking for clear cost comparisons. Despite offering a range of accounts and services, ATFX's overall rating for commissions and fees is 3 stars. Compared to Saxo, ATFX is ranked 60th out of 63 brokers, indicating that traders may face higher costs or less favorable conditions in this area.
In summary, Saxo outperforms ATFX in terms of commissions and fees based on transparency, flexibility, and user benefits tailored for various trading volumes and account balances. Saxo's high ranking and 5-star rating reinforce its position as a solid choice for budget-conscious traders, whereas ATFX's 3-star rating suggests there may be better alternatives for those prioritizing competitive pricing. This comparison highlights the importance of understanding fee structures to optimize trading strategies and potential savings.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.1 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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 online brokers Saxo and ATFX in terms of their range of investments, Saxo clearly stands out as a more diverse platform. Saxo offers an impressive 70,000 tradeable symbols, vastly exceeding ATFX's selection of 150. Forex traders will find Saxo's 190 available forex pairs significantly more appealing compared to the 44 pairs ATFX provides. Both brokers support forex trading through CFDs and spot contracts, and each offers the ability to engage in copy trading, catering to beginner and experienced traders alike. However, neither broker allows clients to buy actual cryptocurrencies—only derivatives.
Saxo also holds an advantage when it comes to trading in stocks. Unlike ATFX, Saxo allows clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling direct investment in popular companies like Apple and Vodafone. These features contribute to Saxo's impressive 5-star rating for its range of investments, as reviewed by industry experts, ranking it 3rd out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, ATFX holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks 57th in the same category, making Saxo a superior choice for investors seeking a comprehensive trading portfolio.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 70000 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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.
When comparing Saxo and ATFX for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice without financial risk. Saxo stands out with its in-house developed proprietary platform, whereas ATFX relies on the popular platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Both brokers ensure accessibility with Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms, providing convenience for various trader preferences. They also offer copy trading services, catering to those interested in mirroring experienced traders' strategies.
Saxo excels in charting tools, offering 20 drawing tools compared to ATFX's 15, and boasts robust watch list features with 60 fields compared to ATFX's 7. Saxo traders can engage directly from stock charts, similar to ATFX. However, Saxo has a higher overall rating of 5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranking #1 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, ATFX receives a 3.5-star rating, positioned at #62, reflecting a significant difference in platform features and user regard.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | 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 | 60 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
For those considering Saxo and ATFX for mobile trading, both brokers offer apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, along with essential features like stock and forex price alerts. However, Saxo stands out in several areas. It offers the convenience of watchlist syncing across devices, while ATFX does not provide this feature. Chart enthusiasts will appreciate Saxo's extensive offering of 64 technical studies, compared to ATFX's seven, allowing for more comprehensive analysis. Both brokers enable drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames on charts, and they also support auto-saving of drawings and creating watchlists with real-time quotes.
The quality of experience is further highlighted by user ratings and industry rankings. Saxo receives an impressive 5-star rating for its mobile trading app, reflecting its position as the #2 ranked broker out of 63 by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, ATFX earns a 3.5-star rating and ranks much lower at #63. This clearly indicates that Saxo offers a more refined and user-friendly mobile trading experience, making it a preferable choice for those seeking advanced features and seamless functionality.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
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 diving into market research capabilities, Saxo and ATFX both deliver a variety of tools and services for traders. Both offer daily market commentary and an economic calendar to keep their users informed on global events. Saxo shines in providing forex news from esteemed sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, an advantage not shared by ATFX. Both platforms integrate technical analysis tools from Autochartist, though ATFX further extends its offerings with products from Trading Central, which Saxo does not provide. On the other hand, Saxo offers a sentiment-based trading tool to guide decision-making, a tool that is absent with ATFX.
Despite some strengths found in ATFX due to its inclusion of Trading Central tools, Saxo's comprehensive research capabilities earn it a higher reputation overall. It holds a 5-star rating for research and is ranked #1 among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX receives a 3-star rating and stands at #54. This distinction underscores Saxo's leading role in delivering accessible and insightful market research for traders across varying levels of expertise.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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, Saxo and ATFX both provide a solid foundation with over 10 educational pieces like articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. However, Saxo stands out by offering monthly webinars to enhance learning—something ATFX does not provide. Both brokers offer searchable archives of past webinars, allowing users to revisit content at their convenience. For those new to trading, both Saxo and ATFX offer over 10 educational videos that focus specifically on beginner trading topics, making it easier for novices to get started.
For traders looking to deepen their knowledge, Saxo outshines ATFX with a collection of advanced educational videos, whereas ATFX lacks this feature. Both platforms provide investor dictionaries with definitions of over 50 investing terms, useful for grasping trading jargon. Saxo’s overall educational offerings earn it a 5-star rating and the 13th spot out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX receives a 3-star rating, ranking 28th. In summary, for beginners looking for comprehensive education and ongoing learning opportunities, Saxo delivers a more extensive range of resources compared to ATFX.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
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 Saxo is better than ATFX. Saxo finished with an overall rank of #3, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Saxo is an exclusive multi-asset broker with brilliant research and a superb trading platform experience – as well as a stunning selection of over 40,000 securities.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 |
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While both Saxo and ATFX do not offer the ability to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, they each provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing clients to engage in the crypto market without owning the underlying assets.
When comparing the online brokers Saxo and ATFX, both offer Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing and withdrawing funds, but neither supports ACH or SEPA transfers, nor PayPal; however, ATFX uniquely provides the option to use Skrill, which Saxo does not.
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 | Saxo | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review |
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| Regulation | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 70000 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.1 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $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 | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 60 | 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 | Saxo | 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 | Saxo | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Saxo | 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 | Saxo | 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 | Saxo Review |
| Overall | Saxo | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review |
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