At Business Expert, we’re committed to providing traders with in-depth and impartial reviews of the industry’s top forex brokers; this review of IG is no exception.
IG has gained a justified reputation for being one of the most reputable brokers with a range of trading options and excellent security features.
In this review, I’ll look closer at IG’s product offerings, trading platforms, fees, educational resources, and more to help you determine if they are the right fit.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. The content is not tailored to specific individuals or their investment objectives, financial situation, or risk tolerance.
IG Review: Our Verdict
Overall, IG is a fantastic platform for intermediate traders upwards. It has a comprehensive range of trading tools and functionality, but I would hesitate to recommend it to a brand-new investor.
The platform is clean and well-designed, with a smooth user experience. It’s comparable to something like MT4, the industry standard, but it’s potentially even easier to use.
Its educational resources are some of the best – if not the best – in the trading industry. Its mobile APP is also a serious contender for the industry’s best.
Price-wise, it’s good for share traders (£24 per quarter for an ISA or share dealing account) and the spreads are about industry standard for CFDs.
Customer support has been good in my experience, with 24/7 support available.
You should also be aware that spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and have a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Pros and Cons of IG
What’s Great with IG
- User-friendly platform
- Wide range of financial products, including shares, ETFs, spread bets and CFDs
- Long Track Record: IG was established in 1974
- IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- No Minimum Deposit
- Low Non-Trading Fees
What You Should be Aware Of
- Limited research tools
- Some traders have reported that IG’s customer support can be slow to respond or unhelpful.
- High CFD Trading Fees
- Limited deposit options
- No fractional shares
IG Trading Safety: How Your Funds Are Protected
IG is a well-regulated investment platform that provides a safe and secure trading environment for its users.
It is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
As a regulated platform, IG is required to adhere to strict guidelines and standards regarding security and client protection. The platform uses advanced security measures like two-factor authentication and encryption to protect its users’ data and funds.
IG also has a negative balance protection policy, ensuring traders cannot lose more than their account balance. This policy provides an extra layer of protection against unexpected market movements or trading losses.
In addition, IG segregates client funds from its own funds, which means that clients’ funds will be protected and returned to them in the unlikely event of the platform’s insolvency.
Overall, IG’s regulatory compliance and security measures make it a safe and trustworthy platform for traders to invest their funds.
IG Account Opening: How to Get Started
Visit the IG website – Visit the IG website at www.ig.com. Click on the “Create account” button in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Choose your account type – Next, you’ll need to choose the type of account you want to open. IG offers a range of accounts, including a demo account, a standard account, and a professional account. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Fill in your personal information – To open an account with IG; you’ll need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and contact details. You’ll also need to choose a password and set up some security questions.
Provide additional information – Depending on the type of account you’re opening, you may need additional information, such as your employment status, income, and investment experience. This ensures that IG can provide you with appropriate investment products and services.
Verify your identity – To comply with regulatory requirements, IG must verify your identity before you can start trading. You can do this by uploading a copy of your passport or driving license and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Fund your account – Once your account is open and your identity is verified, you can fund your account and start trading. IG offers a range of funding options, including bank transfer, debit card, and credit card.
IG Key Trading Features and Products
Stocks and Shares
IG provides traders access to over 10,000 stocks and shares across global markets, including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Traders can buy and sell shares outright or trade them using derivatives such as CFDs.
Forex Trading
IG offers forex trading on over 80 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic currencies. Traders can access competitive spreads, flexible trading sizes, and advanced charting tools.
Indices Trading
IG provides traders access to over 30 indices, including the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and NASDAQ 100. Traders can trade indices using CFDs to profit from rising and falling markets.
Commodities Trading
IG trades various commodities, including gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Traders can access competitive spreads, flexible trading sizes, and advanced charting tools.
Cryptocurrency
IG offers trading on various popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Traders can access competitive spreads, flexible trading sizes, and advanced charting tools.
Platform Features
IG’s platform features include advanced charting tools, real-time market news and analysis, customisable watchlists, and various order types. Traders can also access IG’s mobile app, which allows them to trade on the go.
IG Fees & Charges – A Breakdown of Costs
When it comes to investing, fees can play a significant role in your overall returns. IG offers competitive pricing on its platform, with transparent and straightforward fee structures.
IG charges a minimum commission of $5 per trade for stocks, with a maximum of 0.05% of the trade value. Options trading is priced at $0.70 per contract, with a minimum fee of $7 per trade. Forex trading fees are built into the bid-ask spread, with no additional commission charged.
One unique feature of IG’s fee structure is its “Smart Portfolios” offering. Smart Portfolios are automated investment portfolios tailored to your risk profile and investment goals. IG charges a flat fee of 0.65% per year for this service, with no additional trading fees or commissions.
What is IG’s Minimum Deposit?
IG has a relatively low minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to investors of all levels.
For a standard account, the minimum deposit is just £250, which is significantly lower than many other online brokers.
For the professional account option, which is aimed at experienced traders, the minimum deposit is higher at £10,000 and meets specific other criteria, such as a certain level of trading activity or a relevant professional qualification.
Overall, the low minimum deposit requirement for IG’s standard account makes it an excellent option for investors who are just starting out or who prefer to invest smaller amounts.
Market Research
IG offers a variety of research tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions.
One notable research feature is the platform’s news feed, which updates market events and trends. The news feed includes stories from leading financial news sources and exclusive content from IG’s team of market analysts.
In addition to the news feed, IG offers a range of other research tools and resources, including technical analysis tools, economic calendars, and market insights reports. These resources can be handy for active traders who rely on data and analysis to inform their trading decisions.
IG’s Educational Resources
To help users build their knowledge and confidence, the platform offers a range of educational resources and tools.
These resources include video tutorials, webinars, and a variety of written guides and articles. Topics covered range from basic investment concepts to more advanced trading strategies, risk management, and market analysis.
One unique feature of IG’s educational resources is its “IG Academy” program. The program is designed to take users on a structured learning journey, with courses and quizzes covering topics from beginner to advanced.
The IG Academy’s beginner-level courses cover financial markets and trading, while the intermediate-level courses dive into technical analysis and risk management. The advanced-level courses cover more complex topics such as trading psychology and algorithmic trading.
Another educational resource provided by IG is its demo account feature. The demo account allows users to practice trading with virtual funds, allowing them to try out different strategies and test the platform’s features and tools in a risk-free environment.
IG Customer Support
IG offers several options for getting help when needed. Here’s what you need to know about the customer support services available on the IG platform.
Live chat – IG’s live chat feature lets you speak with a customer service representative in real-time. This option is available 24/7 and is a quick and convenient way to get help with any questions or issues.
Phone support – If you prefer to speak with someone over the phone, IG offers phone support during business hours. You can find the phone number for your region on the IG website.
Contact Number – 0800 195 3100
Email support – If you have a less urgent inquiry, email IG’s customer support team. You can expect a response within 24 hours.
Support Address – newaccountenquiries.uk@ig.com
Help centre – IG’s help centre is a comprehensive resource that answers frequently asked questions, platform guides, and educational materials to help you get the most out of the platform.
Visit IG’s Help Centre
Social media – IG is active on several social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. You can reach out to them through these channels, and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
IG Community – IG provides a trading forum powered by its users, allowing you to ask questions and get help on trading and investment issues. At the moment, the community counts more than 40 000 members.
Is IG the Right Investment Platform for You?
IG is a versatile investment platform that caters to a wide range of users, from casual investors to seasoned traders. The platform’s various features and tools make it an excellent choice for multiple investors.
IG offers a user-friendly platform for casual investors with competitive fees and low minimum deposit requirements.
The platform’s educational resources and research tools can also be helpful for those who are new to investing or looking to expand their knowledge.
For active traders, IG offers a range of advanced trading features and tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and customisable trading alerts. The platform also provides access to over 17,000 global markets, giving traders a wide range of investment options.
In addition, IG offers a range of account types to suit different needs and preferences. For example, the platform provides spread betting and CFD trading accounts, allowing users to choose the account type that best fits their trading style and preferences.
How Much Does IG Cost?
The platform offers both fixed and variable spreads on trades, and the exact pricing will depend on the asset being traded. In addition to spreads, other trading fees may be associated, such as overnight holding costs or commission fees.
IG also offers different account types depending on your trading needs. Their standard account is suitable for most traders, with competitive pricing and access to all assets. They also offer a professional account for more experienced traders, which offers higher leverage and additional trading tools.
Opening an account with IG is free.
For those who prefer to trade with a smaller account size, IG offers a mini account with lower minimum deposit requirements. Finally, for those who want to trade with a large account size, they offer a premium account with additional benefits and dedicated account management.
Spread / Commission
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Key FX Pairs | 0.6 points |
| Major Indices | 0.8 Points |
| Commodities | 0.1 Points |
What are the Customer Reviews for IG?
IG receives mostly positive reviews on Trustpilot, with a current score of 4.1 stars over 5 964 reviews.
53% of users award the platform 5 stars, citing the quality of the user interface.
17% of users give negative reviews of only 1 star, citing the quality of customer support.
IG FAQs
How does IG work?
IG allows users to open an account and deposit funds. Users can then access the various markets and place trades using the platform’s tools and resources.
What are the fees associated with using IG?
IG charges fees for each trade placed. The fees vary depending on the type of trade and the market being traded. The platform also charges inactivity fees for accounts that have been inactive for more than 2 years.
What markets can be traded on IG?
Users can trade in stocks, forex, commodities, and indices.
Is IG regulated?
Yes, IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and other regulatory bodies in other countries.
What are the account options available on IG?
IG offers a range of account types, including individual accounts, joint accounts, corporate accounts, and trusts.
What tools and resources are available on IG?
IG provides various tools and resources, including research and analysis, educational materials, and trading signals.
Is IG suitable for beginners?
Yes, IG offers a range of educational materials and resources that make it suitable for beginners. The platform’s user-friendly interface also makes it easy for new users to navigate.
How can I open an account with IG.com?
To open an account with IG, simply visit their website and follow the account opening process. This typically involves providing personal and financial information and verifying your identity.
