IG vs Interactive Brokers
Can't decide between IG and Interactive Brokers? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
IG and Interactive Brokers are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IG scores 99/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Interactive Brokers's 98/100.
On pricing, Interactive Brokers offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips vs 0.7 pips). IG supports IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer while Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs, giving Interactive Brokers more platform options.
For regulation, IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS while Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI. 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 Interactive Brokers (98/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Interactive Brokers 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 $0, Interactive Brokers is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IG | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 99/100 ✓ | 98/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | $0 commission (IBKR Lite) |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips | 0.1 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 | $0.20 min/order |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 22ms | < 10ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:50 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $0 ✓ |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA | IBKR Lite, IBKR Pro |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS | SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI |
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. | $18 per month (after 24 months) | $0 (Eliminated in 2021) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone, Ticket System |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
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
Choose Interactive Brokers if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
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
Interactive Brokers Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Access to 150+ markets in 34 countries — unmatched global reach
- ✓ Publicly traded on NASDAQ (IBKR) with $15B+ market cap — ultimate transparency
- ✓ Industry-lowest margin rates starting at 5.83% (Benchmark + 1.5%)
- ✓ Fractional shares, options, futures, bonds, and forex all in one account
- ✓ Advanced order types and algos via Trader Workstation (TWS)
- ✓ IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs
Drawbacks
- × TWS has a steep learning curve — intimidating for complete beginners
- × No MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 support
- × Customer support can have long wait times during peak hours
- × Limited deposit methods — no e-wallet support (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal)
- × Currency conversion fee of 0.002% (min $2) for non-base currency trades
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✗
- MT5✗✗
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
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.
Interactive Brokers Execution
IBKR offers four platforms: the legendary Trader Workstation (TWS), the newer IBKR Desktop, the mobile app, and the web-based Client Portal. TWS remains the most powerful retail trading platform ever built — featuring 100+ order types, advanced algorithmic execution, real-time risk analytics, and options strategy builders. IBKR Desktop is a more modern, streamlined alternative that's easier to learn. Both performed flawlessly during our testing with sub-10ms execution speeds.
The Bottom Line: IG vs Interactive Brokers
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Global Market Access
- ✓ Low Margin Rates
- ✓ Professional Trading
- ✓ Multi-Asset Investing
- ✓ Institutional-Grade Execution
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips)
- ✓ No minimum deposit
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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