The comparison pits IG, a CFD driven crypto broker, against Saxo Bank, a multi-asset platform. The axis centers on regulatory credibility, asset breadth, and platform reach.
IG edges Saxo Bank on the overall editorial score due to broader crypto coverage and stronger regulatory credibility. Saxo Bank remains strong on security and transparency with a Danish banking licence and audited accounts, though asset selection is narrower.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Saxo Bank wins for security due to Danish banking licence and audited accounts.
IG uses spread-only pricing, while Saxo Bank uses classic tier spreads.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £12/month (after 24 months)▼ lower | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
| Deposit Fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IG | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: IG rates 4.2/5 and Saxo Bank 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.
Both IG and Saxo Bank list the same spread figure of 0.6. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
Neither IG nor Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG and Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank'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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO.
IG offers zero minimum deposit and broad accessibility for beginners.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | DFSA FMA FCA CMVM ASIC BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF | JFSA MAS DFSA FCA ASIC FINMA Finanstilsynet ACPR CNMV Finanstilsynet MFSA |
|---|
| 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 3.9 / 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