What We Tested
- Account type: CFD Account ($1,000 starting balance for test)
- Platform: Proprietary Web Platform and MT4
- Trading period: 4 months, 70 trades executed
- Assets tested: EURUSD, GER40, Spot Gold, US Shares CFDs
- Withdrawal tests: 3 successful (Credit Card, PayPal, Bank Wire)
- Support tests: 5 inquiries via chat and phone
Testing focused on the stability and reliability of the proprietary platform during market events, and accuracy of spread quotes on indices and Forex.
Regulation & Safety
IG Group is one of the most trusted and heavily regulated brokers globally, listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and part of the FTSE 250:
- FCA (UK) – Tier-1 regulation, FSCS protection up to £85,000. Established 1974.
- ASIC (Australia) – Tier-1 regulation, strict compliance.
- CFTC/NFA (USA) – Regulated for US derivatives trading (via subsidiary).
- MAS (Singapore) – Tier-1 license in Asia.
Spreads & Execution
| Pair/Asset | Typical Spread | Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.8 pips | $0 | Commission-free, but wider than raw spreads |
| DAX40 (GER40) | 1.0 point | $0 | Fixed spread guarantee |
| US Shares CFD | Variable | from $10/trade | Commission applies to share CFDs |
| Spot Gold | 0.3 points | $0 | Competitive pricing on metals |
Spreads are generally markup-inclusive (commission-free). The US stock CFD product has a commission structure.
Execution Model and Quality
- Execution Model: Market Maker / Hedged (NDD Hybrid)
- Fill Reliability: Extremely high. Known for reliable execution even during news.
- Slippage: Generally minimal on Forex/Indices. Guaranteed Stop Losses available.
- Platform Speed: Very fast on proprietary platform.
IG's execution model ensures reliability and stability, crucial given its massive client base and asset complexity. The focus is on guaranteed price stability over the absolute fastest ECN speed.
Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLOs)
IG’s proprietary platform offers a crucial risk management feature: Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLOs):
- Function: Guarantees your trade will be closed at the price you specify, even during extreme volatility or market gaps (when normal stops can fail).
- Cost: A small premium is added to the spread for the protection. The premium is refunded if the stop is never triggered.
- Benefit: Essential for managing black swan events or trading during major news releases without fearing massive slippage.
This feature is a powerful tool for professional risk management, providing peace of mind during highly volatile market conditions. It’s a key differentiator from most ECN brokers.
Account Types & Fees
Standard CFD Account
- Min deposit: $0 (recommended $250+)
- Spreads: Markup included (avg 0.8-1.5 pips)
- Commission: $0 on Forex/Indices
- Best for: Most retail traders and those valuing simplicity/safety.
Share Dealing Account
- Min deposit: $0
- Spreads: N/A (commissions apply)
- Commission: Variable/Flat Fee (depending on share type)
- Best for: Investors buying underlying shares (UK only).
Other Fees
- Deposit fees: $0 (all methods)
- Withdrawal fees: $0 (all methods)
- Inactivity fee: $12/month after 24 months of no activity.
- Swap rates: Standard overnight financing applies.
Deposits & Withdrawals (Tested)
IG provides hassle-free funding, with zero fees charged by the broker:
| Method | Amount | Processing Time | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card/Debit Card | $500 | 1 business day | $0 | Max $30,000 deposit per card |
| Bank Wire | $1,000 | 2-5 business days | $0 | No fees charged by IG |
| PayPal | $200 | Same day (4 hours) | $0 | Available in selected regions |
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Platforms & Tools
- IG Proprietary Platform: Award-winning web and mobile platform. Known for its speed, stability, and integrated risk management tools (such as GSLO).
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Full suite support, allowing the use of Expert Advisors (EAs). No MT5 support.
- ProRealTime: Advanced third-party charting package integrated for deep technical analysis (free for active traders).
- TradingView: Integrated charting directly into the proprietary platform.
Our Take: IG offers an exceptional suite of platforms. The proprietary platform is their strong point, suitable for high-level risk management, while MT4 ensures compatibility for algo trading.
Customer Support (Tested)
IG is highly regarded for its 24/5 support:
- Live Chat: 24/5, highly responsive, professional staff.
- Phone Support: Dedicated phone lines for immediate assistance (tested and confirmed high quality).
- Quality: Customer service is knowledgeable and experienced, consistent with a publicly traded company that adheres to high standards.
24/5 support via phone and chat is a standard hallmark of top-tier brokers, and IG delivers reliability across both channels.
PROS
- Publicly traded (LSE) and Tier-1 regulated (FCA, ASIC, NFA)
- Established 1974 (unmatched longevity and trust)
- Award-winning proprietary platform technology
- Massive asset selection (17,000+ assets)
- Zero deposit, withdrawal, and commission fees (on most assets)
- MT4 and ProRealTime support for advanced users
- GSLO (Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders) available
CONS
- Spreads are wider than dedicated ECN brokers (0.8 pips min EUR/USD)
- Market Maker execution model creates conflict of interest
- No MT5 support
- Higher inactivity fee and longer trigger window (24 months)
Who Should Use IG Group?
- Great fit: Spread Bettors (UK clients), experienced manual traders requiring advanced tools and GSLO, and those prioritizing institutional safety (LSE listing) and wide asset coverage.
- Good fit: Traders transitioning from basic brokers who require the stability and regulation of a veteran firm.
- Not ideal: Algorithmic traders who need MT5 or the absolute lowest raw ECN spreads for scalping.
Final Verdict
IG Group is a true pioneer and market leader, established over 50 years ago. Its primary strength is the rock-solid foundation of trust provided by its LSE listing, longevity, and Tier-1 regulation from the FCA, ASIC, and NFA.
The proprietary platform is one of the best in the business, offering advanced features like Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLO) and superior analytical tools, making it the platform of choice for millions of serious traders.
The drawback is cost: the 0.8 pip minimum spread is competitive for a Market Maker but significantly higher than the 0.1 pip raw spreads of ECN rivals. For IG, you pay a premium for safety, stability, and platform technology.