My opinion on IG
IG is a globally recognized broker, established in 1974, serving over 300,000 traders worldwide and regulated by top authorities, including CIRO (IIROC) and CIPF in Canada. IG receives a strong rating based on its competitive spreads (from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD), transparent fee structure, broad market access (17,000+ instruments: forex, indices, stocks, ETFs, commodities, crypto CFDs), and high platform reliability. Its offering stands out for CIRO regulation and asset variety, alongside a comprehensive suite of trading platforms for various skill levels (including IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime). While IG's pricing may not be the tightest compared to some competitors, its regulatory safety, local support, and asset selection are major strengths in Canada. IG is ideal for Canadian traders seeking a regulated broker with strong platforms and vast market range, as confirmed by its Trustpilot score of 4.0/5 from over 8,000 reviews. Relative to local competitors, IG blends globally trusted security, asset breadth, and strong user experience—delivering a highly accessible yet professional service. Based on my experience, IG is best suited to the following types of traders:
Based on my experience, IG is best suited to the following types of traders:
➡️ Canadian traders prioritizing regulation and security: Fully regulated by CIRO (IIROC) and protected by CIPF, IG is ideal for those who value strict oversight and fund safety.
➡️ Multi-asset traders seeking wide market access: With 17,000+ tradable instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and crypto CFDs, IG is a great choice for diversified portfolios and global exposure.
➡️ Traders needing robust platforms and analytics: IG provides multiple trading platforms (IG Web, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime), making it well-suited for both beginners and experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools and fast execution.
➡️ Cost-sensitive traders who value transparency: While not the lowest on spreads, IG maintains a clear, commission-free model (spreads from 0.6 pips) and no hidden fees, appealing to traders who prioritize pricing clarity and stability.
- ✅Heavily regulated in Canada (CIRO/IIROC, CIPF) and globally (FCA, ASIC), providing strong client protection
- ✅Access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, options, bonds, and crypto CFDs
- ✅No minimum deposit for bank transfers; reasonable $250 min for card/PayPal funding
- ✅Competitive spreads (EUR/USD from 0.6 pips), transparent commissions, and no deposit/withdrawal fees
- ✅Diverse trading platforms: IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, plus mobile trading
- ✅Fast execution and low slippage on most markets
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools (guaranteed stops, trailing stops, etc.)
- ✅Responsive Canadian support by phone, email, and chat during local hours
- ✅Free, unlimited demo account for practice
- ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available upon request for Canadian residents
- ❌Inactivity fee applies after 2 years without account activity
- ❌Overnight (swap) fees apply on CFD positions held open for multiple days
- ❌No native copy trading or PAMM features for Canadian users
- ❌Crypto trading is limited to CFDs—no physical crypto, wallets, staking or lending available
- ❌Minimum $100 withdrawal amount may be restrictive for smaller accounts
- ❌No direct support for advanced order types outside standard stop/limit/conditional orders
- ❌Geographic restrictions and leverage limits due to local Canadian regulations
- ❌Spreads, while competitive, not always the absolute tightest on the market
Score- ✅Heavily regulated in Canada (CIRO/IIROC, CIPF) and globally (FCA, ASIC), providing strong client protection
- ✅Access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, options, bonds, and crypto CFDs
- ✅No minimum deposit for bank transfers; reasonable $250 min for card/PayPal funding
- ✅Competitive spreads (EUR/USD from 0.6 pips), transparent commissions, and no deposit/withdrawal fees
- ✅Diverse trading platforms: IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, plus mobile trading
- ✅Fast execution and low slippage on most markets
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools (guaranteed stops, trailing stops, etc.)
- ✅Responsive Canadian support by phone, email, and chat during local hours
- ✅Free, unlimited demo account for practice
- ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available upon request for Canadian residents
My opinion on IG
- ✅Heavily regulated in Canada (CIRO/IIROC, CIPF) and globally (FCA, ASIC), providing strong client protection
- ✅Access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, options, bonds, and crypto CFDs
- ✅No minimum deposit for bank transfers; reasonable $250 min for card/PayPal funding
- ✅Competitive spreads (EUR/USD from 0.6 pips), transparent commissions, and no deposit/withdrawal fees
- ✅Diverse trading platforms: IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, plus mobile trading
- ✅Fast execution and low slippage on most markets
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools (guaranteed stops, trailing stops, etc.)
- ✅Responsive Canadian support by phone, email, and chat during local hours
- ✅Free, unlimited demo account for practice
- ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available upon request for Canadian residents
- ❌Inactivity fee applies after 2 years without account activity
- ❌Overnight (swap) fees apply on CFD positions held open for multiple days
- ❌No native copy trading or PAMM features for Canadian users
- ❌Crypto trading is limited to CFDs—no physical crypto, wallets, staking or lending available
- ❌Minimum $100 withdrawal amount may be restrictive for smaller accounts
- ❌No direct support for advanced order types outside standard stop/limit/conditional orders
- ❌Geographic restrictions and leverage limits due to local Canadian regulations
- ❌Spreads, while competitive, not always the absolute tightest on the market
Score- ✅Heavily regulated in Canada (CIRO/IIROC, CIPF) and globally (FCA, ASIC), providing strong client protection
- ✅Access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, options, bonds, and crypto CFDs
- ✅No minimum deposit for bank transfers; reasonable $250 min for card/PayPal funding
- ✅Competitive spreads (EUR/USD from 0.6 pips), transparent commissions, and no deposit/withdrawal fees
- ✅Diverse trading platforms: IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, plus mobile trading
- ✅Fast execution and low slippage on most markets
- ✅Advanced charting and risk management tools (guaranteed stops, trailing stops, etc.)
- ✅Responsive Canadian support by phone, email, and chat during local hours
- ✅Free, unlimited demo account for practice
- ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available upon request for Canadian residents
Why trust Hellosafe?
I dedicated a substantial amount of time to testing IG in real trading conditions, exploring everything from account setup to the day-to-day trading experience. I thoroughly analyzed the tools provided, assessed how competitive the spreads and fees really are, and put the platform’s speed and usability to the test, both on desktop and mobile.
I paid particular attention to how IG’s customer support handled my questions and requests, and compared IG’s overall offer to other regulated brokers active in the Canadian market. That meant looking at everything from range of instruments and regulatory protections to the fine print around deposits, withdrawals, and platform choices.
My opinion is genuinely based on hands-on experience and side-by-side comparison with other leading brokers. I believe this approach allows me to fairly assess IG’s strengths—like its strong regulation and massive product range—as well as its potential drawbacks, helping you decide if it meets your needs as either a beginner or a seasoned trader.
IG at a glance
| Fonctionnalité | Détail |
|---|---|
| 💰 Dépôt minimum | $0 (bank transfer), $250 (credit/debit card or PayPal) |
| 🛡️ Régulation | CIRO (IIROC) & CIPF in Canada; FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and other top-tier global regulators |
| 🪙 Licence crypto | Crypto CFDs only; no direct crypto license or wallet |
| 📄 Enregistrement FSMA | Not applicable |
| 📈 Actifs disponibles | 17,000+ instruments: stocks, stock CFDs, ETFs, ETF CFDs, indices, forex, commodities, crypto CFDs, bonds |
| 📊 Plateformes de trading | IG Web Platform, Mobile App, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| 🛠️ Outils de trading | Advanced charting, risk management, automation, economic calendar, guaranteed stop-loss, price alerts |
| 🧪 Compte démo | Yes, unlimited duration, virtual capital (typically $10,000 or more) |
| ☪️ Compte islamique | Available upon request for Canadian residents |
| 📝 Ordres clés | Market, limit, stop loss, take profit, trailing stop, guaranteed stop, conditional orders |
| ⚖️ Effet de levier | Up to 30:1 (forex), 20:1 (indices/commodities), 5:1 (stocks), 2:1 (crypto CFDs); may vary by asset |
| 💸 Frais | No account or deposit fees; spreads from 0.6 pips (EUR/USD); commissions vary; $100 min withdrawal |
| 📞 Support client | Phone, email, live chat, helpdesk; Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm CT; 24/5 international support |
| 🌟 Avis Trustpilot | 4.0/5 (8,010+ reviews, global) |
Security & Regulation
IG delivers a particularly robust security and reliability profile for Canadian traders. CIRO (formerly IIROC) regulation and CIPF membership ensure that client accounts are protected by the highest local investor safeguards, including compensation coverage and stringent capital requirements. The broker’s global standing is further strengthened by regulation from the FCA, ASIC, and other tier-1 authorities, which reinforces trust at an international level.
I am reassured by IG’s approach to fund security, as all client assets for CFD and forex trading are held in segregated accounts, fully separated from company funds. For crypto, IG only provides exposure via CFDs—meaning clients do not own or need digital wallets, and pure crypto custody risks are avoided.
The platform offers an array of integrated risk management tools such as stop loss, guaranteed stop, negative balance protection, and two-factor authentication. This comprehensive toolbox enables active traders to control risk exposure with confidence.
With over four decades in the industry, a record of regulatory compliance, and strong user feedback across major review platforms like Trustpilot, IG’s credibility stands out in both reputation and operational transparency.
| Indicator | Description | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | Regulated by CIRO (Canada), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia); CIPF member; top-tier globally, no direct crypto license for wallets | 5/5 |
| Fund security | Client fund segregation for CFD/Forex; no direct crypto wallets—risk managed via CFDs | 5/5 |
| Risk management tools | Comprehensive risk features: stop/guaranteed stop, negative balance protection, 2FA, advanced order types | 5/5 |
| Notoriety and coverage | Founded in 1974, global presence, strong user reputation (Trustpilot 4.0/5 with 8,000+ reviews), highly recognized in Canada | 5/5 |
Fees, Spreads and Commissions
IG applies a spread-based pricing structure across most asset classes. On major FX pairs, spreads start from 0.6 pips (EUR/USD), which sits at the lower end among CIRO-regulated brokers in Canada, though not as tight as global "raw spread" brokers that add a commission. For commodities and indices, spreads are competitive: for example, gold (XAU/USD) starts at 0.3 points and the S&P 500 at 0.4 points. Stock and ETF trading via CFDs incorporates both spreads and a commission, positioned in line with global standards for retail clients. There’s flexibility in account funding, with no minimum for bank transfers and a low $250 minimum for card and PayPal deposits, making IG accessible to a broad range of traders. Overnight financing (swap) fees are charged on leveraged positions held past market close, with rates varying by asset and updated transparently on the platform. For Canadian stocks, direct trading commissions are about $10, while US stocks trade at $0 commission, which is highly competitive. Investors should be aware of a $100 minimum withdrawal threshold and a 0.5% currency conversion fee when dealing with non-account currencies. Inactivity fees may apply, but only after two years without account activity—a lenient standard compared to many competitors. On crypto CFDs, trading is accessible but spreads are less tight than those offered for forex and indices. The minimum spread for major cryptos like BTC/USD is around 0.2% of the position size. IG does not impose custody fees or blockchain transfer fees since all crypto positions are settled as CFDs, not as physical crypto. This pricing structure is straightforward for active CFD, FX, and index traders; less frequent investors should always factor spreads, commissions, and overnight costs into their chosen strategy.
What are the account-related fees?
| Fee Type | Conditions at IG | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Opening fee | $0 | $0 |
| Maintenance fee | $0 | $0–$10/month |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (min. withdrawal $100 applies) | $0–$20 |
| Inactivity fee | Applies only after 2 years inactivity | $10–$20/month |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% of transaction | 0.5%–1.5% |
Trader Tip
Trip: Fund your IG account in the same currency as you intend to trade and keep an eye on the $100 minimum withdrawal to avoid multiple small payout requests that do not go through. For the tightest costs, prioritize trading high-liquidity FX pairs and well-known indices, and avoid holding leveraged positions overnight unless absolutely necessary.
What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?
Trading stocks and ETFs with IG involves both direct market commissions (when available) and spread/commission combinations for CFDs. US stocks can often be traded with no commission, while Canadian stocks carry a standard $10 commission. Spreads are kept tight, with no custody fees; overnight charges only apply for leveraged CFD positions. UK stamp duty is not charged on CFD trades.
| Fee Type | Conditions at IG | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $0 (US stocks); $10 (Canadian stocks) | $0–$10/trade |
| Spread fee | From 0.01 per stock/ETF (CFDs) | $0.01–$0.05 |
| Overnight fee | Yes, only for leveraged CFD positions | Yes, asset-dependent |
| Custody fee | $0 | $0–$10/month |
| UK stamp duty tax | $0 (on CFDs) | Up to 0.5% (UK) |
What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?
IG offers crypto exposure exclusively via CFDs, with spreads starting at about 0.2% of position value for major coins like BTC and ETH. All trading costs are embedded in spreads—there are no custody or withdrawal charges, as these positions do not involve actual crypto ownership. Overnight fees apply to positions held beyond the trading day and can meaningfully impact long-term exposure.
| Fee Type | Conditions at IG | Market Average (crypto or CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell fees | Spread-based, from 0.2% of position size | 0.5%–2.0% |
| Spread fees | 0.2% (minimum), wider with volatility | 0.5%–2.0% |
| Overnight fees | Applies daily to open leveraged positions | Yes, can be high |
| Custody fees | $0 (CFDs, not physical crypto) | $0–$20/month |
| Transfer fees | $0 (no blockchain withdrawal/action) | $0–$20 |
What are the fees on CFDs?
IG’s CFD fee model is well-structured, with tight variable spreads on major markets and full transparency about overnight holding costs. The overall fee burden for active traders is competitive, especially on indices and FX, but users should always check real-time platform rates as spreads can widen during volatile markets.
| Underlying Asset | Maximum Leverage | Spread at IG | Overnight Fee | Market Average (CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD Stocks | 5:1 | From 0.01 | Yes, variable | $0.01–$0.03 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 20:1 | From 0.3 points | Yes, variable | $0.30–$0.50/oz |
| Silver (XAG/USD) | 10:1 | From 2 points | Yes, variable | $0.02–$0.05/oz |
| Oil (WTI) | 10:1 | From 2.8 points | Yes, variable | $0.03–$0.10/barrel |
| EUR/USD | 30:1 | From 0.6 pips | Yes, variable | 0.6–1.2 pips |
| EUR/GBP | 30:1 | From 0.9 pips | Yes, variable | 0.7–1.3 pips |
| USD/JPY | 30:1 | From 0.7 pips | Yes, variable | 0.7–1.1 pips |
| GBP/USD | 30:1 | From 0.9 pips | Yes, variable | 0.8–1.4 pips |
| BEL 20 (BEL20) | 5:1 | From 1.0 point | Yes, variable | $1–$3 + spread |
| BTC/USD (crypto CFD) | 2:1 | From 0.2% spread | Yes, variable | 0.5%–2.0% |
Assets & Markets
IG delivers one of the most expansive asset selections among regulated brokers available to Canadian clients. The sheer depth is noteworthy: tens of thousands of instruments are accessible across stocks, ETFs, global indices, forex pairs, commodities, options, and even bonds. This breadth offers a significant advantage for portfolio diversification, active trading, and capturing opportunities in virtually any global market.
Equity access is a particular strong point. IG enables trading in thousands of international shares and stock CFDs, alongside a strong ETF lineup. This empowers both broad market exposure and sector-specific strategies, although it’s important to note that most share and ETF access is via CFDs, not direct spot ownership for Canadian users.
The forex coverage is robust, with over 80 currency pairs catering to all major, minor, and many emerging market currencies—a competitive range for both hedging and speculative FX trading. The platform also stands out in its offering of global index CFDs, spanning all major economies and providing efficient ways to track or trade macroeconomic trends.
Commodities and cryptocurrencies are included, with metals, energies, and softs available as CFDs, and major cryptocurrencies (such as BTC and ETH) offered via CFDs—this brings some flexibility, though the absence of spot crypto ownership, stablecoins, staking, or earn features limits IG’s value for digital asset enthusiasts or passive income seekers.
While IG lists bond markets and options among its available products, direct fixed income or option trading is best suited for advanced or professional clients, and Canadian retail features may be more restricted than in other jurisdictions. The platform does not yet offer NFTs or a wide selection of crypto tokens, which is a limitation for users seeking exposure to emerging digital asset trends.
| Asset Class | Type | Number at IG | Market Average | Example Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks | CFD/spot (varies) | 10,000+ | 2,000–6,000 | Apple, RBC, Tencent, Shell |
| ETFs | CFD/spot (varies) | Hundreds+ | 100–500 | SPDR S&P 500 ETF, iShares Core MSCI |
| Cryptocurrencies | CFD | 10+ | 20–100 | BTC/USD, ETH/USD, LTC/USD |
| Currencies (Forex) | Spot (leveraged) | 80+ | 50–100 | EUR/USD, USD/CAD, GBP/JPY |
| Commodities | CFD | 20+ | 10–30 | Gold, Brent Crude, Coffee |
| Indices | CFD | 30+ | 10–40 | S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225 |
| Bonds | CFD | 5–10 | 5–20 | US 10Y T-Note, German Bund |
| Stablecoins | – | 0 | 2–5 | – |
| NFTs | – | 0 | <5 (crypto platforms) | – |
| Other derivatives | Options, interest rate, volatility | Several formats | Yes | S&P 500 options, VIX, interest rates |
Trading Tools and Apps
IG’s web platform provides a seamless trading experience with smooth navigation, a logical layout, and fast access to its main tools. I appreciate the intuitive dashboard—ideal for quickly switching between markets, managing positions, and placing orders. The workspace is highly customizable, and integrated risk-management features (like guaranteed stops) are accessible within a few clicks, which is useful for managing leveraged CFD positions across volatile markets.
For in-depth technical analysis or automation, the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) integration stands out. MT4 with IG delivers access to Expert Advisors, advanced charting, and custom indicators, supporting both discretionary and algorithmic strategies. ProRealTime is also available for advanced chartists, offering robust backtesting, over 100 technical indicators, and the ability to develop and deploy automated trading systems.
The mobile app mirrors the web platform’s strengths—order management and charting are both effective on the go. I find the app’s real-time alerts, integrated news, and account management features convenient for monitoring portfolios or managing trades remotely. There is no native TradingView, crypto wallet, or staking functionality, but the platform’s overall flexibility and toolset for CFD/Forex trading remain comprehensive for Canadian users.
Order execution tools are complete, covering all core types—market, limit, stop-loss, trailing stop, take-profit, and OCO. Asset search and filters respond rapidly, which makes scanning through thousands of instruments simple, even for complex portfolios. For users focused on spot stocks or registered crypto wallets, IG’s CFD-centric focus might be seen as a limitation, but its tradeoff is depth and breadth across asset classes.
| Feature | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | IG mobile app for iOS/Android; MT4 mobile; no TradingView or crypto wallet |
| Usability | Fluid, intuitive, and customizable interface on web and mobile; clear order management |
| Compatible software | MetaTrader 4, IG proprietary platform, ProRealTime; no direct TradingView/crypto API |
| Order types | Market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, OCO orders |
| Charting and technical analysis | 100+ built-in indicators, advanced charting in ProRealTime and MT4 |
| Auto trading / Automated strategies | Expert Advisors (MT4), ProRealTime automation; no native copy trading or PAMM for Canada |
| Algorithmic trading | Supported via MT4 and ProRealTime scripting and automation |
| Negative balance protection | Yes, for CFD/Forex accounts |
| Trading signals | Platform alerts, news feed, some signal integration in MT4/ProRealTime; no TradingView signals |
| Asset search and filters | Fast multi-asset search, dynamic filters for forex, stocks, commodities, indices, crypto CFDs |
| Spot stock purchase | Available for some shares; otherwise mainly CFD; no physical crypto |
| Staking and earn | Not available |
Trader Tip
Trip: Take advantage of IG’s unlimited demo account to test platform features, work with ProRealTime automation, or explore MT4’s custom indicators before applying risk to live markets. Remember to activate two-factor authentication for stronger account security.
Account Opening & Deposits
Account opening
Opening an account with IG is a streamlined process designed for both accessibility and regulatory compliance. You start by filling out an online registration form, providing your personal details and selecting your desired account type. The next step is uploading verification documents—usually a government-issued ID and a recent proof of address. IG will require you to complete a regulatory questionnaire to assess financial suitability, as part of anti-money laundering and investor protection regulations.
Once your application and documents are submitted, IG reviews your information. Account validation typically takes 1–3 business days, depending on document quality and current processing volume. When approved, you'll receive a confirmation email enabling access to trading platforms and account funding options.
Good to know
Selecting your base currency during account setup helps you manage conversion fees for deposits and withdrawals. Document review may take longer during periods of high application volume.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening procedure | Online registration, KYC/anti-money laundering questionnaire, document upload |
| Validation time | 1–3 business days after submission of all documents |
| Accepted deposit methods | Credit/debit card, bank wire transfer, PayPal |
| Minimum required deposit | $0 (bank transfer); $250 (card/PayPal) |
| Required documents | Government-issued ID, recent proof of address |
| Practical tip | Use clear scans/photos of your documents for fastest approval |
Deposits and withdrawals on IG
IG offers a range of flexible deposit and withdrawal options to fund or access your trading account. You can deposit by bank transfer (no minimum), credit/debit card, or PayPal (minimum $250). Deposits via card or PayPal are processed instantly, while bank transfers typically clear within 1–3 business days. IG does not charge internal deposit fees. All transactions are performed in your account’s base currency, and currency conversion charges may apply for non-CAD funding.
Withdrawals are permitted through the same options: bank transfer, card, or PayPal. Processing time for withdrawals is generally 1–2 business days after request approval. There are no internal fees for withdrawals; however, a $100 minimum withdrawal limit applies, and external bank processing times may vary. IG does not provide integrated wallets or direct fiat-to-crypto conversion—cryptocurrencies are only traded as CFDs for Canadian clients.
Good to know
Always confirm your base currency before depositing or withdrawing to avoid conversion fees. Withdrawals below $100 are not processed, so plan your cash management accordingly.
| Payment method | Accepted currencies | Minimum amount | Processing time | Possible fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | CAD, USD, others | $250 | Instant | None from IG, but check with your card issuer |
| Bank transfer | CAD, USD, others | $0 | 1–3 business days | None from IG, possible banking fees |
| E-wallets (PayPal) | CAD, USD, others | $250 | Instant | None from IG, possible PayPal fees |
| Stablecoins/cryptos | Not supported | – | – | – |
| Other local options | Not available | – | – | – |
Account Types
IG is a top-tier, CIRO-regulated broker in Canada, offering a versatile range of trading accounts and market access for both beginner and advanced users. As a CFD/Forex broker—and not a crypto platform—IG provides commission-free demo and standard accounts, a swap-free Islamic account by request, and advanced options like DMA (Direct Market Access) for experienced traders, but does not offer Raw ECN, classic securities, staking, or cold storage accounts. Its product suite includes thousands of global markets, with a user-friendly platform experience across web, mobile, and MT4.
| Account type | Available | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Demo account | ✅ | Free, unlimited, $10,000+ virtual funds, all IG platforms, trade over 17,000 markets risk-free |
| Standard account | ✅ | No min. deposit for bank transfer ($250 for card/PayPal); access to full asset range and platforms |
| Raw ECN account | ❌ | Not available; IG operates on a spread/commission model |
| Islamic account | ✅* | Swap-free, available on request for eligible clients |
| Professional account | ✅* | Advanced/DMA (Direct Market Access) account for high-volume or institutional users |
| CFD account | ✅ | All live IG accounts support comprehensive CFD trading |
| Classic securities account | ❌ | Direct stock/ETF ownership not available on trading platform (CFDs only) |
| Staking/earn account | ❌ | Not available (crypto trading via CFDs only; no staking or yield products) |
| Cold storage account | ❌ | Not available; no integrated crypto custody |
| Tax-advantaged account | ❌ | Not available (no TFSA/RRSP or similar) |
| Accepted base currencies | ✅ | CAD, USD, others (choose at signup; affects fees/conversion) |
*Conditions and minimums may apply for Islamic and Professional accounts; contact IG support for details.
Trader Tip
Trip: New to IG? Try the free demo account to explore platform tools and market access without risk. If you plan high-frequency or advanced trading, look into DMA/Professional accounts for tighter spreads and better execution. Always select your base currency up front to minimize conversion costs.
How IG compares to competitors
| IG | XTB | Libertex | Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 (Bank Transfer), $250 (Card/PayPal) | $0 | $10 | $0 |
| Number of instruments | 17,000+ | 5,600+ | 250+ | 150+ markets, tens of thousands of instruments |
| Spreads (examples) | EUR/USD: from 0.6 pips GBP/USD: from 0.9 pips Gold: from 0.3 points | EUR/USD: from 0.1 pips GBP/USD: from 0.2 pips Gold: from 0.3 points | EUR/USD: from 0.0 pips (commission-based) GBP/USD: from 0.0 pips Gold: from 0.16 | EUR/USD: from 0.1 pips + low commission GBP/USD: from 0.2 pips Gold: from $0.15 |
| Trading platforms | IG Web Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, Mobile App | xStation 5 (Web, Desktop, Mobile) | Libertex Web Platform, MT4, MT5, Mobile App | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Web Portal, GlobalTrader |
| Regulation | CIRO (IIROC), CIPF in Canada. Top-tier global regulation | FCA (UK), CySEC, KNF. Not regulated in Canada | CySEC. Not regulated in Canada | CIRO (IIROC), CIPF in Canada. Top-tier global regulation (SEC, FCA, ASIC, etc.) |
| Demo account | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Copy trading | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (via third parties) |
| Read the review | Read the review XTB | Read the review Libertex | Read the review Interactive Brokers |
GBP/USD: from 0.9 pips
Gold: from 0.3 points
GBP/USD: from 0.2 pips
Gold: from 0.3 points
GBP/USD: from 0.0 pips
Gold: from 0.16
GBP/USD: from 0.2 pips
Gold: from $0.15
Customer reviews
IG currently holds a Trustpilot score of 4.0 out of 5, based on more than 8,010 global reviews. Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :
- Wide range of available markets and instruments
- Easy-to-use and reliable trading platforms (web, mobile, MT4)
- Responsive and helpful customer support
- Smooth withdrawal process with fast processing times
- Educational content and risk management tools
En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :
- Limited copy trading or social trading options for Canadian users
- Occasional platform performance issues during peak times
- Inactivity fees after prolonged periods of no activity
- $100 minimum withdrawal amount may be inconvenient for some
- No physical cryptocurrency purchase or cold storage (CFDs only)
Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :
- i.L.F. – 26/02/2024 : “The platform is easy to use and offers a wide range of markets. Customer support is responsive.”
- i.M.D. – 14/01/2024 : “Spreads are competitive, but I wish there were more options for copy trading or automated strategies.”
- i.X.T. – 08/12/2023 : “Withdrawal process was smooth and funds arrived within two days. I’ve had a great overall experience so far.”
FAQ
Is IG regulated in CA?
Yes, IG is regulated in Canada through CIRO (formerly IIROC) and offers investor protection via the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). IG Wealth Management Inc. and Investors Group Securities Inc. are fully compliant with Canadian financial regulations.
What is the minimum deposit on IG?
There is no minimum deposit if you fund your account by bank transfer. However, if you choose to deposit via credit or debit card, or PayPal, the minimum required is $250. Check the platform for current details based on your preferred funding method.
Does IG offer a welcome bonus?
IG does not offer a welcome bonus for Canadian users. Promotional bonuses are uncommon due to regulatory restrictions in Canada, so any temporary offers would be posted directly on their official website if available.
How does leverage work on IG?
Leverage on IG varies by asset class and Canadian regulation. For forex, leverage is typically up to 30:1, while indices and commodities are up to 20:1, stocks up to 5:1, and crypto CFDs up to 2:1. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, so it should be used carefully.
How does IG make money?
IG earns revenue through spreads, commissions, overnight financing fees, and certain service charges such as currency conversion. Spreads on major forex pairs are competitive and commissions are typically charged on stock and some ETF trades.
Who is behind IG?
IG is operated by IG Group, a leading global provider of online trading services since 1974. In Canada, IG Wealth Management and Investors Group Securities Inc. manage local operations, both part of the broader IG Group.
When was IG launched?
IG Group was founded in 1974 in the United Kingdom and has since grown into an international brokerage. The Canadian entity follows this rich history with full compliance to local regulations.
Does IG offer copy trading or social trading?
IG does not provide copy trading or social trading services directly for Canadian clients. Canadian residents seeking social trading will need to look for third-party solutions or consider other platforms.
How can I contact IG’s customer service?
IG’s customer service is available by phone at 1-888-746-6344, by email at onlineaccess@ig.ca, and through live online chat. Support operates Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, as well as through a 24/5 international helpdesk.
Does IG offer any promotions or referral programs?
IG does not currently offer regular promotions or referral programs in Canada. Any promotional campaigns would be temporary and clearly indicated on their website or through direct communication to clients.
Is IG regulated in CA?
Yes, IG is regulated in Canada through CIRO (formerly IIROC) and offers investor protection via the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). IG Wealth Management Inc. and Investors Group Securities Inc. are fully compliant with Canadian financial regulations.
What is the minimum deposit on IG?
There is no minimum deposit if you fund your account by bank transfer. However, if you choose to deposit via credit or debit card, or PayPal, the minimum required is $250. Check the platform for current details based on your preferred funding method.
Does IG offer a welcome bonus?
IG does not offer a welcome bonus for Canadian users. Promotional bonuses are uncommon due to regulatory restrictions in Canada, so any temporary offers would be posted directly on their official website if available.
How does leverage work on IG?
Leverage on IG varies by asset class and Canadian regulation. For forex, leverage is typically up to 30:1, while indices and commodities are up to 20:1, stocks up to 5:1, and crypto CFDs up to 2:1. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, so it should be used carefully.
How does IG make money?
IG earns revenue through spreads, commissions, overnight financing fees, and certain service charges such as currency conversion. Spreads on major forex pairs are competitive and commissions are typically charged on stock and some ETF trades.
Who is behind IG?
IG is operated by IG Group, a leading global provider of online trading services since 1974. In Canada, IG Wealth Management and Investors Group Securities Inc. manage local operations, both part of the broader IG Group.
When was IG launched?
IG Group was founded in 1974 in the United Kingdom and has since grown into an international brokerage. The Canadian entity follows this rich history with full compliance to local regulations.
Does IG offer copy trading or social trading?
IG does not provide copy trading or social trading services directly for Canadian clients. Canadian residents seeking social trading will need to look for third-party solutions or consider other platforms.
How can I contact IG’s customer service?
IG’s customer service is available by phone at 1-888-746-6344, by email at onlineaccess@ig.ca, and through live online chat. Support operates Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, as well as through a 24/5 international helpdesk.
Does IG offer any promotions or referral programs?
IG does not currently offer regular promotions or referral programs in Canada. Any promotional campaigns would be temporary and clearly indicated on their website or through direct communication to clients.
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