E*TRADEvs
IGStock Broker Comparison
Two veteran brokers square off across cost, reach, and platform depth. The matchup weighs commission models, global access, and research tools to reveal where each excels.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want commission-free stocks and ETFs and a Power E*TRADE platform for options and futures.
Choose if…
Choose IG if you prioritize global reach and a Stocks & Shares ISA plus real share dealing in one account.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
E*TRADE vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
E*TRADE vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
E*TRADE vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: E*TRADE rates 4.3/5 and IG rates 4.5/5. 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.
IG starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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, IG provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while IG lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while IG does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
IG scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
