Forex.com vs IG
Can't decide between Forex.com 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
Forex.com and IG are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. Forex.com scores 97/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IG leads with 99/100.
On pricing, IG offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips vs 1.1 pips). Forex.com supports Advanced Trading Platform, Web Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingView while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, giving Forex.com an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, Forex.com holds licenses from CFTC, FCA, ASIC, CIRO, FSA 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 Forex.com (97/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IG offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips, beating the 1.1 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, Forex.com is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 | 99/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 1.1 pips | 0.7 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 28ms | 22ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:200 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 ✓ | $250 |
| Instruments | 5,500+ | 17,000+ |
| Account Types | Standard, RAW Pricing, MT4/MT5 | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| Platforms | Advanced Trading Platform, Web Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingView | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Top Regulators | CFTC, FCA, ASIC, CIRO, FSA | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $15 per month (after 12 months) | $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 Forex.com if...
- ✓You want to trade directly from TradingView charts
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
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
Forex.com Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Welcomes US traders with CFTC regulation
- ✓ Massive, publicly-traded parent company (StoneX)
- ✓ Excellent proprietary platform and TradingView integration
- ✓ Active Trader program offers significant cash rebates
Drawbacks
- × Complex account structures and pricing models
- × High inactivity fees after 12 months
- × Stock CFDs not available in the US
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: Forex.com vs IG
1. Trust, Regulation, and Safety Audit
When comparing Forex.com and IG, regulatory safety is paramount. Forex.com is governed by 5 regulatory bodies, including CFTC, FCA, ASIC, CIRO, FSA. In contrast, IG operates under 4 licenses, notably FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS.
Forex.com Overview: Forex.com 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 97, Forex.com trails behind IG's score of 99.
2. Trading Costs, Spreads, and Fees Analysis
For active day traders, the spread economics between Forex.com and IG dictate long-term profitability. Forex.com advertises spreads from 0.8 pips with a commission structure of $0. IG counters with spreads starting at 0.6 pips and $0 commission.
| Asset | Forex.com (Avg) | IG (Avg) | Forex.com (London) | IG (London) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| GBP/USD | 1.3 | 1 | 1.1 | 0.9 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | 32 | 30 | 28 | 25 |
Beyond spreads, traders must consider non-trading fees. Forex.com applies an inactivity fee of $15 per month (after 12 months), while IG charges $18 per month (after 24 months). Furthermore, Forex.com's overnight financing (swap) rates for EUR/USD long positions sit at -7, compared to -7.8 for IG.
3. Platforms and Execution Technology
The terminal execution environment separates retail outfits from institutional gateways. Forex.com delivers access to Advanced Trading Platform, Web Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, boasting an average execution speed of 28ms. Meanwhile, IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer with a speed latency rounding to 22ms.
Platform Experience with Forex.com: Our testing of Forex.com'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. The RAW Pricing account on Forex.com is well-suited for scalping, offering competitive commissions and execution speeds, backed by deep institutional liquidity from StoneX. 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.
Forex.com Accounts
Standard Account
- Min Deposit: $100
- Target: Retail Traders
- Spreads: 1.0 pips ($0)
RAW Pricing Account
- Min Deposit: $100
- Target: Active Traders & Scalpers
- Spreads: 0.0 pips ($7.00/lot RT)
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. Forex.com processes withdrawals in approximately 1-2 business days, offering 3 main withdrawal avenues. IG processes requests within 1-3 business days using 3 methods.
Forex.com Logistics: Forex.com 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. Forex.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone, with our tests indicating: "Forex.com 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, While robust, the array of platforms and account types can be slightly overwhelming for absolute beginners, though their educational portal is quite comprehensive. 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
Is Forex.com available in the US?
Yes, Forex.com is fully regulated by the CFTC and NFA and is one of the premier choices for US-based forex traders.
Does Forex.com offer MT5?
Yes, Forex.com offers both MT4 and MT5, alongside their own proprietary Advanced Trading Platform.
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: Forex.com vs IG
- ✓ US Traders
- ✓ Institutional Backing
- ✓ Active Trader Rebates
- ✓ MT5
- ✓ 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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