Two brokers clash over scope and tools. Axi underlines regulation and MT4 support, while IG touts vast markets and a proprietary platform.
IG achieves a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 4.1/5) driven by stronger regulation and platform tools.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Axi offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for IG, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IG rates 4.8/5 versus 4.1/5 for Axi. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Axi starts from 0 pips, tighter than IG's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither Axi nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi and IG hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while IG lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Axi charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
IG wins safety & regulation with FCA/ASIC backing and a broad regulatory footprint.
IG wins active traders due to broad instrument range and advanced proprietary tools.
Axi is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
IG wins platform choice with proprietary platform, MT4/MT5, and TradingView options.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
LSE-listed with FCA and ASIC regulation, among the most credible regulatory stacks in retail CFDs
19,000+ markets including weekend crypto, volatility indices, and EM pairs, real breadth, not a padded count
Proprietary platform with ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and DMA equity routing built in
Spread betting available for UK clients, tax-free gains on the same account used for CFD trading
No minimum deposit and no deposit or withdrawal fee on standard methods
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
Cons
Market maker on forex, not suitable for scalpers who need sub-0.1 pip raw ECN spreads
Inactivity fee of £12/month kicks in after 24 months with no trades
Onboarding verification is slower than smaller or offshore brokers
Customer support quality drops outside UK business hours
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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