Alpari 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 61/100).
Alpari, founded in 1998, is a trading name of Parlance Trading Ltd, licensed by the Mwali International Services Authority (an offshore regulator), offering Micro, Standard, ECN and Pro ECN accounts on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and the Alpari app.
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 | Alpari | IG |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 61/100 | 85/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 7/35Strongest licence MISA (tier 3) | 28/35▲1 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 22/25All-in cost from 0.00 pips, no commission | 22/25All-in cost from 0.60 pips, no commission |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 16/20Minimum deposit $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN), 5 deposit methods, 5 withdrawal methods | 18/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account, 4 deposit methods, 2 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20MT4, MT5; leverage up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | 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 | MISA | FCA |
| Minimum deposit | $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN) | No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) | 0.6 pips EUR/USD (MT4, UK) |
| Commission | None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded | Commission-free on MT4 forex |
| Max leverage | Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | 30:1 on major forex pairs for retail clients (IG Markets Ltd, UK, 3.33% margin) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfers, Debit and credit cards, E-wallets, Local payment methods, Cryptocurrency | Card/ApplePay, Bank transfer |
| Retail accounts losing money | Not published | 70% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: Alpari review · IG review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is Alpari or IG better?
IG has the higher TFB Score (85/100 vs 61/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are Alpari and IG regulated?
Alpari: MISA. IG: FCA. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, Alpari or IG?
Alpari holds no tier-1 licence; 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 Alpari and IG?
Alpari: $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN). IG: No minimum balance required to create a CFD trading account.
Which has tighter spreads, Alpari or IG?
Published spreads start from 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) at Alpari and 0.6 pips EUR/USD (MT4, UK) at IG; commission: Alpari None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded, IG Commission-free on MT4 forex.
Do Alpari and IG offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Alpari: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Alpari Mobile App. IG: IG App, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer.
What is the maximum leverage at Alpari and IG?
Alpari: Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd). IG: 30:1 on major forex pairs for retail clients (IG Markets Ltd, UK, 3.33% margin). Leverage depends on the company that opens your account and on your country.
More Alpari 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