IG Review (2023)

What is IG?

Founded in 1974 as a pioneer company of its kind IG (formally IG Markets ltd) been at industry forefront and actually built the concept of financial spread betting that introduced online dealing as early as in 1998.

Currently, the company featuring global presence and providing trading solutions through offices in 13 countries located in the world’s key financial districts, which enables to reach clients across the world. The broker headquartered in London (UK) and including operations in the USA (Find Forex Brokers accepting US Clients), Australia, Japan, New Zealand, registered among European countries and Singapore.

IG Group Holding plc is a member of the FTSE 250, the London Stock Exchange with one of the largest market capitalizations of £3.1 billion (31 May 2018).

IG Pros and Cons

IG is one of the most trusted brokers and companies worldwide. It is listed in Stock Exchange for extra transparency and is heavily regulated. IG trading conditions are excellent too, low costs for Forex, professional education section, selection of trading platforms and research are very good.

On the negative side the are some limitations in product offering, trading instruments are mainly Forex and CFDs.

Is IG trading a good broker?

Well, there are many concerns about whether the broker is good or not, mainly it would go to personal preference or choice. However, with our opinion god broker is a reliable broker. Despite a very even very strong establishment of IG, since it operates fore a few decades already, its global coverage and professionalism of the financial business making as clear evidence that IG is a good broker.

Further, in our IG Review you will see more of its proposal details and see yourself that IG offers the most crucial trading conditions at an excellent level including education, costs wise and technology side as well.

Awards

The IG indeed achieved many of the progressive and industry goals while been recognized time and time again for both the services and the technology they provide, as well as the working environment. The broker has so many multiple industry awards, that its just better to mention the most important ones and maybe, few more recognitions received during the last year only at the UK:

Based on revenue excluding FX, IG is the world’s No.1 CFD and financial spread betting retail provider.

• #1 Overall Broker 2020
• Best CFD Provider | Best Stocks and Shares ISA Provider 2020
• Best Finance App | Best Multi Platform Provider | ADVFN 2018, 2019, 2020

Is IG safe or scam

No, IG is not a scam. IG is regulated and authorized broker with numerous entities around the world where it all respectively operates under necessary financial licenses like FCA, ASIC (Learn about ASIC Regulated Blueberry Broker), CFTC, DFSA etc. Also, listed on Stock exchange which provides extra security.

Is IG Trading legit?

Yes, IG Trading is a fully legit. The IG group of companies is heavily regulated by the top leading authorities worldwide due to its global presence by the appropriate bodies in the territory it operates. As the principal office of the IG located in the UK, the broker respectively authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulation, while the stocks and shares ISA accounts provided by IG Markets Ltd and spread betting by registered IG Index Ltd.

In addition, the IG company units regulated by the authorities in a number of countries, and is listed in a Stock Exchange, which gives not only an extra layer of trust but ensures in strong establishment basis. For more details, see the table below, which in conclusion shows us IG as a well-maintained by regulatory authorities’ set of rules firm that sets high trading standards by being fully legit and considered to be a safe broker.

Leverage

Under the regulatory restrictions, which took a recent change in Europe with an ESMA regulation, the residents of Europe will trade with the particular maximum level of leverage, or the multiplier. Another jurisdiction ratios are applicable to IG trading accounts according to the regulation impose limitations respectively and vary from one to another.

Thus, the European resident traders are allowed to use a maximum leverage 1:30, while other entities may see a significant increase up to 1:200 on Forex instruments as Australian authority allows. For more detailed leverages see below the breakdown with an offered leverage to Cryptocurrency, Commodity, Share and Index instruments.

What are IG trading fees?

IG spread breakdown and trading costs are considered low, and are a reference to the minimum of CFD or MT4 account fee (spread) and the Spread Bet minimum size, which also varies under the IG entity you trade with. Also, IG entities in jurisdiction or another will offer particular conditions for your trading. Alike spread betting is available only for UK residents, while Cryptocurrencies not available for trade in Japan and UK at all. Also, we check other fees like deposit or withdrawal fees and non trading fees.

Asset/ Pair	IG Fees	Plus500 Fees	AvaTrade Fees
EUR USD	0.6 pips	0.6 pips	1.3 pips
Crude Oil WTI	3 pips	2 pips	3 pips
Gold	30	29	40
BTC/USD	65	0.35%	0.75%

Non trading fees

Lastly, there is an inactivity fee, which will be paid in case your trading account remains inactive for a period of 6 months or longer. This fee may vary from the jurisdiction or another, so you always better check for conditions in case you’re not using your account.

For instance, you can check out and compare general IG fees to another reputable and popular brokerage eToro.

IG Spread

IG builds its costs into the spread only basis that is based on variable IG spread. Spread will be paid on every spread bet or non-share CFD, with the average about 0.6 pips on Forex, and with a commission on every share CFD or share dealing trade executed. Generally, at IG margins are among the lowest in the industry and a very comfortable to use even for the beginning traders, since there are no additional fees.

Trading Fees of IG vs Similar Brokers

It is always good to check other industry offerings and see whether IG is truly good in terms of its fees or not. As you may see below, IG Trading confirms its pleasant fees which is definitely a plus for any trader.

Market Instruments

IG offers a great range of products for online trading, within an original offering, while the core on the business Contacts for Difference. While CFD is the derivative contracts the client takes advantage on changes of asset’s price, without owning the asset itself all in all making trading performance a way easier.

What is interesting the IG formed many of industry potential and was the first Australian CFD provider too. Besides the main concept, brokers’ trading offer extends to currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, financial spread betting (available in the UK and Ireland) all in all including over 17,000 markets to trade. And, of course, features current trend IG Cryptocurrencies trading through CFD bases as well for pairs on popular bitcoin, ethereum, ripple and many more.

Account Types

At IG there is only one basic account, which can be settled up into the trade in minutes.

Demo Account

Also, there’s also no obligation to fund account immediately, firstly account will be as a Demo Account allowing you to trade with virtual € 30,000 and then transfer it to the real trade by putting or deposit of funds.

How to open your account

Singing in for IG trading account isn’t a complicated process, you should simply follow the guided registration and submit your digital application form. Also, IG allows you to verify your account through existing FB or Google accounts, so getting access almost instantly to Demo Account and your trading account management area is truly seamless.

Here are actually the initial steps you should follow in order to obtain an IG account.

1. Select and Click on IG Sign In page (you may see link above in our IG Review)
2. Fill your registration personal data (Name, email, phone number, etc.)
3. Confirm your account through a link received at your email (at this stage you will gain access to Demo Trading already)
4. Verify your identity and submit documentation for review (may include a residential proof, ID, etc.)
5. Complete quiz to confirm your trading experience and qualification
6. Once your account is activated, follow with the money deposit.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Another important topic is a money transfer to and from the trading account, while the IG implemented a transparent method to transactions that are passing relatively quickly, you can also choose a best suitable way for you to transfer funds.

IG Minimum deposit

There is no requirement on a minimum deposit, as well as no additional fee for you to transfer the money. Yet, you should verify with particular jurisdiction deposit conditions, as well as margin requirement for the instruments you’ll be trading in order to cover necessary expenses.

IG minimum deposit vs other brokers

Deposit Options

So a trader can choose the best suitable payment option among available deposit funds according to initiate trading costs and start trading almost instantly. And again verify in case option or another available in your region.

• major debit/credit cards,
• bank transfer,
• using the PayPal system,
• Skrill or Neteller

IG Withdrawals

IG does not charge any commission for money withdrawals, traders can use wide withdrawal options including Bank transfer, Credit Debit cards, e-wallets, PayPal etc. 0$ fee is applicable on minimum withdrawal of 150$, while funds usually arrive at your account within 3-5 business days.

How do I withdraw money from IG?

1. Select and Click on Withdraw Funds’ at the menu through your account area
2. Fill in the required data and the withdrawn amount
3. Choose the withdrawal method available at your region
4. Complete the electronic withdrawal with requirements
5. Confirm withdrawal request and Submit
6. Typically it will be confirmed within 3 days. You may check the current status through your account, as well as allow additional 3-5 days for your payment provider to process the transaction.

Platforms

All IG platforms have been designed for the traders’ convenience with a choice which device to use and almost unlimited capabilities. The broker aimed to create an easy-to-use platform while its technical development would take one of the primary roles, and indeed, IG made its job perfectly. IG platform received many industry rewards and traders compliments for its well-designed core and variety of capabilities.

Pros	Cons
Great proprietary trading platform	None
MT4 available
User friendly interface
Different versions supporting Web, Desktop and Mobile trading
Clean charts packed with powerful tools
Easy to navigate
Fee Report
Available in various languages Dutch, English, Thai, Arabic, Portuguese etc

Web Trading

A proprietary platform is a web-based trading software which doesn’t require a download, along with trading applications optimized for most smartphones and tablets. The advanced platform features including direct market access (DMA) throughout its NDD connectivity, APIs and possibility to transform it into the Specialist platform with flexible access and professional resources.

Look and feel

What we really like is that the software is simple to use and understand. Once you access a secure login, you’ll see an interface with watch lists and options to manage your account, search, Portfolio settings, Fee reports and statistics, which is very necessary and then to navigate to charts.

Charts are clean and simple as well, intuitively you may find a necessary instrument and manage graphics which is definitely a great plus for beginners, yet professionals ranked platform with its good features as well.

Desktop Trading Platform

However, you still can choose the famous MetaTrader4 to execute your orders along with its advanced chartings and tools, in case it is a better option for you. MT4 supporting various versions as well including WebVersion, Desktop Platform and Apps.

Mobile Trading Platform

The mobile trader is a necessary part of the modern trader as well, and IG integrates its platform feature into great Mobile Application where both Android and iOS devices are supported.

Mobile IG trading is almost the same powerful as its regular version, so whether you want to check real-time feeds, copy other traders or to perform any research it is all available. As well, trading apps enable spread bet and CFDs as a simplified process, which provides a great benefit to the trader and leverage advantage.

Trading tools

Additionally, all IG’s platforms enhanced with 18 free add-ons and indicators, Autochartist, technical analysis tools, and a free VPS for an expert advisor, and range of small detailed settings that enhances trader deal.

Order Types

In addition, as a smart trading process requires effective risk management tools that help to protect capital, IG rewards traders by its widening range of stop and limit orders that keep track of funds easily with an always-visible snapshot of profits and losses. Therefore, all in all, the IG platform and technology indeed one of the best offerings among the industry to use.

Customer Support

Another reflection of an IG global reach and its popularity is excellent customer support. You absolutely covered by prompt responses to queries in different languages, since the variety of offices truly represents all variety of nationalities and countries.

Also, IG supports Live chats, social media, available on Phone 24h and providing you with reliable and quality answers.

Education

Another great point of IG as a customer-friendly broker is its professional Interactive education which is performed via IG Academy and offering Free trading courses, webinars and numerous materials. With its truly comprehensive educational materials that enhance trading potential and allows to improve your skills if you already have one and to support you at the first steps, you’ll find it all in order with IG.

IG Academy

Actually, IG Academy is one of the important cores in its global offering as also being one of the biggest worldwide companies it invests heavily into the education of the traders and those who are interested in. IG organizes regularly Live Seminars with leading experts in the industry and engaging with multiple quizzes and interactive exercises so traders getting great education.

Research

Despite education, IG provides excellent research tools alongside its comprehensive platform features. You may choose between the research materials provided by IG team, or also get to know premium research from third providers that includes even Real Vision Research.

You will find streaming News, Economic Calendars and video content that is smartly organized according to the category you need, of course, across numerous instruments or asset classes. Also, there are integrated trading signals, AutoTrading capabilities and numerous signals providers which exclusively available for IG Traders. Lastly, IG runs its Blog featuring news releases and deeper analytics outlooks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IG group as a large internationally presented broker with its 40 years of experience a very reliable, well-organized and regulated broker. Competitive IG conditions for trading offer a range of products, the advantage of leverage positions, as well as splendid technical, customer and regulation support. IG also is quite known for its advanced programs of webinars and online trading courses which performed via IG Academy, making them the best for beginning traders.