IG
Interactive Brokers
IG vs Interactive Brokers
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
IG and Interactive Brokers 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. Interactive Brokers, established in 1978 in Greenwich, USA, holds licenses from SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC with spreads from 0.1 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to Interactive Brokers's 9.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Interactive Brokers holds its own with lower trading costs and wider product range, 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 9.2/10 for Interactive Brokers — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
Interactive Brokers requires just $0 to start, while IG needs $250 — Interactive Brokers is 250x more accessible.
- 📈
Interactive Brokers offers 1,000,000+ instruments vs 17,000+ at IG — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
IG runs on IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Interactive Brokers uses TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Interactive Brokers scores 9.5 vs 8.5 for IG — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
IG
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Interactive Brokers
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 9.2/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while Interactive Brokers fights back with lower trading costs and wider product range.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 3 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. Interactive Brokers is not without merit — it scores 9.2/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (10.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or wider product range may find Interactive Brokers the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and Interactive Brokers review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Interactive Brokers wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 1.0 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 ✓ | 9.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $250 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:50 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1974 ✓ | 1978 |
| Markets | 17,000+ | 1,000,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Interactive Brokers has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 8.5/10 for IG. IG offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while Interactive Brokers starts from 0.1 pips. The minimum deposit at IG is $250, compared to $0 at Interactive Brokers. 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.
Trading Platforms
IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for Interactive Brokers. IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader. 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1), while Interactive Brokers holds licenses from SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC (Tier 1). IG scores 10/10 and Interactive Brokers scores 10/10 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 8/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IG and Interactive Brokers 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.
Customer Support
IG offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Interactive Brokers provides 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
IG scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Interactive Brokers scores 8/10. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Interactive Brokers supports Bank Transfer, ACH. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $0 for Interactive Brokers. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose IG if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Choose Interactive Brokers if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG better than Interactive Brokers?
IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 9.2/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, Interactive Brokers is stronger in lower trading costs and wider product range. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, IG or Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers scores higher for trading costs. IG offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Interactive Brokers starts from 0.1 pips with $0 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. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC with a score of 10/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, IG or Interactive Brokers?
IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Interactive Brokers provides TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for IG vs Interactive Brokers?
IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Interactive Brokers requires $0. Interactive Brokers 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.