IG
- Written By Forex
- Updated:
IG is a regulated online trading broker that gives traders access to more than 17,000 financial instruments spanning various asset classes, including forex, indices, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities. The broker supports multiple advanced trading platforms, such as MT4, L2 Dealer, and others. Opening an IG account does not require a minimum deposit.
In this review, we’ll highlight the main features of IG that you should consider before deciding to trade with them. According to 7,895 customer reviews on Trustpilot, IG holds an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. This score reflects several factors, including the fact that 55% of reviewers awarded IG 5 stars, while 18% gave it just 1 star.
Overall Summary IG | |
Year Founded | 1974 |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Tradable Instruments | Forex, shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, other markets |
Open an Account | How to Open an Account at IG |
Trading Costs | Spreads, Fees, and Commissions at IG |
Key Pros and Cons
Let’s first briefly look at IG’s key pros and cons.
- Key Pros
- Licensed by tier-1 financial regulators
- Sophisticated trading platforms, including the MT4
- A range of standalone trading tools
- A good selection of learning resources
- Over 17,000 trading instruments
- Competitive spreads
- Fair commission fees
- Ultra-fast trade execution speeds
- Secure payment methods
- Islamic swap-free account
- A knowledgeable client support team
- Key Cons
- No account protection (US clients only)
- No guaranteed stop losses (US clients)
- No copy trading or back-testing integration on the IG platform
- High share-CFD fees
Company Information
The launch of IG in 1974
IG was established in 1974 as an online spread betting broker, giving traders the ability to speculate on the price movements of various financial assets. The broker offers a variety of advanced trading platforms available on desktop, web, and mobile devices. Traders benefit from favorable conditions, including negative balance protection, competitive spreads, reasonable commission fees, and fast execution speeds. Additionally, IG provides a range of trading tools and educational resources to help traders maximize their trading potential.
An award-winning broker in 2021
Since its launch in 1974, IG Group has been a leading name in the online forex and CFD trading industry. The broker provides award-winning platforms and top-tier trading services to more than 313,000 clients worldwide. IG operates sales offices in numerous regions, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand, Dubai, Japan, the United States, and several others. The company is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and is part of the FTSE 250 Index.
With its reliable trading services and advanced technology, IG has earned recognition through several prestigious industry awards. Some of the notable titles include Best Broker for Forex Trading by the Investopedia Online Brokers Award (2019), Best CFD Provider at the Online Personal Wealth Awards (2020), Best Multi-Platform Provider at the ADVFN International Financial Awards (2020), and Best Finance App from the same organization in 2020, among others.
IG is also well-regulated and authorized to offer investment services by several supervisory bodies. These include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), along with other regulators overseeing its global entities. The broker’s subsidiaries and their respective regulators are outlined below:
- IG Markets Limited, regulated by the FCA: office address: Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA, United Kingdom
- IG US LLC, regulated by the CFTC and a member of the NFA: office address: The United States of America
- IG International Limited, regulated by the BMA: office address: Bermuda
- IG Europe GmbH (IGE), regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and Deutsche Bundesbank: office address: Westhafenplatz 1, 60327 Frankfurt, Germany
- IG Bank SA (IGB), regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
- IG Limited, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): office address: 2702 & 2703 Level 27, Tower 2, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- IG Markets South Africa Limited, regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
- IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA), regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): office address: 9 Battery Rd #01-02 MYP Center 049910, Singapore
- IG Securities Ltd, regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA) for Securities and Currencies, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for Hard Commodities, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for Soft Commodities
- IGM (IG Australia Pty Ltd), regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA): office address: Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne,
Because IG is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), it is able to accept clients from the United States, although its services there are limited to forex trading only.
Catering to Traders Worldwide
One of the impressive features of AvaTrade is its truly global reach, which is something that will appeal to traders all around the world. Their website is configured for over 25 separate countries and regions and supports at least 20 different languages.
Multiple Industry Awards
AvaTrade has won multiple industry accolades from reputable outlets, such as The European, International Business Magazine, FXEmpire, and Daytrading.com.
Why Trade with IG?
Now, let us briefly list the key features that we like about IG.
Aspect | What we like |
Regulation | Reputable and trustworthy broker, regulated by the FCA, BMA and other watchdogs |
Pricing | Competitive spreads and fair commissions |
Execution | The broker’s robust trading platforms employ the best execution and are built to quickly cope with huge volumes of trades at 0.027 seconds from submission to fill. |
Trading | Over 17,000 trading instruments across different asset classes, including forex, indices, cryptocurrencies, shares, commodities, and more |
Platforms | MT4, proprietary trading platforms, and various advanced trading tools. |
Customer Support | Responsive client support agents who are polite and prompt. |
Regulation
IG Group operates under strict regulation across multiple jurisdictions.
In the United Kingdom, IG Markets Limited—registered in England and Wales under company number 04008957—is authorized and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 195355.
In the United States, IG conducts business as IG US LLC, a Delaware-registered company (number 6570306). It is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is also a member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID: 0509630).
For clients in other regions, IG International Limited provides services. This entity is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to conduct investment and digital asset business. IG International Limited also receives operational support from other IG Group companies, including IG Markets Limited.
Below is an overview of the broker’s regulatory framework across its global entities.
Flag | Region | Entity | Authority | License |
 | United Kingdom | IG Markets Limited | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | RegistrationNumber: 195355 |
| USA | IG US LLC | Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) | LicenseNumber: 6570306 |
| USA | IG US LLC | National Futures Association (NFA) | NFA ID: 0509630 |
| Internationally | IG International Limited | Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) | RegistrationNumber: 54814 |
| Australia | IGM (IG Australia Pty Ltd) | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | LicenseNumber: 515106 |
| Europe | IG Europe GmbH (IGE) | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) | LicenseNumber: 148759 |
| United Arab Emirates | IG Limited | Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | LicenseNumber: F001780 |
| Japan | IG Securities Ltd | Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA) | LicenseNumber: 9010401051715 |
 | Japan | IG Securities Ltd | Financial Futures Association of Japan | License Number: N/A |
| Switzerland | IG Bank SA (IGB) | Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) | License Number: N/A |
| New Zealand | IGM (IG Australia Pty Ltd) | Financial Markets Authority | License Number: 684191 |
| South Africa | IG Markets South Africa Limited | Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) | License Number: 41393 |
| Singapore | IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA) | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | License Number: 1489 |
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is one of the most respected financial regulators in the United Kingdom. Its role is to protect consumers, strengthen the integrity of the UK financial system, and encourage effective competition in the interests of clients. For IG, this means a strong regulatory standing under a top-tier authority. In addition, UK-based retail traders are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which provides protection of up to £85,000 if IG’s UK entity fails to meet its financial obligations.
In the United States, IG is supervised by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a market regulator that has overseen the US derivatives industry—including futures, swaps, and options—for more than 50 years. IG is also a member of the National Futures Association (NFA), the self-regulatory organization for the US derivatives market. Recognized by the CFTC as a registered futures association, the NFA works to safeguard market integrity, protect investors, and ensure member firms comply with regulatory requirements. Together, these US regulations enable IG to provide forex trading services to American clients.
For international clients, IG International Limited is regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). The BMA requires supervised firms to keep client funds in segregated accounts, ensuring that traders’ money remains completely separate from the broker’s operational funds. This ring-fencing of client capital provides an added layer of protection in the unlikely event that IG becomes insolvent.
Beyond these key regulators, IG also holds approvals from a number of other supervisory bodies worldwide. These include Germany’s BaFin for operations in Europe, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA), among others—further strengthening IG’s global credibility.
Regulation
4/5
- Multi-jurisdiction regulation develops trust
- Strict FCA regulation
- CFTC regulation
- Member of NFA
- Regulated for international operations by the BMA
KYC Procedure for Account Creation and Depositing
Opening an account with IG is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes to complete. Verification, however, may take up to 24 hours. Overall, the procedure follows the standard practices used across the industry. Below are the steps involved:
Create your secure login: Enter your full name, provide a valid email address, and set up a strong yet memorable password. After that, select your country of residence and proceed by clicking “Next.”
Fill out the application form: Enter your date of birth, choose your international dialing code, and provide your phone number. Next, select how you’d like to receive your account statements either by email or post and indicate your country of nationality from the list. If you hold only one nationality, you’ll also be asked to provide your national ID at this stage.
Provide your address: Enter your residential details, including your street address, city, and postcode, in the relevant fields of the application form.
Confirm your suitability: IG will ask for details about your employment status and sources of income. Your responses are reviewed against the broker’s internal requirements. If your answers meet the criteria, you’ll be approved to move forward. If not, your application may be declined.
Trading experience: At this stage, IG will ask questions to gauge your level of trading knowledge and experience. You’ll also be required to confirm whether you qualify as a professional trader and if you have any formal education in finance.
Agree to the terms: After reviewing IG’s terms and conditions, check the box labeled “I agree to all.” Next, set your marketing preferences and click “Finish” to complete the process.
Choose your trading account: At this stage, you’ll select the type of account you want to open—either a CFD account or an Options account. Don’t worry, you’ll still have the flexibility to switch later if your needs change.
Complete the CFD knowledge test: This step allows you to demonstrate your understanding of contracts for difference (CFDs) by answering a few knowledge-based questions.
Submit your documents for verification: Provide proof of identity such as a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license along with proof of residence, like a recent utility bill or bank statement (issued within the last three months). These documents are required for IG to verify your account.
Although setting up an account takes only a few minutes, verification can take up to 24 hours. Once your account is approved, you’ll need to make a deposit using one of the available payment methods before you can begin trading.
Account Opening
4/5
- Fast sign up process - within a few minutes
- Sign up includes a suitability test
- Documents upload is required for account verification
Account Types
IG Markets offers a choice of two live trading account options, namely:
CFD Trading Account
This account type is designed for both beginners and experienced traders who want to speculate on price movements across different assets without actually owning them. With a CFD account, you enter into a contract with the broker to exchange the difference in the price of an instrument between the time you open and close a trade.
The account gives you access to IG’s various trading platforms, including MT4 and the broker’s proprietary platforms. Another advantage is that there is no minimum deposit required to open a CFD account.
DMA (Direct Market Access) Account
The DMA account provides direct access to the exchange for the assets you trade. It is tailored for experienced, high-volume traders and comes with tight spreads along with competitive commission fees of $3 per side ($6 per round trip). This account type, however, is only accessible through the L2 Dealer platform.
Other Account options
In addition to its main live accounts, IG offers several other account types, some of which are limited to specific regions. Traders can choose to open an account through one of the broker’s international offices, depending on their individual needs. It is also possible to maintain multiple accounts and trade through more than one IG office. The available account options include:
- IG trading account
- IG professional account
- IG options trading account
- IG turbo24 trading account
- Limited risk account
- Share dealing account
- Exchange account (NADEX)
All IG accounts can be denominated in a range of currencies, including AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD, NZD, JPY, and HKD. This flexibility allows traders to select the base currency that best matches their preferences and trading style.
Feature | CFD Trading Account | DMA Account |
90 FX pairs | ||
CFDs on major indices, commodities, metals, and bonds | ||
ECN Execution | ||
Minimum account balance | $0 | $0 |
Web and desktop platforms, MT4 and mobile apps | ||
Unlimited free wire transfers | ||
No requotes | ||
Negative balance protection | ||
Fully automated execution | ||
24/7 support | ||
Variable contract sizes (as low as 1 unit) | ||
Joint account | ||
Corporate account |
Islamic Account (Swap-Free)
IG provides swap-free trading across all its live account options. This type of account is designed for Muslim traders who, due to religious beliefs, cannot pay or receive swaps. While no interest or swap charges apply to overnight positions, an administration fee is applied to trades instead.
Demo Account
IG also offers a demo account, allowing traders to practice and refine their strategies before moving on to live trading. The demo account is typically preloaded with virtual funds, giving users a risk-free environment to test the broker’s platforms and trading conditions.
Account Types
4/5
- Two major account types: CFD and DMA accounts
- Islamic Account available
- Demo Account available
Trading Fees and Other Costs
Before choosing a broker, it’s important for traders to review the trading fees and associated costs. As a CFD and forex broker, IG applies two main categories of fees:
- Trading fees – spreads, commissions, and overnight financing rates;
- Non-trading costs – account management fees, deposit and withdrawal fees, non-activity fees.
Let us take a quick look at the trading fees that are available at IG.
Costs/fees | What is this? | With Blackbull Markets |
Spreads | The cost is incorporated into the price of what you trade. A wider bid-ask spread means higher costs. | |
Commission | This is a flat fee paid per position and is often used as an alternative to charging via the spread. | |
Financing charges | This is the cost of holding a position active overnight.. | The broker will not charge an extra fee on top of standard swap rates. |
Deposit fees | These are fees charged by the broker to fund your account. | None |
Withdrawal fees | They are fees charged by the broker to withdraw money from your account. | None |
Inactivity fees | These fees are charged on dormant trading accounts. | Varies depending on the region. For Swiss clients, the monthly fee is CHF18 if an account is inactive for 24 months. However, at IG International, the broker does not specify any inactivity costs and instead closes the given account. |
Spreads
At IG, traders pay a spread on all non-share CFD trades, while share CFD trades are subject to a commission. The typical spreads across IG’s main account types are as follows:
- CFD Accounts — Spreads start from 0.6 pips with no commissions.
- DMA Account — Tight spreads that start from 0.1 pips and a commission of $6.0 per round turn.
Let us take a look at the average spreads offered on the two main account types:
Instrument | CFD Account | DMA Account |
EUR/USD | 0.85 pips | 0.165 pips |
GBP/USD | 1.40 pips | 0.589 pips |
USD/JPY | 0.94 pips | 0.242 pips |
USD/CHF | 0.82 pips | 0.295 pips |
AUD/USD | 1.99 pips | 0.399 pips |
USD/CAD | 1.97 pips | 0.678 pips |
NZD/USD | 1.40 pips | 0.540 pips |
Now, let’s compare the trading costs between IG’s two account types. For this example, we’ll use a 1-lot trade on EUR/USD, where a one-pip movement equals $10, and assume the trade is opened and closed at the same price. Using the broker’s average spreads, the estimated trading costs are as follows:
CFD Account
- Spread – 0.85 pip
- TOTAL COST – 0.85 x $10 = $8.5 per side and $17 per round turn
DMA Account
- Spread – 0.165 pips
- Spread cost – 0.165 x $10 = $1.65 per side and $3.3 per round turn
- Commission – $3.00 per side and $6.00 per round turn
- TOTAL COST – $3.3 + $6.0 = $9.3 per round turn
This shows that the trading cost on the DMA account is lower than on the CFD account, mainly due to its tighter spreads and competitive commission structure.
Next, let’s compare the average spreads on IG’s CFD account with those offered by other leading brokers on the most actively traded forex pairs.
Instrument | IG | Admirals | Avatrade | FP Markets |
EUR/USD | 0.85 pips | 0.9 pips | 0.8 pips | 1.2 pips |
GBP/USD | 1.4 pips | 1.1 pips | 1.2 pips | 1.5 pips |
USD/JPY | 0.94 pips | 1.2 pips | 1.3 pips | 1.4 pips |
USD/CHF | 0.82 pips | 1.1 pips | 0.9 pips | 1.3 pips |
AUD/USD | 1.99 pips | 1.9 pips | 1.3 pips | 1.6 pips |
USD/CAD | 1.97 pips | 1.8 pips | 1.8 pips | 1.9 pips |
NZD/USD | 1.4 pips | 1.1 pips | 1.2 pips | 1.4 pips |
From the comparison table, IG’s spreads generally fall within the range of its competitors, including Admirals, AvaTrade, and FP Markets. However, the average spreads on GBP/USD and USD/CHF are noticeably higher than those offered by some rival brokers.
Commissions
On the DMA account, IG charges a commission of $3.00 per lot per side (or $6.00 per round trip). In contrast, the CFD account carries no commission fees, although other charges may still apply.
This means that on the DMA account:
- for a 1 Standard Lot trade (100,000 units), you will pay a $6.00 commission to open and close the position;
- for a 1 Mini Lot trade (10,000 units), you will pay a $0.60 commission to open and close the position;
- for a 1 Micro Lot trade (1,000 units), you will pay a $0.06 commission to open and close the position.
A $6.00 commission for a 1-lot trade on the DMA account is relatively fair when compared with Axi, which charges $7.00. However, it is slightly higher than Fusion Markets’ Zero Spread Account, which has one of the most competitive offers in the industry with a $4.50 commission per round turn.
Spreads & Commissions
4/5
- Tight spreads
- Fair commission fees
Financing Charges
IG’s institutional partners determine daily swap rates through risk-management analysis, meaning each currency pair carries its own specific swap charge. In practice, interest is deducted on the currency sold and credited on the currency bought.
To check the swap charges for a particular currency position in MT4, simply log in to your platform and follow these steps:
Locate your product in the ‘Market Watch’ window. Right-click and select ‘Symbols.’
Select the product you wish to view from the list. Select ‘Specifications’.
Here, you can view the Forex swap rates for long and short positions.
Deposit fees
Withdrawal fees
IG also does not charge withdrawal fees across its available payment methods. However, transfers involving overseas banks may incur intermediary fees from the sending or receiving institution—costs that are outside of IG’s control.
Inactivity fees
IG’s inactivity policy varies depending on your region of residence. For clients under IG International, accounts that remain inactive for 24 months are closed, regardless of whether funds are held. There are no dormancy fees in this case, and any remaining balance can be withdrawn by contacting customer support.
For clients using IG’s Swiss entity, however, an inactivity fee of CHF 18 per month applies after 24 months of no activity. In this case, the account will remain open as long as the balance is not reduced to zero.
Inactivity Fees
2.5/5
- An inactivity fee is charged in some regions
Overall on Fees
IG keeps trading costs competitive with low spreads and reasonable commissions on the DMA account. Apart from overnight financing charges, there are no extra fees, and the $6 round-turn commission on DMA trades is in line with industry standards. Traders also benefit from free deposits and withdrawals. The only drawback is that certain users may face inactivity fees if their accounts are left unused for an extended period.
Trading Fees and Other Costs
4/5
- Tight spreads
- Zero commissions on the CFD account (other fees may apply)
- No extra fees on top of standard swap rates
- No non-trading fees on withdrawals and deposits
- Commissions are similar to those of the major competitors
- Inactivity fee may apply based on a client's jurisdiction
Desktop Trading Platforms
IG provides traders with various advanced trading platforms, including the following:
MetaTrader4
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is one of the most widely used third-party platforms for CFD trading and spread betting, both in the UK and globally. Launched in 2005 by MetaQuotes, a Russian software company, MT4 has become an industry standard thanks to its powerful analytical tools and support for automated trading, offering traders an enhanced and flexible trading experience.
The platform is designed with an intuitive interface, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. At IG, MT4 comes with several key features, including:
- Automated trading: You can build your algorithms or import Expert Advisors from the MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Customizable charts: MT4’s charts can be fully customized and adjusted to suit your individual trading needs.
- Micro lots: The minimum lot size on MT4 is 0.01 lots, helping you manage the risks of high-volume trading.
- Software-based: Accessing and interacting with the platform and charts is quite easy.
MT4 is accessible across multiple devices, giving traders the flexibility to trade from anywhere. It is available as a desktop application for both Windows and Mac, a web-based version (WebTrader) that runs smoothly on popular browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge, as well as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
ProRealTime
ProRealTime is an advanced online charting platform built for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis and automation. It offers a fully customizable interface and delivers a smooth, professional trading experience. The platform is equipped with powerful technical analysis tools and supports automated trading strategies, giving users greater flexibility and control.
With ProRealTime, traders can easily perform the following functions:
- Build algorithms using assisted creation tools or code them from scratch.
- Backtest using 30 years of historical data
- Execute trades 24 hours a day, whether or not you are at your desk
- Import strategies, even those made by third parties
- Mitigate against losses and lock in profits with trailing stops
- Trade CFDs on over 17,000 financial assets, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
ProRealTime comes equipped with a wide range of technical analysis tools. These include ProRealTrend, which automatically draws trend lines, and ProScreener, which provides alerts based on market conditions. The platform also offers more than 100 built-in indicators, such as CCI, Adaptive Moving Average, Chaikin Oscillator, Moving Average, and OrderBook Volume, all designed to support real-time price analysis.
For traders interested in options, ProRealTime also features a dedicated scenario tool and a filtering window, making it easier to evaluate and manage different trading opportunities.
L2 Dealer
L2 Dealer is IG’s direct market access (DMA) platform, designed for traders who want to trade shares and forex directly through the order books of global exchanges. The platform provides real-time market data, including Reuters news feeds, live charts, and expert commentaries. Traders can also set up customizable alerts to track specific market conditions, such as bid and ask levels, net price changes, or percentage price movements.
One of the key advantages of L2 Dealer is its access to both Level 1 and Level 2 pricing. This allows traders to view exchange pricing data in real time and interact directly with the order book. As a result, users gain deeper insights into market liquidity, can participate in auctions, and take advantage of advanced order types for greater control over their trading strategies.
Progressive Web App
The Progressive Web App (PWA) is IG’s web-based trading platform, designed to deliver fast and seamless access to trading updates without the delays that often come with traditional app store approval processes.
Accessible directly through modern web browsers, the platform is available to all users interested in CFD trading. It allows traders to manage their accounts, register cards, make deposits, withdraw funds, and more. In addition, the PWA integrates several research tools, including live news feeds, an economic calendar, and trading signals. Since it is browser-based, there’s no need to download or install any software—making it both convenient and efficient.
TradingView
Launched in 2011, TradingView has become a popular platform thanks to its rich set of features and user-friendly design. It offers more than 20 chart types, over 100 indicators, and a wide range of smart trading tools, giving traders strong customization options. Filtering markets is simple, with dozens of available filters based on prices, financial ratios, and other key metrics. Users can also set personalized alerts to stay informed about price movements.
The platform includes an economic calendar and a reliable news feed to support fundamental analysis. Another standout feature is its integrated strategy tester, which enables backtesting and provides detailed performance breakdowns of trading strategies. TradingView is available for download on both Mac and Windows computers, ensuring accessibility for all types of traders.
Desktop Platforms
4/5
- MT4 trading is available
- Multiple advanced trading tools are available
- Proprietary trading platforms
Mobile Trading Platforms
IG offers its proprietary mobile trading app, designed for seamless CFD trading on the go. The app provides the same research tools, monitoring features, and charting capabilities as the broker’s web-based platform, allowing traders to analyze markets, manage positions, and execute trades directly from their smartphones. It is available for both Android and iOS devices via their respective app stores.
In addition, clients can also trade using the mobile version of MetaTrader 4 (MT4). This app delivers full access to trading accounts with all the functionalities of the desktop platform, ensuring that traders can open and close positions, analyze charts, and use technical indicators anytime, anywhere—as long as they have an internet connection.
Android App | iOS App | |
Minimum System Requirements | OS 7.0 and above | iOS 15.0 and above |
User Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
User Reviews | 20.1K reviews | 2.8K reviews |
Supported Languages | English, Spanish, Chinese | English, Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian Bokmål, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese |
Forex Pairs | 90+ | 90+ |
Other Tradable Assets | Shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, other markets | Shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, other markets |
Features | Interactive charts, technical indicators, live Reuters news | Mobile charts, technical indicators, trading alerts, ProRealTime |
Biometric Authentication | Yes | Yes |
2-Factor Authentication | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Trading
4.5/5
- Third-party mobile apps for the MT4 trading platform is available
- A proprietary mobile app is available
- Apps offer the full functionality of the desktop platform version
Trading Instruments
IG gives traders access to over 17,000 CFD products, covering a wide range of asset classes such as forex, indices, cryptocurrencies, shares, commodities, and more. This extensive selection places IG among the brokers with the largest product offerings in the industry, making it competitive with other major players like OANDA and Fusion Markets.
Asset Class | IG | IC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
Forex | 90+ | Excellent | 60+ | 80+ |
Indices | 80+ | Excellent | 20+ | 10+ |
Stocks CFDs | 13,000+ | Excellent | 2,100+ | 100+ |
Commodities | 30+ | Good | 25+ | 20+ |
Metals | 10 | Okay | 0 | 10+ |
Futures | 8 | Good | 4 | 0 |
ETFs | 5,400 | Good | 20+ | 0 |
Energies | 7 | Good | 5 | 3 |
Before we explore IG’s wide range of assets in detail, it is worth noting that the broker provides three different ways to access the financial markets: spread betting, CFD trading, and investing. Spread betting is only available to clients in the UK, while CFDs and investing are open to a wider audience. Each of these options comes with its own advantages. Spread betting and CFDs are derivative products, which means you can speculate on the price movements of assets without actually owning them. Because these products are leveraged, you do not need to commit the full value of your trade upfront, allowing for greater flexibility and capital efficiency. Another key benefit is that you can take advantage of both rising and falling markets, unlike traditional investing where profits typically depend on price appreciation.
With this understanding of the different trading routes available, we can now take a closer look at the full range of products IG offers to its clients.
Forex
IG gives traders access to some of the most liquid global Forex markets, with more than 90 currency pairs available to trade. This includes all the major pairs, along with a wide selection of minor and exotic crosses. Trading conditions vary depending on the account type you choose. On the CFD Trading Account, you can trade Forex without paying commission fees, while the DMA Account comes with competitive commission-based pricing. The broker also offers flexible leverage, going up to 1:200 in certain regions, although regulatory restrictions in some jurisdictions cap leverage at 1:30. To accommodate different trading preferences, IG supports multiple platforms for Forex trading, including MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer, its proprietary web platform, and a user-friendly mobile application.
Indices
IG gives traders the opportunity to trade CFDs on more than 80 of the world’s most liquid stock indices through MetaTrader 4 and its mobile trading app. Thanks to the broker’s strong liquidity, large orders can be executed smoothly without disruption. One of IG’s standout features is the extended trading hours it offers, with over 30 additional weekly hours compared to many competitors. This allows traders to open or adjust positions when other markets are closed, hedge weekday positions with weekend trading on the same market, and react instantly to breaking news, economic events, or earnings reports. Since indices are traded via CFDs, there is no exchange of the underlying physical assets. Instead, traders use derivatives to speculate on price movements while benefiting from leverage, which means only a margin deposit is required for increased market exposure. At IG, leverage varies between 1:67 and 1:200, depending on the specific market, and indices can be traded across the web platform, mobile app, and MT4.
Stock/Share CFDs
IG gives traders access to stock CFDs on more than 13,000 companies from around the world, covering a wide range of industries and sectors. In addition, the broker offers trading on over 70 US-listed stocks, making it easy to speculate on some of the most popular global equities. When trading share CFDs with IG, you deal at the real market price without owning the underlying stock. Instead of paying a spread, you are charged a small commission each time you open and close a position. To enhance market exposure, IG provides leverage of up to 1:22 on share CFDs, though it’s important to remember that while leverage can amplify potential profits, it can also increase the risk of losses. Share trading with IG is available through the web-based platform and the broker’s mobile app, giving you flexibility and convenience in managing your positions.
Commodities
On IG’s web platform, traders can access a wide selection of commodities, including metals such as gold, copper, iron, lead, zinc, nickel, and cobalt, along with various agricultural products. Energy markets also play a central role, with popular options like Brent Crude and other energy commodities available for trading. IG offers more than 30 commodities in total, along with the option to trade commodity stocks and ETFs. Trading costs are kept competitive, with spreads starting as low as 2.8 points on Brent Crude and 0.3 points on gold. Commodity CFDs can be traded seamlessly across IG’s web-based platform, MT4, and mobile app, giving traders flexibility to access these markets wherever they are.
Cryptocurrency
At IG, traders can access cryptocurrency markets by trading Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, and Litecoin, all quoted against the US dollar, which is the standard across most exchanges. Rather than directly owning the digital assets, you trade them through CFDs (Contracts for Difference), allowing you to speculate on price movements without dealing with wallets or exchanges. Cryptocurrency CFDs are available across IG’s main trading platforms, including the web-based platform, MT4, the mobile app, and L2 Dealer. The broker sets a 10% margin requirement for crypto trading, giving traders leveraged exposure while still needing to manage the risks carefully.
Other Markets
IG also offers CFD trading in a variety of other markets, including bonds, options, and ETFs, allowing traders to capitalize on price fluctuations across these asset classes. These CFDs can be accessed and traded via IG’s web-based platform, MT4, and mobile app, providing flexibility and convenience for managing positions across multiple markets.
Traded Instruments
4/5
- A vast diversity of tradable asset classes
- Leveraged trading on various instruments
Trade Execution
IG operates using both the market-making model for CFD accounts and the direct market access (DMA) model for DMA accounts. The broker’s advanced trading platforms are designed for optimal performance, providing fast execution even during periods of high market activity. On average, trades are executed in just 0.014 seconds.
As one of the world’s oldest and largest spread betting and CFD brokers, IG focuses on offering high liquidity at competitive prices. This consistent liquidity gives traders greater control over their positions, particularly when trading larger volumes, increasing the likelihood of orders being filled at the desired price.
To minimize the risk of order rejection and ensure smooth execution, IG sets automatic maximum trade sizes for each order. This prevents delays that could occur if an order exceeds the platform’s accepted size.
When executing orders for share CFDs, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, IG takes several factors into account to secure the best possible outcome:
- Fairness of price
- Speed and likelihood of execution
- The size and nature of the order
IG prioritizes securing the best possible price and minimizing the total cost of each transaction above all other considerations. The broker’s sophisticated execution technology takes into account relevant factors, including the characteristics of the underlying markets and any specific instructions provided by the trader, to consistently deliver optimal trade outcomes.
Trade Execution
4/5
- Intelligent execution technology
- Ultra-fast execution speed and low latency
- Deep liquidity
Deposit
Before you can start trading with IG, you need to fund your account. The broker supports a variety of deposit methods, making it easy to add funds and begin trading. IG does not charge any deposit fees and allows accounts to be funded in several base currencies, including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, SGD, JPY, and CAD.
IG only accepts deposits from accounts held in the same name as the trading account. Payments from joint bank accounts or credit cards are permitted, provided the trading account holder is one of the beneficiaries. While the minimum deposit is technically $0, certain funding methods have minimum requirements for instance, a credit or debit card deposit requires at least $50.
The broker provides a wide range of funding options, including:
Method | Processing Time |
Credit/Debit Card | Instant |
JCB | Instant |
Neteller | Instant |
Skrill | Instant |
Bank Transfer | Instant |
FasaPay | Instant |
Apple Pay | Instant |
BPAY | Instant |
PayPal | Instant |
Users should be aware that the selection of methods they can use is dependent on their country of residence. We should also note that currently, there are no deposit bonuses available with this brokerage.
Deposits
4/5
- $0 minimum deposit
- Multiple base currencies
- No deposit fees charged
- Good selection of payment methods
- No deposit bonuses are available
Withdrawal Methods
IG provides a range of secure payment methods for traders to safely withdraw funds from their accounts. Clients can initiate withdrawals by logging into the IG client portal and selecting the “Withdraw” option. All withdrawals are processed using the same method as the original deposit for example, a bank card withdrawal is only available if the deposit was made using that card.
The broker does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, transfers involving overseas banks may incur intermediary fees from either the sending or receiving institution, which are outside of IG’s control.
In compliance with AML/CTF regulations, IG does not process withdrawals to third-party accounts. Consequently, all funds must be withdrawn to a bank account held in the same name as the IG trading account.
Withdrawal Methods
4/5
- No withdrawal fees with most payment methods, except international bank transfers
- No third-party withdrawals
- Timely withdrawal request processing
Customer Support Contacts
IG offers a professional and responsive client support team that is courteous and efficient in resolving issues. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, five days a week. Traders can reach out for assistance through multiple channels, including:
Support Contact | Available | Response |
Live Chat | 24/7 | Less than 30 seconds |
Telephone contact | 24/5 | Within several minutes |
Email contact | 24/5 | Within several hours |
Live Chat : IG’s live chat feature provides an efficient way to communicate directly with the support team in real time. The chat can be accessed via the “Chat” icon located at the lower-right corner of the website. After clicking the icon, you’ll be prompted to enter your name and email address, then type your message in the main text box to begin a live conversation with customer support.
Telephone contact : Traders can also reach IG’s support team by phone, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. For IG International, new clients who wish to open an account can call +44 (20) 7633 5430, while existing clients can contact a support representative at +44 (20) 7633 5431.
Email Contact : Traders can also contact IG via email at helpdesk.en@ig.com for specific inquiries. The support team is known for providing polite and helpful responses. Additionally, the broker’s Help & Support page offers useful guidance and answers to common questions.
Help & Support Page : The broker’s Help & Support page features a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses many common questions traders may have. The questions are organized into clear categories, including CFDs, Platforms, Charts, Accounts and Statements, and Deposits and Withdrawals.
Support Contact
4/5
- Excellent customer support via live chat
- Extensive FAQs section
- Email support available
Research and Educational Materials
To support traders in enhancing their skills, IG offers a wide array of educational resources on its website. These resources include learning courses, platform guides, video tutorials, daily market updates, and more. Within this section, traders can access a variety of materials designed to improve knowledge and trading expertise, including:
IG academy: The IG Academy is a free resource designed to help you become a more successful trader, as it can help you develop your trading skills and knowledge.
Interactive Education: This teaches you some trading essentials, with infographics, video explainers, and end-of-course quizzes.
Webinars & Seminars Schedules: IG hosts regular webinars and seminars where you can put your questions to market experts. They cover everything from spotting trade opportunities to using trading platforms.
News & Analysis: Here, you can stay up to date with the latest news affecting the markets and read IG expert analysis on the latest market movements.
News & Analysis: Here, you can stay up to date with the latest news affecting the markets and read IG expert analysis on the latest market movements.
IG Community: This is a trading discussion forum where clients can benefit from shared knowledge with the IG community. The forum is an online space for IG clients to chat with the expert support team. Traders can talk about strategies and share trading tips, have questions answered by traders and staff, and get a preview of upcoming products.
Research & Education
4.5/5
- Good selection of learning resources
- IG Academy
- Webinars and seminars
Security and Money Guarantees
At Thinkforexbrokers.com, we are committed to ensuring that traders trade with only regulated online brokers, and IG is one of such. Our key findings include:
- Over four-decade of business history and growth
- Top-tier FCA and CFTC regulations
- Multiple accolades
- Regulated in various jurisdictions
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) enforces strict rules regarding client money and assets, which dictate how brokers must handle funds and operate their business. These regulations help reduce the risk of fraud and protect traders’ interests. Additionally, IG’s registration with the CFTC and membership in the NFA allow the broker to provide services to US clients while remaining fully regulated under US laws.
Entity | Regulator | Amount covered | Negative Balance Protection |
IG Markets Limited | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | $85,000 | |
IG US LLC | Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) | N/A | |
IG US LLC | National Futures Association (NFA) | N/A | |
IG International Limited | Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) | N/A | |
IGM (IG Australia Pty Ltd) | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Financial Markets Authority | N/A | |
IG Europe GmbH (IGE) | German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) | N/A | |
IG Limited | Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | N/A | |
IG Securities Ltd | Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA), Financial Futures Association of Japan | N/A | |
IG Bank SA (IGB) | Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) | N/A | |
IG Markets South Africa Limited | Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) | N/A | |
IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA) | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | N/A |
IG has earned recognition through numerous prestigious industry awards. These include Best Broker for Forex Trading by the Investopedia Online Brokers Award 2019, Best CFD Provider by the Online Personal Wealth Awards 2020, Best Multi-Platform Provider by the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2020, Best Finance App by the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2020, among others.
Security of funds
4/5
- Stringent FCA regulation
- Multiple industry awards
Conclusion
In summary, our team of experts at BestBrokers.com has determined that IG provides some of the most favorable trading conditions for Forex trading compared to its peers, based on the following factors:
- Tight spreads
- Multiple secure payment options
- Innovative trading technology
- Lightning-fast execution via MT4 and other intuitive trading platforms
- Award-winning customer service
- A good selection of educational materials
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
Overall
4/5
- Intelligent trade execution technology
- Mixed trading costs and no non-trading costs
- Good selection of trading platforms and additional tools
- Opportunity to trade over 17,000 financial markets.
