Global Prime vs IG Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Global Prime and IG across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.2 / 5
2 bonusesASIC-regulated NDD/ECN broker with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and one of the most transparent execution reports in retail forex - a strong choice for active traders who prioritise verified execution quality over marketing.
VS
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.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.8/5 compared to Global Prime's 4.2/5.
IG
4.8/5
Global Prime
4.2/5
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
Global Prime offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 0.6 pips for IG, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IG has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Global Prime has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
IG offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IG edges out Global Prime with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
Global Prime vs IG: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2010 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | $200 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | ASIC VFSC | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 cTrader | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit Global Prime | Visit IG |
Global Prime vs IG Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
ASIC regulated with published quarterly execution quality reports
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with $7 round-turn commission
True NDD execution - no internal position matching
MT4 and cTrader available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
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
$200 minimum deposit
Limited product range - forex and major CFD classes only
No proprietary platform or copy trading
No investor compensation scheme
No 24/5 live chat
No phone support
Support available in limited languages
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
Global Prime vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Global Prime
criteria wins
5
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Global Prime | 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) | Fail | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Fail | Pass |
Global Prime vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5 for Global Prime. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; Global Prime and IG may each suit different trader profiles.
Global Prime offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to IG's spreads from 0.6 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 Global Prime requires at least $200. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Global Prime 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.
Global Prime offers maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
Global Prime charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Global Prime supports MetaTrader 4, cTrader and IG offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView; both support MetaTrader 4; Global Prime exclusively offers cTrader; IG exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView.
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Score 4.2 / 5
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