FXCMvs
IGForex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two FCA/ASIC regulated brokers against each other on trust, pricing, and platform capabilities. The axis centers on regulation breadth, cost structures, and instrument variety.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG edges FXCM on the higher overall editorial score and broader regulatory breadth, making IG the stronger choice.
IG
4.8/5
FXCM
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1Instrument universe: FXCM 400 vs IG 19,000+.
- 2Regulatory breadth: IG lists more regulators than FXCM.
- 3Minimum deposit: FXCM $50; IG $0.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.60 pips for IG, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
FXCM vs IG: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
FXCM vs IG Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
FXCM vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXCM | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | 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 |
FXCM vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.8/5 versus 4.1/5 for FXCM. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXCM starts from 0.4 pips, tighter than IG's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
IG has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM 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, two factors stand out: IG has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM lists maximum leverage of 400:1, 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.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView.
