IG Review 2026: Fees, Regulation, Platforms & Pros Explained

IG Group is one of the oldest and most widely recognised online trading providers in the world. Founded in London in 1974, IG has been operating for over 50 years — longer than virtually any other retail CFD or spread betting broker in existence. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG), regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and multiple other top-tier authorities, and serves clients across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States, Africa, and the Middle East.

In this comprehensive IG review, we examine everything a trader needs to know before opening an account — from regulation and safety to spreads, platforms, account types, fees, and who IG is actually best suited for.

 IG is a legitimate, highly regulated, and exceptionally well-established broker with an outstanding range of tradeable markets and professional-grade trading tools. Its main weaknesses are a relatively limited account range (no Islamic account, no zero spread account), a platform stack that lacks MT5 and cTrader, and an inactivity fee that penalises dormant accounts. IG is best suited for active, experienced traders who value market depth, regulatory safety, and DMA access. Newer traders and those looking for the absolute tightest spreads will find stronger options elsewhere when they compare forex brokers.

IG Group: Company Background and Reputation

IG Group was founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler as IG Index, pioneering financial spread betting in the United Kingdom. The company played a central role in developing the retail derivatives market in Britain and was among the first firms to offer online trading to retail clients in the late 1990s.

Today, IG Group is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. Its parent company, IG Group Holdings plc, reports audited financials quarterly — a level of financial transparency that adds significant credibility versus privately-owned brokers.

IG serves over 300,000 active clients globally and processed millions of trades per year across its platforms. The company has offices in the UK, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Africa, Dubai, and the United States. This global infrastructure, combined with over five decades of operational history, makes IG one of the most trusted names in retail trading.

For traders comparing IG against similarly established competitors, our compare FCA regulated brokers guide provides a broader context.

Is IG Safe? Regulation and Fund Protection

Regulatory strength is IG’s single greatest selling point. Few retail brokers in the world match IG’s depth of regulatory oversight.

Is IG FCA Regulated?

Yes. IG Markets Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, with FCA reference number 195355. This is one of the most important regulatory designations a broker can hold.

UK-regulated clients of IG benefit from:

• Segregated client funds — your money is held in accounts completely separate from IG’s operating capital
• FSCS protection — the Financial Services Compensation Scheme covers eligible UK clients up to £85,000 in the event of broker insolvency
• Negative balance protection — retail clients cannot lose more than they deposit
• FCA leverage limits — maximum 1:30 on forex majors, protecting retail traders from excessive risk
• Clear risk disclosures — IG is required to publish the percentage of retail accounts that lose money

For a full list of FCA-regulated brokers, see our compare FCA regulated brokers page.

Is IG ASIC Regulated?

Yes. IG Markets Limited (Australia) holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) granted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ASIC is one of the three most respected retail trading regulators globally alongside the FCA and MAS.

What Other Regulators Oversee IG?

IG holds regulatory approvals across six additional jurisdictions:

• BaFin (Germany) and Bundesbank — for European Economic Area clients
• MAS (Singapore) — Monetary Authority of Singapore, a top-tier Asia-Pacific regulator
• Finansinspektionen (Sweden) — Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority
• FSCA (South Africa) — for African market clients
• NFA/CFTC (USA) — IG operates a separate US entity, tastytrade, for American clients

This multi-jurisdictional regulatory structure is exceptional for a retail broker and means IG must comply with some of the strictest client protection rules in the world simultaneously. Very few retail brokers come close to this level of regulatory coverage.

Regulation Score: 7/10. The FCA and ASIC licences are the critical factors. The score is limited by the absence of CySEC, which is relevant for some EU-based traders, and the relatively limited protections for offshore/global account holders.

What Markets Does IG Offer?

IG has one of the broadest instrument ranges of any retail CFD and spread betting broker, scoring a perfect 10/10 on market access. This reflects genuine comprehensiveness across asset classes.

Forex Trading

IG offers over 80 currency pairs across majors, minors, and exotics. EUR/USD is available from 0.6 pips, which is competitive. IG’s forex offering covers all the major global sessions — London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney — and includes 24-hour pricing on the most liquid pairs.

For a broader comparison of forex trading options across the market, visit our compare forex brokers guide.

Index CFDs and Spread Bets

IG offers over 80 global indices, including the FTSE 100, DAX 40, S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, Nikkei 225, ASX 200, Hang Seng, and many regional and sector-specific indices. IG is particularly well regarded for its index offering, with tight spreads on major benchmarks and 24-hour trading available on key markets.

IG’s FTSE 100 spread starts from 1 point and the S&P 500 from 0.4 points — both competitive. For index-focused traders, see our compare brokers for trading indices guide.

Stock CFDs and Share Dealing

IG provides access to over 13,000 individual company shares — one of the widest share selections available from any retail broker. This includes companies listed on the LSE, NYSE, NASDAQ, ASX, Euronext, Deutsche Börse, and Asian exchanges.

Importantly, IG offers both CFD trading on shares (leveraged, short-selling possible) and physical share dealing (outright ownership with ISA and SIPP wrappers in the UK). This dual offering is unusual and valuable for traders who want the flexibility to speculate on price movements and also build long-term investment portfolios through the same provider.

Commodities

IG covers all major commodity classes including gold, silver, platinum, crude oil (WTI and Brent), natural gas, and agricultural commodities. Gold spreads start from 0.3 points, and oil from 0.03 — both are in line with the market average.

For commodity-specific comparisons, see compare brokers for trading gold and compare brokers for trading oil.

Cryptocurrency CFDs

IG offers cryptocurrency CFD trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and other major digital assets. Note that IG does not operate as a crypto exchange — clients cannot hold actual cryptocurrency through IG. For traders who specifically want to buy and hold crypto, see our compare brokers for trading Bitcoin guide.

ETFs, Options, Bonds, and Interest Rates

IG’s instrument depth extends well beyond what most retail brokers offer. The platform provides access to ETF CFDs, government and corporate bond CFDs, interest rate futures, and options trading. IG is one of the very few retail brokers offering a meaningful options product, with vanilla options available on forex, indices, and major commodities.

Market Access Score: 10/10. The combination of 13,000+ shares, 80+ indices, options, bonds, commodities, and crypto gives IG one of the most comprehensive market access profiles of any retail broker.

IG Spreads and Trading Costs

What Are IG’s Spreads?

IG uses variable spreads, which means costs fluctuate with market conditions. The table below shows IG’s typical spreads compared to leading alternatives:

Key observations: IG’s EUR/USD spread is competitive at 0.6 pip, matching Pepperstone on this headline pair. However, the GBP/USD spread at 1.5 pips is noticeably wider than some alternatives, and Bitcoin spreads are significantly wider than competitors. Gold spreads at 0.5 points are above Pepperstone’s 0.1 points, which matters for commodity traders.

IG’s spreads are generally suitable for position traders and swing traders. Scalpers and very high-frequency traders may find tighter pricing available elsewhere, particularly through zero spread brokers or ECN brokers.

Does IG Charge an Inactivity Fee?

Yes. IG charges a monthly inactivity fee of £12 (or equivalent) on accounts that have not placed a trade for two or more years. This fee is applied from the account balance and can deplete small accounts over time. Part-time traders or those who take extended breaks from trading should factor this into their decision. It is one of IG’s more notable cost disadvantages compared to brokers with no inactivity fee.

Does IG Charge Commissions?

On standard CFD and spread betting accounts, IG charges no separate commission — all costs are built into the spread. On share dealing accounts and DMA accounts, commissions apply at rates typically starting from £3–£10 per trade depending on region and account type.

Does IG Charge Deposit or Withdrawal Fees?

No. IG does not charge fees on deposits or withdrawals on its end. Third-party bank or payment processor fees may apply depending on your funding method.

Does IG Charge Overnight (Swap) Fees?

Yes. Like all leveraged CFD providers, IG charges overnight financing fees on positions held past the daily rollover time. The exact rate depends on the instrument, the direction (long or short), and prevailing benchmark interest rates. Swap rates are displayed clearly in the dealing ticket before trade execution.

Fees Score: 4/10. The inactivity fee and wider spreads on some instruments (Bitcoin, GBP/USD, gold) reduce IG’s competitiveness in this category compared to leaner alternatives.

IG Account Types

Standard CFD Account

IG’s primary offering — a variable spread, commission-free account covering all CFD instruments. This is the most appropriate account for the majority of retail traders.

Spread Betting Account (UK and Ireland)

IG is one of the UK’s most established spread betting providers, having pioneered the product in 1974. UK and Irish residents can open a spread betting account, which offers the same markets and pricing as the CFD account but with a key financial difference: profits from spread betting are free from UK Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty, making it a tax-efficient alternative to CFD trading for eligible clients.

For a dedicated comparison of UK spread betting providers, visit our compare spread betting brokers UK page.

Share Dealing Account (UK)

UK clients can open a cash share dealing account, ISA, or SIPP through IG to buy and hold actual shares with full ownership rights. This is separate from CFD trading and is designed for long-term investors.

DMA Account (L2 Dealer)

IG’s L2 Dealer platform provides Direct Market Access (DMA) for share CFDs and exchange-traded instruments. DMA means orders are placed directly into the exchange order book at specific prices, with full visibility of the live market depth. This is a sophisticated product aimed at professional and institutional-style traders. The ability to see the order book and interact directly with market liquidity is a significant advantage for larger traders who want to avoid market impact.

Professional Account

Traders who meet the FCA’s professional client criteria (at least two of: relevant professional experience, financial instrument portfolio over €500,000, or has worked in a relevant financial sector role) can apply for professional status. Professional accounts access higher leverage limits but waive certain retail protections including FSCS eligibility and negative balance protection.

Demo Account

IG provides a free demo trading account with £10,000 of virtual funds for practice. The demo closely mirrors the live trading environment, making it genuinely useful for strategy testing and platform familiarisation. For a comparison of demo account availability across brokers, see our compare forex demo accounts page.

Does IG Offer an Islamic (Swap-Free) Account?

No. IG does not offer a dedicated Islamic trading account. Muslim traders who require a Sharia-compliant, swap-free account will need to look elsewhere. Our compare forex Islamic accounts guide lists the best swap-free account options available.

Does IG Offer a Zero Spread Account?

No. IG does not offer a zero spread account. All pricing is built into the variable spread with no commission option. Traders who specifically require near-zero raw spreads with a commission structure should explore our compare zero spread brokers guide.

Does IG Offer a Micro Account?

No. IG does not offer a micro account. Minimum position sizes start at one standard CFD lot in most markets, which may be too large for very small account traders. See our compare forex micro accounts guide for alternatives.

Account Types Score: 5/10. The spread betting and DMA accounts are strong differentiators. The absence of an Islamic account, zero spread account, and micro account limits the score.

Trading Platforms at IG

IG’s Proprietary Web Platform

IG has invested heavily in its own web-based trading platform, which is available via browser without any download required. The platform features:

• Advanced charting with 60+ built-in technical indicators and multiple chart types
• Customisable workspace with multi-chart views, persistent layouts, and watchlists
• Integrated Reuters and Morningstar research directly inside the platform
• Risk management tools including guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs) — a unique feature that guarantees execution at exactly the specified level even in gapping markets
• One-click trading for fast execution on live prices
• Price alerts by email, SMS, or push notification
• Economic calendar and market news feed

The IG platform is purpose-built for CFD and spread betting trading and competes directly with CMC’s Next Generation platform for the title of best retail proprietary platform.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

IG supports MetaTrader 4, giving algorithmic traders access to Expert Advisors (EAs), custom indicators, backtesting, and the full MT4 ecosystem. This is available for forex and CFD trading.

For other MT4-compatible brokers, see our compare MT4 brokers page.

Does IG Offer MT5?

No. IG does not currently offer MetaTrader 5. MT5 provides additional order types, more timeframes, an improved strategy tester, and broader asset class coverage compared to MT4. The absence of MT5 is a gap for traders who prefer the newer generation of MetaTrader infrastructure.

Does IG Offer TradingView?

The existing page says no, but as of 2026 IG has begun rolling out TradingView chart integration in some regions. Traders should verify current availability directly on IG’s website for their jurisdiction, as this feature may or may not be available depending on where they are based.

Does IG Offer cTrader?

No. IG does not offer cTrader. cTrader is favoured by many professional CFD traders for its Level II pricing, advanced order management, and transparency in execution. Traders who specifically require cTrader should explore our compare ECN brokers guide.

L2 Dealer (DMA Platform)

IG’s L2 Dealer is a separate, downloadable platform designed specifically for DMA trading. It provides full depth-of-market visibility, direct order book interaction, and advanced order types. This platform is unique to IG among mainstream retail brokers and is a genuine differentiator for professional traders.

IG Mobile App

IG’s mobile trading application is widely regarded as one of the best in the retail trading industry. Available for iOS and Android, the app includes:

• Full charting with 30+ indicators
• One-tap order execution
• Real-time price alerts and push notifications
• Complete account management including deposits, withdrawals, and position management
• Watchlist syncing across devices

Platform Score: 4/10. The proprietary IG platform is genuinely excellent, and the L2 Dealer DMA platform is unique. However, the absence of MT5, cTrader, and (in most regions) TradingView limits the score compared to brokers who offer all four environments.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Credit and Debit Cards

IG accepts Visa and Mastercard deposits with instant funding. Withdrawals to cards are processed within 1–3 business days.

Bank Wire Transfer

Bank transfer is supported for both deposits and withdrawals. This is the recommended method for larger transactions. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days.

PayPal

Yes — IG accepts PayPal deposits and withdrawals in supported regions. This is a relatively rare feature among mainstream forex and CFD brokers and provides UK and European clients with a fast, convenient, and consumer-protected funding method.

Skrill and Neteller

IG does not accept Skrill or Neteller as deposit or withdrawal methods. Traders who rely on e-wallets for speed and low fees may find this limiting.

American Express (AMEX)

IG does not accept American Express.

Bitcoin / Crypto Deposits

IG does not accept cryptocurrency as a funding method.

Deposit Score: 6/10. Card, bank wire, and PayPal cover the most common funding needs for UK and European traders. The absence of Skrill and Neteller reduces flexibility for international clients.

Trading Execution at IG

Is IG a Market Maker?

Yes, for the majority of retail CFD and spread betting trades, IG operates as a market maker — meaning it takes the opposite side of client trades internally. This is standard practice for retail CFD and spread betting providers. IG manages its risk exposure by hedging in the underlying markets when necessary. The FCA regulation ensures that IG cannot engage in predatory practices such as stop hunting or requotes as a systematic strategy.

Does IG Offer STP Execution?

Yes. For certain instruments and account types, IG offers Straight-Through Processing (STP) execution, routing orders directly to liquidity providers without internal intervention.

Does IG Offer DMA?

Yes. IG’s L2 Dealer platform provides genuine Direct Market Access for shares and exchange-traded instruments. DMA means your order enters the live exchange order book at the specified price, giving full execution transparency and no dealer intervention. This is particularly valuable for larger trades where market impact matters.

Does IG Offer ECN Trading?

No. IG does not offer a dedicated ECN account. For brokers with true ECN execution structures, see our compare ECN brokers guide.

Execution Score: 7/10. STP and DMA availability are meaningful strengths. The dominant market-making model and lack of ECN accounts prevent a higher score.

Trading Features and Tools

IG scores a perfect 10/10 on trading features, reflecting a comprehensive toolkit that covers all professional trading requirements.

Risk Management Tools

IG supports stop-loss orders, limit orders, take-profit orders, and trailing stop losses across all instruments. Importantly, IG also offers Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs) — a premium risk management product that guarantees execution at exactly the specified level regardless of market gaps or slippage. GSLOs carry a small premium but provide certainty that standard stops cannot.

One-Click Trading

One-click trading is available across IG’s proprietary platform and mobile app, allowing rapid order execution — essential for scalpers and active day traders.

Expert Advisors (EAs) and Algorithmic Trading

Through MT4, IG supports Expert Advisors for automated strategy execution. IG also provides an API (REST and streaming) for developers and institutional clients who want to build custom trading applications or data integrations. This is an important feature for systematic traders — to compare API-capable brokers, visit our compare API brokers page.

VPS Service

IG offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for algorithmic traders who run EAs 24/7. VPS hosting ensures continuous strategy operation independent of personal computer uptime.

Price Alerts

Price alerts are available via email, push notification, and SMS through both the web platform and mobile app.

Scalping

IG permits scalping on its standard CFD accounts. The proprietary platform’s one-click execution and fast order processing make it suitable for short-duration trading strategies.

Hedging

IG permits hedging, allowing traders to hold simultaneous long and short positions on the same instrument across different accounts or platforms.

IG vs Pepperstone vs AvaTrade

IG’s greatest comparative advantage lies in its instrument breadth, DMA access, physical share dealing, options trading, and spread betting — all features that neither Pepperstone nor AvaTrade offer. Against that, Pepperstone is meaningfully cheaper (tighter spreads across most instruments, no inactivity fee, MT5 and cTrader support), and AvaTrade offers Islamic accounts which IG does not.

Who Should Use IG?

IG is best suited for:

• Experienced retail and professional traders who need the widest possible instrument range including bonds, options, and sector indices
• UK-based traders who want to combine CFD/spread betting trading with ISA or SIPP share dealing under one provider
• UK spread bettors seeking tax-efficient exposure to financial markets — IG is one of the oldest and most trusted spread betting providers
• DMA traders who require direct access to the exchange order book for shares, with full depth-of-market visibility
• Algorithmic traders using MT4 EAs or IG’s REST API to run systematic strategies
• Traders in Singapore, South Africa, Australia, and Germany who benefit from IG’s local regulatory presence

IG may not be ideal for:

• Muslim traders requiring a Sharia-compliant Islamic swap-free account (IG does not offer one)
• Scalpers seeking the tightest possible spreads — brokers like Pepperstone offer better raw pricing
• Traders who take long breaks — the £12/month inactivity fee is a genuine cost for non-active accounts
• Traders who want MT5 or cTrader — IG’s platform stack does not include either
• Small account traders looking for micro-lot sizing or very low minimum deposits

Frequently Asked Questions About IG

Is IG a legitimate broker? Yes. IG is one of the most established and thoroughly regulated brokers in the world, having operated since 1974. It is FCA-regulated, ASIC-regulated, publicly listed on the LSE, and subject to regular audits and regulatory oversight across six jurisdictions.

What is IG’s minimum deposit? IG does not have a fixed minimum deposit for CFD accounts in most regions. In practice, you need enough capital to cover the margin requirement of whatever position you intend to trade. For spread betting accounts, no specific minimum is stated.

Does IG offer negative balance protection? Yes, for retail clients under FCA and ASIC regulation. Negative balance protection means you cannot lose more than the funds in your account, even in extreme market conditions.

Can I trade shares through IG without leverage? Yes. IG offers both leveraged share CFDs and physical share dealing (for UK clients) where you own the actual shares outright. Physical share dealing is available via a standard dealing account, ISA, or SIPP.

How does IG’s inactivity fee work? IG charges a monthly fee of £12 (or currency equivalent) if no trades have been placed for 24 consecutive months. The fee is deducted from the account balance. If the balance drops to zero due to inactivity fees, the account is closed.

Does IG allow automated trading? Yes. IG supports Expert Advisors through MT4 and offers a REST API and streaming API for custom algorithmic solutions. VPS hosting is available to run automated strategies continuously.

Is IG good for beginners? IG provides strong educational content through IG Academy and offers a demo account with virtual funds. However, the platform is sophisticated and the instrument range can be overwhelming for beginners. Newer traders who want a simpler entry point may prefer other options — our compare forex brokers tool allows you to filter by beginner-friendliness.

Final Verdict: IG Review 2026

IG is a genuinely exceptional broker for the right type of trader. Fifty years of operation, rigorous multi-jurisdictional regulation, 17,000+ instruments, DMA access, physical share dealing, options trading, and an excellent proprietary platform place IG comfortably in the top tier of the global retail broker market.

The limitations are real but specific: no Islamic account, no zero spread or commission account, no MT5 or cTrader, an inactivity fee, and spreads that are not always the tightest available. These are weaknesses for scalpers, Muslim traders, and price-sensitive retail clients — but they are secondary concerns for the professional or institutional-style trader who wants the most comprehensive regulated trading environment available.

Overall Score: 65/100 — A premium, well-regulated broker with unmatched market access and institutional-grade tools, best suited for experienced traders who prioritise breadth and regulatory safety over the lowest possible cost.

Ready to explore alternatives or compare IG against other top brokers? Use our compare forex brokers tool, or read our full reviews of Pepperstone, AvaTrade, CMC Markets, XM Group, and Eightcap.