Two CFD crypto brokers are in focus, evaluating regulatory coverage, asset depth, and platform options. The tension centers on protection, costs, and global access.
IG edges out FBS on editorial score, 4.2 vs 3.4. It also benefits from a broader regulator lineup and a wider platform suite.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IG has a broad regulator roster and stronger oversight.
IG offers transparent pricing and no deposit or withdrawal fees on standard funding.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 20.00% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG rates 4.2/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS lists a lower spread from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
IG has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes IG more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IG holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
IG stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IG's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
IG is better for beginners due to zero minimum deposit and broader access.
Equally matched for DeFi and Web3 since both lack DeFi access.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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