IGvs
StakeStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits IG's multi-asset platform against Stake's commission-free stock service. The axis of tension is cost versus breadth of exchange access and advanced tools.
Who should choose IG vs Stake?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose IG. You access 30 exchanges and integrated ProRealTime charts.
Choose if…
Choose Stake. You trade US, UK, and AU stocks commission-free.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
IG vs Stake: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
IG vs Stake 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 Stake: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
6
IG
criteria wins
1
Stake
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IG vs Stake: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.9/5 for Stake. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Stake. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Stake.
Both IG and Stake 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, IG provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1. 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 Stake supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Stake offers commission-free stock trading while IG does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both IG and Stake 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.
