FXCM vs IG Index

FXCM or IG Index – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare FXCM and IG Index in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

FXCM vs IG Index Comparison Table 2025
FXCM IG Index
rating empty
rating full
4
rating empty
rating full
4.7
FXCM is ranked #25 among CFD brokers. IG Index is ranked #7 among CFD brokers.
Review
Review
FXCM, a reputable forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, is headquartered in the UK. It has garnered multiple accolades and operates in several regions, including the UK and Australia. Offering more than 400 assets and comprehensive analysis tools without any commission charges, FXCM is a favoured option among traders. The broker is also under the regulation of leading bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, and BaFin. Founded in 1974, IG is a part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly listed brokerage (LSE: IGG). The company provides spread betting, CFD, and forex trading, offering access to over 17,000 markets. Its platforms and investing apps are notably user-friendly. Over the past 50 years, IG has consistently been an industry leader, excelling in all essential areas for traders.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with 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
  • In addition to its four charting platforms, FXCM provides a superior selection of specialist software for seasoned traders, featuring QuantConnect, AgenaTrader, and Sierra Chart.
  • The proprietary Trading Station platform is an excellent option for traders seeking a comprehensive tool for their short-term and automated strategies.
  • Traders have access to premium tools such as a market scanner, forex signals, and research from the third-party site eFXPlus.
  • FXCM boasts a strong international reputation, holding licences from the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA. With two decades of experience, it commands respect in the trading industry.
  • A variety of funding options, such as bank cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, are available with immediate processing.
  • The broker provides reduced spreads and additional benefits for seasoned traders through the Active Trader account.
  • FXCM has broadened its range of trading opportunities by offering 24/7 stock CFDs via MetaTrader 4.
  • IG stands out with its extensive range of instruments, offering stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it has recently introduced US-listed futures and options, along with an AI Index. These options enhance opportunities for diversification in trading.
  • The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.
  • The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.
  • As a seasoned broker, IG adheres to stringent regulatory standards across various regions, ensuring significant trust.
  • IG provides a wide range of professional and engaging educational materials, such as webinars, articles, and analyses, tailored for traders.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
Cons
  • While FXCM primarily caters to seasoned traders, the absence of managed accounts is unfortunate.
  • There are no retail account options available for traders, and Cent/Micro account alternatives are also absent.
  • The live chat support is often sluggish and inconsistent when compared to leading competitors.
  • Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
  • In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
  • IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
  • Based on tests, stock and CFD spreads remain less competitive than the lowest-cost brokers, such as CMC Markets.
  • IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.
Awards
  • Best Customer Service 2022 - Online Money Awards
  • Best Spread Betting Provider 2022 - Online Money Awards
  • Best Platform for the Active Trader 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • Best Multi Platform Provider 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • Best Finance App 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
FCA Regulated
Yes Yes
Instruments
Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$50 $0
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
Variable 0.01 Lots
Regulator
FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BaFin, CIRO FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
Mobile Apps
iOS and Android iOS & Android
Trading App

IG offers a superb all-round trading app. One of the pioneers of mobile trading, the application has been developed and refined over many years, meaning it is now among the best trading apps. Quick response, user-friendly layout, access to full charting and a stable and reliable application. It also offers guaranteed stops – an important risk management tool not available on many apps we’ve tested.
iOS App Rating
rating empty
rating full
3.1
rating empty
rating full
4.6
Android App Rating
rating empty
rating full
4.5
rating empty
rating full
4
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
Margin Rate
2.5%
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
No No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes Yes
Autochartist
No Yes
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No Yes
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
Yes No
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No Yes
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
Yes Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime
Copy Trading
Yes No
Copy Trading Platform
FXCM provides social and copy trading options for forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies via the widely-used ZuluTrade platform. Registration is swift, and you can monitor your trading outcomes instantly.
Social Trading
Yes No
Trade Signals
Yes
VPS Hosting
No Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
Yes No
Ethical Investing
No Yes
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No Yes
Inactivity Fee
$12
Islamic Account
Yes No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • SEK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Cannabis
  • Gold
  • Copper
  • Oil
  • Palladium
  • Silver
  • Sugar
  • Coffee
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Soybeans
  • Orange Juice
  • Nickel
  • Steel
  • Iron
  • Precious Metals
  • Aluminium
  • Lithium
  • Cannabis
  • Lean Hogs
  • Cattle
CFD
You can engage in trading various CFD instruments, such as forex, shares, indices, and commodities. Traders have access to a superb choice of platforms, including TradingView and MT4. Additionally, advanced trading tools like API solutions cater to experienced algorithmic traders. IG provides over 17,000 CFDs, giving traders more opportunities than most brokers. Investors can trade long or short on key markets such as equities, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, customised price alerts and the IG Academy enrich the trading experience.
Leverage
1:400 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)
FTSE Spread
1.18 pts var* 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
0.5 pips* 0.9
Oil Spread
0.05 (var)* 2.8
Stocks Spread
0.2% Var* 0.02
Forex
FXCM provides a selection of over 40 currency pairs. There are no commission charges, and spreads are competitive, starting at 0.78 pips for EUR/USD. Additionally, the broker features three forex baskets, focusing on USD, Yen, and emerging market benchmarks. IG provides an extensive selection of over 80 currency pairs through its own web platform, mobile app, or MetaTrader 4. For advanced charting and forex analysis, the ProRealTime software is available. Testing shows forex spreads are competitive, beginning at 0.1 pips on major pairs such as EUR/USD.
Assets
40 80+
GBPUSD Spread
0.5 pips var* 0.9
EURUSD Spread
0.2 pips var* 0.8
EURGBP Spread
0.5 pips var* 0.9
Currency Indices
  • JPY
  • USD
Cryptocurrency
Trade popular digital currencies with no commission and leverage. FXCM offers a crypto basket, providing exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash in a single trade. IG offers a limited range of 11 crypto CFDs, lagging behind leading brokers such as Vantage, which provides access to over 40 tokens. Nonetheless, IG distinguishes itself with its crypto index, tracking the top 10 digital currencies by market capitalisation. This index offers traders a comprehensive method to speculate on the overall value of the crypto market.
Spread
Variable Variable
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • BTC
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • ADA
  • DOT
  • DOGE
  • LINK
  • UNI
  • XLM
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
FXCM IG Index
Review
Review
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with 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.
More Comparisons
FXCM
vs

 IG Index
vs