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IG vs Markets.com (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IG against Markets.com across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Which is better: IG or Markets.com?
Sources & References
- IG Forex Trading— IG
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
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We keep this factual and secondary to safety, pricing, and platform fit. Terms still matter.
IG
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Markets.com
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New-client trading rewards up to $5,000 by tier. Terms apply; eligibility varies by region.
Verdict: IG Holds a Slight Edge
After side-by-side testing, **IG** holds a slight edge over Markets.com in this matchup. The gap is small and Markets.com remains an excellent choice — especially for beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools — but IG edges it on publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and payout reliability.
IG vs Markets.com: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | 2008 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 ($0 bank transfer) | $100 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) | 1:30 (UK/EU/AU retail) | up to 1:300 (Intl) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 67 |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card | Bank, Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Execution |
IG vs Markets.com: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IG and Markets.com, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. IG offers pricing characterized by $0 (Built into spread for Forex) alongside 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, Markets.com utilizes a model with $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) and 0.6 pips spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IG | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) | $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Execution |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IG or Markets.com Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IG and Markets.com are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IG is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1974. Markets.com, licensed since 2008, counters with 3 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. IG holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Markets.com
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (BVI)
- Investor Protection: FSCS (UK) up to £85k; ICF (EU) up to €20k
- Licensed Since: 2008
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IG equips its clients with IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. Markets.com, on the other hand, grants access to Marketsx, MT4, MT5. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IG | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Marketsx) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IG vs Markets.com
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
Markets.com
Pros
- Strong tier-1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC)
- Easy-to-use Marketsx platform with sentiment tools
- Investment Strategy Builder & 'Blends'
- Very low 0.6 pip EUR/USD spread
- Backed by Finalto / Playtech (FTSE 250)
Cons
- Inactivity fee after just 3 months
- 0.6% currency conversion fee
- High overnight financing on some positions
- Fewer platform options vs pure ECN brokers
Expert Verdict: IG vs Markets.com
When we place IG and Markets.com side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IG, licensed since 1974, has carved out a massive niche focusing on professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker (+ DMA routing available), and their platform environment highlights IG Platform.
Conversely, Markets.com, operational out of London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools. Their $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability, and you intend to start with a minimum of $250 ($0 bank transfer), IG is the logical path forward. If, however, you value strong tier-1 regulation (fca, cysec, asic) and require Marketsx, Markets.com edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Explore Each Broker in Detail
IG vs Markets.com: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated August 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Editorial Policy | Data Sources | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
How we measured this — IG vs Markets.com
IG publishes the tighter EUR/USD spread at 0.6 pips against Markets.com's 1.0 pips, a difference of 0.4 pips. Both figures are taken from the broker's own published specification.
- EUR/USD spread difference
- 0.4 pips
- Brokers measured
- 2
- Linked to broker spec
- 2 of 2
- Data as of
- 2026-10-09
Figures compiled by BrokerAnalysis from each broker's own published specification where available, otherwise from our broker catalogue. Per-broker spreads, minimum deposits and regulators are listed in the comparison table on this page. Spreads are typical, not guaranteed, and change with market conditions.
Sources: ig.com · markets.com