Overall, IG is considered an average risk, with an overall Trust Score of 90 out of 100. They are licensed by ten Tier-1 Regulators (highly trusted), two Tier-2 Regulators (trusted) and one Tier-3 Regulator (average risk).  They offer seven retail trading accounts: CFD/DMA, Limited Risk, Options, Turbo24, Share Dealing, Spread Betting and a Swap-Free Trading Account.   

IG Review – 13 key points quick overview: 

1. ☑️Overview
2. ☑️At a Glance
3. ☑️IG Account Types
4. ☑️How To Open an IG Account
5. ☑️IG Deposit & Withdrawal Options
6. ☑️Trading Instruments & Products
7. ☑️IG Trading Platforms and Software
8. ☑️IG Spreads and Fees
9. ☑️Leverage and Margin
10. ☑️Educational Resources
11. ☑️IG Pros & Cons
12. ☑️Security Measures
13. ☑️Conclusion

 

Overview

  Overall, IG Group, founded in 1974, is a pioneer in the Internet trading industry, offering a diverse range of financial products and regulatory compliance. Additionally, with offices in South Africa, Australia, and Singapore, they have maintained a consistent quality in trade standards.     Furthermore, the company’s commitment to trader education and technological innovation has earned it a strong customer base and financial stability. Building on this foundation, the broker was one of the first to provide online trading in the UK and continues to be at the forefront of digital trade innovation.   Furthermore, its platforms are praised for their extensive features and user-friendly interfaces, which makes them appealing to both novice and expert traders. Additionally, IG’s ability to negotiate regulatory changes and market swings further demonstrates its financial awareness, solidifying its position as a strong alternative for traders seeking stability and competence.   With a strong emphasis on client security, extensive training materials, and a diverse range of trading products, they are building on their past while creating the future of trading.   

How many years of experience does the broker have in the financial markets?

With over 45 years of expertise in the financial markets, the broker offers traders a wealth of information and a stable trading platform.  

Can traders from all over the world trade with IG?

Yes, the broker provides its services globally, with offices in significant financial markets like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Singapore, serving a diverse spectrum of traders worldwide.  

At a Glance

🗓 Established Year	1974
⚖️ Regulation and Licenses	FCA, BaFin, CySEC, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, FMA, CFTC, NFA, BMA
🪪 Ease of Use Rating	4/5
📞 Support Hours	24/7
💻 Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 4, IG Platform, ProRealTime (PRT), L2 Dealer, FIX API
🛍 Account Types	CFD/DMA Trading Account, Limited Risk Trading Account, an Options Trading Account, Turbo24 Trading Account, Share Dealing Account, Spread Betting Account, Swap-Free Trading Account
🤝 Base Currencies	USD
📊 Spreads	From 0.1 pips DMA
📈 Leverage	1:222 (Pro), 1:30 (EU, UK, Retail)
💸 Currency Pairs	80+; major, minor, and exotic pairs
💳 Minimum Deposit	From 50 USD (differs per region)
🚫 Inactivity Fee	Yes, 12 USD after 2 years of inactivity
🗣 Website Languages	English
💰 Fees and Commissions	Spreads from 0.1 pips, commissions from 0.10%
✅ Affiliate Program	Yes
🏦 Banned Countries	None
✔️ Scalping	Yes
📉 Hedging	Yes
🎉 Trading Instruments	Forex, indices, share CFDs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, futures, options, bonds, ETFs, Digital 100s, interest rates
🎖 Open an Account	Open Account

 

IG Account Types 

   

IG CFD/DMA Account

Overall, IG’s CFD/DMA account provides traders immediate access to currency market prices, enabling them to trade indices, stocks, and other assets. This account benefits those seeking professional order control and enhanced market visibility, especially for complex trading techniques.   

IG Limited Risk Account

Additionally, IG’s Limited Risk Trading Account offers capital protection for traders, with each transaction containing a guaranteed stop-loss order. This account is ideal for beginner traders or those hesitant to take on significant risk, providing additional security while offering IG’s extensive market coverage.   

IG Options Account

Moreover, IG’s Options Trading Account allows traders to speculate on market movements with a pre-set risk limit. Additionally, it offers options for currencies, indices, and commodities, making it suitable for those seeking to diversify their trading strategies.  

IG Turbo24 Account

IG’s Turbo24 Trading Account offers traders 24/7 access to trading exchange-traded items, further providing high-risk and reward potential. Well-suited for short-term speculative trading and long-term hedging, this low-cost account capitalizes on market fluctuations, therefore appealing to active traders.  

IG Share Dealing Account

Overall, IG’s Share Dealing Account allows clients to invest directly in shares. Moreover, it offers access to over 10,000 equities on foreign exchanges with competitive commission structures, making it suitable for long-term investors seeking dividends and voting rights.   

IG Spread Betting Account

Specifically, IG’s Spread Betting Account offers UK residents several advantages, including tax-efficient trading of financial instrument price fluctuations. Specifically, profits are not subject to UK Capital Gains Tax. Additionally, the account offers diverse marketplaces and flexibility in trading methods for forex, stocks, indexes, and other assets.  

IG Demo Account

Overall, the Demo Account offers a realistic trading environment for beginners and experienced traders, providing access to IG’s platforms and tools, limitless virtual capital, and a chance to develop strategies and understand market complexities.   

IG Islamic Account

IG’s Swap-Free Trading Account, available to Dubai clients, is designed for traders with religious convictions who cannot afford swaps due to overnight fees, ensuring compliance with Sharia law and offering a comprehensive range of market services.   

Is there a demo account option available?

Yes, the broker offers a sample account with virtual funds that allows inexperienced traders to test trading techniques without risking real money.  

Does the broker offer accounts compliant with Islamic finance principles?

The broker provides swap-free Islamic accounts per Sharia law for traders who require them.  

How To Open an IG Account 

To register an account, follow these steps:   

Step 1 – Click on the open account button.

Click the “Create an account” or “Open an account” option.   

Step 2 – Complete the form.

The application will be uncomplicated. Provide your personal information, such as:  ✅Full Name  ✅Email address  ✅Country of residence  ✅Telephone number  Then, create a strong password.   

IG Deposit & Withdrawal Options 

💳 Payment Method	🏛 Country	⚖️ Currencies Accepted	⏰ Processing Time
Bank Wire Transfer	All	Depends on Region	1 to 5 days
International Transfers	All	Depends on Region	1 to 5 days
Cheques	United States	USD	1 to 5 days
ACH	United States	USD	1 to 5 days
PayPal	All	USD	Instant – 5 days
Debit Cards	All	Depends on Region	1 to 5 days
Credit Cards	All	Depends on Region	1 to 5 days

 

Deposits

How to Deposit using Bank Wire Step by Step

✅Enter your trading credentials and proceed to the ‘My IG’ dashboard.  ✅Choose your desired trading account from the ‘Live Accounts’ tab and select the ‘Deposit Funds’ icon adjacent to it.  ✅Select the ‘Bank Transfer’ option from available deposit methods.  ✅The broker shall furnish you with their banking particulars, encompassing an account number, code, and a distinct reference number on your transfer.  ✅To establish a connection between the deposit and your trading account, initiate a transfer using the information furnished and your bank’s online service or physical location. Be certain to include the unique reference number associated with the transfer.  ✅Upon completion, the funds will typically be deposited into your account within five business days, subject to the processing periods of your bank.   

How to Deposit using Credit or Debit Card Step by Step

✅Log in to your account and navigate to the ‘My IG’ dashboard.  ✅Locate and select the ‘Deposit Funds’ icon associated with your trading account under the ‘Live Accounts’ tab.  ✅Choose “Credit Card” or “Debit” from the list of available deposit methods.  ✅Input your card information, including the quantity you wish to deposit and the card number, expiration date, and CVV code.  ✅After verifying the payment information and submitting the deposit, the funds are expected to be promptly deposited into your Instagram account.   

How to Deposit using e-Wallets or Payment Gateways Step by Step

✅Enter your trading credentials and navigate to the “My IG” dashboard.  ✅Select the ‘ Deposit Funds ‘ option within the ‘Live Accounts’ portion.  ✅Select the payment gateway service or electronic wallet you prefer, such as PayPal, from the list of accepted deposit methods.  ✅After entering the deposit amount, you will be redirected to the login page of the e-wallet of your choice.  ✅Verify the transaction after logging into your e-wallet account and reviewing the payment information.  ✅Shortly after confirmation, the funds should be processed and available in your account.   

Withdrawals

How to Withdraw using Bank Wire Step by Step

✅Navigate to the ‘Live Accounts’ tab within the ‘My IG’ section after logging into your account.  ✅Select the ‘Withdraw Funds’ icon linked to the account you want to initiate the withdrawal.  ✅Select “Bank Transfer” as the mode of withdrawal.  ✅Provide your bank account information, including the account’s name, number, sort code, and the desired withdrawal amount.  ✅Submit your withdrawal request after reviewing and confirming the withdrawal details; the funds will be deposited into your bank account within three business days, on average.   

How to Withdraw using Credit or Debit Cards Step by Step

✅Access the ‘My IG’ section of your trading account after logging in.  ✅Select the ‘Withdraw Funds’ icon on the ‘Live Accounts’ tab.  ✅Click on the ‘Debit Card’ or ‘Credit Card’ option.  ✅Choose the card that was previously utilized for the deposit, as the broker generally returns funds to the initial account, and proceed by entering the desired withdrawal amount.  ✅After confirming the information and submitting the withdrawal request, the funds are anticipated to be refunded to your card provider-specified card within 2-5 business days.   

How to Withdraw using e-Wallets or Payment Gateways Step by Step

✅Gain access to your Instagram account and proceed to the ‘My IG’ dashboard.  ✅Choose the ‘ Withdraw Funds ‘ option from the ‘Live Accounts’ menu.  ✅Select the e-wallet or payment gateway you prefer from the withdrawal alternatives, such as PayPal.  ✅After entering the desired withdrawal amount, you may be redirected to the login page of the electronic wallet to verify the transaction.  ✅The withdrawal will be processed following login and transaction confirmation; it is expected to be reflected in your electronic wallet account within a typical timeframe of 24 hours.   

What deposit methods are accepted?

The broker supports deposits by bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal.  

How long does it take for withdrawals to be processed?

Withdrawals normally take 1 to 5 business days, depending on the withdrawal method and the recipient bank’s processing time.  

Trading Instruments & Products 

The broker offers the following trading instruments and products:  ➡️Forex – The broker provides trading opportunities for more than eighty currency pairs, allowing clients to speculate on major, minor, and esoteric pairs at leverage options and competitive spreads.  ➡️Indices – With the ability to trade globally on markets such as the UK 100, Wall Street, and Germany 30, traders can access more than eighty indices.  ➡️Share CFDs – Moreover, without owning the underlying asset, they offer over 10,000 shares, allowing clients to trade on the price movements of individual company equities from various international exchanges.  ➡️Commodities – A wide variety of more than 35 commodities are accessible to traders, encompassing soft commodities, hydrocarbons, and precious metals.  ➡️Cryptocurrencies – Overall, the broker provides trading on ten cryptocurrencies, including Ripple, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, allowing users to enter the swiftly expanding cryptocurrency market.  ➡️Futures – Additionally, traders can speculate on forthcoming price movements of a diverse range of assets by utilizing 33 futures contracts.  ➡️Options – They provide approximately twenty options markets, enabling traders to implement strategies per their market perspective while benefiting from defined risk.  ➡️Bonds – Specifically, by trading government and corporate debt, traders have access to twelve bonds that enable them to speculate on the future of interest rates and the economic prognosis of various nations.  ➡️ETFs – Real-time pricing and liquidity are provided for more than 6,000 ETFs that offer diversified investments in multiple sectors, commodities, or indices in a single transaction.  ➡️Digital 100s – Additionally, the broker provides 28 digital 100s, a type of options trading in which participants forecast the occurrence of a particular event within a specified period. ➡️Interest Rates – Moreover, the broker offers trading on six interest rate markets, allowing participants to establish positions anticipating central bank rate fluctuations.   

How many forex pairs does the broker offer for trading?

They give traders access to over 80 forex pairings, which include major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.  

Can traders access cryptocurrency markets?

Yes, the broker allows traders to access cryptocurrency marketplaces, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies.  

IG Trading Platforms and Software 

 

MetaTrader 4

Overall, IG’s MetaTrader 4 is a popular platform with an intuitive interface and robust capabilities. Moreover, it supports various trading techniques offers Expert Advisors, and automated trading.     Additionally, MT4 integrates with IG’s market access, allowing traders to manage multiple transactions and use over 80 currency pairs. Its algorithmic trading feature particularly appeals to those creating and implementing Expert Advisors for automated trading strategies.   

IG Platform

IG’s platform offers a user-friendly trading environment for both experienced and inexperienced traders. It provides real-time alerts, analytics, and direct market access.     Furthermore, with over 17,000 markets, including indices, stocks, and foreign exchange, traders can capitalize on market fluctuations. This extensive variety allows them to identify and exploit trading opportunities across a broad spectrum of asset classes.   The platform’s seamless integration with IG’s educational resources further enhances traders’ decision-making capabilities by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed trades.  

ProRealTime

Overall, ProRealTime (PRT) is a high-level charting tool for traders focusing on technical analysis. It incorporates real-time data and allows back-testing of trading strategies.     Furthermore, IG’s platform’s adaptability and extensive selection of financial markets equip traders with tools to identify and capitalize on market prospects, thus aligning with their goal of improving trading expertise.  

FIX API

Overall, L2 Dealer is IG’s DMA platform for traders seeking a deeper understanding of market operations. It provides Level 2 data, revealing executable prices directly from market liquidity providers.     Therefore, this strategy is ideal for seasoned traders executing transactions through market order books. Furthermore, L2 Dealer allows traders to participate in share CFD trading, forex, and other instruments, benefiting from competitive pricing and liquidity from primary exchanges and MTFs.  

Does the broker offer the MetaTrader 4 trading platform?

Yes, the broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, its proprietary trading platform, and ProRealTime for sophisticated charting.  

Can traders use automated trading strategies on IG’s platforms?

Yes, traders can use automated trading strategies like Expert Advisors (EAs) on the MT4 platform and APIs on IG’s proprietary platform.  

IG Spreads and Fees 

 

Spreads

IG’s dynamic pricing allows traders to implement strategies effectively. Direct Market Access (DMA) accounts offer starting spreads as low as 0.1 pips for key forex pairs, making them attractive for high-volume traders.     Moreover, this pricing model is suitable for high-frequency trading and arbitrage, as it aligns with IG’s extensive market access and liquidity.   

Commissions

Overall, IG’s commission structure is competitive and transparent, with minimal rates for shared CFDs. The initial trading fee for EU and UK shares is 0.10%, competitive in the industry.     Additionally, this volume-sensitive structure reduces expenses for active traders on high trade volumes. IG’s integration with tradable shares makes it a viable platform for traders entering international equity markets.   

Overnight Fees

They charge overnight fees for positions open after 10 pm UK time, offsetting the cost of using leverage during the night. The platform’s trade receipt displays rates based on market conditions, allowing traders to consider these costs when trading.     Overnight fees may vary based on interbank interest rates and other factors, ensuring transparent and equitable pricing for traders.   

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

The broker offers free deposit and withdrawal methods, including major credit and debit cards, ensuring easy access to funds. However, fees may apply for e-wallets and international bank transfers.     Withdrawals are processed with minimal or no fees, promoting efficient capital management without excessive charges. This framework encourages traders to manage their capital effectively.   

Inactivity Fees

Overall, the broker charges an inactivity fee to encourage trading activity. This monthly fee is applied to dormant accounts after a two-year absence, reducing the available account balance.     The fee encourages traders to maintain their involvement or terminate their accounts when they no longer want to trade, promoting resource efficiency and prompting traders to resume trading or reassess their strategies.   

Currency Conversion Fees

They charge traders a 0.5% commission for converting trades to their native currency, ensuring simplicity and transparency.     This low conversion rate significantly impacts trading expenses for traders dealing with multiple currencies, especially those on international markets. This makes the broker a popular global trading platform.   

Are IG’s spreads competitive in the industry?

Yes, they have competitive spreads beginning at 0.1 pips for key forex pairs, making it an appealing alternative for traders trying to reduce trading expenses.  

Does the broker charge a commission on trades?

The broker charges fees on share CFDs and trading accounts, with prices ranging according to the market.  

Leverage and Margin 

Leveraged trading allows traders to deposit an initial margin, a fraction of the total trade value, instead of the full value. Margin rates vary based on exposure, with reduced margin rates associated with smaller transaction sizes.     Margin rates increase with position magnitude to account for increased liquidity risk. For example, indices like the FTSE 100 or Wall Street have an initial margin requirement of 0.5%, equivalent to a 1:200 leverage ratio.     Foreign exchange pairs have similar margin requirements, while shares face greater margin requirements due to increased volatility and liquidity risks.   

How does IG calculate margin requirements for trades?

The broker calculates margin needs utilizing a tiered margin system, which changes the margin rate based on the position size and the market being traded, ensuring that traders get competitive rates.  

What is the minimum margin requirement for major forex pairs?

The minimum margin requirement for key forex pairs at IG begins at 3.33% for retail accounts, translating to a maximum leverage of 1:30.  

Educational Resources 

The broker offers the following educational resources:  ➡️IG Academy – Overall, the Academy is a systematic class sequence that takes traders from the fundamentals to more advanced trading tactics. These self-paced interactive courses feature practical tasks and quizzes to reinforce learning.  ➡️IG Academy App – Specifically, for on-the-go learning, it matches the web-based academy’s services, allowing traders to study whenever and wherever they choose, using their mobile devices.  ➡️Risk Management Guidelines – Overall, the broker emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding transactions. Traders are taught how to employ stop loss instruments, as well as how to calculate and manage leverage, to keep control over their exposure.  ➡️Maximizing Trading Success  – Additionally, they offer advanced courses that dive into the complexities of trading psychology, allowing traders to understand and handle the emotional components of trading, which is critical for long-term success.  ➡️Developing a Trading Strategy – Overall, IG’s materials on Developing a Trading Strategy offer guidance on creating effective strategies that use fundamental and technical research to discover trading opportunities.  ➡️Webinars and Seminars – The broker also offers Webinars and Seminars, which are live gatherings in which specialists share their knowledge and insights into current market trends and trading tactics.  ➡️Glossary – Additionally, IG’s Glossary is a fantastic resource for beginner and experienced traders to become acquainted with the jargon and terminology used in the trading industry.   

What types of courses does IG Academy offer?

The Academy provides a variety of online courses ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, covering subjects such as trading fundamentals, risk management, and methods.  

Can traders practice trading strategies learned from IG Academy in a risk-free environment?

Yes, traders can use IG’s demo account to practice risk-free trading methods with virtual funds, allowing them to apply what they have learned at the Academy.  

IG Pros & Cons 

✔️ Pros	❌ Cons
IG provides an extensive range of tradable assets, including forex, indices, equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, etc	Depending on your area, IG's product offers may be limited to CFD and options trading
IG is one of the largest and most renowned brokers in the market	For complete beginner traders, the sheer number of marketplaces, features, and tools available on Instagram platforms might be intimidating
IG excels at offering traders a variety of instructional resources	If your account has been inactive for more than two years, IG will charge you an inactivity fee
IG's forex spreads are frequently tight and competitive	Fees may apply depending on the withdrawal method you choose
IG has licenses from many top-tier financial regulators (FCA, ASIC, etc.), giving traders further peace of mind	IG's costs for trading stock CFDs could be expensive when compared to some rivals
IG is known for providing responsive and helpful customer service over a variety of channels
IG offers a unique web-based platform, mobile apps, and compatibility for MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
IG provides customers with daily market comments, insights, and technical analysis to help them make informed decisions
IG provides traders with features such as guaranteed stop-loss orders and a comprehensive range of order types to help them manage risk efficiently

 

Security Measures 

Overall, IG is committed to protecting its clients’ assets and personal information through strict regulatory compliance with top-tier financial regulators like the UK’s FCA and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).     Furthermore, the broker keeps client funds separate from its funds, ensuring they cannot be used for commercial purposes. Moreover, IG uses modern encryption methods, including SSL, to secure data transmissions.     Additionally, the broker provides two-factor authentication (2FA) for customer accounts, preventing unauthorized access even if the password is compromised. These measures ensure a secure trading environment for clients.   

How does the broker ensure the safety of client funds?

They protect customer assets by keeping them in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, distinct from the company’s own.  

How can clients enhance their security when trading?

Clients can boost their security by creating strong, unique passwords, activating two-factor authentication, and routinely checking their accounts for suspicious behaviour.    

Conclusion 

Overall IG is a reputable forex and CFD trading platform known for its strong regulatory framework, broad market access, and extensive training resources. IG operates under top-tier global licenses and offers a secure and transparent trading environment for traders.     For more information on FXLeaders.