IGvs
Interactive BrokersCrypto Exchange Comparison
IG and Interactive Brokers square off in a crypto comparison, weighing asset breadth against real ownership and platform capabilities.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.2 pts
IG edges Interactive Brokers on editorial score due to broader crypto range and stronger regulatory credibility.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG lists 70 coins including weekend markets.
- 2Interactive Brokers provides real crypto ownership.
- 3IBKR charges 0.12–0.18% commissions with no spread markup.
Who should choose IG vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want a broad crypto CFD range and strong regulatory credibility.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want real crypto ownership and a multi-asset platform.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG wins for security with a top Trust score and FCA-listed regulation.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Interactive Brokers offers transparent commissions with no spread markup.
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IG |  Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 2.00% |
IG vs Interactive Brokers Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 70+ cryptocurrencies including weekend Bitcoin and Ethereum markets
- FCA-listed regulatory framework, significantly stronger than most crypto exchanges
- Available on IG's proprietary platform, ProRealTime charts, and MT4
- No deposit or withdrawal fee on standard funding methods
Cons
- Spread-only market maker pricing, wider than specialist crypto exchanges
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
IG
criteria wins
1
Interactive Brokers
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.2/5 and Interactive Brokers rates 4/5. 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.
Interactive Brokers lists a lower spread from 0.2, 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.
Neither IG nor Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG and Interactive Brokers 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, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
IG offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Interactive Brokers's 1:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers 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.
