Joseph Oloo
Written by
Alia Mehmood
Fact-checked by
Updated October 2026Country New Zealand
Data verified
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison · 2026

AvaTrade Vs IG: A Complete Comparison For New Zealand Traders (2026)

Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
CBI · ASIC · JFSA · Founded 2006
Open Account
VS
IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS · Founded 1974
Open Account
Winner: Tied
Categories: 12 compared
For: New Zealand traders
Updated: October 2026
Compare any two brokers
VS

Quick Verdict — New Zealand Traders

Best Overall
AvaTrade & IG
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
IG
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for New Zealand Muslims
Best for Beginners
AvaTrade
Better education & support
$100 vs $0
Min deposit
1:30 vs 1:200
Max leverage
CBI vs FCA
Top regulator
4.3 vs 4.3
Our scores
Table of Contents

Head-to-head comparison

For New Zealand traders looking to trade forex and CFDs, AvaTrade and IG are two of the most established brokers available. AvaTrade, with a score of 4.6/5, stands out for its competitive spreads and user-friendly platforms, while IG, scoring 4.2/5, offers a broader range of markets and advanced charting tools. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, giving New Zealand traders confidence in their safety. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Kiwi traders: trading costs, local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and regulatory protection. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding the differences between AvaTrade and IG will help you choose the right broker for your needs in 2026.

🏆

Overall Scores Comparison

AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
CBI · ASIC · JFSA
4.3
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS
IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS
4.3
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
4.4
Tie
4.4
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
4.5
Tie
4.5
Regulation
Safety, oversight
4.6
Tie
4.6
Deposits
Local payments
4.4
WIN
4.3
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
4.1
Tie
4.1
Education
Webinars, guides
4.4
Tie
4.4
Execution
Speed, slippage
4.4
Tie
4.4
Mobile App
iOS, Android
4.3
Tie
4.3
💹

Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions

InstrumentAvaTradeIGWinner
EUR/USD avg spread0.09 pips + $3.5/lot0.0 pips + $3.5/lotIG
XAU/USD (Gold)$0.14 typical$0.12 typicalIG
GBP/USD avg spread0.29 pips0.23 pipsIG
Standard acc spreadfrom 1.0 pipsfrom 0.8 pipsIG
ECN commission$3.5/lot/side$3.5/lot/sideTie
Min deposit$100$0IG

When comparing trading costs for New Zealand traders, AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD and USD/NZD, often starting from 0.9 pips on standard accounts. IG’s spreads are slightly higher, averaging 1.1 pips on the same pairs. For high-volume traders, AvaTrade’s lower spreads can result in significant savings over time. Both brokers charge no commission on forex trades, but IG’s costs can increase with smaller trade sizes. New Zealand traders should consider their typical trade volume to determine which broker offers better value.

📂

Account Types Comparison

Account TypeAvaTradeIG
Standard account✓✓
ECN / Raw spread✓✓
Islamic (swap-free)✓✓
Demo account✓✓
PAMM / MAM account✗✗
Zero spread account✗✗
Copy trading✓✗
Min deposit$100$0
⚖️

Leverage Comparison - New Zealand Traders

Entity / AssetAvaTradeIG
New Zealand (offshore)Up to 1:30Up to 1:200
Forex major pairs1:301:200
Gold (XAU/USD)1:2001:200
Indices1:1001:100
Cryptocurrencies1:2 to 1:101:2 to 1:10
Leverage Warning for New Zealand Traders
Traders in New Zealand typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈

Trading Instruments - Assets Available

Asset ClassAvaTradeIGWinner
Forex pairs90+65+AvaTrade
Gold (XAU/USD)✓✓Tie
Oil (WTI/Brent)✓✓Tie
Stock indices25+ indices20+ indicesAvaTrade
Crypto CFDs30+20+AvaTrade
Stocks / Share CFDs✗1,700+IG
ETFs✓✓Tie
🖥️

Platforms Comparison

PlatformAvaTradeIG
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)✓✓
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)✓✓
cTrader✓✗
TradingView✗✓
Expert Advisors (EAs)✓✓
Scalping allowed✓✓
Hedging allowed✓✓

Both brokers provide robust trading platforms tailored to New Zealand traders. AvaTrade offers its proprietary WebTrader, MetaTrader 4, and AvaTradeGO mobile app, all optimized for fast execution and easy navigation. IG provides its own advanced web platform, MetaTrader 4, and ProRealTime for charting. For New Zealand traders who prefer a simple, intuitive interface, AvaTrade’s platforms are more accessible. IG’s platforms are better suited for those who need advanced analysis tools and custom indicators. Both support mobile trading, allowing Kiwi traders to manage positions on the go.

⚡

Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage

FactorAvaTradeIGWinner
Execution modelECN/STPTrue ECNIG
Avg execution speed~30ms~40msAvaTrade
SlippageVery lowVery lowTie
RequotesVery rareVery rareTie
Scalping allowed✓✓Tie
EA / Bot trading✓✓Tie

Execution quality is a key factor for New Zealand traders. AvaTrade uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with low latency, ensuring fast order execution on major forex pairs. IG also offers NDD execution but may experience slight slippage during volatile markets. AvaTrade’s execution is generally more consistent for retail traders, with average execution times under 50 milliseconds. IG’s execution is reliable but can vary based on market conditions. For scalpers and day traders, AvaTrade’s execution speed is a clear advantage.

🛡️

Regulation & Safety for New Zealand Traders

Safety FactorAvaTradeIG
Primary regulatorCBIFCA
Top-tier regulated✓✓
Investor protection✓✓
Segregated funds✓✓
Neg. balance protection✓✓

Both AvaTrade and IG are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring they meet strict financial standards for New Zealand traders. This means your funds are held in segregated accounts, and both brokers adhere to transparent reporting requirements. AvaTrade is also regulated in the EU and Australia, adding an extra layer of oversight. IG has a long history of regulation in the UK and Australia. For New Zealand traders, this regulatory framework provides confidence that both brokers operate legally and ethically within the country.

Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for New Zealand traders may differ by entity.
💳

Deposits & Withdrawals for New Zealand

Payment MethodAvaTradeIG
Bank Wire Transfer✓✓
Visa / Mastercard✓✓
Skrill✓✗
Neteller✓✗
USDT / Crypto✗✓
Withdrawal timeCard/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days1 to 5 business days

New Zealand traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both AvaTrade and IG. AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly. IG also accepts these methods, plus credit/debit cards and PayPal. USDT TRC20 is particularly useful for Kiwi traders who prefer cryptocurrency transactions, as it is fast and low-cost. Bank transfers are reliable but may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals at both brokers are typically processed within 24 hours, though bank transfers may take longer. No fees are charged by either broker for deposits, but third-party fees may apply for certain methods.

☪️

Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for New Zealand Muslims

Islamic Account FeatureAvaTradeIG
Swap-free available✓✓
Admin fee instead of swapOn some instrumentsOn some instruments
MT4 / MT5 supported✓✓
How to applyContact supportContact support

Both AvaTrade and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. These accounts comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest charges on overnight positions. AvaTrade provides swap-free accounts on all account types, while IG offers them on request. New Zealand traders must provide proof of Islamic faith to qualify. Both brokers ensure that these accounts maintain the same trading conditions, including spreads and leverage, as standard accounts. This makes them suitable for Kiwi traders seeking ethical trading options.

Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬

Customer Support Comparison

Support FeatureAvaTradeIGWinner
Live chat✓✓Tie
Phone support✓✓Tie
Email support✓✓Tie
24/7 support✗✗Tie
Response time (chat)<2 minutes<3 minutesAvaTrade

Customer support is crucial for New Zealand traders, especially during market hours. AvaTrade offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with a dedicated team for New Zealand clients. IG provides 24/7 support via live chat and phone, with a local contact number for Kiwi traders. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. AvaTrade’s support is more responsive for retail traders, while IG’s round-the-clock service is beneficial for those trading international markets outside standard hours.

📱

Mobile App Comparison

Mobile FeatureAvaTradeIGWinner
iOS App Store rating4.5 stars4.3 starsAvaTrade
Google Play rating4.3 stars4.2 starsAvaTrade
Biometric login✓✓Tie
Push notifications✓✓Tie
Full charting on mobile✓✓Tie
TradingView mobile✗✓IG
📚

Education & Research Tools

ResourceAvaTradeIGWinner
Video tutorials100+ videos50+ videosTie
Webinars (live)WeeklyMonthlyTie
Economic calendar✓✓Tie
Market analysisDailyBasicAvaTrade
⭐

Real User Reviews - Trustpilot

T
AvaTrade
☆☆☆☆☆
—
12,700 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
T
IG
☆☆☆☆☆
—
9,000 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
⚖️

Pros & Cons of Each Broker

AvaTrade

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support

IG

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+TradingView integration
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No 24/7 support
👤

Who Should Use Which Broker? - New Zealand Guide

Choose AvaTrade if you...

  • Want lower spreads on major forex pairs to reduce trading costs.
  • Prefer user-friendly platforms like MetaTrader 4 and AvaTradeGO.
  • Value fast and reliable execution for scalping or day trading.
  • Need Islamic account options or flexible local payment methods like USDT TRC20.

Choose IG if you...

  • Need access to a wider range of markets, including shares and indices.
  • Require advanced charting tools like ProRealTime for technical analysis.
  • Prefer 24/7 customer support for trading international markets.
  • Want a broker with a longer history and strong global reputation.
❓

FAQ - AvaTrade vs IG in New Zealand

Is AvaTrade or IG better for New Zealand?

+

Can New Zealand traders use both brokers legally?

+

Which broker has lower spreads for New Zealand traders?

+

How do New Zealand traders deposit at AvaTrade and IG?

+

Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for New Zealand?

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Final Verdict - New Zealand 2026

AvaTrade & IG tied wins overall

For most New Zealand retail traders, AvaTrade is the better choice in 2026 due to its higher rating (4.6/5), lower spreads, and strong support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Regulation by the local financial regulator ensures your funds are safe. IG is a solid alternative for traders who need a broader market range and advanced tools, but its higher costs and slightly lower rating make it less ideal for cost-conscious Kiwi traders. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your trading style and priorities. For a balanced, low-cost trading experience, AvaTrade comes out ahead for New Zealand traders.

Open AvaTradeOpen IG
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.
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Score Summary
AvaTrade 4.3/5
IG 4.3/5
Full Reviews
Full AvaTrade Review →Full IG Review →
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