Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
Active traders, professional clients, and serious investors wanting institutional-grade execution across all asset classes.
Interactive Brokers
⭐ 4.8 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
Interactive Brokers vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Interactive Brokers and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. The two brokers are evenly matched — your final choice depends on your specific trading style.
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| Interactive Brokers | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Interactive Brokers |
| Regulators | SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | Interactive Brokers |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) / 1:400 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, API | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 1978 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | Greenwich, Connecticut, USA | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
Interactive Brokers pros
- ✓ Founded 1978 — listed on NASDAQ (IBKR) since 2007
- ✓ Direct regulatory presence in 12+ jurisdictions including US, UK, EU, Asia
- ✓ 1.5 million+ accounts, $400+ billion in client equity
- ✓ 150+ markets across 33 countries — broadest global access of any broker
- ✓ Real stocks, options, futures, bonds, mutual funds + FX
Cons
- ✗ Trader Workstation has a notoriously steep learning curve
- ✗ Customer service is functional but not high-touch
- ✗ Margin/financing rates are best in industry — but credit checks rigorous
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
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Which one should you choose?
Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Interactive Brokers or IG?
Interactive Brokers and IG are evenly matched on most measurable criteria. Your choice should depend on which specific features matter most — review the comparison table above and the "Pros & Cons" section.
Is Interactive Brokers more regulated than IG?
Interactive Brokers holds licenses from: SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Interactive Brokers vs IG?
Interactive Brokers spreads start from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Interactive Brokers or IG?
Interactive Brokers: $0 (no minimum). IG: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.