AvaTrade vs IG
Can't decide between AvaTrade and IG? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Executive Summary
AvaTrade and IG are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. AvaTrade scores 94/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IG leads with 99/100.
On pricing, IG offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips vs 0.9 pips). AvaTrade supports MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, giving AvaTrade an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, AvaTrade holds licenses from CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CySEC while IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to AvaTrade (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IG offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips, beating the 0.9 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, AvaTrade is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 94/100 | 99/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.9 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 45ms | 22ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:200 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 ✓ | $250 |
| Instruments | 1,250+ | 17,000+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Options | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Top Regulators | CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CySEC | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $50 per quarter (after 3 months of inactivity) | $18 per month (after 24 months) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose AvaTrade if...
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
- ✓You value regulatory safety and options trading
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
AvaTrade Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Incredible regulatory security across 5 continents
- ✓ AvaProtect allows you to insure specific trades against losses
- ✓ Offers vanilla forex options trading (AvaOptions)
- ✓ Fixed spread options available
Drawbacks
- × Spreads are wider than the industry average
- × High inactivity fees ($50 after 3 months)
- × Execution speed is slightly slower than ECN competitors
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✓✗
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
AvaTrade Execution
Our testing of AvaTrade's platform offerings confirmed stable performance with reliable execution speeds. The available platforms provide a good balance of analytical tools and ease of use, suitable for both manual and algorithmic trading strategies.
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
The Bottom Line: AvaTrade vs IG
- ✓ Regulatory Safety
- ✓ Options Trading
- ✓ AvaProtect
- ✓ Fixed Spreads
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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