IG Group vs FXTM 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at IG Group if you value lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,000). FXTM plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, copy trading.
The two menus, side by side
| IG Group | FXTM | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | CySEC 185/12 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $10 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 1,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | Yes |
| Real stocks | Yes | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $5/mo after 6mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Limassol, Cyprus |
The kitchen inspection: IG Group vs FXTM
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.
FXTM is regulated by CySEC under licence 185/12 (Forextime Ltd). 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. FXTM's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. FXTM offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. FXTM charges an inactivity fee of $5/month after 6 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and FXTM support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
FXTM offers copy trading, IG Group does not.
The cover charge
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. FXTM requires $10. 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?
FXTM is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading. 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 FXTM support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FXTM's tighter spreads (0.1 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 FXTM
Book a table at IG Group if what you are after is lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,000). Its FCA licence (195355) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with FXTM if you want tighter spreads, copy trading. Its CySEC licence (185/12) 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 FXTM: which is better?
IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,000). FXTM is better for tighter spreads, copy trading. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or FXTM safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and FXTM (CySEC 185/12) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and FXTM?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. FXTM minimum deposit: $10. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and FXTM have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.