IG Review 2026: Fees, Safety, Platforms and Our Verdict

IG is known for offering competitive pricing across its range of instruments, ensuring that traders have cost-effective access to global markets. Below is a breakdown of the trading fees and spreads for some of the most popular products on IG’s platform.

For forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, IG offers highly competitive minimum spreads starting from just 0.6 pips and 0.9 pips, respectively. This low spread structure is designed to minimize trading costs, making it more attractive for both scalpers and long-term traders. Importantly, there are no commissions on forex CFDs, ensuring that the cost of trading is kept to a minimum.

When trading major indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and Germany 40, IG provides tight spreads starting from as low as 0.5 points on the S&P 500, 1 point on the France 40, and 1.4 points on Germany 40. These tight spreads allow traders to capitalize on small market movements without incurring high costs. Similar to forex, there are no commissions charged on index CFDs, enhancing the cost efficiency of trading these popular products.

For stock CFDs, IG offers commission-based trading. On Stocks, the commission is 0 cents per share. There are no minimum spreads on stock CFDs, which can be particularly beneficial for traders dealing with high-volume or high-value trades.

IG provides access to several cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads. For instance, Bitcoin is traded with a minimum spread of 36 points, Bitcoin Cash at 2 points, and Ether at 1.2 points. No commissions are charged on cryptocurrency CFDs, making these instruments attractive for traders looking to take advantage of the volatility in digital currencies.

Barrier options on IG have minimum spreads that vary depending on the asset. For example, EUR/USD barriers have a minimum spread starting from 0.4 pips, GBP/USD from 0.7 pips, and major indices like the S&P 500 have spreads starting from 0.2 points. A small commission is charged on barrier trades, typically 0.1 currency units per contract, ensuring that costs remain predictable and transparent.

IG also offers vanilla options with spreads that vary slightly depending on market conditions. For example, spreads on EUR/USD options range from 3-4 pips, and on indices like the S&P 500, spreads range from 0.5-1 points. A commission of 0.1 currency units per contract is charged, providing traders with a clear understanding of their trading costs.

IG’s fee structure is transparent and competitive, making it an attractive choice for traders looking to minimize their trading costs. The broker offers low spreads on major Forex pairs, starting at 0.6 pips for EUR/USD and 0.9 pips for GBP/USD. For indices, spreads begin at 0.5 points for the S&P 500 and 1 pip for France 40.

IG charges no commissions on Forex and index CFDs, further reducing trading costs. For stocks, commissions vary by region, with U.S. stocks at 2 cents per share and UK and European stocks at 0.10% and 0.05% of trade value, respectively. IG also offers competitive pricing for cryptocurrencies, Knock-Out certificates, barriers, and vanilla options.

Since its founding in 1974 in London, IG has established a robust regulatory framework, making it one of the most trusted names in the online trading industry.

IG is regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities, including:

• France: European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)
• United Kingdom: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Germany: Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
• Switzerland: Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
• Australia: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Singapore: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
• Japan: Japanese Financial Services Authority (JFSA)
• South Africa: Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
• United States: National Futures Association (NFA)
• Bermuda: Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA)

IG ensures the safety of client funds by holding all customer funds in segregated accounts, separate from the company’s operating capital. This practice, mandated by regulatory authorities, guarantees that client funds remain secure and untouched, even if the company encounters financial difficulties.

Depending on the regulatory jurisdiction, customers may also benefit from investor compensation schemes. For example, UK customers under FCA regulation are protected up to £85,000 in the event of broker insolvency. In Europe, customers regulated by BaFin are protected up to €100,000 through the deposit protection fund.

IG’s compliance with such a comprehensive regulatory framework highlights its commitment to providing a secure trading environment and ensuring that customer investments are protected across all its global operations.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Options and securities offered by IG are complex financial instruments and carry a high risk of rapid financial loss.

IG is regulated by some of the most respected financial regulatory authorities worldwide, including the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) in Germany, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in France, and other prominent regulators such as ASIC in Australia, JFSA in Japan, MAS in Singapore, and the FCA in the United Kingdom, among others.

This extensive regulatory oversight ensures that IG adheres to strict standards for financial security and customer protection. The company’s European headquarters is located at 17 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris France, and can be reached by phone at +33 (0)1 70 98 18 18 or via email at info.fr@ig.com.

Opening an account with IG is completely free, with no account maintenance fees, making IG accessible to a wide range of traders. The minimum deposit requirement varies depending on the payment method. For bank transfers, there is no minimum deposit, allowing traders to fund their accounts with any amount that suits their needs. However, for other methods such as card payments or PayPal, the minimum deposit is €300. This flexibility caters to both casual and large-scale investors.

IG does not charge any fees for deposits via Bank Transfer or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage for traders looking to maximize their capital without incurring unnecessary costs. Whether you are funding your account or withdrawing profits, you can do so without worrying about additional charges that might impact your balance. This policy applies to all payment methods, including cards, bank transfers, and PayPal.

IG supports a wide range of deposit currencies, including GBP, EUR, AUD, USD, and more, enabling traders from different regions to fund their accounts in their preferred currency. This reduces the need for currency conversions and the associated fees. For deposits and withdrawals, IG offers multiple reliable payment systems, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal, allowing traders to choose the method that best suits their needs.

Although there are no deposit or withdrawal fees, traders should be aware of other potential costs associated with their accounts. IG charges an FX transaction fee of 0.80% for currency conversions, which is relatively low compared to industry standards. Additionally, overnight fees apply to positions held open beyond market close, and these fees vary depending on the market and the product traded. However, IG does not charge inactivity fees, which is beneficial for traders who may not be regularly active.

IG offers a variety of account types, each tailored to meet the specific needs and trading strategies of its diverse client base.

Account types

Whether you aim to trade a wide range of assets, manage risks precisely, or engage in sophisticated options trading, IG has an account type designed to suit your requirements.

1. CFD Account

The CFD (Contract for Difference) account is IG’s most versatile and widely used account type, allowing traders to trade flexibly across a broad spectrum of assets. With a CFD account, you can trade in various markets, including Forex, indices, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, without owning the underlying assets.

This account type is compatible with third-party integrations such as MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime, providing traders with advanced tools for technical analysis and automated trading. Additionally, the CFD account is ideal for hedging your stock portfolio, enabling you to offset potential losses in your investments by taking positions in the opposite direction.

2. Barriers Account

The Barriers account at IG is designed for traders who want to position themselves long or short on thousands of markets with built-in risk protection. Barriers are a type of option that allows you to set a specific level at which your position will automatically close if the market reaches that point.

This feature ensures that you determine and pay your maximum exposure in advance, making it an excellent choice for traders who prioritize risk management. With a Barriers account, you can trade a wide range of assets, including Forex, indices, and commodities, with the assurance that your risk is fully controlled.

3. Vanilla Options Account

For more experienced traders, IG offers a Vanilla Options account. This account type is ideal for those looking to capitalize on various market conditions through traditional call and put options. Vanilla options provide the flexibility to execute complex trading strategies, such as hedging, speculating on volatility, or leveraging directional market movements. This account type is suitable for traders who are comfortable with options trading and wish to use these instruments to optimize their strategies in both rising and falling markets.

Products / Accounts

IG offers a diverse range of products and account types to meet various trading needs. The broker provides access to CFDs across different asset classes, including Forex, indices, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. IG also offers Knock-Out certificates, barriers, and vanilla options, enabling traders to choose the products that best match their risk tolerance and trading objectives. With access to over 17,000 tradable markets, IG ensures traders have a wide array of opportunities at their disposal.

Trading conditions

IG’s account specifications are designed to be flexible and accessible. Accounts are free to open, with no maintenance fees. The broker offers leverage of up to 30:1 for CFDs and higher for other products, giving traders the ability to amplify their positions.

The minimum deposit is €0 for bank transfers and €300 for other methods, making it easy for traders to start trading with IG. Deposit and withdrawal fees are minimal, and IG supports a variety of payment systems, including cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. Additionally, IG ensures that client funds are held in segregated accounts, providing an extra layer of security.

The best way to close your account is to send an e-mail to IG with the e-mail that you signed up with. Make sure that you have withdrawn all of your funds before the closure.

IG is known for its robust customer support system designed to assist traders with a wide range of inquiries and issues. The broker offers multiple communication channels to ensure customers receive the help they need promptly.

Support Channels: IG provides comprehensive support through several channels:

• Phone Support: Ideal for immediate assistance, phone support is best suited for resolving complex issues or emergencies.
• WhatsApp Support: IG offers support via WhatsApp for quick and convenient communication, catering to customers who prefer messaging apps.
• Web Chat Support: IG’s live chat feature is available for real-time assistance directly through their website. However, availability can be inconsistent, with some users reporting longer wait times during peak hours.
• Email Support: For detailed inquiries that are less time-sensitive, IG provides email support. While response times may vary, most queries are addressed within 24 to 48 hours.

Support Hours: IG offers near 24/7 support to accommodate its global clientele.

• English-Speaking Support: Available 24 hours from Monday to Friday, with additional weekend support from 10:00 to 18:00 CET.
• French-Speaking Support: Offered for 24/7.

Service Quality: IG’s customer support is generally well-rated, with a Trustpilot score of 4.0 stars as of July 2024. However, there are mixed reviews regarding the speed and efficiency of their service, particularly for phone and live chat support. While many users appreciate the availability of multiple support channels, some have reported delays in response times during high-traffic periods.

Customer Support

IG places great importance on excellent customer service. The company’s customer support is available 24/5, with additional support hours on weekends. Clients can reach out via various channels, including phone, WhatsApp, web chat, and email. IG’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in its Trustpilot rating of 4.0 stars as of July 2024. This high rating is a testament to the positive experiences of many users worldwide and underscores the broker’s dedication to responsive and effective customer service.

The IG platform is equipped with 28 technical indicators, including popular ones like MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands, enabling traders to perform comprehensive technical analysis. These indicators assist traders in identifying trends, measuring market movement, and assessing volatility, making it easier to make informed trading decisions. In addition to indicators, the platform offers 19 drawing tools, allowing traders to annotate charts with trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, and other technical patterns to gain deeper insights into market movements.

To help traders manage risk, the IG platform includes a variety of features such as stops and limits, as well as guaranteed stops. These tools allow traders to set predefined levels at which their positions will be closed, ensuring risk control even in volatile markets. Guaranteed stops are particularly useful as they ensure the trade is closed at the specified level regardless of market conditions, providing an extra layer of security.

IG offers an extensive alert system to keep traders informed about market movements. Traders can set up in-platform alerts, mobile app notifications, and SMS alerts for various conditions, such as price levels, price changes, and technical indicators. These alerts ensure that traders are always aware of critical market developments, enabling them to respond quickly to changing conditions. The ability to customize alerts based on individual trading strategies enhances the overall trading experience and helps traders maintain control over their portfolios.

IG integrates real-time Reuters news directly into the platform, keeping traders updated with current information about global markets. This feature is crucial for traders who rely on fundamental analysis or need to stay informed about macroeconomic events that could impact their trades. Additionally, the platform provides trading signals based on technical analysis, offering actionable insights to help traders identify potential trading opportunities.

The platform features a user-friendly interface with customizable layouts, allowing traders to tailor their workspace to their specific needs. The ability to switch between light and dark UI modes enhances the platform’s appeal and caters to user preferences, improving the overall trading experience. Traders can save their customized layouts, making it easy to switch between different trading scenarios depending on strategy or market conditions.

The IG platform supports multiple third-party integrations, increasing its versatility. The platform is fully compatible with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), one of the world’s most popular trading platforms known for its robust charting tools and automated trading capabilities. IG also integrates ProRealTime, offering advanced charting features for professional technical analysis. With TradingView integration, the platform expands its charting and social trading functionalities.

For traders requiring direct market access (DMA), IG offers the L2 Dealer platform, providing access to order books on major exchanges. Additionally, API access is available for traders who wish to create custom trading applications or algorithms. More information about these integrations can be found on the respective pages: MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, and API access.

The IG platform supports weekend trading and trading outside regular market hours, giving traders access to markets even outside standard trading times. This feature is particularly useful for those looking to seize market opportunities as they arise, regardless of the time of day.

IG offers a range of trading platforms tailored to different types of traders, from beginners to professionals. The web-based trading platform is feature-rich and user-friendly, enabling traders to manage their portfolios, execute trades, and analyze markets from any browser. Morevoer, IG also supports TradingView as a Trading Platform. For those who prefer mobile trading, IG provides highly-rated apps for iOS and Android devices. The iOS app, rated 4.6 stars, supports advanced features like Touch ID authentication, while the Android app boasts a solid 4.1-star rating.

Security is a top priority for IG, featuring Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to enhance account protection. The platforms also support various advanced trading tools, including in-platform notifications, customizable layouts, and access to in-platform Reuters news. These features ensure that traders have the necessary tools to make informed decisions and implement their strategies effectively.

IG is dedicated to educating its clients and provides a wealth of educational resources through its IG Academy. This platform offers a variety of learning materials, including courses on trading fundamentals, risk management, and advanced market analysis. The broker also hosts live webinars and in-person seminars, giving traders the opportunity to learn from industry experts. These resources are designed to help traders of all levels improve their skills and gain a deeper understanding of financial markets.

IG’s trading platforms come equipped with a variety of features to support different trading strategies. The platforms offer 28 indicators, including MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands, enabling traders to conduct detailed technical analyses. Traders can also benefit from advanced charting tools, including 19 drawing tools and annotations directly on charts, making it easier to track and analyze market trends. IG supports various types of alerts, including price level, price change, and technical condition alerts, ensuring traders are always informed about significant market movements.

IG is known for its efficient order execution, with an average execution time of just 13 milliseconds. Between June and August 2023, IG successfully filled 98.99% of orders, with 100% of trades executed at the desired price or better. This high level of execution accuracy ensures that traders can act confidently in fast-moving financial markets. During the same period, IG processed 36 million trades, with a nominal trading volume of €2.65 billion, highlighting the company’s capability to handle large transaction volumes efficiently.

IG offers integration with several third-party platforms, enhancing its flexibility and appeal to a wide range of traders. These integrations include MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular trading platform known for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities, and ProRealTime, which provides professional technical analysis features, as well as TradingView. IG also provides API access, allowing developers and tech-savvy traders to create custom trading applications and algorithms. This level of integration ensures that traders have access to the tools and platforms best suited to their trading strategies.

IG offers an extensive selection of over 80 currency pairs, covering major, minor, and exotic pairs. This allows traders to engage in the dynamic forex market with competitive spreads and deep liquidity, providing ample opportunities to trade around the clock.

With access to over 80 global indices, IG enables traders to speculate on the performance of entire economies. Whether it’s the FTSE 100, Dow Jones, or DAX, traders can easily diversify their portfolio and hedge against market volatility.

IG’s platform supports trading in more than 13,000 shares from global markets, including major exchanges like the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE. This extensive range ensures that traders can find opportunities in both blue-chip stocks and emerging market equities.

IG offers the ability to trade IPOs, giving traders the chance to invest in companies as they go public. This feature is crucial for those looking to get in on the ground floor of potentially high-growth companies.

With over 6,000 ETFs available, IG allows traders to diversify their investments across various sectors and asset classes, using these cost-effective and flexible instruments.

IG provides access to over 35 commodities, allowing traders to speculate on the prices of energy products, metals, and agricultural goods. This includes options for trading in crucial sectors like energies, metals, and agriculture, enabling traders to hedge against inflation or capitalize on global market shifts.

Recognizing the growing importance of digital currencies, IG offers trading on more than 10 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This allows traders to participate in the highly volatile and potentially lucrative crypto market.

IG also offers trading in bonds, providing traders with the opportunity to speculate on interest rate movements and invest in government or corporate debt securities. This adds another layer of diversification to the range of instruments available on the platform.