IG Review 2025

Regulations: ASIC, FCA, FINMA, DFSA, MAS, JFSA

Instruments: Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Indices, Metals, Energies, Softs, Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Interest Rates

IG’s array of account types caters to varied trading goals and local regulations. Retail CFD accounts form the core offering, granting access to a full spectrum of instruments under leverage constraints that align with regional rules. Traders seeking specialized products or benefits—like zero capital gains tax on spread betting or increased leverage for professional clients—can opt for relevant alternatives.

IG’s opening an account usually involves an online application, ID verification, and a funds deposit. Once approved, clients can shift between live and demo account modes easily, testing new instruments or strategies risk-free. This readiness to accommodate different skill levels underscores IG’s mission to foster a supportive environment for everyone from novices to experts.

Retail CFD Account

Targeted at everyday traders, the Retail CFD Account grants access to forex, commodities, indices, and more with regulated leverage limitations. Negative balance protection is generally standard for eligible users, shielding them against substantial shortfalls if the market moves significantly against their positions. This measure helps novices navigate leveraged markets more confidently.

Spread Betting Account

Available largely in the UK and Ireland, spread betting permits users to stake a set amount per point of market movement. Potential tax efficiencies—exemption from capital gains tax in certain cases—add appeal for short-term speculators. Traders can go both long and short without physically owning assets, an approach aligning with intraday strategies or attempts to exploit short bursts of volatility.

Share Dealing Account

Individuals seeking actual share ownership, along with associated dividends, can opt for this account. IG covers a broad spectrum of international exchanges, enabling real-time trades on prominent firms. Holding physical shares for the longer term can be advantageous if traders wish to accumulate capital gains or passively earn dividends, contrasting with the rapid in-out nature of CFD positions.

Professional Account

Seasoned operators may qualify for professional status by fulfilling criteria around trade volume, portfolio size, or industry background. Higher leverage caps, narrower spreads, or specialized features may be granted. The trade-off is the possible loss of some retail protections, such as negative balance guarantees. This account type thus fits those who fully grasp the dynamics and risks of larger leveraged bets.

IG Markets Leverage

Leverage at IG ranges from around 1:30 for retail accounts under European regulations to far greater levels for professional or offshore categories. While magnifying profits, leverage equally amplifies losses, necessitating disciplined risk measures. IG frequently alerts users about potential margin calls, striving to avert scenarios in which clients accumulate unsustainably large liabilities.

IG Markets offers an extensive selection of currency pairs, catering to both novice and experienced forex traders. With over 100 forex pairs available, traders can access major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, which provide high liquidity and tight spreads. Additionally, IG Markets includes a variety of minor and exotic pairs, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and explore emerging market opportunities. This wide range ensures that traders can implement diverse strategies, whether they seek stability with major currencies or the higher volatility of exotic pairs. IG’s competitive pricing and robust trading platform enhance the trading experience, making it a preferred choice for currency pair trading.

To accommodate varied payment preferences, IG supports credit/debit cards, bank wires, PayPal, and sometimes regional e-wallets. Immediate funding is often possible via cards and PayPal, while wire transfers may take several business days, influenced by geographical location and bank processing times. IG’s platform clearly indicates a minimum deposit requirement, potential fees, and anticipated arrival windows, helping clients pick the best funding method for their timeline.

Withdrawals normally default to the original deposit route, in line with anti-money laundering measures. IG processes payouts swiftly, but final completion depends on the recipient bank’s transfer cycles. Many clients appreciate that IG usually doesn’t tack on withdrawal fees; however, foreign exchange conversions or third-party service charges might still apply. Transparent processing fosters confidence, as traders can reliably plan for liquidity needs.

IG Markets Deposit Options and Fees

Popular deposit methods include:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Rapid credit, though some card issuers treat brokerage deposits as cash advances.
• Bank Transfer: 1–3 business days, subject to bank charges and cross-border fees.
• PayPal: Instant or near-instant in many regions, although PayPal may withhold a small transaction fee.
• Local E-wallets: Varies by region, with processing times typically under one day.

ID verification is mandatory for smooth deposits; incomplete verification can delay fund availability. Clients often deposit in their base currency to avoid conversion costs, though multi-currency account options exist in certain jurisdictions.

IG Markets Withdrawals Options and Fees

Withdrawals mirror deposit methods whenever possible, which aids compliance and deters fraudulent transfers. Processing typically takes 1–3 business days. IG usually imposes no direct withdrawal fee; any deduction commonly arises from the intermediary bank or payment provider. Transactions surpassing certain thresholds may prompt additional verification steps, an essential safeguard for client security.

Navigating the full scope of trading fees is integral to preserving profitability. IG’s fee structure is designed for clarity, incorporating both trading costs—such as spreads and commissions—and ancillary costs like rollover charges, currency conversions, or potential inactivity fees. While the broker aims to stay competitive, real-time spreads can fluctuate based on market volatility, liquidity, or economic news releases.

In addition, IG’s approach to spreads varies by asset type, with narrower spreads typically found on heavily traded instruments like major currency pairs and prominent indices. Meanwhile, lesser-traded stocks, exotic currencies, or obscure commodities might carry higher spreads to reflect liquidity risks. Even so, IG publishes rate cards and performance statistics, enabling traders to gauge typical costs. This accessibility helps newcomers plan their strategies with better insight into possible expenditures.

IG Markets Trading Fees

For forex and indices, IG largely operates on a spread basis, while share CFDs can invoke specific commissions tied to trade volume or share count. Retail forex spreads on top-tier pairs, such as USD/JPY or EUR/USD, can dip below 1 pip under favorable liquidity. During major financial announcements, these figures may widen briefly, but IG’s platform updates keep clients aware of real-time changes.

On the share CFD side, rates typically revolve around a percentage of the overall trade value, with a minimum floor charge. For traders in the U.S. market, a per-share pricing model is possible. The synergy of tight spreads and straightforward commissions appeals to day traders and short-term swing traders who open and close multiple positions over a session. By contrast, share dealing fees cater to investors intending to hold positions longer, focusing on total transaction costs rather than spreads.

Traders seeking deeper discounts may opt for higher trading volumes or a professional account, though eligibility typically hinges on extensive experience or capital. While such tiers afford narrower spreads or commissions, they may also require forfeiting certain protective measures.

IG Markets Spreads

Spreads are a central concern for frequent traders, as even small variations can add up. IG leverages relationships with liquidity providers to keep spreads tight, particularly for mainstream instruments. During times of normal liquidity, EUR/USD might hover around 0.6–0.8 pips, while major indices like the FTSE 100 could be 1 point wide. However, unpredictable events—central bank decisions or significant geopolitical shifts—can cause sudden spread expansions.

Beyond forex, commodities like gold and oil also have competitive pricing, appealing to traders who pivot between asset classes. IG posts indicative spreads directly on its platform, reducing confusion about potential execution costs. With algorithmic traders in mind, IG ensures fast data feeds, allowing strategies reliant on tight spreads to function with minimal slippage under most market conditions.

IG Markets Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees encompass:

• Overnight financing: Retaining a leveraged CFD position past the daily cut-off may incur daily funding charges, reflecting the cost of borrowed capital.
• Inactivity fees: After a specific duration of account inactivity (often 24 months), IG can levy a nominal monthly charge to maintain the dormant account.
• Currency conversions: When trading instruments not in the base currency, a conversion fee might apply, affecting the cost basis and realized profits.

While these charges are standard in the industry, traders should track them closely, especially if they maintain open positions over multiple days or trade across currencies. IG’s official site outlines specific rates, ensuring that clients can effectively budget for these non-trading costs.

Stringent regulations in regions like the UK and the EU often restrict conventional deposit bonuses or trading credits. Nonetheless, IG occasionally runs promotions where allowed, focusing on referral bonuses or rebates for traders who meet certain volume thresholds. These promotions, if available, are typically governed by specific terms, ensuring compliance with local guidelines on fair dealing and marketing.

Although promotions can provide cost savings, experts advise evaluating a broker primarily on factors like regulatory status, execution quality, and overall fee structures. Temporary perks might attract new users, but the deciding factor in sustained trading relationships generally stems from platform reliability and transparent costs rather than one-off bonuses.

Refer-a-Friend Bonus

Existing customers who refer new users to IG may receive a credit or discount once the newcomer funds their account and executes a certain number of trades. This helps IG leverage word-of-mouth marketing, rewarding loyal clients for advocating the platform. Terms vary, but both parties often gain a small financial benefit, fostering a mutually beneficial introduction.

Trading Rebates

Certain jurisdictions or account classifications allow for volume-based trading rebates. These might kick in after traders surpass monthly turnover benchmarks, effectively refunding a slice of spread or commission costs. Such structures favor high-frequency traders or those placing large positions, enabling them to minimize overhead while maintaining an active schedule.

IG excels in educating traders at all levels. The IG Academy encompasses a series of structured lessons on trading basics, technical analysis, economic events, and broader market psychology. Interactive quizzes test comprehension, while on-demand webinars and tutorial videos further clarify key concepts. This curated approach helps ensure that new traders absorb essential risk management strategies before engaging in live markets.

More experienced clients benefit from detailed research articles, frequent analyst reports, and platform-specific guides on algorithmic trading or advanced chart setups. IG’s daily market commentary summarizes crucial economic data releases, corporate earnings, or news events that might influence investor sentiment. For those wishing to rehearse strategies, the free demo account replicates live market conditions—minus real financial risk—allowing ample experimentation with order types and analysis methods.

Ultimately, IG’s emphasis on continual learning exemplifies the company’s broader mission: forging a well-equipped, informed client base that can adapt to both bullish and bearish cycles. By marrying extensive educational offerings with a robust trading infrastructure, IG encourages a proactive, knowledge-driven approach to markets.

IG extends services to many regions, including Europe, Australia, Singapore, and certain parts of Africa and Asia. The broker’s specialized U.S. operation focuses on forex. Local regulations or sanctions can limit availability in some places. Because regulatory landscapes shift, prospective clients should check IG’s official website or consult support to determine if their location qualifies.