This matchup contrasts a regulated CFD broker with a native crypto exchange. The tension centers on regulatory credibility versus depth of listed assets.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose IG if you value strong regulation and weekend crypto markets.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want a broad coin selection on a native exchange and 24/5 live chat support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IG | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: IG rates 4.2/5 and KuCoin rates 3.9/5. 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.
IG lists a spread from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for KuCoin. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither IG nor KuCoin requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
IG holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CMVM, Finansinspektionen), providing stronger investor protections. KuCoin 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.
For beginners, IG provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. 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 KuCoin's 10:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
KuCoin charges $0.1 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 KuCoin supports KuCoin. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin.
KuCoin 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.
KuCoin offers staking while IG does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check KuCoin's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
KuCoin lists 500+ coins while IG does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, KuCoin has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
IG wins for security due to strong regulation and segregated client funds.
IG wins for beginners due to strong regulation and multiple platform options.
KuCoin offers staking and yield-earning options while IG does not, making KuCoin the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free (crypto/bank); card fees apply |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferCredit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CMVM Finansinspektionen FCA DFSA KNF CBI BaFin Finanstilsynet NFA FMA Finanstilsynet | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
IG edges KuCoin on the editorial score, driven by stronger regulation and platform breadth for CFDs.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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