IGvs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over asset access and wrappers: IG offers real shares and ISA; Skilling prioritizes CFDs and streamlined platforms.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG outscores Skilling overall, reflecting broader asset coverage and stronger regulatory footprint. Skilling remains solid for CFDs but lacks real ownership and ISA.
IG
4.5/5
Skilling
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1IG offers an ISA wrapper; Skilling does not.
- 2IG provides phone support; Skilling has no phone support.
- 3IG supports extended hours; Skilling does not.
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 for safety & regulation with a broader regulator set and LSE listing.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IG vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | $10/month (after 90 days)▼ lower |
IG vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
IG
criteria wins
0
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for Skilling. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Skilling's 0.7. 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Skilling 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 Skilling lists up to 20:1. 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
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 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.
