IG Review 2026

[Our IG review examines one of the world's most established trading platforms. We cover IG fees, IG spread betting, the IG trading platform, and whether this 50-year-old broker is still worth using in 2026. Full breakdown of 17,000+ markets, safety, and who it's best for.]

Looking for an honest IG review from someone who's actually used the platform? Good — because IG is one of those brokers that's been around so long, it's easy to take for granted. Founded in 1974, IG is a genuine pioneer in online trading and remains one of the largest CFD and spread betting providers on the planet. But does a long track record automatically make it the right choice for you?

We've tested the IG trading platform extensively — placing real trades, measuring execution speeds, stress-testing the mobile app, and digging into every line of their fee schedule. Whether you're curious about IG spread betting, wondering "is IG safe?", or just trying to understand IG fees, this review gives you the complete picture.

Our rating: 4.4/5

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 70-76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What Is IG?

IG is a UK-based online trading provider that offers CFDs, spread betting (UK and Ireland), share dealing, and forex trading across more than 17,000 markets. That market count isn't a typo — it's the widest range we've seen from any broker we review on this site.

The company was founded by Stuart Wheeler in 1974, originally as a way to allow people to speculate on the price of gold. Over the past five decades, it has grown into a FTSE 250 company with offices worldwide and millions of active clients. When we talk about established brokers, IG is quite literally the benchmark.

IG's product offering spans forex, indices, shares, commodities, bonds, interest rates, options, and even weekend trading on select markets. In the UK, its spread betting product is particularly popular because profits are tax-free under current UK tax law. For traders outside the UK, CFDs are the primary product.

The platform caters primarily to intermediate and experienced traders. If you're a complete beginner, the depth of features can feel overwhelming. But if you've been trading for a while and want access to serious tools and a massive market range, IG is one of the top choices available.

For a broader view of your options, see our guide to the best forex brokers.

Is IG Safe?

In a word: yes. IG is one of the most heavily regulated brokers in the world, and its safety credentials are about as strong as they come in the retail trading space.

How Is IG Regulated?

IG holds licences from some of the strictest financial regulators globally:

• FCA (UK) — Licence #195355
• ASIC (Australia)
• BaFin (Germany)
• MAS (Singapore)
• DFSA (Dubai)
• FSCA (South Africa)
• FMA (New Zealand)
• FINMA (Switzerland)

Being regulated by the FCA and listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250) means IG is subject to rigorous financial reporting requirements, regular audits, and strict capital adequacy rules. This is a level of oversight that most brokers simply cannot match.

What Client Protections Does IG Offer?

Under FCA regulation, IG provides several important protections:

• Segregated client funds — Your money is held in separate accounts from IG's own operational funds at major banks
• Negative balance protection — Retail clients in the UK, EU, and Australia cannot lose more than their deposited amount
• FSCS coverage — UK clients are eligible for Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection up to GBP 85,000 if IG were ever unable to meet its obligations

What Is IG's Track Record?

IG has been operating for over 50 years without a major regulatory scandal or insolvency event. That's a track record that speaks for itself. The company weathered the 2008 financial crisis, the 2015 Swiss franc shock, and the Covid-19 market turmoil without missing a beat. When you deposit money with IG, you can be confident it's in safe hands.

What Are IG's Fees and Spreads?

IG's fee structure is competitive but not the cheapest in every category. The pricing model depends on whether you're trading CFDs, spread betting, or shares.

| Fee Type | Amount | |---|---| | EUR/USD Spread | From 0.6 pips | | GBP/USD Spread | From 0.9 pips | | FTSE 100 Spread | From 1 point | | Share CFDs (UK) | 0.10% commission | | Share CFDs (US) | 2 cents per share | | Min. Deposit | $0 (no minimum) | | Withdrawal Fee | Free (bank transfer) | | Inactivity Fee | $12/month after 24 months | | Overnight Financing | Applicable on CFDs |

Fees are indicative and subject to change. Always verify on the IG website.

The headline EUR/USD spread of 0.6 pips is competitive with the best in the industry. However, spreads on less popular pairs can be wider, and during volatile market conditions, spreads will naturally expand. IG is transparent about this — their website publishes average spreads alongside minimum spreads, which is a practice we appreciate.

For UK traders, spread betting through IG means no capital gains tax on profits, which can represent significant savings. Stamp duty is also avoided on share spread bets. This tax advantage is one of the main reasons UK traders choose IG over commission-based brokers.

One thing to watch: the inactivity fee. If you don't place a trade for 24 months, IG charges $12 per month. This is standard in the industry, and 24 months is a generous grace period, but it's worth knowing about.

For share dealing (real stocks, not CFDs), IG charges flat commissions that vary by market. This is a separate product from CFD trading and is available in select countries.

How Good Is IG's Trading Platform?

The IG trading platform is one of the best we've tested. IG offers multiple platform options, and each one is genuinely excellent at what it does.

How Does IG's Web Platform Work?

The flagship web platform is clean, fast, and packed with features. You get customisable dashboards, advanced charting with over 100 technical indicators, an integrated news feed from Reuters, client sentiment data showing how other IG traders are positioned, and a market screener.

The charting is particularly strong. IG offers its own native charting plus the option to use ProRealTime (a premium charting platform usually sold separately) at no extra cost if you place a minimum number of trades per month. ProRealTime adds automated trading capabilities, backtesting, and an even deeper library of indicators.

Execution is fast. In our testing, orders were filled almost instantly during normal market conditions, and slippage was minimal. IG publishes execution statistics showing that the majority of orders are filled at or better than the requested price.

Does IG Support MetaTrader 4?

For traders who prefer the MT4 ecosystem, IG offers a fully integrated MT4 experience. You get access to Expert Advisors (EAs), custom indicators, and the familiar MT4 interface backed by IG's pricing and execution. It's a solid option if you have existing MT4 strategies or indicators you want to keep using.

What Is IG's L2 Dealer Platform?

L2 Dealer is IG's direct market access (DMA) platform for share trading. It gives you Level 2 order book data and the ability to trade directly on exchange. This is aimed squarely at professional share traders and isn't something most retail traders will need.

Does IG Offer ProRealTime?

ProRealTime integration is a standout feature. This platform is used by institutional traders and offers advanced algorithmic trading, sophisticated backtesting, and chart-based order placement. Getting access to ProRealTime through IG (potentially free with active trading) is a genuine value-add.

What Can You Trade on IG?

This is where IG really flexes. With over 17,000 markets, it offers the widest range of any broker we review.

• Forex — 80+ currency pairs including majors, minors, and exotics
• Indices — All major global indices including out-of-hours and weekend markets
• Shares — Thousands of individual stocks from markets including UK, US, EU, Asia, and Australia
• Commodities — Gold, silver, oil, natural gas, agricultural commodities
• Bonds & Interest Rates — Government bonds and interest rate markets
• Options — Vanilla options on forex, indices, and commodities
• Crypto — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies (as CFDs)
• ETFs — A wide selection for share dealing accounts

The 17,000+ figure isn't just a marketing number. IG genuinely lists thousands of individual share CFDs across multiple exchanges, plus all the other asset classes listed above. If you want to trade Australian mining stocks one minute and German government bonds the next, IG lets you do that from a single account.

To understand how CFDs work before trading them, read our guide to CFDs.

Is IG's Mobile App Good?

The IG mobile app is excellent and consistently ranks among the best trading apps on both iOS and Android. It delivers a near-desktop experience on your phone, which is no small feat given the complexity of the platform.

You get full charting with technical indicators, customisable watchlists, one-tap trading, real-time price alerts, and access to the integrated news feed and client sentiment data. The app also provides access to IG Academy educational content, so you can learn on the go.

Order execution on mobile is smooth. In our testing, we placed market orders, limit orders, and stops without any issues. The app handles volatile market conditions well, though obviously a stable internet connection is important.

The design is clean and intuitive. IG has clearly invested significant resources into the mobile experience, and it shows. Whether you're checking a position during your commute or actively scalping from your phone, the app is up to the task.

One nice touch: the app includes customisable push notifications for price alerts, economic events, and trade confirmations. You can set alerts on any of the 17,000+ markets, which is useful for traders who watch multiple instruments.

How Do You Open an IG Account?

Opening an account with IG is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.

1. Visit IG's Website — Click "Create Account" and choose your account type (CFD, spread betting, or share dealing)
2. Fill in Personal Details — Name, email, phone number, address, and date of birth
3. Complete the Suitability Assessment — IG will ask about your trading experience, financial situation, and understanding of leveraged products. Answer honestly — this is a regulatory requirement
4. Verify Your Identity — Upload a government-issued ID and proof of address. Verification typically completes within 1-2 business days
5. Fund Your Account — Deposit via bank transfer, debit card, or PayPal. There's no minimum deposit requirement
6. Start Trading — Once funded, you have access to all 17,000+ markets

IG also offers a free demo account with virtual funds, which is a great way to familiarise yourself with the platform before risking real money. The demo mirrors the live environment closely.

How Good Is IG's Customer Support?

IG offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat, available 24 hours a day from Sunday night to Friday night (matching forex market hours).

In our experience, IG's support is among the best in the industry. Phone support connects you to knowledgeable agents who can handle both basic account queries and complex platform or trading questions. Live chat is responsive, typically connecting within a few minutes during normal hours.

The help centre is comprehensive and well-organised, with detailed articles, video tutorials, and FAQs covering virtually every aspect of the platform. IG Academy adds another layer of support through structured educational courses.

One area for improvement: weekend support is limited. If you have an issue with a weekend trade (IG offers weekend markets on select instruments), you may need to wait until Sunday evening for full support. Email support is available but response times can be slower.

What Are IG's Pros and Cons?

What Are IG's Strengths?

• 17,000+ markets — The widest range of any broker we review
• 50+ year track record — Listed on the FTSE 250, regulated by 8+ top-tier authorities
• Excellent platforms — Proprietary web platform, MT4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer
• Spread betting (UK) — Tax-free trading for UK residents
• No minimum deposit — Start with any amount
• Strong education and research — IG Academy, Reuters news, ProRealTime charting
• Quality mobile app — Full-featured and reliable

What Are IG's Weaknesses?

• Higher spreads on some pairs — Not always the cheapest, especially on exotics
• Complex fee structure — Different pricing for CFDs, spread betting, shares, and DMA
• Inactivity fee — $12/month after 24 months of no trading
• Overwhelming for beginners — The sheer number of features and markets can be intimidating
• Not available for US forex — US clients can only access limited products
• ProRealTime conditionally free — Requires minimum monthly trading activity

Who Should Use IG?

IG is best suited for intermediate to advanced traders who want access to a massive range of markets backed by institutional-grade tools and rock-solid regulation. If you're a UK-based trader, the spread betting product is particularly compelling due to its tax advantages.

IG is ideal for:

• Experienced traders who want 17,000+ markets from a single platform
• UK traders looking for tax-free spread betting with a trusted provider
• Multi-asset traders who want forex, shares, indices, commodities, and options in one place
• Traders who value strong regulation and a proven track record

IG is probably not for you if:

• You're a complete beginner looking for the simplest possible interface
• You want the absolute lowest spreads and are happy to sacrifice market range
• You primarily trade crypto (dedicated exchanges offer more coins)
• You need micro-lot accounts for very small position sizes

For simpler alternatives, check out our Plus500 review or browse the best Plus500 alternatives.

How Does IG Compare to Competitors?

How does IG compare to other major brokers? Here's a side-by-side look:

| Feature | IG | Plus500 | CMC Markets | Saxo Bank | |---|---|---|---|---| | Markets Available | 17,000+ | 2,800+ | 12,000+ | 71,000+ | | EUR/USD Spread | From 0.6 pips | From 0.8 pips | From 0.7 pips | From 0.6 pips | | Platforms | Own + MT4 + ProRealTime | Own platform | Own + MT4 | SaxoTraderGO/PRO | | Min. Deposit | $0 | $100 | $0 | $0 | | Spread Betting | Yes (UK) | Yes (UK) | Yes (UK) | No | | Regulation | FCA, ASIC, BaFin + 5 more | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | FCA, ASIC, BaFin | FCA, ASIC, DFSA | | Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |

IG stands out for its combination of market range, platform quality, and regulatory strength. While Saxo Bank offers more instruments overall, IG's platform experience and spread betting availability give it an edge for UK traders.

Is IG Worth It in 2026?

IG is one of those brokers that's hard to find serious fault with. Over 50 years of operation, regulation by eight top-tier authorities, 17,000+ markets, excellent platforms, and a proven track record — it ticks nearly every box that matters.

The main reasons to look elsewhere are if you're a complete beginner who needs something simpler, or if your primary focus is finding the absolute lowest cost per trade. IG is competitive on fees but not always the cheapest. And the sheer depth of the platform, while a strength for experienced traders, can be genuinely overwhelming when you're starting out.

For UK traders, IG is arguably the single best option available, thanks to the combination of spread betting (tax-free profits), FSCS protection, and the widest market range in the industry. For traders elsewhere, it remains a top-tier choice that belongs on any serious shortlist.

Our rating: 4.4 out of 5

What Are Common Questions About IG?

Is IG safe and regulated?

Yes, IG is one of the most heavily regulated brokers globally. It holds licences from the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), BaFin (Germany), MAS (Singapore), FINMA (Switzerland), and several other regulators. It's also publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 250 company, which adds an additional layer of transparency and oversight.

What are IG's fees for forex trading?

IG offers forex trading with spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. There's no commission on standard accounts — costs are built into the spread. DMA accounts have tighter raw spreads plus a commission. There's no minimum deposit, and bank transfer withdrawals are free.

Is IG good for beginners?

IG is a top-quality broker, but it's not specifically designed for beginners. The platform's depth — 17,000+ markets, multiple platforms, and complex fee structures — can be overwhelming for newcomers. That said, IG Academy offers excellent free education, and the demo account is a great place to learn. Beginners who are committed to learning will find IG rewarding over time.

What is spread betting on IG?

Spread betting is a type of leveraged trading available to UK and Irish residents where you bet a certain amount per point of movement in an instrument's price. The key advantage is that profits from spread betting are currently exempt from capital gains tax and stamp duty in the UK. IG is one of the largest spread betting providers globally.

Does IG have a minimum deposit?

No, IG has no minimum deposit requirement. You can open an account and fund it with any amount. However, you'll need enough in your account to meet the margin requirements for whatever instruments you want to trade. For most forex pairs, this means having at least a few hundred pounds to open a meaningful position.