Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Swissquote 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.
Swissquote, established in 1996, is a well-established online broker known for its high level of trustworthiness, partly because it is a publicly traded company and a bank. It proudly boasts a Trust Score of 99 out of 99 on ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its solid reputation in the industry. Swissquote operates under substantial regulatory oversight with five Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, signaling a commitment to high standards and customer safety.
Founded in 2017, ATFX has quickly made a name for itself as a reliable online broker, earning a Trust Score of 85, indicative of a trusted standing according to ForexBrokers.com ratings. Although ATFX is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank, it holds four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. These credentials suggest a solid regulatory foundation, offering investors confidence in its services.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Swissquote and ATFX in terms of commissions and fees, Swissquote presents a premium experience, thanks to its status as a Swiss banking organization. However, this comes with higher trading costs that may not compete with the more economical forex brokers. Swissquote provides varied account types across its different regional entities, with the U.K.-based accounts being the most cost-effective option due to lower costs and deposit requirements. Meanwhile, ATFX does not provide specific average spread data, so its overall pricing structure remains less transparent.
Swissquote's U.K. branch offers four account types, with the Elite account standing out for active traders who can deposit a minimum of $10,000. This account offers lower spreads along with a $5 commission per round-turn trade. In contrast, ATFX, while less detailed in its spread offerings, provides a simpler setup but with limited information on potential costs. Overall, Swissquote's diverse geographic availability and account variation might appeal to those seeking flexibility, though it comes with the trade-off of higher fees.
For commissions and fees, Swissquote receives a 3.5-star rating, ranking 53rd out of 63 brokers, while ATFX comes in slightly lower with a 3-star rating, positioned at 60th in the same category. Both brokers clearly have areas for improvement in offering competitive pricing, with Swissquote providing a slightly more favorable but still premium route compared to ATFX's less defined pricing structure.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | 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.
Swissquote and ATFX both offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, providing diverse investment options for traders. However, Swissquote stands out with a more extensive offering, boasting 472 tradeable symbols compared to ATFX's 150. Forex enthusiasts will also find Swissquote appealing, with access to 80 forex pairs, almost double ATFX's 44 pairs. Swissquote further differentiates itself by allowing clients to invest in exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, enabling direct investments in well-known companies like Apple and Vodafone. In contrast, ATFX does not offer non-CFD exchange-traded securities, limiting stock-buying opportunities directly on these markets.
When it comes to cryptocurrency, Swissquote provides the flexibility to buy both actual cryptocurrencies and derivatives, while ATFX only offers crypto derivatives. Both platforms facilitate copy trading, attracting traders interested in mirroring investment strategies. Despite these similarities, Swissquote's comprehensive investment options earn it a 5-star rating and a #2 ranking by ForexBrokers.com. Conversely, ATFX holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks #57, emphasizing Swissquote's stronger position in offering a wider array of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 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) | Yes | 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.
Swissquote and ATFX are two online brokers that offer various trading platforms and tools, appealing to different types of traders. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing new traders to gain experience without financial risk. While Swissquote offers a proprietary platform developed in-house, ATFX relies solely on third-party platforms for their clients. Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, popular choices in the trading community, and provide Windows-based and web-based platforms, ensuring accessibility across multiple devices. Moreover, both brokers facilitate copy trading, providing more avenues for traders to engage with the market. It's important to note that neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade for advanced social trading.
When examining charting capabilities, Swissquote stands out with 75 drawing tools compared to ATFX's 15, offering traders more options for technical analysis. In terms of watchlists, Swissquote again comes out ahead with 11 columns for customization, compared to ATFX’s 7. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the speed and ease of executing trades. According to ForexBrokers.com, Swissquote’s overall offering places it 12th out of 63 brokers for trading platforms and tools, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars, whereas ATFX ranks 62nd and is rated 3.5 stars. This suggests that Swissquote provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly platform experience, but both brokers still meet fundamental trading needs.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Swissquote and ATFX provide mobile trading applications available on iPhone and Android devices, catering to traders on the go. These apps support essential features like real-time stock and forex price alerts and interactive charting tools with the capability to draw trendlines and view various timeframes. While both platforms allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, they lack synchronization between mobile and online accounts, meaning any watchlist changes made on one platform won't reflect on the other. However, Swissquote stands out with its impressive offering of 30 technical studies for mobile charting, a significant advantage over ATFX's seven studies. Additionally, both apps save drawings automatically, making it easier for traders to continue their analysis seamlessly.
When it comes to overall user satisfaction and industry recognition, Swissquote's mobile app receives a glowing rating of 4.5 stars, while ATFX’s app garners a respectable but lower 3.5-star rating. The difference is further highlighted in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com, where Swissquote is positioned at #12 out of 63 brokers, demonstrating its strong impression in the mobile trading apps category. On the other hand, ATFX finds itself at #63, indicating there is still room for improvement. For traders seeking a more comprehensive and highly-rated mobile trading experience, Swissquote seems to be the preferred choice. However, both apps provide the necessary tools for traders who prioritize flexibility and accessibility in their trading activities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 comparing market research capabilities, Swissquote and ATFX both offer daily market commentary and provide access to essential technical analysis tools like Autochartist. However, Swissquote has a notable edge with its provision of forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, something that ATFX does not offer. On the other hand, ATFX stands out with its inclusion of Trading Central tools, aiding traders with advanced technical analytics, a feature that Swissquote lacks.
Both brokers provide an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global news events. However, neither Swissquote nor ATFX offers sentiment-based trading tools or research from TipRanks and Acuity Trading. In terms of overall research rating, Swissquote is rated higher with 4 stars and holds a more prestigious position as the 16th best out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas ATFX, with its 3-star rating, is ranked 54th.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 | No | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners exploring the world of trading, choosing a broker with quality educational resources is crucial. Swissquote and ATFX both provide extensive educational content, including articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs, ensuring newcomers have access to fundamental learning materials. Both brokers feature searchable archives of past webinars, aiding those who wish to learn at their own pace. Swissquote stands out by offering monthly live educational webinars, an opportunity that ATFX does not currently provide. When it comes to video resources tailored for beginners, both brokers exceed expectations, offering at least 10 educational videos each. However, Swissquote further distinguishes itself by delivering a series of advanced educational videos for more seasoned traders.
In addition to the digital learning tools, both Swissquote and ATFX supply an investor dictionary that includes definitions of over 50 investing-related terms. Yet, Swissquote's broader approach to educational development earns it a higher rating of 4 stars compared to ATFX's 3 stars. It's also reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where Swissquote is placed 21st out of 63 brokers for education, whereas ATFX ranks 28th. This suggests Swissquote offers a more comprehensive educational experience that caters to both beginners and experienced traders alike.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 Swissquote is better than ATFX. Swissquote finished with an overall rank of #11, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Traders choose Swissquote for its quality research and vast multi-asset offering – as long as they are willing to pay a premium to have their brokerage account held with a Swiss bank.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 |
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Swissquote allows investors to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies and also offers cryptocurrency derivatives, while ATFX provides access only to cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual cryptocurrencies.
In comparing online brokers Swissquote and ATFX, Swissquote offers a more versatile array of deposit and withdrawal options, including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while ATFX lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal but still supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Swissquote | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Swissquote | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | 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) | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 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) | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote | 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 | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote Review |
| Overall | Swissquote | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review |
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