IG vs Interactive Brokers Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers IG and Interactive Brokers. Find out which broker is best for you.
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 - IG or Interactive Brokers?
Key differences between the brokers
Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.
IG
- Different platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- IG Trading Platform
- L2 Dealer
- Different markets
- Soft Commodities
- ETF
- Bonds
- Cryptocurrency
Interactive Brokers
- Different platforms
- IBKR Mobile
- Trader WorkStation (TWS)
- IMPACT
- IBKR Desktop
- Client Portal
- GlobalTrader
- Different markets
- None listed
Comparison Table of IG and Interactive Brokers
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 7 of 7 parametersShowing 7 of 7 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 1974 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0.165 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review |
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:
Interactive Brokers Review
Interactive Brokers is one of the largest international brokers, offering extensive opportunities for trading and investing in global financial markets. The company combines high reliability, competitive trading conditions and advanced technological infrastructure. Thanks to its many years of experience, international regulation and continuous service development, Interactive Brokers holds a leading position among brokers for self-directed investing.
Interactive Brokers is primarily suited to experienced traders, active investors and professional market participants who value a wide range of instruments, low fees and advanced trading capabilities. The broker is also an excellent choice for long-term investors building diversified portfolios. For beginners, Interactive Brokers is suitable if they are willing to learn a fairly complex trading infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of Interactive Brokers
Pros
- High reliability and regulation by leading financial authorities.
- A wide range of financial instruments and access to more than 175 markets.
- Low trading commissions and favourable margin lending rates.
- Powerful trading platforms and professional analytical tools.
- A wide range of account types and high-quality educational materials.
Cons
- Complex interface and a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Inconsistent quality of technical support.
- Limited choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Interactive Brokers is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1974 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Regulators |
IG
The company is subject to numerous international regulators, ensuring a high degree of transparency.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is highly reliable thanks to strict international regulation, substantial capital and mechanisms protecting client assets.
Pros
- Regulation by SEC, FCA, ASIC and other reputable authorities.
- Strong financial stability and substantial capital.
- Segregation of assets and insurance protection for client accounts.
Cons
- Regulatory fines in 2020 and 2025.
Account Opening
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
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.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers convenient online account opening with no minimum deposit. However, the detailed application form and strict verification make registration more complex and time-consuming than with many brokers.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- No minimum deposit.
- Wide choice of account types and base currencies.
Cons
- A lengthy and detailed application form.
- Strict verification requirements.
- Possible delays in document verification.
Account Types
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 9 of 9 parametersShowing 9 of 9 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0.165 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap-free Account | No | No |
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.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of accounts for investors and traders of all experience levels. Flexible terms, various margin trading modes and specialised accounts can meet virtually any investment need.
Pros
- A wide range of accounts for individual and institutional clients.
- Flexible margin trading options.
- A demo account and no minimum deposit.
Cons
- A complex account type system for beginners.
- High capital requirements for Portfolio Margin.
Commissions
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.165 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.1 | — |
| Commission | per $1M turnover$60.00 | per 1 lot$2.00 |
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.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest commissions on the market. Competitive trading rates, favourable margin lending terms and minimal non-trading costs make the broker attractive to traders and investors.
Pros
- Low commissions on stocks, ETFs, Forex and derivatives.
- Favourable margin lending rates.
- No inactivity fee and two free withdrawals per month.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
- A complex fee structure and additional exchange fees.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.7/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
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.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers reliable deposit and withdrawal methods with low fees. Support for bank transfers, Wise and stablecoins makes payments convenient, although the availability of these methods depends on the region.
Pros
- No deposit fees.
- Two free withdrawals per month.
- Support for Wise and stablecoins.
Cons
- No direct deposits by bank card or popular e-wallets.
- International bank transfers may take several days.
- The availability of payment methods depends on the country.
Markets and Products
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 10 of 10 parametersShowing 10 of 10 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 99 | 85 |
| Precious Metals | 11 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 9 | 2 |
| Soft Commodities | 20 | - |
| Indices | 46 | 13 |
| Stocks | 13000 | 8500 |
| ETF | 5400 | - |
| Bonds | 19 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 15 | - |
IG
IG offers an extensive range of products and markets for trading, with an impressive selection of CFDs, options, and thematic baskets.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers an exceptionally wide range of financial instruments with access to more than 175 markets. The variety of assets makes the broker a versatile solution for active trading and long-term investing.
Pros
- Access to more than 175 markets across 40 countries.
- A vast selection of stocks, ETFs, bonds and derivatives.
- Support for Forex, CFDs and cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- The availability of some instruments depends on the country.
Trading Platforms
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
IG
IG offers a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, IG Trading Platform, and L2 Dealer, catering to traders of all levels.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of trading platforms with powerful analytical tools, varied order types and automation capabilities. The broker's solutions are suitable for both beginner investors and professional traders.
Pros
- A wide range of desktop, web and mobile platforms.
- Advanced analysis and risk management tools.
- Support for TradingView and algorithmic trading via API.
Cons
- Difficulty learning to use the professional platform TWS.
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
Analytics
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 1 of 1 parametersShowing 1 of 1 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IG
IG provides an impressive array of research and analytical tools that will appeal to traders of any experience level.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers powerful analytical resources with professional research, fundamental and technical analysis, market screeners and portfolio assessment tools. The analytics are suitable for both investors and active traders.
Pros
- A wide range of free analytical tools.
- Professional research and market news.
- Advanced risk and portfolio analysis tools.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for selected research and market data.
- Some tools are complex for beginners.
Education
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 1 of 1 parametersShowing 1 of 1 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IG
IG offers high-quality and comprehensive educational materials suitable for traders of various levels.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers high-quality, diverse education for traders of all levels. Free courses, webinars, video tutorials and practical sessions cover a broad range of topics, from investment basics to complex trading strategies.
Pros
- A wide range of free courses, webinars and podcasts.
- Education for beginners and professionals.
- Practical training using a demo account.
Customer Support
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Email Support | ||
| Hotline Phones | ||
| Social Media |
IG
IG provides fast and professional support.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers several contact channels and qualified assistance with trading matters. However, response times and the effectiveness of problem resolution are inconsistent, as reflected in mixed customer reviews.
Pros
- Support by phone, live chat and tickets.
- Nearly 24-hour service on business days.
- Staff expertise in trading matters.
Cons
- Long wait times for responses from support agents.
- Slow resolution of complex issues.
- The need for repeated follow-ups.
Comparisons of IG and Interactive Brokers with other brokers
Conclusion
When choosing between IG and Interactive Brokers, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.
Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IG or Interactive Brokers?
IG ranks higher than Interactive Brokers in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.
Which broker is better for beginners: IG or Interactive Brokers?
Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — IG or Interactive Brokers?
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 IG and Interactive Brokers?
IG: MetaTrader 4, IG Trading Platform, L2 Dealer. Interactive Brokers: IBKR Mobile, Trader WorkStation (TWS), IMPACT, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, GlobalTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IG and Interactive Brokers?
IG: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Interactive Brokers: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by IG and Interactive Brokers?
IG: CFD, DMA. Interactive Brokers: Cash, Margin (Reg T), Portfolio Margin. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IG and Interactive Brokers?
IG: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards. Interactive Brokers: Bpay, Swift, Automated Clearing House (ACH), SEPA, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IG or Interactive Brokers — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
