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IG
VS
Interactive Brokers

IG vs Interactive Brokers: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare IG and Interactive Brokers — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Interactive Brokers edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaIGInteractive Brokers
Overall score 4.1 4.3
Regulation & safety 4.5 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score85/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform, Mobile app, MetaTrader 4 (in some markets)Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/region

Pros & cons

IG
  • Very strong regulation — supervised by the FCA & a FTSE 100 public company (high financial transparency from public-company duties)
  • One of the oldest & largest providers (since 1974) with 19,000+ markets
  • Mature platforms: proprietary web + mobile app + MT4 in some markets
  • Leveraged products (CFDs/spread betting) remain high-risk regardless of strong regulation
  • Spreads/fees aren't always the cheapest compared to low-cost ECN brokers
  • Product availability & regulatory entity differ per country — verify which serves your region
Interactive Brokers
  • Top-tier regulation & transparency — a US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) supervised by SEC/FINRA/CFTC + many global regulators
  • Among the cheapest costs in the industry; very broad global market access
  • Very powerful TWS platform & API for professional/algorithmic traders
  • The TWS platform has a steep learning curve — less beginner-friendly
  • Customer support is more self-service (not hand-holding), suited to technical users
  • Interface & account structure can feel complex at first

Regulation at a glance

IG

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, a FTSE 100 constituent — high financial transparency due to public-company obligations.

Interactive Brokers

A US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) with entities regulated by SEC/FINRA/CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), the Central Bank of Ireland, and others. One of the most regulated & financially transparent brokers.