IGvs
Saxo BankStock Broker Comparison
IG and Saxo Bank face off in a multi-asset showdown, weighing regulation, access, and long term investing features.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
IG and Saxo Bank are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is IG's ISA wrapper, Saxo Bank's dividend reinvestment and wider exchange access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG offers an ISA wrapper for Stocks & Shares ISA; Saxo Bank does not.
- 2IG covers 30 exchanges, Saxo Bank covers 50.
- 3Dividend reinvestment available with Saxo Bank only.
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
Equally matched; both maintain multiple regulators and a compensation scheme.
Best for long-term investors
Recommended
IG vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months)▼ lower | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
IG
criteria wins
1
Saxo Bank
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Saxo Bank: Frequently Asked Questions
IG and Saxo Bank share the same editorial score of 4.5/5. One concrete differentiator: IG requires a lower minimum deposit.
Both IG and Saxo Bank start from the same spread of 0.6. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
IG has no minimum deposit, while Saxo Bank requires at least $2000. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank lists up to 1:5. 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 Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO.
Neither IG nor Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank 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.
