IG Review 2025 – Is It Still the Best Choice for Traders?
Why You Should Choose IG in 2025
When it comes to selecting a broker that balances reliability, innovation, and global reach, IG.com stands out in 2025. With over 50+ years of market experience, IG has cemented its reputation as a trusted platform for traders and investors alike.
Boasting access to 19,000+ tradable assets—from CFD, forex to cryptocurrencies and stocks—IG caters to diverse strategies. It’s tier-1 regulation (including licenses from the FCA, ASIC, and MAS) ensures a secure trading environment.
While exclusive tools like IG Labs and ProRealTime empower users with advanced analytics. Whether you’re a day trader chasing volatility or a long-term investor building a portfolio, IG’s award-winning platforms and CFD trading capabilities make it a compelling choice.
IG Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low forex spreads, from 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD.
- No commissions on stock CFDs, ideal for frequent traders.
- Free demo account. Practice with $20,000 in virtual funds.
- Easy deposits and withdrawals.
Cons:
- Inactivity fee. $18/month after two years of no trading.
- Limited fixed-income option. Few bond offerings compared to rivals.
Explore IG.com’s Range of Tradable Instruments
IG.com stands as a powerhouse for traders and investors, offering access to over 19,000 global markets—a testament to its versatility and depth. With a 50-year legacy, the platform seamlessly bridges traditional and modern trading, enabling users to engage with classic assets like forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and indices, while also embracing innovative instruments such as Contracts for Difference (CFDs), thematic portfolios, and 24/7 cryptocurrency trading.
This expansive range caters to both short-term speculators and long-term investors, ensuring flexibility across strategies and risk appetites.
Forex traders can choose from 90+ currency pairs, including majors like EUR/USD and exotics like USD/ZAR, with spreads starting at 0.6 pips for cost-effective execution. Equity enthusiasts gain exposure to 16+ global exchanges, trading shares in giants like Apple and Tesla or exploring niche markets like Singapore’s SGX.
For those drawn to commodities, IG provides direct access to spot gold, crude oil, and natural gas, alongside futures contracts for advanced hedging.
What truly distinguishes IG is its CFD ecosystem, covering nearly every asset class. CFDs allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset, profiting from both rising and falling markets.
For example, a trader can short the S&P 500 during a downturn or leverage volatility in Bitcoin with 24/7 crypto CFDs. The platform also curates thematic portfolios—pre-built baskets of stocks targeting trends like artificial intelligence or renewable energy—ideal for investors seeking focused exposure without stock-picking hassles.
Fees and Commission Structure
IG’s fee structure is competitive but requires careful navigation. Their fee and commission structure prioritizes transparency, offering competitive spreads, straightforward commissions, and no hidden fees across CFDs, shares, forex, and indices. Let’s now look at how IG’s fees fare against its competitors eToro and XTB.
Key Takeaways
Verdict: IG is ideal for CFD and forex-focused traders and those valuing breadth of markets, while eToro and XTB cater to casual investors or niche users (e.g., crypto enthusiasts).
Account Types
IG provides tailored account solutions to meet diverse trading and investing objectives. From the accessible Standard Account for retail traders to the tax-efficient ISA and SIPP Accounts for long-term investors, each account caters to distinct goals.
Seasoned professionals can leverage advanced tools via the Professional Account, while retirement-focused investors benefit from tax-efficient growth. This breakdown highlights key features, eligibility criteria, and benefits to simplify your decision-making process and optimize your IG experience.
Standard Account
Suitable for most retail traders, offering access to all IG markets. Key features include a full range of instruments, lower leverage, and access to forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and more.
Professional Account
Designed for experienced traders who meet eligibility criteria, offering higher leverage and lower margin requirements. Note: This account provides fewer protections under FCA regulations.
ISA Account
A tax-efficient Stocks and Shares ISA for UK traders, ideal for long-term investing. Key benefits include no capital gains tax and the ability to invest up to £20,000 annually in shares, ETFs, and bonds.
SIPP Account
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) tailored for tax-efficient retirement savings. Offers access to IG’s wide range of assets, allowing long-term investment growth within a pension framework.
In addition, your geographic location significantly influences the account types available to you. While most regions permit trading in core instruments like forex, CFDs, and options, access to additional products may vary based on local regulations. Always verify your eligibility to ensure alignment with your trading strategy and regional requirements.
All countries (excluding those listed below): Forex, CFDs.
Expanded Product Access:
- Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden: Forex, CFDs, Options.
- *UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Australia, and smaller regions (e.g., Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands): Stocks, Forex, CFDs.
Limited Access:
- USA: Forex only.
How To Open an Account with IG
Opening an IG account is a streamlined, online process designed for efficiency. While online registration is a brief 5-10 minute process, account verification takes significantly longer. Expect it to take several business days; ours was completed in three.
- Professional Account: Requires proof of trading experience (e.g., 10+ trades per quarter) and a €500k+ portfolio.
- ISA/SIPP Accounts (UK only): For tax-efficient investing or retirement savings.
Seasoned professionals can leverage advanced tools via the Professional Account, while retirement-focused investors benefit from tax-efficient growth. This breakdown highlights key features, eligibility criteria, and benefits to simplify your decision-making process and optimize your IG experience.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Managing your funds should be seamless, secure, and straightforward—and IG delivers exactly that. IG prioritizes flexibility and transparency. With options ranging from instant card deposits to fee-free bank transfers, the platform ensures your money moves as efficiently as your strategies.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about deposit and withdrawal methods, processing times, and fees, tailored to your needs. Rest assured, IG’s global regulatory standards and encrypted transactions guarantee peace of mind, letting you focus on what matters most: trading with confidence.
Base Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, USD, AUD, HKD
Deposit Fees & Options
You can deposit instantly using a debit card, or via bank transfer, which may require 1-3 days.
How much is the minimum deposit at IG?
There’s no minimum deposit for bank transfers, making it accessible for all traders. However, deposits via credit/debit cards or PayPal require a minimum of $300. This tiered approach caters to both casual and serious investors, ensuring a smooth start to your trading journey.
Deposit: Instant via debit card; 1-3 days via bank transfer.
Minimum Deposit: No minimum deposit for bank transfer. $300 minimum deposit for credit/debit cards and PayPal.
Deposit fee: None
Deposit method: Bank Transfer, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Paypal
Withdrawal Fees & Options
Withdrawal fee: Free of charge
Withdrawal method: Bank Transfer, Debit Cards, Credit Cards
Withdrawing your funds can take up to several days. IG’s withdrawal process is efficient and transparent. Our experience confirmed that funds are typically accessible within 2 business days, making it a reliable choice for traders who value timely access to their money. However, users should account for potential delays during weekends or if additional verification is required.
Web Trading Platform
IG’s web trading platform is a robust, user-friendly hub designed for traders of all levels. With its intuitive interface and advanced tools, it balances simplicity with sophistication. Below, we break down its features, strengths, and limitations.
Pros
- Clean, customizable interface
- Advanced charting tools
- Wide range of order types
- Strong security protocols
Cons
- No social trading integration
- Limited AI-driven analytics
Tools & Features
Appearance & Ease of Use
The platform offers a modern, minimalist design with dark/light mode options. Charts and widgets are drag-and-drop customizable, catering to both casual traders and technical analysts. New users may need 1–2 hours to master navigation, but tutorials and tooltips streamline the process.
Login & Security
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Mandatory for account access.
- Encryption: AES-256 SSL encryption for data protection.
Placing Orders
IG’s platform offers a variety of order types to suit different trading strategies, ensuring you can execute trades with precision and confidence
Alerts & Notifications
Never miss a market move with IG’s robust alert system. Whether you’re tracking price movements or staying updated on breaking news, IG ensures you’re always in the loop. Here’s how it works:
Price Alerts – Set custom alerts for any instrument, so you’re notified when your target levels are hit.
News Alerts – Get real-time updates on market-moving events, helping you make informed decisions.
Indicator Alerts – Technical tools has reached a critical point.
Portfolio Management
IG’s portfolio management features are designed to help you monitor and optimize your investments with ease. It’s performance tracking includes a history where you can Instantly view your profit and loss for individual trades or your entire portfolio.
Mobile App
IG’s mobile app brings the power of its web platform to your fingertips, offering a seamless trading experience for on-the-go investors. You can also use MetaTrader 4 while trading. More importantly, the app is available for both iOS and Android users. We put IG’s mobile app to the test on an iPhone 13 Pro Max, trading live across multiple markets for a week. Here’s our hands-on assessment of its performance, tools, and usability for real-world trading:
Pros
- Smooth 120Hz display optimization
- Lightning-fast order execution
- Crisp, lag-free chart rendering
- Face ID login in under 2 seconds
Cons
- Chart layout customization limited
- Basic user interface
Appearance & Ease of Use
The app’s interface though basic, looks great on the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch OLED screen, with sharp text and vibrant charts. Dark mode reduced eye strain during nighttime trading. Key features like order placement and alerts are accessible in 1–2 taps, though advanced traders might miss the web platform’s multi-window layout.
Login & Security
IG prioritizes your account security by providing a comprehensive two-step login feature. This advanced security measure adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring only authorized users can access your account.
For a streamlined experience, you can activate two-step authentication via the IG Authentication app, which generates unique, time-limited verification codes.
Furthermore, for added convenience, our mobile platform supports biometric login, enabling secure and swift access using your device’s fingerprint or facial recognition capabilities.
Searching Assets
Navigating IG’s vast range of 17,000+ instruments is a breeze, even on the go. During our testing, locating assets like Tesla (TSLA) took less than 2 seconds using the search bar—ideal for seizing fast-moving opportunities.
Placing Orders
You’ll find placing orders just as quick and easy as on their full web-based trading platform.
Alerts & Notifications
IG delivers real-time notifications straight to your device. During our testing, alerts arrived within seconds, giving us the edge to act swiftly and confidently. Although, you can only set price alerts as it is not as advanced as their web trading platform.
Market Research and Tools
IG Market Research and Tools for Analysis: Powering Informed Trading Decisions
IG.com arms traders with a robust suite of market research tools and educational resources through IG Academy, designed to elevate decision-making across all skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:
Core Analytical Tools
- TradingCentral: A premium third-party tool integrated into IG’s platform, it provides algorithmic-driven technical analysis, including chart patterns (e.g., triangles, head-and-shoulders) and actionable trade signals. Used by institutions, it highlights key support/resistance levels and momentum shifts.
- Autochartist: Automatically scans markets for patterns (e.g., flags, wedges) and breakouts, delivering real-time alerts. Ideal for forex and commodity traders, it filters noise by assigning a “quality score” to each pattern.
- IG Sentiment Data: Shows the percentage of clients long/short on an asset, offering contrarian insights. For example, extreme bullishness (e.g., 80% long) often precedes reversals, a strategy detailed in IG’s Trading Strategies Hub.
- ProRealTime: A advanced charting platform with backtesting, custom scripts, and multi-timeframe analysis. Popular among algorithmic traders for building and testing strategies.
IG Academy
IG Academy is a comprehensive, free educational platform offered by IG.com, designed to equip traders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate financial markets confidently.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned trader, the academy provides structured learning resources, including courses, webinars, and strategy guides, tailored to enhance trading proficiency. Here are some of the courses available:
For Beginners: Building a Strong Foundation
Structured Learning Path:
New traders can start with foundational courses like “Introduction to Financial Markets” and “How to Trade Forex,” which break down complex concepts into digestible modules. Video tutorials, quizzes, and interactive examples simplify topics like candlestick patterns, leverage, and risk management.
Risk Management Training:
Courses like “Planning and risk management” teach beginners to set stop-loss orders, calculate position sizes, and avoid emotional decision-making—critical skills for long-term success.
For Experienced Traders: Sharpening Advanced Skills
Specialized Market Analysis:
Masterclasses on “Trading Volatile Markets” and “Trading options with CFDs” dive into niche areas, leveraging tools like TradingCentral and Reuters news feeds for high-level analysis.
Unique Features for All Traders
- Practical Integration: Lessons directly tie into IG’s trading platforms. For example, the “ProRealTime Deep Dive” course teaches how to apply charting tools live on IG’s platform.
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced courses and live webinars accommodate busy schedules.
Unlike generic trading courses, IG Academy combines actionable education with direct access to IG’s industry-leading tools. Beginners gain confidence through structured, jargon-free lessons, while experienced traders unlock advanced strategies and tool mastery. With its focus on real-world application paired with IG’s regulated platforms and 19,000+ markets the academy bridges the gap between theory and practice.
While competitors like eToro focus on social trading, IG prioritizes skill-building, making it ideal for traders aiming to evolve from reactive to strategic.
Customer Support
IG’s customer support operates 24 hours a day, except on Saturdays via WhatsApp chat, phone, and email—including weekends—ensuring accessibility during most trading hours. Their multilingual team assists in 10+ languages, such as English, Spanish, and German, catering to a global audience.
During market hours, live chat responses can be faster, ideal for urgent queries, while high-net-worth clients benefit from personalized account managers. On the downside, some Trustpilot users note occasional scripted replies, hinting at inconsistencies with niche or complex issues.
While IG excels in real-time accessibility, traders requiring specialized support may face limitations, making it best suited for those prioritizing speed over intricate problem resolution.
Is IG Safe? Regulation and Security Analysis
Founded in 1974, IG has built a 50-year reputation as a trusted broker, underpinned by tier-1 regulation and robust security protocols. Regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), IG adheres to strict financial standards across its global operations.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks like Barclays and JP Morgan, ensuring they’re never used for corporate purposes. Retail traders benefit from FSCS protection and negative balance protection, shielding them from debt beyond deposits.
Public sentiment reflects this reliability: IG holds a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating (as of March 2025), with users praising its transparency and platform stability. However, some Reddit threads highlight occasional withdrawal delays for non-UK clients.
In our hands-on testing, IG’s encrypted platforms, two-factor authentication (2FA), and prompt compliance with regulatory updates reinforced its commitment to security. While no broker is flawless, IG’s longevity, regulatory rigor, and proactive risk management make it a low-risk choice for most traders.
Our Verdict: IG’s safety framework is among the industry’s strongest, though regional nuances (e.g., crypto restrictions in the UK) require attention.
FAQ
Is my money safe with IG?
Absolutely. IG’s tier-1 regulation ensures compliance with strict financial standards. Client funds are segregated at top-tier banks (e.g., Barclays), and retail accounts have negative balance protection.
Is IG good for beginners?
Yes. IG offers free educational resources (IG Academy), a demo account, and a user-friendly platform. However, its advanced tools and inactivity fee may overwhelm absolute beginners. It’s best suited for those willing to learn actively
Does IG offer a demo account?
Yes, a free demo account with $20,000 in virtual funds is available indefinitely.
What leverage does IG provide?
Retail clients get up to 1:30 for forex (EU/UK) and 1:5 for crypto. Professional accounts access up to 1:200.
Can I trade cryptocurrencies on IG?
Yes, via CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. However, crypto CFDs are unavailable to UK retail traders under FCA rules.
