IG 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
Summary: IG has established itself as a leading forex and CFD broker, praised for its extensive range of tradable assets, competitive pricing, and robust educational resources. However, some users have reported mixed experiences regarding customer service and platform complexity, particularly for beginners.
Note: It's important to recognize that IG operates through different entities across regions, which can affect regulatory protections and available services.
Rating Box
- Account Conditions: 8/10
- Tools and Resources: 9/10
- Customer Service and Support: 7/10
- Trading Setup (or Trading Experience): 8/10
- Trust Level: 9/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- (Optional) Educational Resources: 9/10
How We Rate Brokers: Our ratings are based on comprehensive evaluations of various categories including trading conditions, fees, platform usability, and user satisfaction.
Broker Overview
Founded in 1974, IG is a publicly traded company based in London, recognized as a pioneer in the online trading space. It has developed a robust trading platform that supports both its proprietary interface and the widely used MetaTrader 4 (MT4). IG offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. The broker is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Detailed Section
Regulated Geographical Areas/Regions
IG operates globally, with licenses from multiple top-tier regulators including the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the USA. This regulatory framework ensures a high level of trust and safety for clients.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies/Cryptocurrencies
IG accepts various currencies for deposits including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, SGD, and HKD. The platform allows deposits via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and PayPal, with no deposit fees. Withdrawals are also free, though US clients may incur a $15 fee.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit requirement varies by region, with typical amounts around $250. This accessibility makes IG an attractive option for new traders looking to start with a modest investment.
Currently, IG does not offer specific bonuses or promotions for new accounts. However, they provide competitive trading conditions, particularly for US shares and UK shares.
Tradable Asset Classes
IG offers access to over 17,000 markets, including more than 90 currency pairs, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. This extensive range allows traders to diversify their portfolios effectively.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)
IG's spreads are competitive, starting from 0.6 pips for major forex pairs. While there are no commissions on most trades, additional costs may apply for certain asset classes, particularly stock CFDs. An inactivity fee of $12 applies after two years of inactivity.
Leverage
Leverage varies by asset class, with a maximum of 1:30 for retail clients in Europe and Australia. US clients face stricter regulations, limiting leverage to 1:50.
IG provides a proprietary web platform, MT4, and additional tools like ProRealTime and L2 Dealer for advanced traders. The mobile trading app is highly rated for its functionality and user experience.
Restricted Regions
IG does not accept clients from certain regions, including the United States (except for forex trading through its Tastytrade brand), Canada, and Japan, due to regulatory restrictions.
Available Customer Service Languages
IG offers customer support in multiple languages through various channels, including live chat, phone, and email. However, its customer service is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback for some users.
Repeated Rating Box
- Account Conditions: 8/10
- Tools and Resources: 9/10
- Customer Service and Support: 7/10
- Trading Setup (or Trading Experience): 8/10
- Trust Level: 9/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- (Optional) Educational Resources: 9/10
Detailed Breakdown
Account Conditions
IG offers a straightforward account setup process with no minimum deposit for most account types, making it accessible for new traders. However, some users have noted that the complexity of trading instruments can be overwhelming.
The platform excels in providing educational resources through IG Academy, which includes webinars, tutorials, and market insights. This comprehensive educational offering is particularly beneficial for beginners looking to enhance their trading skills.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service at IG has received mixed reviews. While many users appreciate the responsive support through live chat and phone, others have reported longer wait times during peak hours, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
Trading Setup (or Trading Experience)
The trading experience on IG is generally positive, with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of trading tools. However, some users have expressed that the platform's advanced features can be intimidating for newcomers.
Trust Level
IG is highly trusted, bolstered by its regulatory status and transparent operations. The separation of client funds from company assets adds an additional layer of security.
User Experience
Users have generally reported a satisfactory experience with IG's trading platforms, although the complexity of certain features may pose challenges for beginners. The mobile app has been particularly praised for its functionality and ease of use.
Educational Resources
IG's educational resources are extensive, catering to traders at all levels. The platform provides a wealth of information through its academy, making it a valuable tool for those looking to improve their trading knowledge.
In conclusion, IG stands out as a reputable broker with a comprehensive offering that appeals to both novice and experienced traders. Its commitment to education, competitive pricing, and regulatory compliance make it a solid choice in the trading landscape. However, potential users should consider the complexities of the platform and the mixed reviews regarding customer service before making a decision.
