IG Review
By Itai Varochik | Last updated January 15, 2026
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Our Verdict
IG is the most trusted forex broker with unmatched market access and 50 years of reliability.
GetASearch Score: 8.5/10
Rating: 4.5/5 (1234 reviews)
Pros
- 50+ years of proven reliability
- 17,000+ tradable markets
- Excellent ProRealTime and MT4 platforms
- Strong regulation (FCA, ASIC, CFTC)
Cons
- Higher spreads on some exotic pairs
- Complex fee structure for CFDs
- Inactivity fees after 2 years
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Features | 9.0/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.0/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.0/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 |
What is IG?
IG is one of the world's largest and most established online trading providers, founded in London in 1974 as the first company to offer spread betting on the price of gold. Today, IG serves over 300,000 clients globally and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250), providing trading access to 17,000+ markets including forex, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more. IG offers both spread betting (tax-free in the UK) and CFD trading, giving traders flexibility in how they access markets. The platform provides competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs and 1 point on key indices, with no commission on most instruments. DMA (Direct Market Access) is available for shares, giving professional traders the ability to trade directly on exchange order books. The IG trading platform is available as a web application, desktop download, and mobile app. Features include ProRealTime advanced charting (free for active traders), 100+ technical indicators, automated trading through ProRealTime's programming language, and customizable dashboards. IG also supports MetaTrader 4 for traders who prefer that ecosystem, and offers L2 Dealer for professional DMA trading. IG Academy provides one of the most comprehensive trading education programs in the industry, with structured courses covering forex basics through advanced risk management, all completely free. Market analysis includes daily updates from IG's in-house analysts, Reuters news feeds, economic calendars, and signal services. Risk management tools include guaranteed stops (for a premium), trailing stops, and price alerts. IG's negative balance protection ensures retail clients cannot lose more than their account balance. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, and IG is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, BaFin, and other major regulators worldwide. For US clients, IG offers forex trading through IG US (regulated by CFTC and NFA) with access to 80+ forex pairs and competitive pricing. Globally, IG's breadth of markets, regulatory credentials, and four decades of operation make it one of the most trusted names in online trading.
Integrations: MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, TradingView
Regulation: The Gold Standard
IG holds licenses from 6+ tier-1 regulators including FCA, ASIC, BaFin, and CFTC. Client funds are segregated and held in top-tier banks.
Platform Options: Something for Everyone
IG offers its proprietary web platform, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, and L2 Dealer. The web platform handles 80% of traders' needs beautifully.
IG Features
| Feature | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading | Yes | 80+ currency pairs |
| CFD Trading | Yes | Stocks, indices, commodities |
| ProRealTime | Yes | Advanced charting package |
| MT4 Integration | Yes | MetaTrader 4 support |
| Risk Management | Yes | Guaranteed stop losses |
IG Pricing
- EUR/USD: 0.6 pips avg
- GBP/USD: 0.9 pips avg
Best For
- Experienced forex traders
- Multi-asset CFD traders
Not Ideal For
- Crypto-focused traders
- Beginners seeking simplicity
Final Verdict
IG is the most trusted forex broker with unmatched market access and 50 years of reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG regulated and safe?
Yes. IG is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CFTC/NFA (US), and other top-tier regulators. IG is one of the safest brokers in existence.
What are IG's forex spreads?
IG offers competitive spreads: EUR/USD averages 0.6 pips, GBP/USD 0.9 pips.