IG Review 2025

Pros

• IG provides a wide range of professional and engaging educational resources, such as webinars, articles, and analysis.
• As a reputable broker, IG follows strict regulations in various regions, ensuring strong trust.
• IG offers a wide range of instruments including stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They have also added US-listed futures, options, and an AI Index, offering diversification opportunities.
• The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free if specific monthly trading activity requirements are met.
• The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with a clean design that earned it the Runner Up spot in our 'Best Trading App' award.

Cons

• Beginners may find IG's fees confusing, as there are different charges for various trades and services, possibly resulting in unexpected costs.
• In the UK and EU, there is negative balance protection, but US clients do not have account protection or guaranteed stop losses.
• IG charges a $12 monthly inactivity fee after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
• IG has ended its swap-free account, making it less attractive to Islamic traders.
• Stock and CFD spreads are still higher compared to the lowest-cost brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.

Regulation & Trust

What really gives me peace of mind is knowing that IG isn’t some fly-by-night operation. It’s part of IG Group Holdings Plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange (IGG). I actually check its stock performance from time to time!

I remember when I first started trading with IG back in 2015. I was impressed then, but over the years, I’ve seen the platform consistently innovate and improve.

One thing that’s always stuck with me is how often I see IG’s market analysts quoted in financial news. It gives me confidence that I’m getting insights from some of the best in the business.

But you know what really seals the deal? The regulatory backing. As someone who’s had a few nerve-wracking experiences with less reputable brokers in the past, I can’t overstate how important this is.

Knowing that IG is overseen by some of the world’s top financial watchdogs helps me sleep easy at night:

• US: IG US LLC (IG US) is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA).
• UK: IG Markets Limited (IGM) and IG Index Limited (IGI) are separately licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• EU: IG Europe GmbH (IGE) has a regulatory licence from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and Deutsche Bundesbank. Spectrum MTF Operator GmbH is authorized by BaFin and regulated as a multilateral trading facility (MTF) under MiFID. BrightPool Limited is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
• Switzerland: IG Bank SA (IGB) is authorized by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
• Dubai: IG Limited is licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
• South Africa: IG Markets South Africa Limited is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
• Singapore: IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
• Japan: IG Securities Ltd is regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA).
• Australia: IGM is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• New Zealand: IGM is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
• Bermuda: IG International Limited (IG INT) is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA).

But what stands out to me is its robust cybersecurity. I remember setting up my account and being prompted to enable two-factor (2FA) authentication. At first, I thought it might be a hassle, but now I wouldn’t trade without it.

There’s 256-bit SSL encryption, too, which is the same level of security used by major banks.

Based in the UK, I was relieved to learn that my funds are protected up to £85,000 through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). It’s like having a safety net under my investments.

Traders across Europe have similar protections: up to €20,000 in the EU and up to CHF 100,000 in Switzerland. Other regions also have strong protections in place.

Accounts & Banking

Live Accounts

IG offers different retail accounts based on what markets you want to trade, so you can find the perfect fit for your style.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll get full access to the platform, real-time market data, and a ton of educational resources to help you trade smarter:

• CFD trading account.
• Share dealing account.
• Spread betting account.
• IG Smart Portfolio account.
• Stocks and shares ISA account.
• IG Smart ISA Portfolio account.
• US-listed futures and options account.

If you’re an experienced trader looking for higher leverage, IG offers a professional account – but keep in mind, it comes with fewer regulatory protections.

To qualify, you’ll need to have placed 40 high-leverage trades per quarter over the past year, hold a portfolio worth at least £50,000, and have two years of experience trading derivatives.

That said, IG does have a few limitations. It doesn’t offer an ECN account, which might be a dealbreaker if you prefer raw spreads – Pepperstone could be a better choice in that case.

Additionally, IG no longer provides a swap-free (Islamic) account, so if you follow Islamic finance principles, AvaTrade might be a better fit.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Funding my IG account has always been smooth, with plenty of payment options based on where you are. I can use bank transfers, debit cards, PayPal, or Wise for quick and secure transactions.

While IG doesn’t support crypto payments (which is pretty standard for big brokers), I appreciate that card and PayPal deposits are instant, while bank transfers take a few days.

In some regions, you can start with a $0 minimum deposit, which makes it perfect for beginners.

Withdrawing is just as easy, though I’ve noticed that your account currency might set some minimum limits for card withdrawals, so it’s good to check that in advance.

Demo Account

One of my favorite features of IG is the free demo account. It comes with $10,000 in virtual funds, which has been super helpful for me to explore the platform and test out different trading strategies without worrying about losing real money.

It’s been a great way to get comfortable with the markets, understand financial statements, and even experiment with equity options – at my own pace.

Unlike some other brokers like XTB, there’s no time limit on the demo, so I’ve been able to take all the time I need to really learn. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn without feeling rushed or pressured.

Assets & Markets

IG’s range of markets and trading options is impressive. While brokers like BlackBull Markets and Saxo might offer even more investments, IG still has access to over 17,000 CFDs.

Plus, if you’re in the UK, Germany, or Australia, you can trade exchange-listed stocks and tap into global markets, which is fantastic.

But IG doesn’t stop there – it also offers forex options, turbo warrants through Spectrum, and Tastytrade for derivatives. If you’re based in Switzerland, you can even explore options trading with IG Bank.

For crypto enthusiasts, IG provides CFD trading for crypto, though sadly it doesn’t allow direct crypto purchases or derivatives for UK retail traders.

If you want to diversify your trades, IG covers you with bonds, futures, and interest-rate trading.

I like that IG stands out after adding pre- and post-market trading on 70+ US stocks, plus weekend trading on major indices like the DAX and FTSE – perfect for finding extra opportunities or hedging outside regular trading hours.

And if you don’t always have time for deep research, IG’s Smart Portfolios are a great option. They offer professionally managed investments with a mix of income, growth, and risk, so you can maintain a diversified portfolio without all the heavy lifting.

IG’s FX markets

Fees & Costs

As an active trader, I’ve found IG’s pricing one of the best. Its forex direct market access (DMA) solution has been a game-changer for me, making it easy to execute large orders quickly and efficiently.

Whether I’m placing frequent trades or managing big positions, IG keeps costs low, which helps maximize my profits in the long run.

Trading Fees

Regarding spreads, testing shows IG is pretty competitive. For EUR/USD, the spread averages 0.98 pips on a standard account, which is in line with industry norms – CMC Markets does slightly better with 0.7 pips.

For index trading, IG offers a 1-point spread on major indices like the FTSE 100. If you’re into commodities, spot gold starts as low as 0.3 pips. That said, spreads can widen during low-liquidity periods, just like with other brokers, so keep an eye on it.

One thing to note – if you’re holding positions overnight, swap fees apply based on tom-next rates. And if you’re trading in a different base currency, there might be conversion charges. It’s always worth factoring these costs into your trading strategy.

IG makes trading costs clear

Non-Trading Fees

IG’s non-trading fees caught me off guard. When I started trading, I didn’t realize how these charges could add up.

Take wire withdrawals, for instance. Whenever I want to transfer funds, I get charged a $15 fee. It’s not massive, but it can be frustrating for someone who likes to move money around. I’ve learned to consolidate my withdrawals to minimize these charges.

The inactivity fee is another quirk that made me raise an eyebrow. If I don’t trade for 24 months, IG charges $12 monthly.

As someone who occasionally steps back from trading, this initially worried me. But honestly, the 24-month window is pretty generous. Most brokers would ding you much sooner.

Platforms & Tools

IG truly stands out among trading platforms for the variety and flexibility it offers traders at all levels.

The web platform is one of my favorites I’ve used – it’s fast, user-friendly, and customizable. I love that I can save my layouts, use advanced charting tools with alerts, and access five different chart types (though I wish there was a Renko chart).

Setting up a custom layout takes just a few minutes, and trading directly from the chart is smooth. The built-in risk/reward ratios and drag-stop/limits make trade management more manageable.

IG’s proprietary trading platform

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is available but has some limitations. However, I really like L2 Dealer for direct market access, which includes price enhancements and direct chart trading – though I miss having OCO orders.

IG offers Java and Python tools, REST, and web APIs for tech-savvy traders, which is excellent if you like coding and automation.

If you’re in the UK, you can also access ProRealTime, which I find to be an incredible charting tool with tons of indicators and customization options, including Renko charts. The only downside? It costs £30 a month unless you’re actively using it.

IG has done a great job integrating ProRealTime for a seamless desktop experience, and the mobile app makes it easy to trade on the go.

How To Trade On IG

Trading on IG is pretty simple:

1. Pick a market/asset to open the deal ticket. You’ll see buy/sell prices, spread, and minimum trade size.
2. Set your trade details and check your margin levels.
3. Go to ‘settings’ for force open, plus price and fill options.
4. Use ‘order’ to open a position.
5. Visit ‘alert’ for price alerts.

Research

One of the biggest advantages of having an IG account is how much market research and analysis it provides – it’s honestly a goldmine for traders.

IG’s quote pages are packed with valuable data. I can check company news, client sentiment, trading activity, share prices, and broker ratings all in one place.

Its unique social analysis shows the percentage of traders who bought or sold shares over the past week, plus what other positions traders hold. This insight gives me a better sense of market sentiment.

Free trading signals for forex, cryptos, shares and indices

Another feature I enjoy is the IG Community. Since I have a live account, I can jump into forums and blogs to discuss market trends with other traders.

And then there’s IGTV, which is a total game-changer. There are three market updates daily, featuring live charting, CEO interviews, and deep-dive analysis – plus, everything is saved in an on-demand library, so I can watch whenever I want.

I also tune in to Trade Live with IG, a daily morning show started in 2024 that delivers market breakdowns and trading tips in a casual, easy-to-digest style. IG also sends out regular emails with segments like Trade of the Week, the Week Ahead, and Morning Call, which I find helpful.

IG also runs DailyFX, one of my go-to sources for news, research, and education. Its analysts cover major currencies in real-time, and the live webinars have really helped me improve my trading skills.

The Trading Strategies section is another must-use feature, offering short-term buy/sell signals, pivot points, and key technical data.

Education

IG’s educational platform, IG Academy, is hands down one of the best we’ve seen. Whether you’re just starting or refining advanced strategies, there’s something here for everyone.

IG Academy can be accessed on the website and mobile app, making it super convenient. There are over 18 different course categories, and what makes it even better is that each course ends with a quiz, helping me track my progress in a fun and interactive way.

Courses are 30 to 90 minutes, so they fit into my schedule without feeling overwhelming.

One of my favorite features is the live sessions – they run every weekday, and there are weekly webinars covering everything from trading strategies to macroeconomic trends.

In addition, IG provides a huge library of articles on topics like tax-efficient investing and advanced market analysis, which I’ve found incredibly useful.

Compared to other brokers, IG’s educational resources are on another level. They do a fantastic job of breaking down the basics for beginners and offering deep insights for experienced traders like me.

IG offers a wide range of live and on-demand webinars

Customer Support

Regarding customer support, IG does a solid job. Its team is available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM (GMT), and I’ve found them helpful and knowledgeable whenever I’ve needed assistance.

You can reach them via email (newaccountenquiries.uk@ig.com), phone (0800 195 3100), or even Twitter (@IGClientHelp), which gives plenty of options.

Getting in touch with IG is easy

One thing I like is IG’s online trading community – it’s a great place to connect with other traders through forums, blogs, tutorials, and webinars.

I’ve used it to troubleshoot platform issues, get advice on closing trades, and understand IG’s terms and policies. It’s also a good backup if support takes longer to respond.

The automated chatbot can be frustrating, and I sometimes have to wait longer than I’d like to connect with a live agent. The live chat feature is useful, but IG could improve response times.

Should You Trade With IG?

IG excels with its easy-to-use web platform and diverse investment options. Its excellent research resources are impressive.

Moreover, IG’s regulatory compliance and educational materials make it a secure choice for those trading US stocks with CFDs.

In conclusion, IG is a top choice for traders, leading in almost every crucial category.

Article Sources

• IG Website
• IGG – London Stock Exchange
• IG US LLC (IG US) – NFA License
• IG Index Limited (IGI) – FCA License
• IG Europe GmbH (IGE) – BaFin License
• BrightPool Limited – CySEC License
• IG Bank SA (IGB) – FINMA License
• IG Limited – DFSA License
• IG Markets South Africa Limited – FSCA License
• IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA) – MAS License
• IG Securities Ltd – JFSA License
• IGM – ASIC License
• IGM – FMA License
• IG International Limited (IG INT) – BMA License

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