Which broker is better for Ireland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing IG vs FxPro for Ireland traders in 2026, both brokers stand out as top choices, but they cater to slightly different needs. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a global giant offering extensive market access and powerful proprietary platforms, ideal for Ireland traders who want a full-featured trading experience. FxPro, scoring 4.1/5, is known for its competitive pricing and multi-platform support, including cTrader and MT4, which appeals to cost-conscious traders. Both brokers are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland under MiFID II, ensuring strong investor protection. Ireland traders will benefit from local payment options like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker fits your trading style in Ireland.
| 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 |
For Ireland traders, trading costs are a key factor. FxPro offers lower average spreads on major forex pairs, with EUR/USD spreads starting from 0.0 pips on cTrader (plus commission of $3.5 per lot). IG's standard spreads on EUR/USD average around 0.8 pips, but its active trader programme reduces costs for high-volume traders. Over 100 trades per month, IG's costs become more competitive. Ireland traders who trade frequently should consider FxPro for raw spreads, while those who prefer a fixed spread model may find IG's pricing more predictable.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides its proprietary web platform and mobile app, which are highly customisable and offer advanced charting tools, ideal for Ireland traders who want a seamless, all-in-one experience. FxPro supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, giving Ireland traders the flexibility to choose their preferred platform. For algorithmic traders, FxPro's cTrader is excellent for automated strategies, while IG's platform is better for manual traders who rely on integrated news and analysis. Both brokers offer demo accounts, but IG's platform is more intuitive for beginners.
| 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 |
FxPro offers straight-through processing (STP) and ECN execution on cTrader, with no requotes and low latency, ideal for scalpers. IG uses market maker execution with some requotes during volatile periods, but its execution is reliable for most Ireland traders. FxPro's execution is generally faster for high-frequency strategies, while IG's platform is more stable for long-term positions.
| 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 Central Bank of Ireland under MiFID II, which means Ireland traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Financial Services Ombudsman. IG is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding an extra layer of transparency. FxPro is authorised in multiple jurisdictions, including the FCA and CySEC, but its Irish entity is directly supervised locally. This regulatory framework ensures that Ireland traders' funds are safe and that brokers adhere to strict conduct rules.
| Payment Method | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 business day |
Ireland traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfer is free but can take 1-2 business days, while Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with no fees from either broker. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost option for crypto users, with deposits typically processed within minutes. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FxPro has a slight edge with no withdrawal fees, while IG may charge a small fee for some methods. Both brokers support EUR accounts, but USD is the base currency for this comparison.
| 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 Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Ireland Muslim traders, in compliance with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest on positions. FxPro's Islamic account is available on MT4 and cTrader, while IG offers it on its proprietary platforms. Ireland traders should note that Islamic accounts may have longer holding periods before swaps are applied, and some instruments like CFDs on commodities may still incur charges. 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 |
IG provides 24/5 customer support via phone, live chat, and email, with a dedicated Irish phone number for local queries. FxPro offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, but lacks a specific Ireland phone line. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. IG's support is slightly more responsive for Ireland traders, especially during European trading hours.
| 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 Ireland traders, the choice between IG and FxPro depends on your trading style. IG is the better option if you value a robust proprietary platform, extensive educational content, and a wide range of markets. FxPro wins on cost and execution, making it ideal for active forex traders who use MT4 or cTrader. Both brokers are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG's 4.2 score slightly outperforms FxPro's 4.1, but FxPro's lower spreads may be more attractive for cost-focused Ireland traders. Test both with demo accounts to see which fits your needs.