IGvs
SwissquoteStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits IG against Swissquote, weighing long-term investing features and UK-focused services against broader international access and banking-grade regulation.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.2 pts
IG wins on editorial score, offering a full multi-asset account with real share dealing, options, and an ISA, while Swissquote provides broader exchange access but a lower overall score.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG offers an ISA wrapper; Swissquote does not.
- 2IG provides extended hours; Swissquote does not.
- 3IG offers access to 30 exchanges; Swissquote covers 60 exchanges.
Who should choose IG vs Swissquote?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want real share dealing plus a Stocks & Shares ISA and extended hours.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you prioritise broad access to 60 exchanges and strong Swiss regulation.
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
Swissquote wins on safety & regulation with FINMA licence and depositor protection up to CHF 100,000.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
IG vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs Swissquote 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 Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IG
criteria win
0
Swissquote
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.5/5 and Swissquote rates 4.3/5. IG has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IG lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither IG nor Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
