IGvs
LibertexStock Broker Comparison
IG and Libertex pit real share ownership against CFD-based pricing in a cross-border equities comparison. The tension centers on commission structures, market access, and long-term investing options.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG edges Libertex on the overall editorial score and regulatory breadth, though Libertex’s zero-spread CFD pricing appeals to cost-focused traders.
IG
4.5/5
Libertex
3.5/5
Key Differences
- 1IG provides real share dealing plus a Stocks & Shares ISA.
- 2Libertex operates zero-spread CFDs with commission-style pricing.
- 3IG offers access to 30 exchanges, Libertex only 5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG wins safety & regulation with FCA oversight and LSE listing.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IG vs Libertex: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | $5/month (after 180 days)▼ lower |
IG vs Libertex Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
IG vs Libertex: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
0
Libertex
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Libertex: Frequently Asked Questions
IG is the stronger choice: it rates 4.5/5 versus 3.5/5 for Libertex, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Libertex 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 Libertex requires at least $10. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Libertex 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.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while Libertex lists up to 999:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Libertex supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView. Libertex has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither IG nor Libertex 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 IG and Libertex 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.
