This comparison pits two CFD brokers on regulation, platform access, and crypto depth. The tension centers on coin coverage and pricing clarity versus compliance credibility.
IG wins on the editorial score, backed by stronger regulation and a broader coin selection than Global Prime.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Global Prime if…
Choose Global Prime if you value ASIC regulation paired with institutional ECN execution, ensuring trading transparency and speed. You also benefit from a no inactivity fee and a compact crypto lineup of four coins, reflecting a focused offering.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want access to 70 plus coins and phone support, plus weekend crypto markets and ProRealTime charts. You also benefit from a broad regulator footprint including FCA and other authorities, enhancing oversight and participant protection.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IG wins for security with a broad, multi-jurisdictional regulator list and FCA-listed framework.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Global Prime | 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.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
IG rates 4.2/5 versus 3.7/5 for Global Prime. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Global Prime 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 Global Prime requires at least $200. This makes IG more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Global Prime and IG hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: IG has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Global Prime 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.
Global Prime charges $7 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.
Global Prime supports cTrader, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Global Prime has exclusive access to cTrader. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Global Prime scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Global Prime wins for low fees due to raw ECN spreads and low commissions.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or Web3 features.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC VFSC | 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 3.7 / 5
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