IG Review 2026

Why trade with IG in 2026?

IG Markets is one of the most established and reputable brokers in the online trading industry, offering a vast array of financial instruments, advanced trading platforms, and robust market research tools. Founded in 1974, IG has grown to become a global leader in CFD trading, forex, and spread betting, serving both retail and institutional traders. The broker is well-known for its transparent pricing, deep liquidity, and strong regulatory framework, making it a preferred choice for traders seeking a reliable and professional trading experience. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of IG Markets, covering its fees, funding options, product range, trading platforms, market research, financial regulation, and client support.

Strong regulatory oversight Wide range of assets Advanced trading tools and platforms No MetaTrader 5 support Higher spreads on some markets Inactivity fees apply

Fees

IG Markets offers a competitive and transparent fee structure that varies based on the asset class being traded. For forex trading, the broker primarily operates on a spread-based model, with no commission charges on standard forex trades. Spreads for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD start from as low as 0.6 pips, which is in line with industry-leading brokers such as CMC Markets and Pepperstone. For those trading stock CFDs, IG charges a commission, with fees starting from 0.10% per trade in the UK and $0.02 per share for US stocks. These commissions are competitive compared to brokers like Interactive Brokers and Saxo Bank, which also offer direct stock trading with similar pricing structures.

For traders interested in spread betting (available in certain jurisdictions such as the UK), IG offers commission-free trading with costs incorporated into the spread. This is a tax-efficient trading option for UK-based traders, as spread betting profits are exempt from capital gains tax.

Beyond spreads and commissions, IG applies overnight financing charges for leveraged positions held overnight. These fees are based on the interbank interest rate plus a small markup, which is typical in the industry. The broker also charges an inactivity fee of $12 per month if an account remains dormant for more than 24 months, though this can be avoided by simply placing a trade or logging into the account periodically.

One of IG’s key advantages is its pricing transparency, with all fees clearly displayed on its website and trading platform. Compared to other brokers, IG’s fee structure is competitive, particularly for forex and stock CFDs, making it an attractive option for traders who value cost efficiency and clear pricing.

Funding

IG Markets provides a range of funding options, ensuring convenience for traders across different regions. The broker supports deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets such as PayPal. The availability of PayPal is a notable advantage, as not all brokers offer this payment method, making IG a more accessible option for traders who prefer fast and secure online transactions.

Deposits via credit/debit cards and PayPal are typically processed instantly, while bank transfers may take one to three business days, depending on the trader’s location and banking institution. IG does not charge deposit fees, but traders should be aware that their banks or payment providers may impose transaction fees.

Withdrawals are generally processed within 24 hours for PayPal and card transactions, while bank transfers may take a few business days. IG does not charge withdrawal fees for most methods, making it a cost-effective broker for traders who frequently move funds in and out of their accounts.

The broker also supports multiple base currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD, which helps traders avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees. This flexibility is beneficial for international traders who want to fund their accounts in their local currency.

Product Range

IG Markets offers one of the most extensive product ranges in the industry, catering to traders looking for exposure to various asset classes. The broker provides CFD trading on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, and interest rates. Additionally, IG offers direct stock trading in certain jurisdictions, allowing clients to invest in actual shares rather than just CFDs.

With access to over 17,000 markets, IG’s product offering is significantly broader than most competitors, including CMC Markets and Saxo Bank. For forex traders, IG provides a vast selection of currency pairs, covering major, minor, and exotic pairs. Spreads on major pairs are highly competitive, with liquidity ensuring smooth trade execution.

The broker’s stock CFD offering is extensive, covering thousands of shares from global exchanges, including the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Traders can also gain exposure to key stock indices such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225, allowing them to speculate on the broader market trends.

In the commodities sector, IG offers CFDs on gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas, and agricultural products such as coffee and wheat. The broker’s cryptocurrency CFD selection includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other popular digital assets. However, it is important to note that crypto CFDs are not available in certain jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions.

Additionally, IG provides access to bond and interest rate markets, a feature that is not commonly found among retail brokers. This allows traders to speculate on government bond prices and interest rate movements, adding further diversification to their portfolios.

IG’s extensive product range makes it a standout choice for traders who want access to a diverse set of instruments, whether they are focused on forex, equities, commodities, or macroeconomic assets such as bonds and interest rates.

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Trading Platforms

IG Markets offers a robust suite of trading platforms designed to accommodate traders of all experience levels. The broker’s proprietary web-based platform is highly intuitive, offering advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and risk management features. It is particularly well-suited for traders who prefer a clean, user-friendly interface with powerful analytical capabilities.

For those who prefer third-party platforms, IG provides access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a widely used platform known for its customizable charts, automated trading options, and extensive range of technical indicators. While IG does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the inclusion of MT4 ensures that traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) can automate their trading strategies.

Additionally, IG offers a mobile trading app that allows traders to manage their positions on the go. The app provides full account functionality, live price alerts, and access to IG’s research tools, ensuring that traders stay informed while away from their desktops.

Compared to competitors, IG’s proprietary platform is on par with CMC Markets’ Next Generation platform, offering a seamless trading experience with an emphasis on real-time market data and advanced order execution. The inclusion of MT4 further enhances its appeal to traders who require algorithmic trading capabilities.

Market Research

IG Markets excels in market research, providing traders with a wealth of resources to enhance their decision-making. The broker offers daily market analysis, fundamental research reports, and technical insights from a team of in-house analysts. Traders can access live market commentary, video updates, and expert opinions covering various asset classes.

The economic calendar is a valuable tool for tracking key macroeconomic events, central bank decisions, and earnings reports. IG also integrates real-time news feeds from reputable sources such as Reuters, ensuring that traders stay informed about major market developments.

For technical traders, IG’s proprietary platform features advanced charting tools with over 30 technical indicators, custom drawing tools, and price alerts. The broker also provides educational content, including webinars, trading guides, and strategy courses for traders at different skill levels.

Compared to industry peers, IG’s research tools are among the best, rivaling those of Saxo Bank and Interactive Brokers. The depth of analysis, combined with real-time news integration, makes IG a strong choice for traders who value comprehensive market research.

Financial Regulation

IG Markets is one of the most heavily regulated brokers in the industry, holding licenses from top-tier regulatory authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US. The broker’s strict regulatory framework ensures transparency, client fund protection, and adherence to best practices in financial services.

Client funds are held in segregated accounts, ensuring that they are not used for operational purposes. Additionally, IG offers negative balance protection for retail clients, preventing them from losing more than their initial investment.

Client Support

IG provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, assisting traders with technical issues, account management, and trading inquiries. The broker also offers an extensive FAQ section and educational resources to help traders resolve common issues independently.

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