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Forex.com vs IG (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Forex.com against IG across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: IG Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **IG** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While Forex.com remains an excellent choice for us traders, experienced analysts & volume traders, IG proves superior due to its publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and access to over 17,000 global markets.
Forex.com vs IG: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1974 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $250 ($0 bank transfer) |
| EUR/USD Spread | 1.2 pips (Standard) | 0.2 pips (Raw) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:50 (US) | 1:30 (UK/EU) | 1:400 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 80+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Wire, Debit/Credit Card, ACH (US) | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker + DMA | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
Forex.com vs IG: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Forex.com and IG, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Forex.com offers pricing characterized by $5/lot (Raw/Direct account) alongside 1.2 pips (Standard) | 0.2 pips (Raw) spreads. In contrast, IG utilizes a model with $0 (Built into spread for Forex) and 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IG provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 1.2 pips (Standard) | 0.2 pips (Raw) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $5/lot (Raw/Direct account) | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker + DMA | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Forex.com or IG Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Forex.com and IG are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Forex.com is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2001. IG, licensed since 1974, counters with 5 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Forex.com
Tier 1- Regulators:CFTC/NFA (USA)FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CIRO (Canada)MAS (Singapore)CIMA (Cayman)
- Investor Protection: FSCS (£85k UK) / CIPF ($1M CAD)
- Licensed Since: 2001
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Forex.com equips its clients with Forex.com Platform, TradingView, MT4, MT5. IG, on the other hand, grants access to IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. If you rely on TradingView charting, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | ||
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Forex.com vs IG
Forex.com
Pros
- Fully regulated for US clients with a massive global footprint
- Owned by StoneX (Fortune 100 company) ensuring deep capitalization
- Excellent TradingView integration built-in
- Extensive market research and expert commentary
- Active Trader program offers massive rebates for high volume
Cons
- European standard spreads are somewhat wide compared to ECNs
- Platform suite can be overwhelming for true beginners
- Slower withdrawal processing than nimble offshore brokers
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
Expert Verdict: Forex.com vs IG
When we place Forex.com and IG side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Forex.com, licensed since 2001, has carved out a massive niche focusing on us traders, experienced analysts & volume traders. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker + DMA, and their platform environment highlights Forex.com Platform.
Conversely, IG, operational out of London, UK, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their $0 (Built into spread for Forex) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is fully regulated for us clients with a massive global footprint, and you intend to start with a minimum of $100, Forex.com is the logical path forward. If, however, you value publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and require IG Platform, IG edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Forex.com vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy