FXCM vs IG Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - FXCM or IG?
Our pick: FXCM
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - FXCM looks preferable to IG.
FXCM scored 4.3/5 and ranks 28 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas IG has 4.1/5 and ranks 38.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FXCM suitable for?
FXCM is suitable for traders of all levels. Beginners will find educational materials and helpful analytics, while experienced traders will appreciate various instruments and flexible platforms.
Who is IG suitable for?
Broker IG.com is suitable for traders of all levels, offering reliability, convenience, a wide selection of instruments, and good customer support.
Comparison Table of FXCM and IG
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 1973 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.165 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:200 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
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| Review | FXCM Review | IG Review |
FXCM Review
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
FXCM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
IG Review
IG is a highly regulated broker with licenses from reliable financial authorities, providing clients with high funds protection. Thanks to narrow spreads, traders can effectively manage their costs and increase the profitability of their operations. Quality trading platforms and advanced analytical tools support informed trading decisions, while extensive educational resources make IG attractive to traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of IG
Pros
- Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility.
- Tight spreads.
- A variety of markets and products.
- Extensive set of analytical tools and content.
- Quality educational resources for different levels of traders.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- High trading fee on DMA account.
- Inactivity fee.
- Limited choice of payment methods.
IG is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 1973 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates |
| Regulators |
FXCM
FXCM is a well-regulated broker with numerous licenses from various global organizations.
IG
The company is subject to numerous international regulators, ensuring a high degree of transparency.
Account Opening
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
FXCM
The account opening process at FXCM is logically organized and efficient, providing clear steps for traders. The structured system and quick verification make this process convenient and straightforward.
Pros
- Clear and structured registration form.
Cons
- Verification waiting time can take up to 3 days.
IG
The account opening process is simple, fast, and convenient for traders of any experience level.
Pros
- No minimum deposit required.
- Quick registration process (5-10 minutes).
Cons
- Necessity to provide extensive personal and financial information.
- Verification may take a couple of days.
- There is a possibility of being denied account opening.
Account Types
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.165 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:200 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FXCM
FXCM offers two types of accounts: Mini for beginners and Standard for experienced traders. Although the choice is not vast, both accounts are well adapted for their target audiences.
Pros
- Mini account available - akin to a cent account.
- Option for copy trading through ZuluTrade.
- Demo and Islamic accounts available.
Cons
- Limited selection of account types.
- No account with fixed spreads.
IG
IG offers a limited selection of accounts, meeting the basic needs of traders, but not accommodating specific requirements.
Pros
- Availability of DMA account for professional traders.
- Premium service offered for high-value clients.
- Free demo account for practice and training.
Cons
- Absence of Islamic and investment accounts.
- No fixed spread accounts and cent accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.2/5 | 3/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.165 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| Commission per Lot | $6.48 |
FXCM
Commissions at FXCM are average. The broker offers favorable conditions for long-term trading thanks to competitive spreads and swaps. However, there is an inactivity fee and a fee for fund withdrawal.
Pros
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Rebate program for active traders.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer.
IG
IG provides an average level of commissions, with low spreads but high transaction fees on DMA accounts.
Pros
- Low spreads.
- No fees for deposits/withdrawals.
Cons
- High transaction fee on DMA account.
- Inactivity fee.
- Currency conversion fee and guaranteed stop fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide range of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, including cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Variety of deposit methods.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
- No broker commissions for depositing.
Cons
- Commission for withdrawals via bank transfer.
IG
Broker IG offers an average level of services for deposits/withdrawals, not charging a fee, but has limitations on available methods.
Pros
- No commission for funding and withdrawal.
- PayPal available as a deposit/withdrawal option.
- Transparent information about limits.
Cons
- Absence of cryptocurrencies and most electronic wallets.
- Withdrawal processing time can take up to 5 business days.
- Restrictions on the minimum withdrawal amount.
Markets and Products
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 41 | 99 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 11 |
| Energy Carriers | 7 | 9 |
| Soft Commodities | 4 | 20 |
| Indices | 15 | 46 |
| Stocks | 3512 | 13000 |
| ETF | 280 | 5400 |
| Cryptocurrency | 23 | 15 |
| Bonds | - | 19 |
FXCM
FXCM provides a wide range of trading instruments, making it attractive for various categories of traders. Different markets, from Forex to stocks and cryptocurrencies, are available.
Pros
- Good selection of markets and instruments.
Cons
- Some competitors have even more CFDs.
IG
IG offers an extensive range of products and markets for trading, with an impressive selection of CFDs, options, and thematic baskets.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide choice of trading platforms with high functionality, meeting the needs of different traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of platforms for different trading styles.
- Advanced analytical tools in Trading Station.
- Support for algorithmic and social trading through Capitalise AI and ZuluTrade.
IG
IG offers a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, IG Trading Platform, and L2 Dealer, catering to traders of all levels.
Analytics
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FXCM
FXCM offers comprehensive analytical tools, from trading signals to expert research. These resources not only simplify trading decisions but also help to improve strategy.
Pros
- Wide range of analytical tools.
- Professional signals and market analysis.
- Personalized trading applications.
Cons
- Some tools may require a subscription or active account.
- Lack of analytics localization in different languages.
IG
IG provides an impressive array of research and analytical tools that will appeal to traders of any experience level.
Education
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
FXCM
The broker offers quality webinars and helpful guides that make the learning process informative and interactive.
Pros
- Webinars with experts for direct interaction.
- Detailed Forex guides.
- Materials suitable for traders of all levels.
Cons
- Lack of video courses.
- No podcasts for audio learning.
IG
IG offers high-quality and comprehensive educational materials suitable for traders of various levels.
Customer Support
| Broker | FXCM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Email Support |
|
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Whatsapp
YouTube
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedInFXCM
FXCM's technical support is highly rated for its variety of communication channels and quick response. Customer reviews confirm the professionalism and efficiency of the staff.
Pros
- Multiple channels of communication, including WhatsApp and live chat.
- Available 24/5.
- High degree of customer satisfaction.
Cons
- There may be telephone charges for international calls.
IG
IG provides fast and professional support.
Comparisons of FXCM and IG with other brokers
Conclusion
FXCM stands out as the better overall pick, while IG trails on aggregate criteria.
FXCM scored 4.3/5 and ranks 28 in our rating; IG has 4.1/5 and ranks 38.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FXCM or IG?
FXCM comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.3/5, position 28) versus IG (score 4.1/5, position 38).
Which broker is better for beginners: FXCM or IG?
FXCM is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — FXCM or IG?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with FXCM and IG?
FXCM: MetaTrader 4, Trading Station, TradingView. IG: MetaTrader 4, IG Trading Platform, L2 Dealer. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FXCM and IG?
FXCM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. IG: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by FXCM and IG?
FXCM: Standard. IG: CFD, DMA. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by FXCM and IG?
FXCM: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, UnionPay. IG: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — FXCM or IG — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
