Risk Warning

CFDs and Spread Bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Full Analysis

IG isn't just a broker; it's an institution. As the company that invented spread betting in 1974, they have set the standard for decades. Their longevity brings a sense of security that few other brokers can match.

Trading Platforms

The proprietary IG web platform is clean, fast, and packed with news and analysis. For advanced users, ProRealTime integration offers charting capabilities that rival professional terminals.

Costs

IG spreads are competitive, averaging 0.6 on EUR/USD. reliable execution means you rarely get slipped on price, which can save active traders money in the long run.

What Matches Your Trading Style?

CFDs vs Spread Betting

Both are ways to trade price movements without owning the underlying asset. Both use leverage (so you can win or lose big with a small deposit). The main difference is how they are structured:

CFDs: You buy "contracts". 1 contract might equal 1 share. It feels like traditional trading. You usually pay Capital Gains Tax on profits.
Spread Betting: You bet a certain amount per point of movement (e.g., £1 per point). In the UK, profits are currently tax-free.

Which is better? Spread Betting is often cheaper for UK traders due to the tax benefit. CFDs are the global standard and often have more professional platforms (Direct Market Access).

Pros & Cons

Pros

Massive Market Range: Access to over 17,000 global markets.
Trusted Brand: Publicly listed (LSE: IGG) and established in 1974.
Education: IG Academy is widely considered the best in the industry.
Platforms: Excellent proprietary web platform + MT4 support.

Cons

Minimum Deposit: Higher initial card deposit (£250) compared to competitors.
Inactivity Fee: Charge applies after 2 years of no activity.

Best For

🎓

Beginners

IG Academy is the industry standard for education, offering free courses, webinars, and a huge community.

🌍

Market Explorers

With 17,000+ markets, if it's tradable, IG probably has it. Perfect for those who want to trade niche assets.

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Institutional-Grade Traders

Direct Market Access (DMA) and L2 Dealer platforms provide professional depth of market visibility.

Rating Breakdown

Trust & Safety 10/10

Market Range 10/10

Platforms 9.5/10

IG Review 2026