If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether AvaTrade or IG Markets is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.

In this AvaTrade vs IG Markets review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

Headquarters
IrelandUnited Kingdom
Regulators
ASIC, BVI, Central Bank of Ireland, FFAJ, FSCA, KNF, MiFIDFCA
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
20061974
Execution Type(s)
Market MakerMarket Maker
Minimum Deposit
$100300€
Negative Balance Protection
Trading Platform(s)
Other, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary platform, Web-based+MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips0.9 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.5 pips1.4 pip
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03 $0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.29 $0.30
Retail Loss Rate
77.82%Undisclosed
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableNot applicable
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.9 pips0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeCommission-free
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
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Features and Platforms

MT4
MT5
MT4/MT5 Add-Ons
cTrader
Proprietary Platform
Automated Trading
Social/Copy Trading
DOM?
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Scalping
Hedging
One-Click Trading
OCO Orders
Interest on Margin
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AvaTrade has created a trustworthy brand since its inception in 2006. While it offers traders the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, this broker developed three proprietary trading platforms. Manual traders have the AvaTrade WebTrader, where a clean interface allows for efficient trading. Options traders have AvaOptions catering to their needs, while mobile traders will benefit from AvaTradeGo. An excellent educational section, market commentary, and support for social trading enhance the core trading environment. IG Markets remains one of the best overall online brokers available today. Founded in 1974, this broker deploys a superior proprietary trading platform alongside MT4. ProRealTime adds support for automation of trading strategies, and the L2 Dealer caters to investors. The education and research division deliver high-quality content, while the deployed technology infrastructure improves order execution.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
Cryptocurrencies
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
Bonds
ETFs
Options
Futures
Synthetics
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While AvaTrade provides all retail trader with an above-average asset selection across Forex, commodities, FX options, bonds, equities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, IG Markets provides a significantly broader choice. Where the former has over 1,250 assets, the latter maintains a portfolio spanning more than 17,000 products, catering to all types of traders, including institutional ones, hedge funds, and proprietary trading desks. IG Markets also provides overt 70 extended-hours CFDs, allowing traders to benefit from after-hour trading, which is of particular interest following earnings releases. AvaTrade does offer more cryptocurrencies than IG Markets, but the overall selection well behind one of the market leaders among online brokers.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips0.9 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.5 pips1.4 pip
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03 $0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.29 $0.30
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$39 $90
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableNot applicable
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.9 pips0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeCommission-free
Deposit Fee
Withdrawal Fee
Inactivity Fee
$50 quarterly after 3 months $12 per month after 24 months
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From a pricing perspective, AvaTrade ranks in the middle of the pack, while IG Markets offers a notably more competitive environment. The EUR/USD at the former carries a 0.9 pip spread versus 0.6 pips at the latter. AvaTrade does not levy commissions, but the mark-up remains higher to compensate. As a liquidity provider, IG Markets offers notably more competitive spreads, but a commission of $10 or currency equivalent applies with a minimum charge depending on the asset. Therefore, AvaTrade provided an overall more cost-effective structure, especially for retail traders. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions exist at AvaTrade and IG Markets alike. IG Markets, given its broad market selection, has several additional costs, but not all apply to all traders. AvaTrade does have a $50 per month inactivity, among the highest in the industry.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
United Arab Emirates, Australia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, British Virgin Islands, South AfricaAustralia, Bermuda, Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, United States
Name of the Regulator
ASIC, BVI, Central Bank of Ireland, FFAJ, FSCA, KNF, MiFIDFCA
Regulatory License Number
C53877, SIBA/L/13/1049, 406684, 45984, 1662, 190018, 514666577195355, 378/19, 10148759, confirmed, but no regulaary license number, F001780, 41393, 1489, unconfirmed, 220440, 18923, 0509630, 54814
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Traders who seek a safe and reliable broker will find one in AvaTrade, regulated in seven jurisdictions, as well as IG Markets, which operates under the oversight of multiple global regulators. While client deposits remain segregated at both brokers and negative balance protection applies at several operating subsidiaries of AvaTrade and IG Markets, the latter also listed in the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. Overall, both have an exemplary regulatory track record, and clients can trust them with their personal information and deposits. Transparency is available at both brokers, expanding the trustworthy and well-managed trading environment.

AvaTrade vs IG Markets – Verdict

Most retail traders will determine the product and services portfolio at AvaTrade more than sufficient for their trading needs. An excellent choice in trading platform caters to all types of traders, from manual through automated to social. The educational section provides new clients with a valuable start into trading, and the commission-free cost structure adds appeal. With a minimum deposit of just $100, AvaTrade is accessible to traders from all backgrounds. More advanced ones will find IG Markets a superior choice. Due to an asset selection of more than 17,000 products across twelve sectors, this broker maintains super trading opportunities and cross-asset diversification. The introduction of IG Smart Portfolios marked the entrance of this broker into online wealth management. Education and research remain excellent, expanding on a market-leading product and services offering from outstanding trading platforms. New retail traders may start at AvaTrade, but IG Markets represents a natural upgrade and is overall one of the best online brokers today.

You might also be interested in reviewing the below broker comparisons:

Read full AvaTrade Review
Read full IG Markets Review

FAQs

How many Forex pairs and CFDs are available to trade?

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The asset selection at AvaTrade is more than sufficient for retail traders. More than 1,250 CFDs, of which 55 are Forex pairs, allow clients to operate a well-diversified portfolio. Forex traders at IG Markets have 99 currency pairs, placing it among the most extensive selections among all brokers. It repeats itself with total asset selection, where IG Markets maintains over 17,000 CFDs.

Which is the more reliable broker?

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AvaTrade and IG Market maintain a reliable trading environment. The latter has more experience and is a publicly-listed company in the UK and a constituent of the FTSE index. Irish-based AvaTrade, operational since 2006 and regulated in seven jurisdictions, caters to more than 300,000 clients. IG Markets is active since 1974 but has fewer retail traders, as it servers the higher-end market.