Interactive Brokers
IG
Interactive Brokers vs IG
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Interactive Brokers and IG are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Greenwich, USA, is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. IG, established in 1974 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Interactive Brokers scored 9.2/10 overall compared to IG's 9.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, IG holds its own with better trading platforms and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Interactive Brokers scores 9.2/10 overall vs 9.2/10 for IG — 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.
- 🖥️
Interactive Brokers runs on TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while IG uses IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer — 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
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
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 takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 9.2/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. Interactive Brokers stands out for lower trading costs and wider product range, while IG fights back with better trading platforms and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Interactive Brokers comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. Interactive Brokers holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. IG is not without merit — it scores 9.2/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (10.0/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or superior education resources may find IG the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Interactive Brokers review and IG 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 | $0 ✓ | $250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Regulation | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC | FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1978 | 1974 ✓ |
| Markets | 1,000,000+ ✓ | 17,000+ |
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. Interactive Brokers offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips, while IG starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0, compared to $250 at IG. 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. Interactive Brokers provides TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. 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. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC (Tier 1), while IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1). Interactive Brokers scores 10/10 and IG 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. Interactive Brokers and IG 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
Interactive Brokers offers 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while IG provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. 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
Interactive Brokers scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IG scores 8/10. Interactive Brokers accepts Bank Transfer, ACH, and IG supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $250 for IG. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for 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)
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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interactive Brokers better than IG?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 9.2/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, IG is stronger in better trading platforms and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or IG?
Interactive Brokers scores higher for trading costs. Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while IG starts from 0.6 pips with $250 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Interactive Brokers safe to trade with?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and scores 10/10 for regulation. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with a score of 10/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Interactive Brokers or IG?
IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs IG?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0, while IG requires $250. 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.