Forex.com vs IG Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Forex.com and IG across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FOREX.com offers share CFDs on 220+ global stocks via MT4, MT5, and its proprietary platform under NFA, FCA, and CFTC regulation - a well-regulated US-focused broker with integrated equity CFD access for active multi-asset traders.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to Forex.com's 3.9/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Both brokers offer equivalent conditions for active trading across commissions, platforms, and charting tools.
IG edges out Forex.com with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.9/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
Forex.com vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CFTC MAS NFA IIROC | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit Forex.com | Visit IG |
Forex.com vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated - accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- US regulatory framework limits leverage relative to FCA/CySEC brokers
- Higher minimum deposit ($100) than some competitors
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed - among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
- Share dealing commission (£8 or 0.1%) is higher than commission-free platforms
- No SIPP - pension wrapper requires a separate provider
- Options trading requires a DMA account and is not available to all retail clients
- No fractional shares on the share dealing account
Forex.com vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Forex.com vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.9/5 for Forex.com. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither Forex.com nor IG is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Forex.com and IG hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and IG offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: IG has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IG has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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