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IG Review
A major, FTSE-listed UK broker offering forex, CFDs, share dealing and spread betting, with deep markets and strong tooling.
Best for
- UK/EU active traders
- CFD and spread-betting users
- Broad market access
Not best for
- You're a US resident (CFDs banned)
- You want ultra-low-cost passive investing only
Our verdict & scoring
IG is one of the largest and longest-running UK brokers, listed on the London Stock Exchange, offering forex, CFDs, UK spread betting and share dealing across thousands of markets. Strong platform and research; leveraged products carry ESMA/FCA caps and negative-balance protection for UK/EU retail.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use IG
IG is a strong choice for UK/EU active traders who want forex, CFDs, share dealing and UK spread betting across thousands of markets, backed by a large, LSE-listed and long-running broker. Its platform and research reward traders who value breadth and depth. It's not suitable for US residents (CFDs are banned for US retail) or for anyone who only wants ultra-low-cost passive investing.
What we'd change
IG's leveraged products are high-risk and come with ESMA/FCA leverage caps and negative-balance protection for retail. The fee schedule is also on the complex side — overnight financing, guaranteed-stop premiums, an inactivity fee and currency conversion can all apply, so the true cost depends on how you trade.
How it compares to CMC Markets
IG and CMC Markets are direct rivals: both are large, LSE-listed, FCA-regulated UK brokers offering huge market ranges, proprietary platforms and UK spread betting, with comparable regulation and protections (FSCS up to £85,000). The choice usually comes down to which platform you prefer and the specific spreads on the markets you trade most. Both are US-restricted.
Pros
- Large, listed, well-regulated
- Huge range of markets
- Strong platform and research
Cons
- Leveraged products are high-risk
- US-restricted
- Fee schedule can be complex
Fees & hidden costs explained
Spread-based CFD/forex pricing; share-dealing commissions; overnight financing on leveraged positions.
Safety, regulation & availability
UK: IG Markets Limited is FCA-authorised (FRN 195355) and the group is LSE-listed. EU: regulated entities with ESMA leverage caps and negative-balance protection. Not available to US retail traders for CFDs.
Account protection: UK: FSCS protection up to £85,000 (eligibility varies by product/entity).
Available to retail traders in:
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Frequently asked questions
Is IG available to US traders?
CFDs are banned for US retail traders, so IG's leveraged offering is not available in the US. IG serves UK and EU clients.
Is IG regulated and safe?
Yes — IG Markets Limited is FCA-authorised (FRN 195355) and the group is listed on the London Stock Exchange. UK clients have FSCS protection up to £85,000, with eligibility varying by product and entity.
How does IG charge?
IG uses spread-based pricing on CFDs and forex, commissions on share dealing, and overnight financing on leveraged positions. Watch for inactivity and currency-conversion fees too.
Does IG offer a demo account?
Yes — IG provides a demo/paper-trading account to practise before trading live.
What is spread betting on IG?
Spread betting is a leveraged product available to UK clients (listed under IG's supported assets as 'Spread Betting (UK)'). It carries the same high-risk profile as CFD trading.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.