Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Vantage, 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 Vantage are two online brokers that differ significantly in terms of their trust and regulation credentials. Founded in 1974, IG is both a publicly traded company and functions as a bank, giving it a stronger foundation in the financial world compared to Vantage, which started in 2009. IG holds a Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, the highest possible rating, making it a highly trusted broker. Vantage, with a Trust Score of 90, is also considered highly trusted but falls short of IG's perfect rating.
When it comes to regulatory licenses, IG stands out with eight Tier-1 licenses, which are deemed the most reliable by ForexBrokers.com, along with two Tier-2 licenses. Vantage, on the other hand, has two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. These differences reflect their commitment to regulatory compliance, positioning IG as the more established and trusted option for those seeking an online brokerage.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 |
| 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 | 3 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers IG and Vantage, several factors come into play, showcasing distinct advantages for each. IG offers multiple execution methods across its accounts, providing scalable solutions for traders. Its Forex Direct accounts cater to active traders with competitive pricing, featuring spreads averaging 0.62 and an all-in cost of 0.82 pips for July 2023. IG’s CFD accounts have average spreads of 0.69 pips during peak trading periods, slightly better than the industry average, and offer significant rebates for volume traders, enhanced through its three-tier active-trader program. With a star rating of 5 out of 5 for commissions and fees and a rank of #8 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IG positions itself as a premium choice.
Vantage, on the other hand, structures its trading costs around three main accounts: Standard STP, RAW ECN, and PRO ECN. The Standard account features typical spreads of 1.30 pips on the EUR/USD, whereas the RAW account provides more competitive spreads of 0.15 pips with an added commission leading to a total cost of 0.75 pips. Meanwhile, the PRO account offers even better value, with commission costs as low as $4 per round turn, contingent upon regulatory entity requirements. Although not the most economical option in the market, Vantage's active trader program incentivizes higher trading volumes with rebates up to $8 per standard lot. Vantage is rated 4.5 stars for its commissions and fees and holds the #19 position out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In conclusion, IG’s strong footing with competitive spreads and superior active-trader rebates makes it an attractive option for high-volume traders. Vantage offers a range of accounts to suit different trading styles with moderate pricing that catches up with the industry average. While IG tops the rankings with elite execution methods, Vantage provides flexible account options suitable for various levels of traders looking for balanced, cost-efficient trading. Both brokers offer strategic benefits, appealing to distinct trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.30 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.75 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 the investment options available at IG and Vantage, IG stands out with an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, far surpassing Vantage's 1,000 symbols. For forex trading enthusiasts, IG provides access to 97 forex pairs, compared to Vantage’s 61 pairs. Both platforms enable forex trading as a CFD or spot contract. Notably, IG offers access to exchange-traded securities, allowing customers to purchase shares from U.S. and international markets, such as Apple and Vodafone. Vantage, on the other hand, does not offer this feature. Additionally, while IG does not support copy trading, Vantage includes this option.
In terms of cryptocurrency options, IG allows users to buy actual cryptocurrencies as well as cryptocurrency derivatives. Vantage, however, only offers cryptocurrency derivatives. This comprehensive range of investment options earns IG a 5-star rating for Range of Investments, while Vantage receives 3.5 stars. Furthermore, IG is ranked #4 in the Range of Investments category by ForexBrokers.com, significantly higher than Vantage's rank of #50. This highlights IG as a stronger choice for those seeking a broader array of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1000 |
| 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 of IG and Vantage, both brokers offer traders a range of tools and resources, including free virtual demo accounts for risk-free practice. Both IG and Vantage boast proprietary trading platforms and provide a downloadable version for Windows users. They also offer web-based platforms, enhancing accessibility. For those interested in MetaTrader 4 (MT4), both brokers support this popular platform. However, only Vantage includes MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and offers additional features like copy trading and DupliTrade, enhancing its appeal for traders seeking diverse strategies.
In terms of charting capabilities, IG nudges ahead, offering 20 drawing tools compared to Vantage's 15, allowing for more detailed technical analysis. Traders can execute trades directly from stock charts with both brokers, and while IG offers five columns for watchlists, Vantage provides a slightly more extensive view with seven columns. IG receives top marks with a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, ranking an impressive #2 out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. Vantage, while still strong, receives a four-star rating and ranks #21, indicating IG's slight edge in platform sophistication and user experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 Vantage, both brokers offer intuitive iPhone and Android apps that provide stock or forex price alerts. However, a notable difference is that IG's app supports watchlist symbol syncing, ensuring seamless transitions between the mobile and online account—a feature Vantage lacks. While both platforms allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, IG offers 33 technical studies for detailed chart analysis, slightly more than Vantage’s 30.
Both IG and Vantage enable users to create watchlists with real-time quotes and automatically save chart drawings. IG’s app stands out with a higher rating of five stars compared to Vantage's four stars. Reflecting its top-tier performance, IG’s mobile app is ranked #1 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage is a bit lower on the list at #28. Overall, IG seems to offer a slightly more comprehensive mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| 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 the market research offerings of IG and Vantage, IG stands out with a comprehensive suite of tools and resources. Both platforms provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, traders on both platforms benefit from tools provided by Autochartist and sentiment-based trading tools. However, IG edges ahead by integrating advanced resources such as market research from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading, including Signal Centre, which are not available with Vantage. While Vantage does offer tools from Trading Central, IG's rich selection contributes to its strong market research reputation.
IG achieves an impressive research rating of 5 stars and is ranked as the second top broker out of 63 by ForexBrokers.com for its research capabilities. In contrast, Vantage, with a still respectable 4-star rating, holds the 21st position in the same ranking. Both platforms equip traders with an economic calendar to keep track of significant global events. However, IG's broader selection of market research tools and its higher industry ranking make it a preferable choice for those seeking extensive research support.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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 Vantage offer comprehensive learning materials for those interested in forex and CFDs trading. Both platforms provide a wealth of over 10 educational pieces including articles, videos, and archived webinars dedicated to these subjects. Additionally, IG and Vantage host online webinars at least once a month, ensuring newcomers have regular access to updated market insights. These webinars are archived and searchable, making it easy for users to review and catch up at their convenience.
IG specifically stands out with a perfect five-star rating in the Education category, offering an extensive library of beginner-friendly videos and advanced trading content for seasoned traders. They also provide an investor dictionary covering over 50 key trading terms, similar to Vantage. While Vantage similarly offers a wide array of resources, including beginner and advanced content, as well as a comprehensive dictionary, it is rated slightly lower at four stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, IG is ranked as the top broker for educational offerings, while Vantage holds the 24th spot among 63 brokers.
| Feature |
IG
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Vantage. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26.
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
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 |
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IG allows users to buy both actual cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Vantage only provides options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives but not the actual cryptocurrencies.
In comparing online brokers IG and Vantage, both offer PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wire options for account fund transactions, but IG additionally supports ACH/SEPA transfers while Vantage provides Skrill as an extra payment method.
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 | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Vantage | |
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| Regulation | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1000 | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.30 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.75 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | IG | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Vantage Review |
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