Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 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 Trading 212 and ATFX, both online brokers offer secure trading experiences, but they differ in some regulatory aspects. Trading 212, established in 2004, holds 3 Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of trust, although it doesn't hold any Tier-2 licenses. Trading 212 is not listed on any stock exchange and is not a bank. It carries a Trust Score rating of 80 according to ForexBrokers.com, categorizing it as a trusted broker with some level of confidence for users.
On the other hand, ATFX, founded in 2017, garners a slightly higher Trust Score of 85, indicating a trusted status. It boasts 4 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, offering a wider range of regulatory approvals. Like Trading 212, ATFX is neither publicly traded nor a bank, but its acquired licenses contribute to building trust among its clientele. Overall, both brokers present viable options, with ATFX holding a slight edge in terms of regulatory confidence due to its additional licenses.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers Trading 212 and ATFX in terms of commissions and fees, there are some notable differences. Trading 212 offers two types of accounts: "Invest" for trading shares, and "CFD" for trading CFDs. The CFD account, which requires a minimum deposit of 10 euros, is the focus here. Trading 212 promotes zero-commission trading, though a spread applies, particularly for forex and CFDs. For instance, in April 2025, the average spread for the EUR/USD pair was 2.7 pips, significantly higher than the industry average, which may be a drawback for cost-conscious traders.
In contrast, ATFX, while lacking average spread data, is typically known for having a straightforward fee structure. Unfortunately, without specific spread information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison to Trading 212’s pricing transparency.
In terms of ratings, Trading 212 is rated 4 stars out of 5 for commissions and fees, ranking it at #49 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, ATFX has a slightly lower rating of 3 stars, placing it at #60 in the same category. This suggests that Trading 212 may offer a more competitive fee structure compared to ATFX, although both have room for improvement.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 choosing an online broker, the range of investments is a significant factor to consider. Trading 212 impresses with a vast selection, offering 7,868 tradeable symbols, including 146 forex pairs. It also grants access to both U.S. and international exchange-traded securities, enabling clients to invest in well-known stocks like Apple from NASDAQ and Vodafone from the London Stock Exchange. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts can explore derivatives, providing more options for portfolio diversification. With a 5-star rating for range of investments and ranking #15 out of 63 brokers, Trading 212 stands out for its extensive offerings.
In comparison, ATFX provides a more limited selection of 150 tradeable symbols, including 44 forex pairs. While it does offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, its focus on exchange-traded securities is restricted, as it lacks direct access to purchasing shares on both U.S. and international exchanges. However, ATFX accommodates traders interested in copy trading and cryptocurrency derivatives, giving some flexibility despite a narrower array of investment choices. Rated 3.5 stars for range of investments, ATFX is ranked #57 by ForexBrokers.com, indicating a more specialized approach compared to Trading 212's broader capabilities.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 Trading 212 and ATFX for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a free virtual demo account, allowing users to practice trading without financial risk. Trading 212 has developed its own platform, while ATFX relies on well-known platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, providing customers with familiarity. Trading 212 shines with its user-friendly web-based platform, although it lacks a Windows-based desktop version which ATFX provides. Equally accessible online, both platforms support trading directly from charts.
Regarding additional features, ATFX supports copy trading and offers more technical indicators through MT4 and MT5, in contrast to Trading 212. However, Trading 212 offers more drawing tools for charting and a proprietary experience. Despite having fewer columns for watch lists, Trading 212 surpasses ATFX with its overall user experience and platform rating, receiving 4 stars compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. Ranking-wise, Trading 212 also leads, coming in at number 20 out of 63 compared to ATFX's position at 62, highlighting its stronger platform offerings.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
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Trading 212 and ATFX both excel in providing essential mobile trading features, available on both iPhone and Android devices. Their apps support crucial functionalities like price alerts, trendline drawing, and viewing multiple time frames on charts. However, Trading 212 takes the lead with superior watchlist symbol syncing that seamlessly updates any changes made either on the mobile app or online account. Additionally, Trading 212 offers a remarkable 104 technical studies for in-depth chart analysis compared to ATFX’s more limited selection of 7 studies. Both platforms allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, enhancing the overall trading experience.
When considering user ratings and overall ranking, Trading 212 outshines with a four-star rating for its mobile trading apps, positioning it at #17 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, ATFX holds a rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked at #63. The higher ranking and richer array of technical features on Trading 212's app make it a favored choice among traders seeking comprehensive mobile trading tools. While both brokers offer solid mobile app experiences, Trading 212 clearly provides more advanced capabilities that could significantly benefit active traders.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 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 it comes to market research offerings, Trading 212 and ATFX have their unique strengths and limitations. Trading 212 stands out by providing forex news sourced from top-tier agencies like Bloomberg and Reuters, enhancing access to quality information for its users. Additionally, it offers a sentiment-based trading tool that provides insights into market trends across currency pairs and other instruments. Furthermore, Trading 212 includes an economic calendar to track global economic events, which is a common feature shared with ATFX. However, Trading 212 falls short in other areas, lacking tools from Autochartist, Trading Central, and Acuity Trading, and it does not offer daily market commentary.
On the other hand, ATFX offers daily market commentary and employs tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, giving users a comprehensive array of technical and fundamental analysis resources. However, it lacks access to high-tier news from agencies like Bloomberg and Reuters and does not provide sentiment-based trading tools. Like Trading 212, ATFX also features an economic calendar. In terms of independent ratings, Trading 212 holds a slightly higher position with a research rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked #44 among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to ATFX's 3-star rating and #54 ranking. Ultimately, the choice between the two brokers may come down to whether a trader values premium news and sentiment tools from Trading 212 or the detailed analytical insights provided by ATFX.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | 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 comparing Trading 212 and ATFX for educational resources aimed at beginners, both platforms provide a solid range of materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on forex and CFDs. They each offer a searchable library of recorded webinars, allowing newcomers to revisit crucial material at their convenience. Both brokers have made an effort to cater to beginner traders by curating at least 10 educational videos specifically tailored for those just starting in trading. In addition, both offer an investor dictionary with over 50 investment terms, contributing to a foundational understanding for new traders.
While Trading 212 and ATFX appear similar in some aspects, there are notable differences. Trading 212 stands out by providing at least 10 advanced educational videos for experienced traders, a feature not available on ATFX. This variety is reflected in their respective ratings: Trading 212 earns a 3.5-star rating for education and is ranked 20th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX receives a 3-star rating and holds the 28th position. Neither broker currently offers live monthly educational webinars, but both maintain robust archives for self-paced learning. Overall, Trading 212 offers slightly more advanced resources, making it a stronger option for those looking to deepen their trading skills over time.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
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 | 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 Trading 212 is better than ATFX. Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Best known for its mobile trading app, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform suite for CFD and share trading, as well as a large variety of forex pairs. However, despite its well-designed platform and wide range of symbols, its lack of advanced trading tools and flat research offerings hamper Trading 212’s bid to be considered a top broker.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 85 |
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Both Trading 212 and ATFX do not offer the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing investors to engage in crypto trading without owning the underlying assets.
When comparing online brokers, Trading 212 offers versatile account funding options via ACH, SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas ATFX supports deposits and withdrawals via Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, lacking both ACH, SEPA transfers and PayPal, which makes Trading 212 more accessible for users seeking diverse payment 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 | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 80 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Trading 212 | 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 | 104 | 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 | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | 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 | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | Trading 212 | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review |
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