FP Markets vs IG
Can't decide between FP Markets 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
FP Markets and IG are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. FP Markets scores 92/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IG leads with 99/100.
On pricing, FP Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips vs 0.7 pips). FP Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, TradingView while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, giving FP Markets an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, FP Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, 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 FP Markets (92/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
FP Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.1 pips, beating the 0.7 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, FP Markets is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 92/100 | 99/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.1 pips ✓ | 0.7 pips |
| Commission | $6.00/lot | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 30ms | 22ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 ✓ | $250 |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 17,000+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw, Iress | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, TradingView | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, 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. | $0 | $18 per month (after 24 months) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose FP Markets if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You want to trade directly from TradingView charts
- ✓You prefer cTrader's advanced order management
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
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
FP Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ True ECN pricing with 0.0 pips on majors frequently
- ✓ Very competitive $6.00/lot round-turn commission
- ✓ Access to 10,000+ global stocks via the Iress platform
- ✓ Full suite of platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
Drawbacks
- × Iress platform requires a higher minimum deposit ($1,000) and has platform fees
- × Educational content is decent but not industry-leading
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: FP Markets vs IG
1. Trust, Regulation, and Safety Audit
When comparing FP Markets and IG, regulatory safety is paramount. FP Markets is governed by 3 regulatory bodies, including ASIC, CySEC, FSA. In contrast, IG operates under 4 licenses, notably FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS.
FP Markets Overview: FP Markets 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 92, FP Markets trails behind IG's score of 99.
2. Trading Costs, Spreads, and Fees Analysis
For active day traders, the spread economics between FP Markets and IG dictate long-term profitability. FP Markets advertises spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission structure of $6.00/lot. IG counters with spreads starting at 0.6 pips and $0 commission.
| Asset | FP Markets (Avg) | IG (Avg) | FP Markets (London) | IG (London) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0 | 0.6 |
| GBP/USD | 0.3 | 1 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | 10 | 30 | 8 | 25 |
Beyond spreads, traders must consider non-trading fees. FP Markets applies an inactivity fee of $0, while IG charges $18 per month (after 24 months). Furthermore, FP Markets's overnight financing (swap) rates for EUR/USD long positions sit at -6, compared to -7.8 for IG.
3. Platforms and Execution Technology
The terminal execution environment separates retail outfits from institutional gateways. FP Markets delivers access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, TradingView, boasting an average execution speed of 30ms. Meanwhile, IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer with a speed latency rounding to 22ms.
Platform Experience with FP Markets: Our testing of FP Markets'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. FP Markets is superb for scalping. Their Raw account delivers exceptionally tight spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD) and fast execution with zero trading restrictions. 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.
FP Markets Accounts
Raw Account
- Min Deposit: $100
- Target: Scalpers & EA Traders
- Spreads: 0.0 pips ($6.00/lot RT)
Standard Account
- Min Deposit: $100
- Target: Swing Traders
- Spreads: 1.0 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. FP Markets processes withdrawals in approximately 1-2 business days, offering 3 main withdrawal avenues. IG processes requests within 1-3 business days using 3 methods.
FP Markets Logistics: FP Markets 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. FP Markets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone, with our tests indicating: "FP Markets 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 accessible with a $100 minimum deposit, FP Markets is definitely tailored towards intermediate and professional traders who demand performance over hand-holding. 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 Iress on FP Markets?
Iress is a professional institutional-grade trading platform offering Direct Market Access (DMA) to over 10,000 global exchange-traded stocks. It is geared towards serious equity traders.
Is FP Markets an ECN broker?
Yes, FP Markets utilizes an ECN pricing model, providing raw spreads directly from top-tier liquidity providers with no dealing desk intervention.
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: FP Markets vs IG
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Low Commissions
- ✓ Stock CFDs
- ✓ cTrader
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips)
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
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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