Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs BDSwiss, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% 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.
Founded in 1974, IG stands out as a seasoned player in the online brokerage landscape. With the distinction of being both a bank and a publicly traded company, IG demonstrates a high level of transparency and credibility. The firm boasts an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99, reflecting its strong regulatory standing. This is backed by eight Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, underscoring its reputation as a highly trusted entity in financial markets.
In contrast, BDSwiss, established in 2012, operates without the backing of a publicly traded status or a banking license. It holds one Tier-1 license, indicating a reasonable level of regulation yet falls short with no Tier-2 licenses. With a Trust Score of 73, BDSwiss is viewed as having an average risk profile, signaling that while it operates legally, it may not offer the same level of assurance as IG to traders seeking robust regulatory oversight and reliability.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2012 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When comparing online brokers IG and BDSwiss, particularly in terms of commissions and fees, IG stands out as a top choice for many traders. It is rated five stars and ranked #8 by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category. IG offers a range of sophisticated execution methods, with its Forex Direct accounts providing active trader pricing closer to the industry average. During July 2023, the average spread on the Forex Direct account was 0.62 pips, translating to a total cost of 0.82 pips when factoring in a commission equivalent of 0.2 pips per trade. Its CFD account further boasts competitive active trader rebates for high-volume traders, with potential discounts up to 20% off the spread for those trading over £300 million monthly.
IG also offers a Direct Market Access (DMA) account option for seasoned traders, which is linked to the L2 Dealer platform. This account type offers a base per-side commission of $60 per million traded, scaling down to $10 per million for those with higher monthly volumes over $1.5 billion. This pricing model, coupled with an average spread of 0.62 pips on the EUR/USD pair for July 2023, provides traders with an efficient pricing structure, with effective spreads dropping to as low as 0.82 pips for high-volume traders. These offerings make IG a highly competitive option, especially for active and professional traders seeking cost-effective solutions.
In comparison, BDSwiss, rated four stars and ranked #30, offers respectable, though pricier, execution options. Its Classic account features a higher spread of 1.5 pips on the EUR/USD, which is more expensive compared to IG. The BDSwiss Raw account pairs a tighter spread of 0.3 pips with a $5 commission per side, culminating in a total effective spread of 1.3 pips. The VIP account improves slightly with a 1.2 pips spread, highlighting the diverse pricing tiers available. While BDSwiss delivers commendable order execution, its spreads are generally above those of industry leaders, making IG the more cost-effective choice for many forex traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $10-$5000 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.3 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and BDSwiss for their range of investments, IG stands out as a more versatile choice for traders. IG offers an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, while BDSwiss provides 1,081. For forex enthusiasts, IG offers 97 tradeable forex pairs in contrast to BDSwiss's 53 pairs. IG also offers access to exchange traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling investors to buy shares like Apple and Vodafone. On the other hand, BDSwiss does not provide access to exchange traded securities on these exchanges, focusing instead on other areas of their trading platform.
Both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs and the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows for the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. When it comes to additional features, BDSwiss includes copy trading capabilities, which could be an appealing option for those interested in mimicking successful traders. IG, however, does not offer this feature. Overall, IG boasts a higher rating and ranking for range of investments, earning 5 stars and ranking 4th out of 63 brokers, whereas BDSwiss holds a 4-star rating and ranks 34th.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1081 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 53 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of IG and BDSwiss, both brokers offer useful features like free virtual demo accounts and proprietary platforms. Traders seeking flexible access will find solutions with both brokers, as they each provide Windows-based desktop software and web-based platforms. While both support MetaTrader 4 (MT4), BDSwiss takes it a step further by offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which IG does not provide. BDSwiss also introduces the advantage of copy trading, unlike IG.
Analyzing the charting tools, IG provides 20 drawing tools while BDSwiss offers 15, yet both allow trading directly from charts. Watchlists are slightly more customizable with BDSwiss, offering 7 columns compared to IG's 5. Despite these competitive features, IG ranks higher for trading platforms and tools, earning 5 stars and a #2 ranking out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, BDSwiss secures a commendable 4-star rating and ranks #24 in the same category.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing between the mobile trading apps of IG and BDSwiss, both brokers ensure accessibility by offering iPhone and Android apps that support stock and forex trading. Traders can receive price alerts on both platforms, keeping them updated on market movements. However, a significant advantage for mobile users with IG is the watchlist synchronization feature. This means your custom watchlists on the app stay consistent with those on your online account, which BDSwiss does not offer. On the charting front, IG provides 33 technical studies, just edging out the 30 available with BDSwiss, and both platforms allow trendline drawing and multiple timeframe views, catering to various trading strategies.
Another shared feature is the capability to create watchlists featuring real-time quotes, ensuring traders stay informed. Furthermore, both apps will auto-save your chart drawings, which is a handy feature for technical analysis. User reviews and industry rankings show a clear distinction; IG's mobile app achieved a 5-star rating and proudly holds the top spot out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, BDSwiss' app maintains a solid but lower rating of 4 stars and holds the 24th position. For those prioritizing app performance and features in their trading experience, IG appears to have the edge.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, IG and BDSwiss both provide valuable resources to assist traders in making informed investment decisions. IG stands out with its daily market commentary, forex news from industry-leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, and a suite of tools from companies like Autochartist and Acuity Trading. Additionally, IG offers a sentiment-based trading tool that provides insights into market positions, as well as comprehensive market research from TipRanks. BDSwiss, on the other hand, also offers daily market commentary and partners with both Autochartist and Trading Central for advanced technical analysis, though it falls short on top-tier forex news and lacks sentiment tools.
Both brokers include access to economic calendars to keep traders informed about global events, yet IG outshines BDSwiss with its all-round superior research resources. This is reflected in their ratings and rankings, with IG receiving a stellar 5-star rating for research compared to BDSwiss's respectable 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, IG is a front-runner, ranked 2nd out of 63 brokers for its research capabilities, while BDSwiss is positioned at 24th. These distinctions highlight the depth and variety of IG’s research tools and its unwavering commitment to arming traders with relevant market insights.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG and BDSwiss are both committed to providing educational resources for beginners looking to explore forex and CFDs trading. Both platforms offer a wide range of materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars to help new traders understand the basics. Moreover, each broker hosts monthly educational webinars and maintains a searchable archive of past sessions. This makes it easy for beginners to catch up on any missed learning opportunities. When it comes to educational videos, both IG and BDSwiss go above and beyond, offering over 10 beginner-focused videos to give newcomers a solid foundation in trading.
In addition to beginner content, IG and BDSwiss provide advanced educational videos, ensuring that traders of all levels can enhance their skills. Each broker also features an investor dictionary with definitions of over 50 investing terms, helping users better understand the language of trading. Despite these similarities, IG edges out BDSwiss with a five-star education rating and is ranked as the top provider by ForexBrokers.com, whereas BDSwiss holds a four-star rating and the 19th spot in the same category. This makes IG a particularly appealing option for those prioritizing a strong educational foundation in their trading journey.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than BDSwiss. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while BDSwiss finished with an overall rank of #36.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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While both IG and BDSwiss do not provide the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrencies, they each offer the ability to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives instead.
When comparing online brokers IG and BDSwiss, both offer ACH or SEPA transfers, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, while IG additionally supports PayPal, and BDSwiss uniquely provides Skrill as a payment method.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | BDSwiss Review |
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| Regulation | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2012 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1081 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 53 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.3 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | No |
| Funding | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $10-$5000 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review | BDSwiss Review |
| Overall | IG | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | BDSwiss Review |
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