IG vs Saxo Bank Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IG and Saxo Bank across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IG stands out in the UK stocks market for combining real share dealing, a Stocks & Shares ISA, listed options trading, and bonds - giving active investors a full-service, multi-asset account that most app-based platforms cannot match.
Saxo Bank offers institutional-grade market access in a polished web platform, making it ideal for sophisticated investors who want access to global stock markets, options, and bonds in a single account.
IG and Saxo Bank are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.5/5 and 4.5/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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.
Saxo Bank is better suited for long-term investing: dividend reinvestment.
IG has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Both brokers share the same editorial score of 4.5/5, but IG requires a lower minimum deposit ($0 vs $2000 for Saxo Bank), making it more accessible for new investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
IG vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $2,000 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
| Extended hours | Yes | Yes |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet | FCA ASIC JFSA SFC MAS ACPR CNMV DFSA FINMA Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FSC CBI KNF Finanstilsynet MFSA CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView | Proprietary Web/Mobile SaxoTraderGO |
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit IG | Visit Saxo Bank |
IG vs Saxo Bank Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- Access to 60,000+ instruments across 50+ exchanges
- SaxoTraderGO is one of the best web trading platforms available
- Strong multi-jurisdiction regulatory profile (FSA, FCA, MAS)
- Options, bonds, and multi-asset investing in one account
- Professional-grade research and analytics tools
- Higher minimum deposit (£2,000 / €2,000) than most retail brokers
- Commission structure is not the cheapest for smaller accounts
- Complexity of the platform may overwhelm beginner investors
IG vs Saxo Bank: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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. The right choice depends on your priorities: commissions, fractional shares, account features, or regulatory safety.
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 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 Saxo Bank requires at least $2000. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IG supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView and Saxo Bank offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, SaxoTraderGO. 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). Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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