Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing EasyMarkets vs IG for New Zealand traders in 2025, several factors come into play. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5 and is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, while IG holds a higher 4.2/5 rating, offering a wide range of markets and advanced tools. New Zealand traders can deposit using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. In this comparison, we examine costs, platforms, regulation, and more to help you choose the right broker for your trading style.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | IG |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs differ between EasyMarkets and IG. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads – for example, EUR/USD around 1.2 pips – which are predictable but generally higher. IG provides variable spreads from 0.6 pips on major pairs, making it cheaper for active traders. Volume impact: if you trade 10 standard lots per month, IG's lower spreads could save hundreds of USD in trading costs. Always factor in spreads and commissions when comparing.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms suited to New Zealand traders. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform with dealCancellation and free VPS, ideal for beginners. IG offers MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and its own web platform, plus advanced charting tools. IG's platforms are more comprehensive for technical analysis, while EasyMarkets prioritizes simplicity and risk management features. New Zealand traders should choose based on their experience level.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
IG is known for its fast, reliable execution with low slippage, suitable for scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets also offers No Dealing Desk execution with fixed spreads, but execution speed may vary. For New Zealand traders who require precise order fills, IG's execution quality is superior, while EasyMarkets' fixed spreads can protect against volatility.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets and IG are both regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, providing strong oversight. This means client funds are segregated, and brokers must adhere to strict financial standards. IG is also regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA and ASIC, offering additional layers of security. For New Zealand traders, local regulation ensures a safe trading environment with access to dispute resolution services.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 1 to 5 business days |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. EasyMarkets also accepts credit/debit cards and local bank transfers. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days via the same method. IG offers a wider range of payment options including PayPal and BPAY, but local Kiwi traders will appreciate the convenience of USDT TRC20 for fast, low-cost transfers. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets from $100, IG from $250.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both EasyMarkets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. These accounts eliminate overnight interest charges, complying with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, while IG offers them on certain platforms only. It's best to verify eligibility with customer support before opening an account.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support in New Zealand is accessible via live chat, email, and phone for both brokers. IG offers 24/7 multilingual support with a New Zealand-dedicated phone line. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support with responsive live chat. IG's larger support network may be preferable for those needing immediate assistance during trading hours.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IG if you...
In the EasyMarkets vs IG comparison for New Zealand traders, IG emerges as the stronger broker with a higher overall rating and better cost efficiency for active traders. Its regulation by the local financial regulator and global top-tier bodies ensures robust security. EasyMarkets is a solid choice for beginners who value fixed costs and user-friendly features. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits convenient for Kiwi traders. Ultimately, choose IG for comprehensive trading and EasyMarkets for simplicity.