FXOpen and IG square off in a multi-asset comparison focused on regulation, platform breadth, and global stock access.
IG leads FXOpen in overall editorial score due to stronger regulation and broader platform reach. FXOpen remains competitive on ECN execution, but IG offers more exchanges and long-term investing features.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
Choose FXOpen if you want ECN/STP execution and a $100 minimum deposit, which keeps entry accessible for new and cost-conscious traders.
Choose IG if…
Choose FXOpen if you trade professional equity with MT4/MT5 and TickTrader, and you appreciate competitive stock CFD pricing within a dual-regulated framework. Choose IG if you need access to 30 exchanges and real share dealing in one account. Choose IG if you value a Stocks and Shares ISA with no annual platform fee and integrated research tools like ProRealTime and Morningstar.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IG wins for safety & regulation with a 5/5 trust score and broad regulator coverage.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $3/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXOpen | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.6/5 for FXOpen. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXOpen lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
IG has no minimum deposit, while FXOpen requires at least $100. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen 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.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither FXOpen 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 FXOpen and IG are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
IG wins for active traders thanks to integrated platform tools and extended hours.
FXOpen wins for low-cost trading thanks to ECN/STP execution and a low $100 minimum deposit.
IG wins for long-term investors due to Stocks and Shares ISA and broad investment options.
| 0.3 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| 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 CySEC | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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