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IG Markets vs Trading212

If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether IG Markets or Trading212 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 IG Markets & Trading212 review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

Headquarters
United KingdomCyprus
Regulators
FCAFCA, FSC Mauritius
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
19742006
Execution Type(s)
Market MakerMarket Maker
Minimum Deposit
300€$1
Negative Balance Protection
N/A
Trading Platform(s)
MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platformMetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips1.9 pips ($19.00)
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.4 pip2.9 pips ($29.00)
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03 $0.04
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.30 $0.68
Retail Loss Rate
UndisclosedN/A
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableN/A
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.8 pipsN/A
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeN/A
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
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Features and Platforms

MT4
MT5
MT4/MT5 Add-Ons
N/A
cTrader
Proprietary Platform
Automated Trading
Social/Copy Trading
N/A
DOM?
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Scalping
Hedging
One-Click Trading
OCO Orders
Interest on Margin
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IG Markets established itself as one of the best CFD brokers, is a liquidity provider to retail brokers, and writes CFDs based on demand. The trading platform choices include a browser-based proprietary one, MT4, ProReal Time, and L2 Dealer. IG Markets also maintains a competitive selection of trading tools, high-quality research, and education for beginner traders. Trading212 became one of the biggest online brokers catering to millennial traders with its fractional share investments, AutoInvest service, and YouTube educational videos. Trading212 only provides its proprietary trading platform.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
Cryptocurrencies
N/A
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
Bonds
ETFs
Options
N/A
Futures
Synthetics
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Forex traders at IG Markets get 102 currency pairs, including three weekend pairs. It makes this broker one of the best Forex brokers, but IG Markets also maintains 17,000 CFDs, for the broadest choice among all brokers. Trading212 offers 222 currency pairs, placing it among the Top 5 Forex brokers, a ranking it shares with IG Markets. Commodity traders get 163 commodity and futures contracts, while equity traders have more than 2,400 CFDs, plus 47 index CFDs and ETFs. The asset selection at both brokers remains excellent, but IG Markets has more asset classes, granting it an edge.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips1.9 pips ($19.00)
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.4 pip2.9 pips ($29.00)
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03 $0.04
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.30 $0.68
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$90 $46.59
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableN/A
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.8 pipsN/A
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeN/A
Deposit Fee
N/A
Withdrawal Fee
N/A
Inactivity Fee
$12 per month after 24 monthsN/A
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The commission-free Forex pricing environment at IG Markets commences from 0.6 pips or $6 per 1.0 standard lot, placing it among the most competitive offers. Equity commissions start from 0.10%, in line with the industry standard. Active traders can lower final trading costs through the volume-based rebate program. While Trading212 notes a commission-free cost structure, no details exist on its website. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions and third-party payment processor costs apply at both brokers alike.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
Australia, Bermuda, Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, United StatesBulgaria, Cyprus, United Kingdom
Name of the Regulator
FCAFCA, FSC Mauritius
Regulatory License Number
195355, 378/19, 10148759, confirmed, but no regulaary license number, F001780, 41393, 1489, unconfirmed, 220440, 18923, 0509630, 54814609146, 398/21, RG-03-0237
Regulatory Tier
N/A1, 1, 1
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Both brokers have the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as their primary regulator. IG Markets is a publicly-listed company on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250, adding an extra layer of financial security. It maintains several subsidiaries regulated in various jurisdictions, where it remains in compliance with a clean track record. The Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) is the second regulator of Trading212. While IG Markets has more experience and regulatory oversight, both brokers present a secure and trustworthy trading environment to traders. Client deposits remain segregated, and negative balance protection exists.

IG Markets vs Trading212 – Verdict

Investors and traders who require a broad-based asset selection will benefit from the market-leading selection at IG Markets. An excellent choice of trading platforms, with support for automated trading solutions and a competitive pricing environment, create one of the best trading environments for all types of market participants. The quality trading tools, in-house research, and educational tools for beginner traders complete the product and services portfolio at IG Markets, a leader among all online brokers. Trading212 remains a popular choice among millennial retail traders who prefer using their mobile phones. Fractional share investing from as little as $1 and its AutoInvest service are in high demand and present an excellent offer. Trading212 also ranks among the best Forex and commodity brokers, based on available assets. Its YouTube educational content is popular, but Trading212 lacks transparency with trading costs, evident with 15M+ downloads but only 180K traders.

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

FAQs

Which is better, IG Markets or Trading212?

IG Markets presents investors and traders with a more competitive overall trading environment from assets through costs to trading platform choices.

What about MetaTrader and copy trading?

IG Markets offers the MT4 trading platform, which has an integrated copy trading feature. Trading212 neither maintains MT4/MT5 nor does it support copy trading.

Does IG Markets or Trading212 offer lower pricing?

The commission-free Forex trading environment at IG Markets ranks among the best industry-wide, with an average equity CFD cost structure. Trading212 lacks transparency and does not provide details on spreads, suggesting a costly offer.

Is IG Markets or Trading212 safer for Forex and CFDs trading?

Both brokers remain well regulated and compliant. Therefore, from a security perspective, IG Markets and Trading212 deliver a secure platform. The former has more experience and is a publicly-listed company, but both brokers rank among the most trusted ones.

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