IG

IG

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.2
/ 10
vs
FP Markets

FP Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10

IG vs FP Markets

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

IG and FP Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. IG, founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips with a minimum deposit of $250. FP Markets, established in 2005 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to FP Markets's 8.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FP Markets holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.2/10 for FP Markets — a 1.0-point difference.

  • 💵

    FP Markets requires just $100 to start, while IG needs $250 — FP Markets is 3x more accessible.

  • 📈

    IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 10,000+ at FP Markets — a notable difference in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    IG runs on IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while FP Markets uses MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Education: IG scores 9.0 vs 7.0 for FP Markets — a 2.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
IG

IG

Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 6 categories
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
FP Markets

FP Markets

Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
  • You prefer FP Markets's trading environment overall

IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 8.2/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while FP Markets remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. IG holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. FP Markets is not without merit — it scores 8.2/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and FP Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

IG
FP Markets
Trading Costs
8.5 8.5
Platforms & Tools
9.5 8.5

IG wins by 1.0 points

Regulation & Trust
10.0 8.5

IG wins by 1.5 points

Education
9.0 7.0

IG wins by 2.0 points

Customer Service
8.5 8.0

IG wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
9.5 7.5

IG wins by 2.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
9.5 8.0

IG wins by 1.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
9.2/10
8.2/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$250
$100
Max Leverage
1:200
1:500
Spreads From
0.6 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin
ASIC, CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1974
2005
Markets
17,000+
10,000+
IG: 0 FP Markets: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8.5/10 for FP Markets. IG offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while FP Markets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at IG is $250, compared to $100 at FP Markets. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

IG
8.5
FP Markets
8.5
IG: 1 FP Markets: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.5 vs 8.5)

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for FP Markets. IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while FP Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

IG
9.5
FP Markets
8.5
IG: 2 FP Markets: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IG (10.0 vs 8.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1), while FP Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1). IG scores 10/10 and FP Markets scores 8.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

IG
10.0
FP Markets
8.5
IG: 3 FP Markets: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.0 vs 7.0)

For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IG and FP Markets both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

IG
9.0
FP Markets
7.0
IG: 4 FP Markets: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: IG (8.5 vs 8.0)

IG offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while FP Markets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

IG
8.5
FP Markets
8.0
IG: 4 FP Markets: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

IG scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while FP Markets scores 8/10. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and FP Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $100 for FP Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

IG
8.0
FP Markets
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

IG

Choose IG if you...

  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit IG
FP Markets

Choose FP Markets if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
  • You prefer FP Markets's trading environment overall
Visit FP Markets

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IG better than FP Markets?

IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 8.2/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, FP Markets remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, IG or FP Markets?

IG scores higher for trading costs. IG offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while FP Markets starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is IG safe to trade with?

IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and scores 10/10 for regulation. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC with a score of 8.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, IG or FP Markets?

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while FP Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for IG vs FP Markets?

IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while FP Markets requires $100. FP Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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