IronFX vs IG Index

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

IronFX vs IG Index Comparison Table 2025
IronFX IG Index
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3.8
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4.7
IronFX is ranked #37 among CFD brokers. IG Index is ranked #7 among CFD brokers.
IronFX, established in 2010, is a highly regulated broker specialising in forex and CFDs. This acclaimed company provides access to over 500 markets for more than 1.5 million clients in 180 countries. Traders benefit from multiple account options with competitive rates via the MT4 platform, alongside 24/5 customer support available in 30 languages. 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 MT4, the broker also provides various services such as copy trading, a VPS solution, and PAMM/MAM accounts.
  • IronFX offers both fixed and floating spread accounts, appealing to novices and seasoned traders alike.
  • Traders gain access to the renowned Trading Central research tool, featuring automated AI analytics and round-the-clock support.
  • IronFX is a well-established firm regulated by respected authorities such as the CySEC, FCA, and FSCA.
  • The broker regularly hosts trading competitions with cash rewards and provides welcome bonuses for new clients.
  • The IronFX Academy provides outstanding educational resources for traders of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
  • 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
  • It is unfortunate that the broker lacks advanced software options like MT5 or TradingView, restricting choice for seasoned traders.
  • Commissions in zero-spread accounts begin at £13.50 per lot, almost twice the industry standard.
  • In comparison to top brokers, IronFX provides a limited range of share CFDs.
  • 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 Online Trading Platform (2019)
  • Best Broker of the Year (2019)
  • Most Trustworthy Forex Broker Global (2019)
  • Best Online Trading & Financial Services Company (2020)
  • Best Online Forex Trading Platform (2021)
  • International Online Currency Trading Platform of the Year (2021)
  • Most Outstanding Online Trading Partners Program (2022)
  • 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, Indices, Shares, Futures, Commodities, Metals (all CFDs) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$100 $0
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, BMA / Bermuda FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
Mobile Apps
Android, iOS, WebTrader 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.
iOS App Rating
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2.1
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4.6
Android App Rating
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2.5
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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
No Yes
Autochartist
Yes Yes
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes Yes
STP Account
Yes No
ECN Account
Yes No
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
Yes No
PAMM Account
Yes No
LAMM Account
Yes 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
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime
Copy Trading
Yes No
Copy Trading Platform
The TradeCopier service enables aspiring investors to mirror the strategies of leading traders instantly. This tool offers novices an opportunity to learn from seasoned investors, while strategy providers have the potential to earn performance fees.
Social Trading
Yes No
Trade Signals
Yes Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes Yes
Tournaments
Yes No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No Yes
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No Yes
Inactivity Fee
3% $12
Islamic Account
Yes No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • PLN
  • CZK
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • SEK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Copper
  • Corn
  • Cotton
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Oil
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • Palladium
  • 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
IronFX offers over 300 instruments across forex, equities, commodities, and index CFDs. Leverage varies from 1:30 to 1:1000, based on the trader's account location. Exceptional technical analysis tools are available, featuring 30 built-in indicators and 9 different chart time frames. 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
1:30 (FCA), 1:30 (CySEC), 1:500 (FSCA), 1:1000 (BM) 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)
FTSE Spread
140 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
0.8 0.9
Oil Spread
3 2.8
Stocks Spread
Variable 0.02
Forex
IronFX provides a robust choice of 80 currency pairs for traders. Utilise the market-leading MT4 platform, which includes various forex research tools. However, be aware that commission fees in zero-spread accounts are steep, starting at $13.50 per lot. 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
80+ 80+
GBPUSD Spread
0.8 0.9
EURUSD Spread
0.7 0.8
EURGBP Spread
0.9 0.9
Currency Indices
  • USD
IronFX IG Index
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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