Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs IFC 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.
Comparing IG and IFC Markets reveals notable differences in their regulatory standing and trust ratings. Founded in 1974, IG is a publicly traded bank that commands a strong presence with 8 Tier-1 licenses, indicative of high trust, and 2 Tier-2 licenses. This positions IG with a stellar Trust Score of 99, reflecting its status as a highly trusted broker. In contrast, IFC Markets, established in 2006, remains a privately owned entity and not a bank. It holds 1 Tier-2 license and lacks Tier-1 certifications, which correlates to a Trust Score of 73, placing it in the average risk category for trustworthiness.
The distinctions between these brokers are also reflected in their market presence and regulatory oversight. IG's long-standing history and extensive regulatory approvals offer clients a heightened sense of security and confidence. Meanwhile, IFC Markets, with fewer licenses and a lower trust score, may appeal to those seeking different services or trading environments. Overall, while both brokers provide online trading solutions, IG's comprehensive regulatory backing offers greater assurances of trust compared to IFC Markets' more moderate framework.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
IG vs IFC Markets on commissions and fees: IG earns 5/5 stars and ranks #8 of 63 for pricing, while IFC Markets earns 4/5 stars and ranks #40. In short, IG tends to be cheaper for frequent forex traders, especially if you qualify for its advanced pricing, whereas IFC Markets is simpler but pricier on standard spreads.
IG’s CFD account saw typical EUR/USD spreads around 0.69 pips during the main trading session in July 2023 (0.98 pips across all sessions; IG US averaged 1.18 pips). High-volume clients who qualify as professionals can get spread rebates of 10%–20%, which can meaningfully cut costs (in one example, to about 0.60 pips). IG’s DMA (Forex Direct) option is aimed at active traders: average EUR/USD spreads were 0.62 pips in July 2023, with all-in costs around 0.82 pips after commissions, depending on volume tiers.
IFC Markets lists an average EUR/USD spread of 1.44 pips—above the industry average—though its new ECN account improves effective pricing to about 1.1 pips after a 0.005% commission on both sides. It also avoids inactivity fees and offers active-trader discounts. Overall, IG is usually the more cost-effective choice for high-volume forex trading, while IFC Markets appeals if you want straightforward pricing with no inactivity charge.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing IG vs IFC Markets for range of investments: IG offers a far bigger menu with 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, while IFC Markets lists 630 symbols and 49 pairs. Both support forex as CFDs or spot. IG lets clients buy exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international exchanges, plus it supports buying actual cryptocurrency as well as crypto derivatives. IFC Markets allows exchange-traded shares on international markets (not U.S.) and offers crypto derivatives but not actual crypto. For social features, IFC Markets supports copy trading, whereas IG does not.
Based on ForexBrokers.com, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers for range of investments; IFC Markets scores 3.5 stars, ranking #44. In short, IG suits traders who want the widest selection, U.S. and international shares, and the option to buy real crypto. IFC Markets may appeal to those who want copy trading alongside standard CFD and spot forex with access to international shares.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Comparing IG vs IFC Markets for trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, in-house proprietary platforms, Windows desktop software, and web-based trading. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while only IFC Markets also supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Copy trading is available at IFC Markets but not at IG. Neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Traders can place orders directly from charts on both platforms.
For charting extras, IG lists 20 drawing tools versus 15 at IFC Markets, while IFC Markets provides more watchlist fields (7 vs 5). In independent ratings for Trading Platforms and Tools, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers, whereas IFC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #37. In short, choose IG if you want a top-rated platform experience, or go with IFC Markets if you value MT5 access and built-in copy trading.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
IG and IFC Markets both deliver full-featured mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app includes stock and forex price alerts, synced watchlists that mirror changes between mobile and web, and real-time quotes. Charting tools are strong on both: you can draw trendlines, switch between intraday, daily, and weekly time frames, and your drawings auto-save. IG offers 33 technical studies in its app, while IFC Markets provides 30, giving traders plenty of indicators to work with on the go.
When it comes to recognition, IG stands out with a 5-star Mobile Trading Apps rating and the #1 spot out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets holds a 4-star rating and ranks #53. In short, both apps cover the essentials, but IG is the better pick if top-tier mobile charting and overall polish are priorities.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
IG and IFC Markets both cover the basics for market research: they publish daily market commentary, provide an economic calendar, and offer a sentiment tool that shows how many traders are long or short. The differences appear with third‑party research: IG streams forex news from top‑tier sources (e.g., Bloomberg/Reuters/Dow Jones), while IFC Markets does not. IG also adds advanced tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, and Acuity Trading, which IFC Markets lacks. Neither broker includes Trading Central.
These extras help IG deliver deeper insights and more trade ideas, earning it 5 stars for Research and a #2 ranking out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets supplies the essentials but fewer premium integrations, reflected in its 3.5‑star Research rating and #41 ranking.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| 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, both IG and IFC Markets provide an array of learning materials focusing on forex and CFDs. IG stands out with its extensive offerings, delivering over 10 educational pieces which include articles, videos, and archived webinars. Additionally, IG provides monthly live webinars and maintains a searchable archive of past sessions, allowing beginners to learn at their own pace. IFC Markets also offers a diverse range of educational content, ensuring beginners have access to over 10 pieces that cater specifically to newbies in trading. However, it does not hold live webinars nor offer a searchable archive, which can limit ongoing interactive learning opportunities.
For those eager to explore video content, both IG and IFC Markets deliver a rich series of over 10 beginner-focused trading videos, along with advanced topics for experienced traders. Essential tools such as an investor dictionary are available from both brokers, featuring definitions of at least 50 investing terms, which can be invaluable for those new to trading jargon. In terms of overall educational excellence, IG shines with a 5-star rating and a top rank of first out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, IFC Markets holds a respectable, yet lower, rating of 3.5 stars and a rank of 30th, signifying solid offerings but with room for enhancement.
| Feature |
IG
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 IFC Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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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IFC Markets
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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IG allows users to purchase actual cryptocurrencies and also offers cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas IFC Markets provides only the option to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual cryptocurrencies.
When comparing online brokers, IG supports ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, whereas IFC Markets does not offer ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal, but does support Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, with neither broker supporting Skrill.
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 | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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). |
| Cost | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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