Two regulated CFD brokers clash over crypto exposure, platform choices, and asset breadth. The tension centers on how security, coin selection, and costs shape the choice.
IC Markets and IG remain closely matched in crypto CFD access, with IC Markets offering 20 crypto pairs versus IG offering 70.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value 24/5 live chat and no inactivity fee.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want 70+ coins including weekend markets and a proprietary platform.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IG wins for security due to FCA-listed framework and broader regulator set.
IC Markets offers tighter crypto spreads via ECN-adjacent execution.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 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 | IC Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and IG rates 4.2/5. IG has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes IG more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both IC Markets 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.
IC Markets 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.
IC Markets 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide TradingView and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
IC Markets 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.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or staking.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA CySEC | 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 4.1 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker