IGvs
Trading 212Stock Broker Comparison
Two well-regulated brokers clash over cost models and asset breadth. The axis of tension is price versus platform depth and global access.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.3 pts
IG outranks Trading 212 overall with a higher editorial score. Its stronger trust & regulation rating and broader platform mix explain the gap.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG offers phone support; Trading 212 does not.
- 2Fractional shares are available on Trading 212; IG does not support them.
- 3IG provides access to 30 exchanges; Trading 212 covers 3.
Who should choose IG vs Trading 212?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want phone support, short selling, and extended trading hours.
Choose Trading 212 if…
Choose Trading 212 if you want commission-free trades and fractional shares.
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
Trading 212 is best for low cost trading due to commission-free stock trading.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG vs Trading 212: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | None |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs Trading 212 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 Trading 212: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
IG
criteria wins
3
Trading 212
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| 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 Trading 212: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.5/5 and Trading 212 rates 4.2/5. 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 starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Trading 212. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG has no minimum deposit, while Trading 212 requires at least $1. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Trading 212 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 Trading 212 lists up to 1:5. 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 Trading 212 supports Trading 212 App. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Trading 212 has exclusive access to Trading 212 App.
Trading 212 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 Trading 212 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.
