IGvs
VanguardStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits IG's broad, active-trader platform against Vanguard's low-cost, long-term fund-centric approach. The tension centers on trading flexibility versus passive, cost-focused investing.
Who should choose IG vs Vanguard?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose IG if you want real share dealing in a single account and the ability to trade stocks, options and bonds. It also offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research for active investors.
Choose if…
Choose Vanguard if you want ultra-low ongoing costs with funds and ETFs inside ISA or SIPP, avoiding individual share trading. Its platform is designed for long-term investors, with minimal research tools and a focus on fund expense ratios rather than active trading.
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
IG vs Vanguard: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| 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 Vanguard 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 Vanguard: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
IG
criteria wins
1
Vanguard
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
IG vs Vanguard: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.5/5 and Vanguard rates 4.1/5. 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 Vanguard. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG has no minimum deposit, while Vanguard requires at least $100. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Vanguard 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.
IG stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while Vanguard lists up to 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 Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, while Vanguard supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to TradingView and MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime.
Neither IG nor Vanguard 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 Vanguard 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.
