IG vs Kraken
Can't decide between IG and Kraken? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Executive Summary
IG and Kraken are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IG scores 99/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Kraken's 94/100.
On pricing, Kraken offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips vs 0.7 pips). IG supports IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer while Kraken offers Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web, giving IG an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS while Kraken is regulated by FinCEN, FCA. 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 Kraken (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Kraken offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0 pips, beating the 0.7 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $10, Kraken is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IG | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 99/100 ✓ | 94/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | 0.0 pips (Crypto) |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 | 0.16% / 0.26% |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 22ms | Fast |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $10 ✓ |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 200+ |
| Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA | Starter, Intermediate, Pro |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS | FinCEN, FCA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 0-1 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $18 per month (after 24 months) | $0 |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email |
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 Kraken if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You value crypto trading and staking
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
Kraken Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Extremely deep liquidity for major cryptocurrencies
- ✓ Kraken Pro offers very low maker/taker fees
- ✓ Industry-leading security with never having been fully hacked
- ✓ Staking rewards available for various assets
Drawbacks
- × No traditional forex or stock CFDs
- × Not compatible with MetaTrader or cTrader
Deep Dive Analysis: IG vs Kraken
1. Trust, Regulation, and Safety Audit
When comparing IG and Kraken, regulatory safety is paramount. IG is governed by 4 regulatory bodies, including FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS. In contrast, Kraken operates under 2 licenses, notably FinCEN, FCA.
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.
Kraken Overview: Kraken remains one of the most trusted names in the cryptocurrency space.
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 99, IG maintains a slight edge Kraken's score of 94.
2. Trading Costs, Spreads, and Fees Analysis
For active day traders, the spread economics between IG and Kraken dictate long-term profitability. IG advertises spreads from 0.6 pips with a commission structure of $0. Kraken counters with spreads starting at 0.0 pips (Crypto) and 0.16% / 0.26% commission.
| Asset | IG (Avg) | Kraken (Avg) | IG (London) | Kraken (London) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.7 | 0 | 0.6 | 0 |
| GBP/USD | 1 | 0 | 0.9 | 0 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | 30 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
Beyond spreads, traders must consider non-trading fees. IG applies an inactivity fee of $18 per month (after 24 months), while Kraken charges $0. Furthermore, IG's overnight financing (swap) rates for EUR/USD long positions sit at -7.8, compared to 0 for Kraken.
3. Platforms and Execution Technology
The terminal execution environment separates retail outfits from institutional gateways. IG delivers access to IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, boasting an average execution speed of 22ms. Meanwhile, Kraken provides Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web with a speed latency rounding to Fast.
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.
Platform Experience with Kraken: Kraken Pro provides a robust, professional trading interface with TradingView charts.
For high-frequency algorithmic traders, server colocation is critical. 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. Kraken Pro offers excellent liquidity for crypto scalping, though the fee model is different from zero-spread CFD brokers.
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.
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)
Kraken Accounts
Kraken Pro
- Min Deposit: $10
- Target: Active Crypto Traders
- Spreads: 0.0 (0.16% Maker)
5. Funding, Deposits, and Withdrawals
Capital fluidity is essential. IG processes withdrawals in approximately 1-3 business days, offering 3 main withdrawal avenues. Kraken processes requests within 0-1 business days using 1 methods.
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.
Kraken Logistics: Deposits via crypto are fast. Fiat bank transfers are processed efficiently within a business day.
6. Customer Support and Education
Navigating market volatility requires robust infrastructure support. IG provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone, with our tests indicating: "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.".
In parallel, Kraken delivers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, where our assessment found: "24/7 support is available and highly responsive compared to many other crypto exchanges.".
For novice traders, 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. Conversely, The standard Kraken app is very easy to use for beginners looking to buy their first Bitcoin, though fees are higher than Kraken Pro.
7. Extended Comparative FAQ
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.
Is Kraken a prop firm?
No, Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange where you trade with your own funds.
Can I trade forex on Kraken?
Kraken offers some fiat pairs (like EUR/USD) but is primarily built for cryptocurrency trading, not traditional forex CFDs.
The Bottom Line: IG vs Kraken
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Crypto Trading
- ✓ Staking
- ✓ High Liquidity
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips)
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($10)
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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