Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs FXCM, 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 and FXCM are both seasoned players in the online brokerage industry, with IG having been around since 1974 and FXCM since 1999. Both companies are publicly traded, signaling transparency and accountability, but only IG also functions as a bank. When it comes to regulatory trust, IG shines brighter, holding 8 Tier-1 licenses, a higher benchmark for high trust, compared to FXCM's 4. Both firms hold 2 Tier-2 licenses, which are also considered reliable.
According to ForexBrokers.com, IG boasts an impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99, categorizing it as highly trusted. In comparison, FXCM holds a Trust Score of 95, which still places it in the highly trusted category but just a notch below IG. This demonstrates IG's stronger regulatory framework, offering potential investors a sense of greater security when trading through their platform.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
When comparing IG vs FXCM for commissions and fees, IG comes out ahead for lower overall trading costs, especially for active forex traders. IG’s pricing is known for its strong execution and competitive forex spreads, with its Forex Direct DMA account offering average EUR/USD spreads of 0.62 pips and an all-in cost of about 0.82 pips after commission. Its standard CFD pricing is also fairly competitive, with typical spreads averaging 0.69 pips during main market hours, though costs can rise during quieter trading periods. IG is rated 5 stars and ranked #7 out of 36 brokers for commissions and fees by ForexBrokers.com.
FXCM’s pricing is a little higher overall, though it still offers low spreads on commission-based accounts for traders who qualify. In May 2024, FXCM’s commission-based accounts showed average EUR/USD spreads of 0.28 pips before commissions, but the effective cost rose to about 0.74 pips once commission was included. Standard account spreads were higher, averaging 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia entities, and 1.38 pips for its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. FXCM does offer active trader rebates, but these depend on volume and location, and the program is not available in the U.K. or EU. FXCM is rated 4.5 stars and ranked #17 out of 36 brokers for commissions and fees.
In simple terms, IG is the better pick if your main goal is keeping trading fees low, while FXCM may still appeal to some high-volume traders who can qualify for rebates. Both brokers can offer tighter pricing in the right account type, but IG has the edge for more consistent value across its main offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | Starts from $50 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.8 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to range of investments, IG gives traders far more choice than FXCM. Both brokers offer forex trading, including forex CFDs or spot contracts, but IG lists 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, compared with FXCM’s 440 symbols and 46 forex pairs. IG also stands out for offering exchange-traded shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, so clients can buy real stocks such as Apple or Vodafone, while FXCM does not offer these products.
IG also lets clients buy actual cryptocurrency as well as crypto CFDs, while FXCM only offers crypto CFDs. On the other hand, FXCM does support copy trading, which IG does not. Overall, IG is rated 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks #4 out of 36 brokers, while FXCM is rated 4.5 stars and ranks #21, making IG the stronger pick for traders who want access to a wider mix of markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 440 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 46 |
| 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 FXCM both give traders a wide choice of platform options, including free demo accounts, their own in-house platforms, web-based trading, Windows desktop downloads, and support for MetaTrader 4. Both brokers also let you trade directly from charts, which is useful if you like to act quickly while watching price moves. On top of that, IG and FXCM both earn a top 5-star rating for trading platforms and tools, showing strong overall performance in this category.
The main difference is that FXCM offers copy trading, while IG does not. IG, however, adds MetaTrader 5 support, which FXCM does not currently provide. In ForexBrokers.com’s ranking for trading platforms and tools, IG places first out of 36 brokers, while FXCM ranks fourth, giving IG a slight edge for platform choice and tool set.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 115 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and FXCM both make it easy to trade on the go, with iPhone and Android apps, price alerts, and watchlists that sync with the online account. Each app also lets users draw trendlines on charts and saves those drawings automatically, which is helpful for traders who want a smooth switch between mobile and desktop. For everyday mobile trading needs, both brokers cover the basics well.
Where IG stands out is in charting and overall app quality. IG offers 33 technical studies in its mobile app, while FXCM provides 59, giving FXCM more chart indicators to work with. Even so, IG is rated 5 stars for Mobile Trading Apps and ranks #1 out of 36 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared with FXCM’s 4.5 stars and #16 ranking. If mobile app quality and ease of use are top priorities, IG has the edge, while FXCM may appeal more to traders who want more technical chart options.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 59 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
IG and FXCM both give traders daily market commentary, forex news from major sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, a sentiment tool showing long and short positions, market research from TipRanks, and an economic calendar for global events. This means each broker offers a strong set of core market research features that can help traders stay on top of news, trends, and upcoming data releases.
IG stands out with extra research support from Autochartist and Acuity Trading, while FXCM uses Trading Central instead. That added mix helps explain why IG is rated 5 stars for Research and ranked #2 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared with FXCM’s 4.5-star rating and #11 ranking.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners who want to learn the basics before trading, both IG and FXCM offer a wide range of educational content. Each broker provides forex and CFD learning material, including at least 10 pieces of relevant education, plus regular online client webinars every month. They also each offer 10 or more beginner videos, as well as 10 or more advanced videos for traders who want to build on their knowledge later. In simple terms, both brokers give new traders plenty of ways to learn through articles, videos, and live sessions.
That said, IG has the edge overall for education. IG is rated 5 out of 5 stars for Education and ranks #7 out of 36 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while FXCM is rated 4.5 stars and ranks #13. If you are comparing the two mainly for beginner-friendly learning tools, IG comes out slightly ahead, though FXCM still offers a strong selection of helpful educational resources.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXCM. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10.
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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FXCM
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 |
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IG vs FXCM: IG allows trading both actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency CFDs, while FXCM offers cryptocurrency CFDs only and does not provide access to actual delivered coins.
IG vs. FXCM: for deposits and withdrawals, both brokers support ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire transfers, FXCM additionally offers Skrill while IG does not, and Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either.
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 | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | FXCM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | FXCM | |
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| Regulation | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | 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 | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 440 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 46 | |
| 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 | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.8 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | Starts from $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 115 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 59 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXCM Review |
| Overall | IG | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | FXCM Review |
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