Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced Australian traders seeking a reliable ASIC-regulated broker, the choice between IG and FxPro comes down to specific trading needs and local preferences. Both brokers hold Australian Financial Services Licences (AFSL) and offer AUD-denominated accounts with local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a market leader with over 45 years of history and a strong presence in Australia through IG Australia Pty Ltd. FxPro, scoring 4.1/5, is a global broker with a solid reputation for execution quality and multi-platform support, also operating an ASIC-regulated entity. Australian traders benefit from both brokers' adherence to strict client money segregation rules and negative balance protection. However, differences in spread costs, platform variety, and Islamic account offerings can significantly impact your trading experience. This comparison dives deep into what matters most for Aussie traders: local regulation, deposit convenience, trading costs, and customer support tailored to the Australian timezone.
| Instrument | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for Australian traders, IG generally offers more competitive spreads on major forex pairs. On the standard account, IG's EUR/USD spread averages 0.8 pips, while FxPro's equivalent is around 1.0 pips. For high-volume traders, IG's raw spread account can reduce costs to 0.6 pips plus a small commission, whereas FxPro's cTrader account offers from 0.5 pips but with a $3 per lot commission. On AUD/USD, IG's spread is typically 0.7 pips versus FxPro's 0.9 pips. Australian traders should also consider swap rates, where IG tends to be more favourable for long-term positions. Overall, IG is more cost-effective for scalpers and day traders, while FxPro remains competitive for those using the cTrader platform.
| Account Type | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| 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 | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Australian traders have access to a wide range of platforms from both brokers. IG offers its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer, catering to different trading styles. FxPro provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, and its own FxPro Edge platform. For Australian traders who value advanced charting and algorithmic trading, IG's ProRealTime is a standout. FxPro's cTrader is excellent for ECN-style trading with depth of market. Mobile trading is robust on both, with IG's app rated slightly higher on the App Store. If you trade indices or shares, IG's platform offers better integration with Australian markets. FxPro's platform selection is more forex-focused, which suits currency specialists.
| Factor | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IG and FxPro both offer excellent execution quality for Australian traders. IG uses a market maker model with no requotes on most instruments, and its execution speed averages under 50ms. FxPro offers ECN execution on cTrader and MT5, with speeds around 30ms. For scalpers and algorithmic traders, FxPro's ECN model provides tighter spreads and direct market access. IG is better for large-volume traders who need guaranteed stop-loss orders on select instruments.
| Safety Factor | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and FxPro are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring strict compliance with local laws. IG Australia Pty Ltd holds AFSL 220440, while FxPro Australia Pty Ltd holds AFSL 508555. This means Australian clients benefit from client money segregation in designated trust accounts, negative balance protection, and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for dispute resolution. Leverage is capped at 30:1 for major forex pairs under ASIC rules. IG has a longer track record in Australia since 2003, while FxPro established its local entity in 2017. Both brokers also hold licenses from other top-tier regulators like the FCA and CySEC, but for Australian traders, ASIC oversight provides the highest level of local protection.
| Payment Method | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 business day |
Australian traders can fund their accounts at both IG and FxPro using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making deposits seamless and low-cost. IG also supports PayPal and UnionPay, while FxPro adds e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. Minimum deposits are AUD 200 for IG and AUD 100 for FxPro. BPAY and POLi deposits are usually free and processed within 1–2 hours. Bank transfers may take 1–3 business days but are free for AUD. Withdrawals are processed quickly: IG typically within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1–2 days for bank transfers, while FxPro aims for same-day processing on weekdays. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees for AUD bank transfers, though international wire fees may apply. For Australian traders who prefer instant funding, POLi is the fastest option on both platforms.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG and FxPro offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim Australian traders who follow Sharia law. FxPro's Islamic account is available on all account types (MT4, MT5, cTrader) and is well-regarded for its transparent fee structure—no hidden swap charges, but a small administration fee may apply on positions held beyond a certain period. IG's Islamic account is available on request and applies to standard accounts, but it may have limited instrument availability, particularly on indices and commodities. For Australian Muslim traders who trade forex actively, FxPro's Islamic account is generally more flexible and easier to set up. Both brokers require a declaration of faith to open an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
Australian traders receive dedicated support from both brokers. IG offers 24/5 phone support in English, with an Australian-based team available during Sydney business hours. FxPro provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with an Australian phone number. IG's support is slightly faster for local Australian queries, while FxPro's live chat is more responsive for after-hours trading. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections tailored to Australian clients.
| Mobile Feature | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
| Resource | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For experienced Australian traders, IG is the stronger choice overall, thanks to its tighter spreads, superior platform variety, and deeper integration with local markets like Australian shares. The ability to deposit via BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer with fast processing times adds convenience. FxPro is an excellent alternative if you prioritise execution speed, ECN trading, or a more accommodating Islamic account. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, offering top-tier security for Australian clients. If you trade high volume across multiple asset classes, IG's cost advantage and platform ecosystem give it the edge. If you are a forex-focused scalper or require Islamic trading, FxPro's cTrader and swap-free accounts are hard to beat. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value lower costs and local market access (IG) or raw execution and flexibility (FxPro).