IG Index vs FXTM

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

IG Index vs FXTM Comparison Table 2025
IG Index FXTM
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4.7
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4
IG Index is ranked #6 among CFD brokers. FXTM is ranked #64 among CFD brokers.
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. FXTM, founded in 2011, is a forex and CFD broker operating worldwide. Regulated by top authorities such as the FCA, it provides a secure trading environment. With over 1,000 markets and three account types, FXTM accommodates traders of all experience levels.
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
  • 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.
  • FXTM’s UK division provides exceptional client safeguards, including top-tier coverage of up to $1 million per client and segregated accounts, reinforcing security for traders with substantial balances.
  • FXTM stands out as a leading MetaTrader brokerage, offering custom MT4 tools like a Pivot Point Indicator, Pip Value Calculator, and Spread Indicator for more accurate trading.
  • FXTM offers an impressive selection of payment options, with a focus on local solutions in Africa and Asia such as M-Pesa and TC Pay Wallet. E-wallet withdrawals are processed rapidly, often within 30 minutes, accommodating traders needing swift fund access.
  • FXTM’s Advantage and Advantage Plus accounts provide tight spreads starting at 0.0 pips and charge low or zero commissions, tailored for traders aiming to reduce expenses.
Cons
  • 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.
  • FXTM is well-regulated in the UK, but this coverage isn't global. Therefore, although negative balance protection is available, traders outside the UK might face limited options for resolving disputes.
  • FXTM's educational resources, including its insightful e-books, have significantly improved. However, these materials are predominantly aimed at novices, which may not attract seasoned traders.
  • FXTM provides only MetaTrader 4/5 for desktop trading, lacking a bespoke platform such as eToro's for a tailored experience. MetaTrader 4/5 is becoming outdated for active traders.
  • FXTM specialises in CFDs and a select range of stocks but does not offer ETFs, options, or futures. This may restrict diversification for traders aiming to explore various market opportunities.
  • FXTM imposes a $10 inactivity fee following just three months without trading. This is shorter than the period many brokers offer and might frustrate those who do not trade regularly.
  • FXTM Invest, a user-friendly copy trading app, offered comprehensive performance statistics and risk assessments for Strategy Managers. However, it was discontinued in 2024, restricting passive traders' options.
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
  • Best Trading Experience 2021 - World Finance Awards
  • Best Online Leveraged Trading Services 2021 - Global Business Awards
  • Best Forex Education Partner Nigeria 2021 - World Business Outlook
  • Best Trading Experience 2020 - World Finance Awards
  • Best ECN Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
Yes Yes
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$0 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM FCA, FSC, CMA
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App
IG provides an excellent trading app. As a mobile trading pioneer, it has evolved over the years into a top-tier app. Expect swift responses, an intuitive interface, comprehensive charting, and dependable performance. Additionally, it includes guaranteed stops, a crucial risk management feature absent in many apps we've evaluated. FXTM offers an excellent mobile trading experience. It's swift, secure, and user-friendly, supporting MetaTrader 4 and 5. Enjoy real-time quotes, all execution types, and complete account management. The app's charting features are top-tier. Download now.
iOS App Rating
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4.6
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4.8
Android App Rating
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4
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4.4
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
Margin Rate
2.5%
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
No Yes
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes No
Autochartist
Yes No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes No
STP Account
No Yes
ECN Account
No Yes
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No Yes
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
Yes No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
Yes Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Copy Trading
No No
Social Trading
No No
Trade Signals
Yes Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Yes No
Inactivity Fee
$12 $10
Islamic Account
No Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • SEK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • NGN
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Copper
  • Oil
  • Palladium
  • Silver
  • Sugar
  • Coffee
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Soybeans
  • Orange Juice
  • Nickel
  • Steel
  • Iron
  • Precious Metals
  • Aluminium
  • Lithium
  • Cannabis
  • Lean Hogs
  • Cattle
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Precious Metals
CFD
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. FXTM provides CFDs in over 600 instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and location-dependent crypto, with recently reduced spreads. Experienced traders can access industry-leading leverage of up to 1:3000 via Exinity Ltd, enhancing potential returns but requiring careful risk management.
Leverage
1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) 1:30
FTSE Spread
1.0 0.8
GBPUSD Spread<
0.9 0.1
Oil Spread
2.8 5.0
Stocks Spread
0.02 0.1
Forex
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. FXTM excels with a robust offering of more than 60 currency pairs, outperforming rivals such as AvaTrade. Its six currency indices provide traders with excellent options for forex diversification. Additionally, the ECN account delivers ultra-competitive spreads from 0 pips on major currencies and features attractively low commission rates of only $3.50 per lot.
Assets
80+ 60+
GBPUSD Spread
0.9 0.1
EURUSD Spread
0.8 0.0
EURGBP Spread
0.9 0.0
Currency Indices
  • USD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • JPY
  • AUD
  • NZD
Cryptocurrency
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. Trade cryptocurrency CFDs on 11 popular digital tokens like Bitcoin, Avalanche, and Dogecoin. Benefit from competitive floating spreads and low minimum lot sizes starting at 0.01, ideal for both new traders and seasoned investors.
Spread
Variable Variable
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • ADA
  • DOT
  • DOGE
  • LINK
  • UNI
  • XLM
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • XRP
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
IG Index FXTM
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.
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