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
Deep Dive Analysis: AvaTrade vs IG
1. Trust, Regulation, and Safety Audit
When comparing AvaTrade and IG, regulatory safety is paramount. AvaTrade is governed by 5 regulatory bodies, including CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CySEC. In contrast, IG operates under 4 licenses, notably FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS.
AvaTrade Overview: AvaTrade is a well-established broker with a strong reputation in the global forex and CFD market. With competitive trading conditions and robust regulatory oversight, it continues to attract traders of all experience levels seeking reliable execution and transparent pricing.
IG Overview: IG is a well-established broker with a strong reputation in the global forex and CFD market. With competitive trading conditions and robust regulatory oversight, it continues to attract traders of all experience levels seeking reliable execution and transparent pricing.
Both brokers enforce strict client fund segregation in Tier-1 banking institutions, ensuring that retail capital remains shielded from corporate balance sheets. However, with a Trust Score of 94, AvaTrade trails behind IG's score of 99.
2. Trading Costs, Spreads, and Fees Analysis
For active day traders, the spread economics between AvaTrade and IG dictate long-term profitability. AvaTrade advertises spreads from 0.9 pips with a commission structure of $0. IG counters with spreads starting at 0.6 pips and $0 commission.
| Asset | AvaTrade (Avg) | IG (Avg) | AvaTrade (London) | IG (London) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| GBP/USD | 1.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 0.9 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | 34 | 30 | 34 | 25 |
Beyond spreads, traders must consider non-trading fees. AvaTrade applies an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter (after 3 months of inactivity), while IG charges $18 per month (after 24 months). Furthermore, AvaTrade's overnight financing (swap) rates for EUR/USD long positions sit at -7.5, compared to -7.8 for IG.
3. Platforms and Execution Technology
The terminal execution environment separates retail outfits from institutional gateways. AvaTrade delivers access to MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader, boasting an average execution speed of 45ms. Meanwhile, IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer with a speed latency rounding to 22ms.
Platform Experience with AvaTrade: 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.
Platform Experience with IG: Our testing of IG'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.
For high-frequency algorithmic traders, server colocation is critical. AvaTrade is not recommended for scalping. Their spreads are relatively wide, and fixed spreads are generally not suitable for high-frequency, small-profit strategies. IG offers a DMA (Direct Market Access) account that is suitable for scalpers, providing pure raw spreads and fast execution, though their standard CFD account spreads are generally too wide for high-frequency scalping.
4. Account Types and Minimum Deposits
Structuring your portfolio requires selecting the correct account tier. Below is the breakdown of the proprietary account matrices for both brokers.
AvaTrade Accounts
Standard Account
- Min Deposit: $100
- Target: General Traders
- Spreads: 0.9 pips ($0)
IG Accounts
CFD Account
- Min Deposit: $250
- Target: General Retail Traders
- Spreads: 0.6 pips ($0)
DMA Account (Forex Direct)
- Min Deposit: $3000
- Target: Professional Volume Traders
- Spreads: 0.1 pips ($6.00/lot RT)
5. Funding, Deposits, and Withdrawals
Capital fluidity is essential. AvaTrade processes withdrawals in approximately 1-3 business days, offering 3 main withdrawal avenues. IG processes requests within 1-3 business days using 3 methods.
AvaTrade Logistics: AvaTrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods with competitive processing times. Most e-wallet transactions are processed within the same business day, while bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days. Fee structures are transparent and competitive.
IG Logistics: IG offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods with competitive processing times. Most e-wallet transactions are processed within the same business day, while bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days. Fee structures are transparent and competitive.
6. Customer Support and Education
Navigating market volatility requires robust infrastructure support. AvaTrade provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone, with our tests indicating: "AvaTrade provides multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. During our testing, live chat responses were received within 2-5 minutes. Support agents demonstrated solid knowledge of platform features and account management procedures.".
In parallel, IG delivers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone, where our assessment found: "IG provides multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. During our testing, live chat responses were received within 2-5 minutes. Support agents demonstrated solid knowledge of platform features and account management procedures.".
For novice traders, With AvaTradeGO's clean interface and the safety net of AvaProtect, beginners can confidently execute trades while minimizing their anxiety over catastrophic losses. Conversely, IG is fantastic for beginners. Their 'IG Academy' features comprehensive courses, webinars, and a dedicated mobile app designed specifically to teach people how to trade from scratch.
7. Extended Comparative FAQ
What is AvaProtect?
AvaProtect is a unique risk management tool. For a small fee paid at the time of opening a trade, you can insure the position for a specific time period. If the trade loses money during that time, AvaTrade reimburses 100% of the loss.
Does AvaTrade offer fixed spreads?
Yes, AvaTrade is one of the few top-tier brokers that still offers fixed spread trading, which can be advantageous during highly volatile news events.
Is IG safe?
Yes, IG is considered one of the safest brokers in the world. It is a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG) and holds multiple Tier-1 regulatory licenses.
Does IG allow US clients?
Yes, IG has a regulated US entity (IG US) registered with the CFTC and NFA, offering forex trading to US residents.
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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