ActivTrades vs IG 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
IG has the higher TFB Score (85/100 vs 78/100).
ActivTrades is a multi-entity CFD broker trading since 2001 whose UK entity ActivTrades PLC is FCA-regulated, offering MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView, with no minimum deposit in most jurisdictions.
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
IG Markets Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 195355) and offers CFDs and spread bets on its own platform plus MT4, MT5, TradingView and ProRealTime.
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | IG |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100 | 85/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 22/25▲All-in cost from 0.60 pips, no commission |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 18/20Minimum deposit No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account, 4 deposit methods, 2 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20MT4, MT5, TradingView | 17/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView; leverage up to 30:1 on major forex pairs for retail clients (IG Markets Ltd, UK, 3.33% margin) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | 0.6 pips EUR/USD (MT4, UK) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | Commission-free on MT4 forex |
| Max leverage | Not published | 30:1 on major forex pairs for retail clients (IG Markets Ltd, UK, 3.33% margin) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Card/ApplePay, Bank transfer |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 70% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · IG review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or IG better?
IG has the higher TFB Score (85/100 vs 78/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and IG regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. IG: FCA. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or IG?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); IG holds 1 (FCA). Tier-1 regulators have the strictest rules on client money. Your protection depends on which company opens your account.
What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades and IG?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). IG: No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account.
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or IG?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and 0.6 pips EUR/USD (MT4, UK) at IG; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), IG Commission-free on MT4 forex.
Do ActivTrades and IG offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. IG: IG App, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and IG?
ActivTrades states 69% and IG states 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More IG comparisons
Forex trading at these brokers is done through CFDs (contracts for difference): you trade on the price moving up or down, without owning the currency itself.Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read the full risk warning