IG Group vs BDSwiss 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at IG Group if you value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 250). BDSwiss plates up better for anyone who leans on specific use cases detailed below.
The two menus, side by side
| IG Group | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | CySEC 199/13 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 1.5 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $10/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Zurich, Switzerland |
The kitchen inspection: IG Group vs BDSwiss
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
BDSwiss is regulated by CySEC under licence 199/13 (BDS Markets). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. BDSwiss's EUR/USD spread is 1.5 pips. IG Group offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. BDSwiss charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and BDSwiss support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. BDSwiss requires $100. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider IG Group.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
IG Group also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IG Group and BDSwiss support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. IG Group's tighter spreads (0.6 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: IG Group vs BDSwiss
Book a table at IG Group if what you are after is tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 250). Its FCA licence (195355) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with BDSwiss if you want specific use cases detailed below. Its CySEC licence (199/13) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
IG Group vs BDSwiss: which is better?
IG Group is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 250). BDSwiss is better for specific use cases detailed below. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or BDSwiss safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and BDSwiss (CySEC 199/13) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and BDSwiss?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. BDSwiss minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and BDSwiss have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.