IGvs
VantageStock Broker Comparison
IG and Vantage sit on opposite ends of the asset-access spectrum. The matchup tests real ownership, regulatory breadth, and multi-platform depth.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG emerges as the winner on editorial quality and asset breadth, while Vantage trails in ownership and ISA access.
IG
4.5/5
Vantage
3.8/5
Key Differences
- 1IG offers an ISA wrapper; Vantage does not.
- 2IG provides listed options alongside share dealing; Vantage offers CFDs only.
- 3IG has access to 30 exchanges; Vantage has access to 8.
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
IG leads on safety with broader regulatory oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IG vs Vantage: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
IG vs Vantage 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 Vantage: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
1
Vantage
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Vantage: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.8/5 for Vantage. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Vantage lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. 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 Vantage requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and Vantage 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 Vantage 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.
Vantage charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Vantage supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView. Vantage has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and DXtrade.
Neither IG nor Vantage 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 Vantage 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.
