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IG vs Interactive Brokers

Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.

I
IG
Est. 1974 · London, UK
9.2
VS
IB
Interactive Brokers
Est. 1978 · Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
9.1

Quick Verdict

IG
3 categories won
Tied
0 categories
Interactive Brokers
4 categories won

IG scores higher overall at 9.2/10 vs 9.1/10.

Score Comparison

OverallIG wins
IG9.2
Interactive Brokers9.1
Fees & CostsInteractive Brokers wins
IG8.8
Interactive Brokers9.0
PlatformsIG wins
IG9.4
Interactive Brokers9.0
RegulationInteractive Brokers wins
IG9.8
Interactive Brokers9.9
ExecutionInteractive Brokers wins
IG9.2
Interactive Brokers9.5
SupportIG wins
IG8.5
Interactive Brokers7.5
EducationIG wins
IG9.3
Interactive Brokers8.0
InstrumentsInteractive Brokers wins
IG9.7
Interactive Brokers9.8

Trading Conditions

ConditionIGInteractive Brokers
Min DepositNoneNone
EUR/USD Spread0.6 pips average0.1 pips (average with commission)
CommissionNone (spread-only on most accounts)$2.00 per lot (tiered, volume-based discounts)
Leverage (Retail)30:130:1
Leverage (Pro)222:1200:1
Swap-FreeNoNo
Withdrawal FeeFreeFree (1 per month, then varies by method)

Platform Comparison

IG Platforms

  • IG Platform
  • MetaTrader 4
  • ProRealTime
  • L2 Dealer
  • TradingView
Account Types:

CFD, Spread Betting (UK), Share Dealing, Professional

Interactive Brokers Platforms

  • Trader Workstation (TWS)
  • IBKR Mobile
  • IBKR GlobalTrader
  • Client Portal
Account Types:

Individual, Joint, IRA, Advisors, Institutional

Regulation & Safety

IG Regulation

BaFinGermanyFCAUKASICAustralia
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

ICF up to EUR 20,000 (Germany), FSCS up to GBP 85,000 (UK)

Interactive Brokers Regulation

SECUSAFCAUKCBIIrelandMNBHungary
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000

Overall Verdict

WinnerIG9.2

IG takes the overall win with a score of 9.2 vs 9.1, winning 4 out of 7 individual categories compared to Interactive Brokers's 3.

In terms of costs, though Interactive Brokers edges ahead on fees. On the regulatory front, IG though Interactive Brokers has a regulatory edge.

Choose IG if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose Interactive Brokers if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as fees & costs, regulation, and more.

CFD Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.