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IG vs Saxo Bank (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IG against Saxo Bank 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: It's a Tie
Both IG and Saxo Bank offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. IG is ideal for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access, while Saxo Bank excels for high-net-worth investors & multi-asset traders. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability or 71,000+ instruments available.
IG vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | 1992 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 ($0 bank transfer) | $2,000 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:66 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 185+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card | Bank Transfer, Card |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Maker / DMA |
IG vs Saxo Bank: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IG and Saxo Bank, 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. IG offers pricing characterized by $0 (Built into spread for Forex) alongside 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, Saxo Bank utilizes a model with From $1/lot (Platinum tier) and 0.6 pips spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IG | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) | From $1/lot (Platinum tier) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Maker / DMA |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IG or Saxo Bank Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IG and Saxo Bank are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IG is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1974. Saxo Bank, licensed since 1992, 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.
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Saxo Bank
Tier 1- Regulators:Danish FSAFCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)MAS (Singapore)FINMA (Switzerland)
- Investor Protection: Up to €100,000 (Danish Guarantee Fund)
- Licensed Since: 1992
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IG equips its clients with IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. Saxo Bank, on the other hand, grants access to SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoInvestor. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IG | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (SaxoTraderGO/PRO) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IG vs Saxo Bank
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
Saxo Bank
Pros
- 71,000+ instruments available
- Bank-grade security and regulation
- Exceptional SaxoTraderPRO platform
- Access to real stocks, bonds, options
- Research from top global providers
Cons
- Very high $2,000 minimum deposit
- Premium pricing structure
- Complex fee tiers
Expert Verdict: IG vs Saxo Bank
When we place IG and Saxo Bank side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IG, licensed since 1974, has carved out a massive niche focusing on professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker (+ DMA routing available), and their platform environment highlights IG Platform.
Conversely, Saxo Bank, operational out of Copenhagen, Denmark, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for high-net-worth investors & multi-asset traders. Their From $1/lot (Platinum tier) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability, and you intend to start with a minimum of $250 ($0 bank transfer), IG is the logical path forward. If, however, you value 71,000+ instruments available and require SaxoTraderGO, Saxo Bank edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
IG vs Saxo Bank: 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