IG Group vs Interactive Brokers

Detailed Analysis

IG Group and Interactive Brokers are both reviewed on PipsPal with verified data. This side-by-side looks at how they compare across the four factors that actually affect trading outcomes: spreads and trading costs, regulation and safety, platform choice, and minimum deposit requirements.

Spreads & Trading Costs

IG Group offers From 0.2 pips, while Interactive Brokers offers From 0.2 pips. Both use standard-account pricing with costs built into the spread rather than separate commissions. Direct spread comparison on EUR/USD during liquid sessions is the cleanest like-for-like measure — the numbers above reflect typical conditions, not minimum advertised. During news releases or low-liquidity periods, spreads widen on both, and the relative difference may narrow or flip.

Regulation & Safety

IG Group is regulated by ASIC, FCA. Interactive Brokers holds licences under CFTC, FCA, SEC. Both hold legitimate regulatory oversight, though the specific strength varies by jurisdiction. Check the broker's account-opening documentation to identify which legal entity will hold your funds — this determines which compensation scheme, if any, applies. For most retail traders, both brokers provide adequate protection; the question is whether you need specific regulator coverage (FCA for UK, ASIC for Australia, etc.) based on where you live.

Trading Platforms

IG Group supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, IG Trading Platform, WebTrader. Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation, WebTrader, Mobile. The platform choice here is mostly about fit with your existing workflow. If you already use one of the listed platforms at another broker, switching to the one that supports your platform avoids re-learning. Algorithmic and Expert Advisor traders should verify that their specific strategy is compatible with each broker's platform version and hosting environment before committing.

Minimum Deposit

IG Group requires a $250 minimum deposit, while Interactive Brokers requires $0. Interactive Brokers offers a significantly lower barrier to entry at $0, while IG Group's higher $250 minimum suggests it targets traders committing meaningful capital from the start. For testing the broker with a small deposit, Interactive Brokers is the clear choice. For a trader with sufficient starting capital, the minimum deposit difference is irrelevant — trading conditions and regulation matter more.

Our Verdict