Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs FP Markets, 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.
IG, established in 1974, stands out as a reliable online broker, achieving the highest Trust Score of 99 on ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded company and a bank, IG demonstrates strong stability and credibility in the financial market. It also boasts eight highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and two trusted Tier-2 licenses. This comprehensive regulatory framework underscores IG's position as a highly secure option for traders.
FP Markets, founded in 2005, is not publicly traded nor a bank, yet it retains a commendable Trust Score of 89, categorized as trusted by ForexBrokers.com. The broker holds two Tier-1 and one Tier-2 licenses, ensuring a reliable level of trust and security for its clients. While it may not match IG's extensive regulatory credentials, FP Markets remains a respected choice for traders seeking dependable service.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2005 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers IG and FP Markets, both companies shine in providing competitive trading conditions, yet they cater to slightly different needs. IG, rated 5 stars, is ranked #8 by ForexBrokers.com for its Commissions and Fees category. Known for its scaled execution across various products and multiple execution methods, IG stands out with its Forex Direct accounts' pricing. For instance, in July 2023, the spreads on its Forex Direct account averaged 0.62 pips, with an all-in cost reaching 0.82 after a per trade commission equivalent of 0.2 pips. The CFD account's average spread was also competitive, marking 0.69 pips during its main trading sessions.
FP Markets, also rated 5 stars, holds a slightly higher ranking at #6 for its commissions and fees. The broker is praised for its cost-effective MetaTrader and cTrader offerings, excelling particularly in the commission-based ECN account where spreads average 0.1 pips, resulting in an all-in cost of 0.8 pips after considering the commission. This aligns with its recognition in the 2024 Annual Awards. However, its Iress ViewPoint account, requiring significant deposit thresholds, may be less appealing for those not trading with high-balance accounts. FP Markets’ blend of spread-only and commission-based options provides flexibility for different trading styles.
Ultimately, both IG and FP Markets offer varied structures catering to distinct trading strategies and preferences. IG’s robust Forex Direct and CFD offerings present viable options, particularly for active traders who qualify for rebates or engage in high-volume trading. Meanwhile, FP Markets stands out as a cost leader for its ECN account, delivering efficient pricing. Each broker suits different trader profiles, whether it be IG’s scale and execution or FP Markets’ lean pricing models.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 AUD |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.9 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and FP Markets both let you trade forex as CFDs or spot and offer crypto CFDs, but IG’s menu is larger overall. IG lists 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, compared with FP Markets’ 10,000 symbols and 71 pairs. IG also lets you buy exchange-traded stocks directly on U.S. and international exchanges, and even purchase actual cryptocurrency, while FP Markets does not offer real share dealing or delivered crypto. On the flip side, FP Markets supports copy trading, which IG does not.
For Range of Investments, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while FP Markets scores 4.5 stars and ranks #19. In short: pick IG if you want the biggest selection, direct stock investing, and access to real crypto; choose FP Markets if copy trading matters and you’re comfortable focusing on CFDs with a still sizable lineup.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
IG and FP Markets both deliver flexible trading platforms and tools. Each broker offers a free demo (paper trading) account, a proprietary in‑house platform, a Windows desktop download, and a web-based platform. You can place trades directly from charts with either provider. Both support MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while FP Markets also supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and offers copy trading—two features IG does not provide. The exact counts for built‑in technical indicators and watchlist columns aren’t specified here.
For overall quality of trading platforms and tools, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while FP Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #23. If you want MT5 and copy trading, FP Markets has the edge. If top-tier platform experience and tools are your priority, IG’s higher rating and ranking may be compelling.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing IG vs FP Markets for mobile trading, both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps and support price alerts for forex and stocks. A key difference is watchlist syncing: IG syncs watchlists between the mobile app and your online account, while FP Markets does not—important if you switch between devices.
For charting, IG’s mobile app includes 33 technical studies, whereas FP Markets relies on MetaTrader’s default indicator set. Both apps let you draw trendlines and automatically save your chart drawings. Based on user-focused evaluations, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com, while FP Markets receives 4 stars and ranks #18. If you value more built-in indicators and seamless watchlist syncing, IG stands out; if you prefer the MetaTrader environment, FP Markets may fit your workflow.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | MetaTrader (Default) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing online brokers IG and FP Markets for their market research offerings, both platforms provide commendable features, including daily market commentary, forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, and a sentiment-based trading tool to gauge market positions. They also offer technical analysis tools from Autochartist, ensuring traders have comprehensive resources at their disposal. However, FP Markets edges ahead in some areas by integrating Trading Central's analytical tools, which are not part of IG's offerings. Meanwhile, IG distinguishes itself with exclusive access to TipRanks and Acuity Trading tools, which are absent in FP Markets.
Both brokers include an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global financial events, facilitating strategic decision-making. Despite these similarities, IG shines with a 5-star rating for research from ForexBrokers.com and holds an impressive second-place ranking out of 63 brokers in this category. In contrast, FP Markets receives a 4-star rating, placing it 25th. This distinction highlights IG as a premier choice for traders prioritizing an extensive array of research tools and insights.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG and FP Markets both deliver beginner-friendly forex and CFD education. Each broker maintains a sizable library with at least 10 pieces focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. They also host live educational webinars at least once a month. For video learners, both brokers offer 10+ beginner video lessons that explain trading basics, plus 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to go further.
Where they differ is scale and recognition. IG earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its depth and polish. FP Markets scores 4 stars and ranks #23 out of 63. If you want the most complete learning path for beginner traders, IG is the stronger pick; if you’re happy with a good selection of lessons and webinars, FP Markets remains a solid choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | 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 FP Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while FP Markets finished with an overall rank of #19.
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
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FP Markets
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 |
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IG allows investors to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and trade cryptocurrency CFDs, while FP Markets offers cryptocurrency CFDs only and does not support purchasing actual (delivered) cryptocurrency.
Comparing online brokers IG and FP Markets for deposits and withdrawals: IG supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wires but not Skrill, while FP Markets offers PayPal, Skrill, and bank wires but not ACH/SEPA; Visa and Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
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 | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | FP Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | FP Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2005 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| 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 | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.9 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 AUD | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | MetaTrader (Default) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review | FP Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | FP Markets Review |
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