ATFX
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by FCA, ASIC, and CySEC
- Diverse range of over 100 trading instruments
- Access to both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms
- Comprehensive educational resources and webinars
- No fees for deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- No cent accounts available
- High minimum deposit required for standard accounts
- Limited bonus availability for customers
- Wider spreads on standard accounts compared to competitors
- Restricted selection of tradable assets
Basic Information
User Reviews
ATFX Overview
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the UK, ATFX is a reputable forex broker that offers a diverse range of trading services. The broker is regulated by several authoritative bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring a high level of trust and security for its clients. ATFX’s regulatory compliance and commitment to safeguarding client funds through segregation underscore its credibility within the forex trading landscape.
Is ATFX Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | United Kingdom | Segregated Funds, Investor Compensation Scheme |
| Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | Cyprus | Segregated Funds, Investor Compensation Fund |
| Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Australia | Segregated Funds |
| Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) | United Arab Emirates | Segregated Funds |
| Financial Services Commission (FSC) | Mauritius | Segregated Funds |
| Financial Services Authority (FSA) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | No specific measures |
| Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) | Jordan | No specific measures |
| Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) | Cambodia | Segregated Funds |
Is ATFX Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
ATFX is a regulated broker with licenses from several respected financial authorities, including the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and CySEC in Cyprus. This multi-regulatory status enhances its credibility and provides a framework for investor protection. Client funds are safeguarded through various measures, such as segregated accounts, which separate client funds from the broker’s operational funds. Additionally, ATFX participates in investor compensation schemes in certain jurisdictions, offering further security for clients in the event of insolvency. The broker’s commitment to regulatory compliance reinforces its legitimacy and ensures a safe trading environment for investors.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does ATFX offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, AUD/NZD, Major & Minor Pairs | 40+ |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Crude Oil, Natural Gas | Many |
| Indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX | 15+ |
| Stocks | Apple, Amazon, Tesla, BP, Vodafone | 300+ |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC | Many |
ATFX offers a diverse range of trading tools across multiple asset categories, including Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. With over 40 Forex pairs and a variety of commodities like gold and oil, traders can tailor their strategies to their individual risk tolerance and market goals. This diversity not only caters to beginners looking to explore the markets but also provides experienced traders with ample opportunities for portfolio diversification. By supporting a wide array of financial products, ATFX enables traders to implement flexible trading strategies and adapt to changing market conditions effectively.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does ATFX Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Beginners and casual traders | Low minimum deposit, no commission, competitive spreads starting from 1.8 pips | Ideal for those starting out in trading |
| ECN Account | Experienced traders | Tight spreads from 0.0 pips, commission applied per lot | Requires higher trading volume to be cost-effective |
| Professional Account | High-volume traders and professionals | Enhanced trading conditions, higher leverage up to 1:500 | Eligibility based on trading experience and volume |
| Islamic Account | Traders seeking Sharia-compliant options | Swap-free trading options, same conditions as Standard | Requires verification of eligibility |
| Demo Account | New traders and those testing strategies | Practice trading with virtual funds, full access to platform features | Available to anyone interested in trading |
Account Opening Process
To open an account with ATFX, follow these steps: First, visit the ATFX website and select the option to open an account. Complete the application by providing personal details such as your full name, email address, and phone number. Next, select your desired account type and base currency. After that, upload necessary documents for identity verification, such as a government-issued ID and proof of address (e.g., utility bill). Once your application is approved, you can fund your account using various methods like bank transfer or credit/debit card. ATFX allows flexibility in account types, enabling you to upgrade to a professional account in the future if you meet the criteria.
Trading Fees
| Product | Spread (pips) | Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex (EUR/USD) | 1.8 | $0 (Standard), $3.5 (ECN) | Competitive pricing for major pairs |
| Forex (GBP/USD) | 1.9 | $0 (Standard), $3.5 (ECN) | Similar pricing structure to EUR/USD |
| CFDs (Gold) | 0.3 | $0 | No commission on gold trading |
| CFDs (Crude Oil) | 0.05 | $0 | Low spreads for commodity trading |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | $0.1 per lot | Variable depending on market conditions |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, ATFX may apply various charges including: deposit/withdrawal fees (generally free for bank transfers, but may incur small fees for credit cards), inactivity fees which may apply after a certain period without trading activity, platform usage fees (typically included in the account terms), overnight interest (swap rates for positions held overnight), and currency conversion fees for transactions in different currencies.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does ATFX Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | 2FA, symbol lookup, multiple order types, price alerts, technical indicators | Demo account, VPS, API |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Encryption, market analysis tools, one-click trading, push notifications, advanced charting | Demo account, VPS, API |
| Web Version | Browser-based (all devices) | Secure login, symbol search, multiple order types, real-time alerts | Demo account |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Biometric login, price alerts, market news, charting tools | Demo account |
ATFX provides a range of trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of traders. The MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform is ideal for beginners, offering user-friendly features and essential tools. In contrast, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) caters to more experienced traders with its advanced functionalities and multi-asset trading capabilities. The web version and mobile app ensure that traders can access their accounts seamlessly from any device, promoting flexibility and convenience. Secure logins, fast execution, and real-time alerts are core elements across all platforms, enhancing the overall trading experience.
Traders also benefit from various additional services, including demo accounts for practice and VPS for stable trading environments. ATFX emphasizes security and efficiency, enabling users to focus on their trading strategies effectively.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fees | Limits | Base Currency Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Deposit: 1-3 days, Withdrawal: 2-5 days | Usually free, but banks may charge a fee (USD 15-30 for international wires) | Min Deposit: 100 USD, Max Withdrawal: 50,000 USD/day | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD |
| Credit/Debit Card | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: 1-3 days (after verification) | No platform fees, but cash advance fees may apply | Min Deposit: 100 USD, Max Withdrawal: 10,000 USD/transaction | USD, EUR, GBP |
| E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: Same day | No platform fees, but e-wallet fees may apply (1-2%) | Min Deposit: 50 USD, Max Withdrawal: 10,000 USD/transaction | USD, EUR, GBP |
| Local Payment Methods (GrabPay, FasaPay, POLi, etc.) | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: 1-2 days | No platform fees, but local fees may apply | Min Deposit: 10 USD, Max Withdrawal: Varies by method | Supports local currencies |
Compliance & Security Background
Withdrawals must return to the original payment method due to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, ensuring traceable fund flows. First-time large withdrawals (typically over 2,000 USD) require identity documents (passport) and address proof (utility bill), with additional scrutiny for suspicious transactions.
Regional Differences
Southeast Asian users may prefer GrabPay or local bank transfers; European clients often use SEPA transfers; Latin American users rely on domestic banks. Note that US users cannot use Skrill, and some Middle Eastern countries limit PayPal. Partner banks in Japan may offer zero-fee transfers.
Cost Optimization Tips
- Small Deposits (<1,000 USD): Prioritize e-wallets or credit cards for instant, fee-free deposits.
- Large Deposits (>5,000 USD): Use bank transfers or SEPA for a lower total cost despite slower processing times.
- Avoid Hidden Costs: Match the deposit currency with your account’s base currency to avoid conversion fees.
- Multi-base Currency Accounts: Select brokers with several base currency options to minimize cross-currency fees.
How to Withdraw
To withdraw funds from your account, log in to your trading platform, navigate to the withdrawal section, select your preferred payment method, enter the amount and confirm your request. Ensure that you have completed any necessary identity verification steps to facilitate the withdrawal process efficiently.
Customer Support
ATFX Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
ATFX offers multiple support channels to ensure customers can easily reach out for help. These include:
- Email: Customers can contact ATFX via email at cs.uk@atfx.com.
- Live Chat: Immediate assistance is available through the live chat feature on their website.
- Telephone: Customers can call ATFX at +44 203 957 7777 for direct support.
- Social Media: ATFX is also active on various social media platforms, providing additional channels for contact.
Service Availability
ATFX’s customer service operates 24/5, ensuring that clients can receive support during standard trading hours. Additionally, ATFX provides multilingual support, catering to a global clientele with assistance in languages such as English, Chinese, and Spanish.
Additional Resources
To enhance the trading experience, ATFX provides various educational resources, including:
- Video tutorials to help traders understand the platform.
- Webinars focusing on different trading strategies and market analysis.
- Regular market analysis and trading signals to assist traders in making informed decisions.
ATFX’s commitment to providing excellent customer service is reflected in numerous positive customer reviews, highlighting their responsiveness and the effectiveness of their support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
ATFX ensures client fund security through several measures, including segregated accounts, which separate client funds from the company’s assets, and compliance with regulatory requirements from recognized authorities. Additionally, they utilize advanced encryption technology to safeguard client data and transactions, ensuring a secure trading environment.
ATFX offers competitive trading conditions, including low spreads, various account types tailored to different trading strategies, and leverage options that can enhance trading potential. They provide access to a wide range of instruments such as forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, catering to both novice and experienced traders.
ATFX is regulated by reputable financial authorities, which ensures compliance with stringent regulatory standards. They regularly undergo audits and adhere to guidelines that promote transparency and fair trading practices. This commitment to compliance fosters trust and safety for traders using their platform.
ATFX offers responsive customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone. Their support team is available 24/5 to assist clients with inquiries ranging from account issues to trading assistance. Additionally, they provide a comprehensive FAQ section and educational resources to enhance user experience.
Risk Disclosure
Trading forex/CFDs via brokers carries high risks, including potential total loss. For any data changes, please refer to the latest information on the brokers' official websites. Trade with caution and seek independent advice.