IG vs Skilling Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IG and Skilling 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.
Skilling offers share CFDs on 800+ global stocks via Skilling Trader and cTrader under CySEC regulation - a European-focused regulated broker with competitive pricing and a clean platform for equity CFD trading.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to Skilling's 3.7/5.
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 Skilling with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.7/5), 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.
IG vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $50 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet | FCA FSCA CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView | MetaTrader 4 cTrader Skilling Trader |
| Visit broker | Visit IG | Visit Skilling |
IG vs Skilling 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
- Clean Skilling Trader platform with cTrader for algorithmic equity CFD strategies
- CySEC regulated with investor compensation up to EUR 20,000
- 800+ share CFDs with competitive variable spreads and low $50 minimum deposit
- No inactivity fee on active accounts
- Stock range (800+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- FSC Mauritius entity provides lighter regulatory protection than CySEC
- No MetaTrader - limits algorithmic strategy options to cTrader/cBots only
IG vs Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IG | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
IG vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.7/5 for Skilling. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither IG nor Skilling 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 Skilling 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IG supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView and Skilling offers MetaTrader 4, cTrader, Skilling Trader. 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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