EasyMarkets vs IG Canada: Full Comparison for 2026

When comparing trading costs for Canadian traders, IG clearly has the edge on spreads, especially for high-volume and active traders. IG offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, whereas EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that begin around 1.5 pips for the same pair. Over many trades, these differences add up, particularly if you are trading standard lots in CAD pairs like USD/CAD. Additionally, IG does not charge commissions on standard forex spreads, while EasyMarkets also offers commission-free trading but with wider fixed spreads. For Canadian traders who trade frequently or with larger volumes, IG’s tighter raw spreads can save hundreds of dollars per year. However, if you prefer cost certainty and want to avoid spread widening during volatile news events, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads may be worth the premium.

Both brokers offer robust platforms, but the choice depends on your trading style as a Canadian trader. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web-based platform that is simple to use, with a single-click interface and built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and Freeze Rate. It is ideal for beginners who want a no-fuss experience. IG offers the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its own advanced web platform, ProRealTime, and even the L2 Dealer for professionals. For Canadian traders who use automated strategies or require advanced charting, IG’s MT4 integration is superior. Both platforms support mobile trading, but IG’s mobile app offers more comprehensive order types and analysis tools.

Execution quality is crucial for timely trade entries and exits. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which ensures consistent pricing but may lead to requotes during volatile conditions. IG employs a straight-through-processing (STP) model, offering direct market access and variable spreads that can be as low as 0.6 pips on major pairs. For Canadian traders who trade news events or volatile pairs, IG’s execution is generally faster and more reliable. EasyMarkets has improved its execution speed but still lags behind IG. Slippage is rare with IG, while EasyMarkets may occasionally experience slippage during high-impact news.

Regulation is a critical factor for Canadian traders. IG has a dedicated Canadian subsidiary regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), which means your funds are held in segregated accounts and you are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) up to $1 million. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and also by the FSCA in South Africa, but it does not hold an IIROC license. While EasyMarkets accepts Canadian clients, the legal protections are not the same as with IG Canada. For traders in Canada who prioritize local regulation and deposit insurance, IG is the safer choice. EasyMarkets does offer negative balance protection, but the absence of IIROC oversight may be a concern for some.

Both brokers cater well to Canadian deposit and withdrawal preferences. EasyMarkets and IG support Bank Transfer, Interac, and Credit Card deposits in CAD. With Interac, deposits are instant and free of charge from both brokers—a major plus for Canadian traders who prefer fast funding. Credit Card deposits are also accepted, but note that some Canadian banks may treat them as cash advances and charge additional fees, so it’s best to use a debit or prepaid card. Bank transfers are free but can take 1-3 business days. For withdrawals, both brokers process requests within 1-2 business days. EasyMarkets does not charge withdrawal fees for bank wires or e-wallets, while IG may charge a small fee for wire transfers under certain amounts. Overall, the convenience of local methods like Interac makes both brokers accessible for funding in Canada.

Muslim traders in Canada who require swap-free (Islamic) accounts can obtain them from both EasyMarkets and IG. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon request with no swap charges on overnight positions, and they are available for all account types in CAD. IG similarly provides swap-free accounts for clients who adhere to Sharia law, but eligibility may depend on the account type and funding method. Both brokers require you to contact customer support to activate the Islamic account feature. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the types of instruments you can trade with these accounts, so forex, indices, and commodities are all available. For Canadian Muslim traders, either broker can meet religious requirements, but IG’s more extensive market access may be a deciding factor.

Customer support is vital for Canadian traders, especially when dealing with time zones and local payment issues. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with agents available in English. IG provides 24/5 phone and live chat support, plus a community forum. For Canadian clients, IG has local phone numbers and a dedicated Canada branch, which can be helpful for account-specific queries. EasyMarkets does not have a local office in Canada, but its global support is responsive. Overall, IG has a slight advantage due to its local presence and faster response times during Canadian business hours.