IG Trading Platform Review

Established in 1974, IG is a prominent London-based online broker serving more than 313,000 clients worldwide. It provides access to more than 15,000 markets, including CFDs on shares, Forex, commodities and indices, as well as US options and futures. Spread betting is also available, although this service is exclusive to UK and Irish clients. IG also enables direct investment in shares and ETFs, catering for a broad range of trading and investment needs.

IG Contact Information

The broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under licence number 195355, requiring compliance with strict financial standards and consumer protection rules. Its parent company, IG Group, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, reflecting its established market presence and financial standing.

IG has won multiple industry awards for its platform and services, reflecting its significant role in the UK trading market. Among its latest achievements is a win in the category of Best Platform for the Active Trader at the 2024 ADVFN International Financial Awards. Read on for a detailed look at trading with IG.

Highlights of Trading with IG

• IG offers access to more than 90 Forex pairs, including majors, minors and exotics.
• Forex trading is commission-free, with competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major pairs.
• The direct market access (DMA) option provides Forex traders with significantly narrower spreads that reflect raw market prices.
• Retail clients benefit from FCA-mandated negative balance protection, ensuring they cannot lose more than their deposited funds.
• Forex traders have access to advanced charting and analytical tools through platforms including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IG

Available Markets at IG

IG offers a comprehensive range of markets across asset classes, including Forex, indices, shares, commodities, IPOs, bonds, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, options and futures. The platform provides access to over 15,000 markets, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios and choose products suited to their individual needs.

The broker supports both leveraged trading through CFDs and spread betting and direct investment in shares and ETFs. Clients can also trade spot cryptocurrencies, buying, selling and holding crypto assets directly in their dedicated investment accounts.

Forex

IG provides access to around 90 currency pairs, including majors, minors and exotic Forex markets. Separate categories are available for Australasian, Emerging and Scandinavian pairs. The broker complies with FCA regulations by limiting retail client leverage to a maximum of 1:30 on major pairs, while offering competitive spreads from 0.6 pips for key pairs such as EUR/USD and AUD/USD.

• IG offers trading on approximately 90 Forex pairs.
• Spreads start from 0.6 pips for EUR/USD and AUD/USD, and 0.9 pips for GBP/USD.
• Maximum leverage for retail clients is 1:30 for majors and 1:20 for non-major pairs.
• There are no commissions on Forex trades, as dealing costs are included in the spread.
• The broker provides advanced charting and risk management tools to help Forex traders make informed decisions.

Average Forex Spreads at IG

Indices

IG provides access to over 80 global indices, including popular choices such as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250, as well as major international indices. The broker offers both index CFDs and spread betting on indices. Weekend index trading is also available. Index spreads are competitive, starting from 1 point for the FTSE 100, 1.2 points for the DAX 40 and 0.4 points for the S&P 500. Retail clients can use leverage of up to 1:20 on selected indices.

• UK clients can trade key indices such as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250.
• Spreads on the FTSE 100 are as low as 1 point.
• Maximum retail leverage is capped at 1:20 for major indices and 1:10 for other indices.
• No commissions are charged on index trades.
• IG supports both CFDs and spread betting on indices, with the option to trade key indices over the weekend.

Shares

The London-based broker offers access to over 11,000 shares from the UK, US, Europe, Australia and other regions through leveraged CFD trading, spread betting and direct investment in shares. Commission-free investing is available on UK and US shares through share dealing accounts. Direct investment does not involve leverage, and investors can choose from dedicated GIA, ISA and SIPP accounts. After-hours trading is also available.

• Over 11,000 shares available for trading or investing.
• Share trading is available online or over the telephone.
• Average costs reflect market bid-offer spreads, with no hidden fees.
• Leverage is unavailable for direct share investments, but spread bettors and retail CFD traders can access ratios of up to 1:5.
• Commissions of 0.10% per side apply when trading UK shares through CFDs.

Commodities

Clients can speculate on the price movements of 35 commodities, including energy products, precious metals and agricultural goods. Trading is primarily through CFDs and spread betting, with retail leverage capped at 1:20 for gold positions, in line with FCA rules. Spreads start from 0.3 points on spot gold. Other available markets include spot silver, crude oil, cobalt, zinc, iron, natural gas, sugar and wheat.

• Includes more than 30 popular commodities, such as gold, oil, silver and natural gas.
• Spreads start from 0.3 points for spot gold and 2.8 points for crude oil (Brent/US).
• Retail leverage is capped at 1:10 for all commodities except gold.
• Dealing costs are included in the spreads.
• IG offers both CFDs and spread betting on commodity markets.

IPOs

The broker provides UK investors with early access to new equity listings from both domestic and international companies. Investors can purchase shares directly rather than trade derivatives, while spread betting on rises or falls in companies’ market capitalisation is also available. IG fills IPO orders in an average of 13 milliseconds. Minimum investment requirements vary by IPO, and availability depends on investor eligibility and allocation.

• Supports trading in the pre-IPO, launch and post-listing phases.
• The commission structure varies but is generally competitive.
• Both trading and investing in IPOs are available.
• Minimum investment amounts depend on the IPO.
• IPO participation depends on eligibility and availability.

Bonds

IG provides access to UK government bonds (gilts) and selected corporate bonds, allowing UK traders and investors to diversify their portfolios with fixed-income products. Bonds are traded primarily as CFDs or, in some cases, held directly through share dealing investment accounts. Spread betting on government bond futures is another option. Certain bond trades may incur commissions, depending on position size, type and market conditions.

• Includes UK government bonds (gilts) and selected corporate bonds.
• Spreads from 1 pip for spread bets and CFDs on bonds.
• Retail leverage of up to 1:5 for spread bets and CFDs on bonds.
• Fractional trading for spread bets and bond CFDs, executed off-exchange.
• £0 commissions on bond ETF investments with a notional value of up to £25,000.

ETFs

IG clients can further diversify their portfolios with over 5,400 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) covering sectors, commodities, currencies and indices. UK clients can invest without leverage through ISA and SIPP accounts. IG also enables clients to speculate on ETF prices through spread betting and CFD accounts, with maximum retail leverage of 1:5. Commissions, where applicable, are low, at £3 per ETF trade on investment accounts.

• Over 5,400 ETFs available on major exchanges.
• Competitive conditions for Vanguard FTSE 250 UCITS and other UK ETFs.
• Leverage caps of 1:5 apply to retail clients.
• Supports ISA and SIPP accounts for ETF investments.
• Provides broad exposure to sectors, industries, asset types and regions.

Cryptocurrencies

IG launched a direct spot cryptocurrency trading service for UK retail investors in early June 2025, becoming the first LSE-listed company to enable non-institutional clients to buy, sell and hold crypto assets directly. The service was launched in partnership with the popular cryptocurrency exchange Uphold.

The product range includes over 35 major and emerging coins, such as BTC, ETH, SOL and DOGE, giving clients 24/7 access to cryptocurrency markets. Leverage and margin are unavailable, as all trading takes place on the spot market, in line with the FCA ban on retail crypto derivatives.

• No trading fees or commissions for purchasing crypto with debit or credit cards.
• Competitive spreads of 1.49%.
• Offers a varied selection of more than 35 digital coins.
• Trade execution and price data are provided by Uphold.
• Crypto investments are ineligible for FSCS compensation.

US Options and Futures

IG provides access to US-listed options and futures through the tastytrade platform and infrastructure, which it acquired in late June 2021. This enables trading across a wide range of US exchange-traded derivatives, including equity and ETF options and futures on indices, Forex and commodities.
Clients can choose between cash and margin accounts. Options traders pay competitive commissions of $1 per equity or ETF contract, capped at $10 per leg. There is no commission for closing options positions. Micro futures incur a $0.85 commission per contract, each way. All accounts are denominated in USD, so a currency conversion fee applies to non-USD deposits and withdrawals.

• Powered by IG Group subsidiary tastytrade, named best platform for options trading at the 2024 ADVFN International Financial Awards.
• Commissions of $1.00 for opening equity and ETF options contracts, capped at $10 per leg.
• Micro futures cost $0.85 per contract, each way ($1.70 round trip).
• A 0.7% currency conversion fee applies to non-USD deposits and withdrawals.
• Most US equity and ETF options are physically settled.

Trading Costs at IG

IG’s fee structure includes both trading and non-trading charges. Trading costs primarily consist of spreads for most CFD and spread betting products, alongside commissions for share CFDs and direct market access (DMA) trades. Other charges include overnight financing for leveraged positions, currency conversion fees and premiums for using guaranteed stop-loss orders. Deposits and withdrawals are largely free, with very few exceptions.

Spreads

Spreads are the primary trading cost for most CFD and spread betting markets at IG. They are variable and can widen during periods of low liquidity or significant market news. For example, average spreads for EUR/USD and GBP/USD are typically around 1.04 and 1.83 pips respectively between 00:00 and 22:00 on weekdays. However, they can narrow to approximately 0.85 and 1.40 pips during core trading hours, when liquidity is at its highest.

Minimum spreads start from 0.6 pips (EUR/USD) and 0.9 pips (GBP/USD). For direct market access (DMA) accounts, spreads are significantly narrower as they reflect raw market prices. For instance, DMA spreads for these two pairs average about 0.165 pips and 0.589 pips respectively.

Commissions

Commissions apply only to specific asset classes. IG charges a percentage-based commission with a minimum fee for share CFDs. The exact percentage depends on the shares’ country of origin. For instance, UK share CFDs incur a commission of 0.10% per side, with a minimum charge of £10.

US share CFDs incur a charge of 2 cents per share, with a minimum of $15. Share and ETF purchases through GBP-denominated ISA, GIA and SIPP accounts do not incur additional commissions. Investors who opt for manual currency conversion pay a commission of £3 for UK share trades, while US share trades incur a commission of 3 cents per share, with a minimum charge of $15.

Other CFD and spread betting products, such as Forex and indices, are commission-free, with dealing costs included in the spread. The broker charges variable commissions for DMA accounts, based on each client’s monthly trading volume.

Overnight Charges

Overnight charges, also known as rollover charges or swaps, apply to leveraged CFD and spread betting positions held open past 22:00 (UK time). These charges reflect an interest adjustment for the capital borrowed to maintain the position, plus a small administration fee (1% annually for Forex).

The calculation varies by asset class (Forex, indices, commodities or shares) and depends on several factors, including the market’s tom-next rate and relevant interest rate benchmarks. Futures and forward contracts do not incur separate overnight financing charges, as these costs are incorporated into their wider spreads. Swap rates are subject to change, but clients can find the latest rates on the IG trading platform.

Non-Trading Fees

In addition to spreads and commissions, IG clients should be aware of several non-trading fees, starting with the currency conversion fee of 0.7%. This applies when funds are converted from one currency to another, for example, when making deposits or trading assets denominated in currencies other than pounds sterling.

Deposits and withdrawals at IG are generally free, except for same-day bank transfers under £100, which incur a £15 charge. Share dealing accounts incur a custody fee of £24, but clients can avoid this by making at least three share purchases per quarter or investing £15,000 or more in an IG Smart Portfolio managed account.

Clients may also incur additional charges when using guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs) on CFDs. The GSLO premiums vary by asset class as follows: 1.2 pips for EUR/USD, 2.0 pips for GBP/USD, 0.8 pips for FTSE 100, 0.3 pips for spot gold and 0.3% for shares. ProRealTime charts carry a £30 monthly subscription fee.

Trading Platforms Supported by IG

IG offers a comprehensive range of trading platforms designed to suit various trading styles and experience levels. The selection includes the widely recognised MetaTrader 4 (MT4), advanced charting and analysis software ProRealTime, L2 Dealer for direct market access and IG’s proprietary web-based platform. Each has a distinct set of features and capabilities, detailed below.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

MetaTrader 4 is a widely used third-party platform known for its extensive charting capabilities and automated trading features. IG provides MT4 access for CFD trading and spread betting across a broad range of markets, including Forex, indices, shares and commodities. It is particularly popular with traders who prefer to use Expert Advisors (EAs) for algorithmic trading and offers a highly customisable environment for technical analysis.

• Supports various EAs for algorithmic trading and strategy backtesting.
• Offers highly customisable charts with numerous technical indicators and drawing tools.
• Provides access to 18 free add-ons and indicators, with thousands more available to download.
• Free-to-download iOS and Android apps for trading on the move.
• Supports various order types, including pending orders (buy limit, sell limit, buy stop, sell stop).

ProRealTime

ProRealTime is advanced charting and technical analysis software integrated with IG, offering sophisticated tools for in-depth market analysis. It particularly appeals to experienced traders seeking comprehensive analytical features and the ability to develop custom indicators and automated trading systems. The platform is known for its detailed charting and market-scanning capabilities, although using the charts costs £30 per month, as mentioned earlier.

• Offers extensive charting options with a wide range of timeframes and chart styles.
• Allows users to develop and backtest automated trading systems without extensive programming.
• Includes 100+ technical indicators, while users can also create custom indicators using the ProBuilder language.
• ProScreener enables real-time market scanning to identify trading opportunities.
• Allows users to place and manage orders directly from charts.

L2 Dealer

L2 Dealer is IG’s proprietary direct market access (DMA) platform, primarily designed for experienced traders seeking greater transparency and control. It provides direct access to the order books of international exchanges for share and Forex CFDs, allowing traders to assess market depth and participate in auctions. The platform suits clients who prioritise transparent pricing and advanced order execution.

• Provides direct market access (DMA) to exchange order books for shares and Forex CFDs.
• Displays full order-book depth so traders can assess market sentiment and liquidity.
• Supports a wide range of advanced order types, including iceberg, fill or kill, good for auction and good till cancelled.
• Executes trades at the best available price by sourcing quotes from multiple venues.
• Enables anonymous trading and allows larger orders to be split into tranches to minimise market impact.

IG’s Proprietary Web-Based Platform

IG’s own web-based trading platform has a user-friendly interface with extensive functionality suitable for traders of all experience levels. It is intuitive to navigate and offers a comprehensive range of tools for analysis, risk management and order execution directly in the user’s preferred browser. The platform is accessible across desktop, tablet and mobile devices for greater flexibility.

• Offers Price Change, Price Level and Indicator alerts.
• The Stock Screener enables users to filter shares based on 17 criteria, including sector, dividend yield, news sentiment, insider signal and analyst consensus.
• Allows users to place orders, attach stops and limits, and set alerts directly from charts.
• Includes features such as guaranteed stops and good till cancelled orders.
• Provides access to news feeds, economic calendars and trading signals from integrated providers.

Mobile Trading at IG

IG provides several mobile trading options through its dedicated native apps for both iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to manage their positions and respond to market movements from virtually anywhere. In addition to IG’s proprietary apps, the widely used MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is also available to download from Google Play and the App Store, with minimum system requirements of iOS 12.0 and Android 5.0 or later.

IG’s native mobile apps have a clear, intuitive interface and comprehensive dealing functionality. Users can open, monitor, amend and close positions, as well as manage risk with a range of tools, including trailing and guaranteed stops. The apps feature full-screen, customisable charts with a variety of technical indicators for in-depth analysis, alongside real-time prices and market data.

Traders can also set price alerts and receive them by email, SMS or push notification, helping them stay informed of key market events. The apps are regularly updated to improve usability and security and use 256-bit SSL encryption. They are optimised for iOS 15 or later and Android 9 or later. Logging in with biometric authentication is also an option.

Account Types Available at IG

IG offers a broad range of account types to suit different trading and investment objectives. These include leveraged trading accounts for contracts for difference (CFDs) and spread betting, traditional investment accounts for share dealing, tax-efficient ISA and SIPP options, managed accounts (Smart Portfolios) and a dedicated professional account for eligible traders with sufficient experience.

A free demo account is also available for practice, allowing newly registered clients to explore the platforms and test their strategies without financial risk before committing real capital. Both short-term speculators and long-term investors can find an account suited to their individual needs and risk tolerance.

CFD Account

IG’s CFD account allows traders to speculate on price movements across over 15,000 financial markets without owning the underlying assets. This makes it a flexible option for taking positions in markets ranging from major Forex pairs and global indices to individual shares and commodities.

With leverage, a relatively small initial deposit can be used to control a much larger position. This account is particularly suited to active traders aiming to capitalise on short- to medium-term market fluctuations and those looking to diversify their portfolios across multiple asset classes.

• No formal minimum deposit, although payment method limits may apply.
• Denominated in pounds sterling to reduce additional currency conversion fees.
• Maximum retail leverage of 1:30 for major Forex pairs, 1:20 for major indices, gold and non-major pairs, 1:10 for other commodities and indices, and 1:5 for shares.
• Variable spreads from 0.6 pips for currency pairs.
• Low minimum trade size of 0.01 lots for Forex positions.

Spread Betting Account

Exclusive to UK and Irish clients, the IG Spread Betting account provides a tax-efficient way to speculate on price movements across various financial markets. Rather than buying or selling an underlying asset, traders bet a set amount per point of price movement.

A key advantage of spread betting is that, under current UK tax legislation, profits are exempt from capital gains tax and stamp duty. This leveraged account offers conditions similar to those of the CFD account, including the same retail leverage caps. It suits clients with a high risk tolerance who can manage their exposure appropriately.

• Spread bet on spot, futures and options markets.
• Supports hedging to help manage risk.
• Denominated in pounds sterling.
• Clients can choose the amount they want to bet per point.
• Compatible with MT4, ProRealTime and IG’s web platform.

Share Dealing Account

IG’s Share Dealing account allows clients to buy and hold shares and ETFs directly across various global markets. Unlike leveraged products such as CFDs or spread betting, this account is designed for direct investment, meaning clients take outright ownership of the securities. It suits investors focused on long-term capital growth and those looking to generate income through dividends. It appeals to individuals who prefer a more traditional investment approach.

• Users can invest up to the annual ISA allowance (£20,000) tax-free.
• Offers variable annual interest of up to 4.25% on cash balances of up to £100,000 in live accounts.
• Eligible for promotional bundles.
• Access to live share prices directly from stock exchanges.
• Quick and straightforward account verification.

ISA Account

IG’s Individual Savings Account (ISA) provides a tax-efficient wrapper for investments, with profits generated within it free from income tax and capital gains tax. IG offers a stocks and shares ISA, providing a tax-efficient way to invest through a traditional Share Dealing account or an IG Smart Portfolio managed account. This account suits clients looking to maximise their returns, save for retirement or build wealth over the long term.

• Enables tax-free, long-term investing.
• Available on the IG Invest mobile app and desktop web platform.
• Provides a choice of over 11,000 shares.
• Charges no commissions on shares.
• Offers variable annual interest of 4.25% on cash balances.

SIPP Account

IG’s self-invested personal pension (SIPP) account is a long-term retirement savings vehicle that gives clients greater control over their pension investments, alongside substantial tax relief on contributions. It allows clients to choose from a broad range of assets, mirroring the options available through the Share Dealing account. It is designed for those who wish to actively manage their retirement funds and benefit from the tax incentives provided by the government.

• Up to 45% tax relief on contributions, with an annual allowance of £60,000.
• Access to 11,000 individual shares, ETFs and other investment vehicles.
• Existing pensions can be combined into a single SIPP account.
• Created in partnership with Options UK.
• Subject to annual administration fees of £210.

IG Smart Portfolio Account

The IG Smart Portfolio is a professionally managed investment account, offering a convenient option for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to building a diversified portfolio. IG’s experts construct and automatically rebalance these portfolios based on each client’s risk tolerance and financial goals. The portfolios primarily invest in a carefully selected mix of iShares ETFs that track bonds, global equities and commodities.

• Created by BlackRock and managed by IG’s in-house experts.
• Transparent pricing, with annual Smart Portfolio fees capped at £250.
• Straightforward account opening within minutes.
• Suitable for aggressive, balanced and conservative investment approaches.
• Allows clients to spread risk across multiple assets with iShares ETFs.

Professional Account

IG’s Professional account is designed for highly experienced traders who meet the eligibility criteria set out by the FCA. This account type offers significantly higher leverage limits than standard retail accounts, allowing greater exposure to a variety of markets. However, choosing a professional account means giving up certain regulatory protections available to retail clients, most notably negative balance protection.

• Offers leverage of up to 1:222 for Forex, major indices and gold.
• Leverage for other commodities reaches 1:74.
• Enables margin trading in cryptocurrencies (unavailable to retail clients).
• Offers higher leverage of 1:11 for share CFDs.
• No custody fees on Share Dealing accounts.

Demo Account

The Demo account provides a risk-free environment for both new and experienced traders to practise their strategies and familiarise themselves with some of the available trading platforms. It accurately replicates live market conditions across a broad range of instruments, including Forex, commodities, shares and indices.

• Can be set up in less than half a minute.
• Offers a virtual balance of £20,000 (£10,000 each for spread betting and CFD trading).
• Expires after 60 days without trading.
• Available for MT4 and IG’s proprietary web platform.
• Active accounts can be used indefinitely.

Customer Support at IG

IG provides comprehensive and timely customer support, with assistance readily available when needed. The support team is available 24/7. For enquiries about opening an account with IG, its dedicated team can be contacted on 0800 195 3100. This service is available from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays.

Clients can get in touch through various channels, including live chat for instant messaging, email for non-urgent queries and telephone to speak directly to the team. The broker also offers support through WhatsApp. An extensive “Help and Support” section provides detailed FAQs, guides and troubleshooting resources covering a range of topics.

Regulatory Background and Compliance at IG

Founded in 1974, IG is a long-established and reputable online trading provider. Its primary UK operations are subject to strict regulatory oversight by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The UK website is operated by IG Trading and Investments Ltd (licence 944492). This licence enables IG to offer a broad range of financial services in the UK, including leveraged trading products and investment accounts, while maintaining high standards of client protection and operational integrity. The broker also has overseas divisions regulated in Cyprus, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Singapore and the United States, among other countries. IG’s registered UK head office is at Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA.

Client Security at IG UK

IG prioritises client security and implements a range of measures designed to safeguard retail traders in the UK. A key measure is negative balance protection, a regulatory requirement for retail clients in the UK, which ensures they are not liable for a negative account balance, even during periods of extreme market volatility. This caps losses at the funds deposited.

Client funds are also held in segregated bank accounts with regulated, top-tier banks, entirely separate from IG’s operating capital. This measure protects client money and assets, such as shares in dealing accounts, in the unlikely event of IG’s insolvency by ring-fencing them from company creditors.

IG is also a participant in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Eligible retail clients are therefore entitled to investor compensation of up to £85,000 per claim should IG be unable to meet its financial obligations, providing an additional layer of financial protection. Leverage is also capped for retail clients in accordance with FCA regulations to limit excessive risk exposure.

What Do UK Traders Say About IG?

Consumer reviews on Trustpilot suggest that IG has a strong reputation. The broker holds a ‘Great’ rating of around 3.9/5 stars, based on over 8,000 reviews. A significant proportion of these reviews (56%) award five stars, indicating overall customer satisfaction.

Clients frequently praise IG’s robust, feature-rich trading platforms, citing their reliability, intuitive design and extensive range of markets as key benefits. The quality of customer service and the broker’s educational resources, including IG Academy and the demo account, also receive frequent praise.

Less favourable comments occasionally highlight the platform’s initial learning curve for new traders or specific fee structures, such as custody fees for infrequent share dealing, which can be seen as less competitive for smaller or inactive portfolios.