A head-to-head comparison of FXTM and IG across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CySEC and FCA-regulated broker with broad emerging-market reach, strong copy trading via MyFXBook integration, and a low $10 minimum deposit that makes it accessible to first-time traders.
IG invented spread betting in 1974 and remains the benchmark for experienced UK and European traders: unmatched market breadth, a genuinely excellent proprietary platform, and regulatory credibility that few brokers can match - at the cost of slightly higher charges than specialist ECN desks.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.8/5 compared to FXTM's 4.2/5.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IG offers tighter spreads from 0.6 pips vs 1.5 pips for FXTM, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Both brokers offer equivalent trading costs across spreads, commissions, and account types.
IG offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, a proprietary platform.
IG edges out FXTM with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2011 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | $10 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 1000:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXTM | Visit IG |
Pros
Low $10 minimum deposit on Micro accounts
Strong copy trading via FXTM Invest platform
Extensive education - webinars, video courses, and market analysis
Multilingual support in 20+ languages
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
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 - genuine 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
Standard account spreads are not ECN-competitive
Platform choice limited to MT4 and MT5
Mauritius FSC entity offers less investor protection than FCA/CySEC
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5 for FXTM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXTM and IG may each suit different trader profiles.
IG offers tighter spreads starting from 0.6 pips, compared to FXTM's spreads from 1.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FXTM requires at least $10. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM and IG hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: IG has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FXTM offers maximum leverage of 1000:1, while IG offers up to 30:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and IG offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView; both support MetaTrader 4; FXTM exclusively offers MetaTrader 5; IG exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView.
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