IGvs
TradeStationStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for the same investor seeking global stock access and robust tools. The matchup contrasts cross-market access and wrapper features with US-focused strengths and platform depth.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.5 pts
IG edges TradeStation on the overall editorial score and breadth of exchange access. IG's ISA wrapper and broader regulatory coverage reinforce the top position.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG offers an ISA wrapper; TradeStation does not.
- 2IG covers 30 exchanges; TradeStation covers 3.
- 3Fractional shares available on TradeStation only.
Who should choose IG vs TradeStation?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want a Stocks & Shares ISA wrapper and access to 30 exchanges.
Choose TradeStation if…
Choose TradeStation if you prefer US-focused equity trading with commission-free trading and EasyLanguage.
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
TradeStation delivers commission-free trading, making it best for low-cost trades.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IG vs TradeStation: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months)▼ lower | $25/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs TradeStation 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 TradeStation: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IG
criteria win
2
TradeStation
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| 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 TradeStation: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 4/5 for TradeStation. 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 TradeStation's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither IG nor TradeStation requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG and TradeStation 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, while TradeStation lists up to 50:1. 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 TradeStation supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
TradeStation 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 TradeStation 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.
