69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
Overview
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, IG has grown into one of the most respected global brokerages, listed on the London Stock Exchange. It offers access to over 17,000 markets, covering everything from forex and CFDs to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and even spot cryptocurrency trading. With a £0 minimum deposit for bank transfers and powerful platforms tailored to both new and advanced traders, IG is built to serve a wide range of investor needs. For UK clients, IG also offers unique advantages such as tax-free spread betting and retirement-focused accounts like SIPPs and ISAs.
Pros
Access to 17,000+ markets including forex, shares, crypto, and futures
Research tools powered by TipRanks
Tax-free spread betting for UK clients
Weekend trading on indices, FX, and commodities
Advanced risk tools, including Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs)
Multiple platforms support : IG proprietary, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, TradingView, and API access
IG Academy and DailyFX provide industry-leading education
Cons
If you make less than 3 trade per quarter, you will incur a £24 custody fee
IG Ratings
4.7/5
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
Trading Opportunities: 5/5
IG provides one of the broadest sets of instruments in the industry, spanning equities, ETFs, indices, commodities, forex, crypto, and futures. UK traders benefit further from tax-free spread betting. Unique features such as 24-hour markets on major indices during the week, allowing clients to trade around the clock, as well as weekend trading on major indices and FX pairs allow investors to react to global news even when traditional markets are closed, setting IG apart from most competitors.
Customer Service: 4.5/5
Customer support is available via phone, live chat, and email almost 24/7, with only a short weekly downtime. IG also maintains a large FAQ library and community forum for peer-to-peer assistance. While service is generally reliable, wait times may increase during high-traffic trading sessions.
Pricing and Fees: 4.5/5
IG’s spreads and commissions are competitive, especially for active traders. UK Equity investors benefit from zero commission on stocks, but should note the £24 quarterly custody fee, which is waived with at least three trades per quarter. Spread betting remains tax-free for UK clients, offering a significant edge. Overnight financing fees may apply on leveraged positions but are in line with industry averages.
Mobile App: 5/5
The IG mobile app is a highlight, offering advanced charting, seamless trade execution, and integrated market news. It also includes TipRanks research data for equities, helping traders make more informed decisions. Support for platforms like ProRealTime and TradingView ensures advanced chartists and algo traders are well served.
User Experience & Perks: 5/5
IG Academy remains one of the best educational hubs in the industry, with structured courses, webinars, and interactive learning for all levels. DailyFX, IG’s in-house research portal, delivers expert analysis, and IG Live TV provides daily video insights. With the addition of TipRanks analyst ratings and market sentiment data, IG gives traders both the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.
Final Verdict
Advertiser Disclosure
TipRanks may receive compensation from the brokers reviewed above in the form of affiliate links. This means that when users open accounts through the links provided on this site, TipRanks may earn a commission. We always aim to offer accurate, unbiased information to help users make informed decisions. Please note that past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments carry inherent risks. Ensure you do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
