Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Earn, 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.
When comparing online brokers IG and Earn, one significant factor to consider is their level of regulatory oversight and trust. IG, founded in 1974, is publicly traded and operates as a bank. It holds an impressive eight Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, and two Tier-2 licenses, which also reflect reliability. These credentials contribute to IG's perfect Trust Score rating of 99 out of 99, classifying it as a highly trusted broker.
In contrast, Earn, established in 1994, is not publicly traded and does not function as a bank. It holds one Tier-1 license, which points to a basic level of trust, but lacks any Tier-2 licenses. With a Trust Score of 71, Earn is categorized at average risk by ForexBrokers.com. These distinctions highlight the differences in their regulatory standing, offering potential clients a clear insight into the security and reliability each broker provides.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1994 |
| 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 | 0 |
IG and Earn differ significantly in their approach to commissions and fees, beginning with IG's extensive trading options. IG is known for its scalable execution and ability to handle large orders, with its Forex Direct account offering competitive spreads close to the industry average in 2024. In July 2023, the spreads averaged 0.62 pips, and when factoring in the per trade commission, the all-in cost was approximately 0.82 pips. Additionally, IG's CFD account spread performance solidifies its reputation, with typical spreads during the main session averaging 0.69 pips that month. For traders transacting significant volumes, IG offers substantial rebates, rewarding heavy traders with up to 20% spread discount compared to the base spread. IG’s DMA accounts further incentivize savvy traders with discounted commissions, contributing to its 5-star commissions and fees rating, ranking it as the 8th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Earn does not provide specific average spread data, making a detailed monetary comparison challenging. Despite this, Earn maintains a respectable position in the market with a 4-star commissions and fees rating and a ranking of 45th out of 63 brokers. This suggests a generally commendable structure, though less competitive in specific trading metrics compared to IG, which offers more comprehensive data and distinct pricing structures depending on account type and volume trading capabilities.
When choosing between IG and Earn, traders prioritize factors like spread competitiveness, rebate opportunities, and additional trading benefits. IG's strategy of offering varied account types such as the DMA account, equipped with tiered pricing and rebates, provides a critical advantage for traders looking to minimize costs and maximize leverage on their trades. Earn might appeal to those valuing a straightforward fee structure without the need for extensive volume-based incentives, but IG's proficiency in accommodating both standard and professional trading needs positions it as a strong choice for cost-conscious traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| 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 Earn for their range of investments, IG shines with an impressive selection of options across various asset classes. With IG, traders have access to a staggering 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, alongside exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges like NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange. This includes the ability to trade heavyweights such as Apple and Vodafone stocks, in addition to offering both actual and derivative cryptocurrency trading options. Although IG does not offer copy trading, its comprehensive array of investment options earns it a 5-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 4th among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Earn provides a more limited investment portfolio, with 500 tradeable symbols and 61 forex pairs. While it facilitates forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, it does not offer direct investment in U.S. or international exchange-traded securities. However, Earn caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by providing access to cryptocurrency derivatives, although it lacks the option for actual cryptocurrency purchases. One advantage is its copy trading feature, which IG does not offer. Earn scores a 3.5-star rating for its range of investments and is ranked 45th by ForexBrokers.com in this category, highlighting its more niche focus compared to the expansive offerings from IG.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 offered by IG and Earn, both brokers provide simulated (paper) trading with a free virtual demo account, allowing users to practice without financial risk. IG boasts a proprietary platform developed in-house, whereas Earn does not. On the technology front, both brokers offer a Windows-based desktop platform and a web-based platform accessible via browsers. However, while IG includes MetaTrader 4 but not MetaTrader 5, Earn offers both versions of the MetaTrader platform, along with the unique advantage of copy trading through ZuluTrade.
Charting tools and customization capabilities also differ between IG and Earn. IG provides 20 drawing tools for precise charting, slightly more than Earn's 15. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, offering convenience to users. When it comes to watch list customization, Earn edges ahead with seven columns compared to IG's five. Despite these differences, IG's platforms earn a higher rating of five stars for trading platforms and tools, ranking #2 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Earn, while still offering competitive tools, garners a four-star rating and ranks #51, suggesting that IG might appeal more to traders prioritizing advanced platform features.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 35 |
| 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 comparing the mobile trading apps of IG and Earn, both platforms offer comprehensive smartphone solutions for iPhone and Android users, ensuring traders can access the market conveniently. Both apps include essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and viewing multiple time frames on charts, catering to the needs of both beginner and experienced traders. While IG supports seamless syncing of watchlists with its online account, Earn lacks this feature, potentially affecting how easily users can manage investments across devices. In terms of technical charting tools available on mobile, IG and Earn are competitive, with Earn offering a slightly larger array of 35 technical studies compared to IG's 33.
Real-time quotes are available for watchlists in both IG and Earn apps, making it easy for users to track market movements live. Auto-saving for chart drawings is supported on both platforms, ensuring a user-friendly experience. However, what truly sets these apps apart is their overall ranking and user ratings for their mobile platforms. IG clinches a top position by being rated 5 stars and ranked #1 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Earn holds a 4-star rating and ranks #27. This distinction highlights IG's superior app experience, making it a strong choice for traders prioritizing mobile trading efficiency and ease of use.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 35 |
| 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.
IG and Earn both provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to up-to-date information. However, when it comes to specialized research tools, IG stands out by offering software from Autochartist and sentiment-based trading insights, making it easier for clients to analyze and strategize. While both platforms lack Trading Central tools, IG further enhances its research offerings with market insights from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre.
Conversely, Earn does not provide these advanced tools, which might impact traders seeking a deeper understanding of market trends. Despite Earn having an economic calendar feature similar to IG, it falls behind in overall research capabilities as reflected in their ratings—IG earns a commendable 5-star rating, while Earn receives a respectable 3.5 stars. With IG ranked #2 and Earn #38 in the Research category by ForexBrokers.com among 63 brokers, IG proves to be a more research-rich platform for traders looking to leverage detailed analysis for their market decisions.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| 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.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, IG stands out as a top choice for aspiring forex and CFD traders. IG provides a wide array of tools to foster learning, offering over ten educational pieces such as articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. Beyond this, IG hosts monthly webinars that provide live learning opportunities, along with a searchable archive of past webinars for continuous access. Beginners can benefit significantly from IG's collection of over ten beginner educational videos and an additional set of advanced videos designed for more experienced traders. To further support learners, IG includes an investor dictionary with clear definitions for more than 50 investing terms, making it easier for traders to understand complex concepts. As a result, IG has been rated with an impressive 5 stars for education and ranks as the number one broker in this category out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Earn offers significantly less in terms of educational resources tailored for beginners exploring the world of forex and CFDs. Unlike IG, Earn does not meet the minimum requirement of providing ten educational pieces specifically focusing on these subjects. Additionally, Earn falls short in offering client webinars, as there is no provision for regular monthly sessions nor is there an archive of recorded webinars available. While IG boasts a robust collection of educational videos for both beginners and advanced traders, Earn lacks similar offerings. Moreover, there is no investor dictionary available from Earn to aid in understanding trading terms. Consequently, Earn has been rated with 3.5 stars for education, placing it at a lowly rank of 62 out of the 63 brokers assessed by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
IG
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
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 Earn. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Earn finished with an overall rank of #50.
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
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Online broker IG allows users to buy actual delivered cryptocurrencies and offers cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Earn provides only options for cryptocurrency derivatives without the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies.
In comparing online brokers, IG stands out with its support for ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, while Earn offers Visa or Mastercard, bank wires, and Skrill as options, but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal support.
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 | Earn | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Earn | |
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| Regulation | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1994 | |
| 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 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| 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 | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 35 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 35 | |
| 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 | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | IG | Earn | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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