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 stands out with a flexible approach to execution methods and competitive pricing for active traders, despite not being considered a discount broker. Through its Forex Direct accounts, IG offers scalable execution suitable for large orders, with spreads aligning closely to the industry average in 2024. In July 2023, the main Forex Direct account offered spreads averaging 0.62 pips, which translated to an all-in cost of 0.82 pips after a commission of 0.2 pips per trade. For CFD accounts, average spreads for standard trading sessions in July 2023 were 0.69 pips, slightly better than the industry average. To incentivize high-volume traders, IG provides a three-tier active trader rebate program with potential discounts up to 20% on spreads.
On the other hand, IFC Markets, with an average EUR/USD spread of 1.44 pips, falls short of the industry average of 1.08, providing less competitive rates compared to IG. However, active traders might see improved spreads through the ECN account, with effective spreads dropping to 1.1 pips, after considering a 0.005% commission on each side of the trade. Additionally, IFC Markets does not charge inactivity fees and offers active trader discounts, which can be attractive features for cost-conscious traders.
For commissions and fees, IG earns a prestigious 5-star rating and holds the 8th position out of 63 brokers ranked by ForexBrokers.com, underscoring its exceptional value for active traders. In comparison, IFC Markets has a 4-star rating and is ranked 39th, reflecting its higher spreads but still offering favorable conditions for more engaged trading participants.
| 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.
When comparing IG to IFC Markets for their range of investments, IG clearly stands out with an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, offering a substantial variety of options. In contrast, IFC Markets offers a modest selection of 630 tradeable symbols. Both platforms support forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, but IG boasts 97 tradeable forex pairs compared to IFC Markets' 49 pairs. Additionally, IG provides access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to purchase stocks like Apple and Vodafone directly. Conversely, IFC Markets offers international exchange-traded securities but not those from U.S. exchanges.
IG also caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by enabling the purchase of both actual cryptocurrencies and derivatives, whereas IFC Markets only supports cryptocurrency derivatives. Although IG does not provide copy trading services, IFC Markets does offer this feature, appealing to those interested in replicating the trades of successful investors. With a 5-star rating for its investment range and a #4 ranking out of 63 brokers, IG ranks significantly higher than IFC Markets, which has a 3.5-star rating and sits at #43 in the same category. This makes IG a compelling choice for investors seeking a comprehensive investment platform.
| 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by IG and IFC Markets, both brokers provide a host of features designed to enhance the trading experience. IG and IFC Markets support virtual demo accounts, a key feature for those who prefer practice before investing real money. Both offer proprietary platforms as well as downloadable desktop software for Windows and web-based trading platforms, ensuring traders can operate from their preferred devices. IG offers the widely-used MetaTrader 4 (MT4), but does not provide support for MetaTrader 5 (MT5), a service that IFC Markets includes. Additionally, while IFC Markets embraces copy trading, IG does not. Moreover, neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
Chart enthusiasts will appreciate the technical capabilities, as IG provides more drawing tools than IFC Markets, although both allow trading directly from stock charts. For watch lists, IFC Markets offers more customization with seven fields compared to IG’s five. Despite IFC Markets' solid offerings, IG seems to take the lead with a five-star rating in trading platforms and tools, ranked #2 by ForexBrokers.com among 63 brokers. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a four-star rating and is ranked #36. These distinctions underline IG's edge in delivering a polished and user-friendly trading experience.
| 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.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IG and IFC Markets, users will find a range of similar features geared towards traders on the go. Both brokers offer apps for iPhone and Android devices, allowing users to trade conveniently from their smartphones. They also provide stock and forex price alerts, ensuring traders never miss out on important market movements. Watchlist symbol syncing is another shared feature, enabling changes made in the app to reflect automatically in the user's online account. Charting capabilities are robust in both apps, with IG offering 33 technical studies and IFC Markets providing 30. Additionally, both platforms allow drawing of trendlines and viewing of multiple time frames on stock or forex charts. Importantly, these apps automatically save chart drawings, further enhancing user experience. Real-time quote watchlists are available for creating personalized lists, vital for active traders.
Despite many similarities, there are some distinctions in user ratings and rankings. IG's mobile trading app receives a full five-star rating, setting a high standard for seamless mobile trading, while IFC Markets is not far behind with a rating of four stars. In the competitive space of online brokers, IG holds the impressive rank of number one out of 63 for its mobile trading capabilities according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, IFC Markets is positioned at number 52 in the same ranking. For traders looking for the highest-rated mobile trading experience, IG stands out as a top choice, while IFC Markets still offers a competent alternative. Both apps ensure traders have essential tools at their fingertips, but IG's prestigious ranking may appeal to those prioritizing app performance and user satisfaction.
| 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.
When comparing market research offerings between IG and IFC Markets, both platforms provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar showcasing global news events. However, IG distinguishes itself by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, which IFC Markets does not offer. Additionally, IG grants access to more specialized tools, including Autochartist for technical and fundamental analysis, as well as market research from TipRanks and Acuity Trading’s Signal Centre. These exclusive features contribute to a more comprehensive research experience on IG compared to IFC Markets.
Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools that reveal the ratio of long or short positions across various financial instruments. Despite this similarity, the overall research experience and quality significantly diverge, with IG rated 5 stars and ranked as the second best for research among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to IFC Markets' 3.5-star rating and a ranking at number 40. This contrast highlights IG’s focus on providing enriched market insights and its commitment to equipping traders with industry-leading research tools.
| 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
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | 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 | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| 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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