Saxo Bank vs IG Group 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at Saxo Bank if you value tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000). IG Group plates up better for anyone who leans on lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000).
The two menus, side by side
| Saxo Bank | IG Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | DFSA DF000029 | FCA 195355 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $2000 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.4 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 65,000+ | 17,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $100/mo after 6mo | $12/mo after 2mo |
| Founded | 1992 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | London, UK |
The kitchen inspection: Saxo Bank vs IG Group
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
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.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. Saxo Bank offers tighter spreads on this pair.
Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months without trading. IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months.
Platforms and tools
Both Saxo Bank and IG Group support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000. IG Group requires None. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry.
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. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both Saxo Bank and IG Group support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. Saxo Bank's tighter spreads (0.4 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: Saxo Bank vs IG Group
Book a table at Saxo Bank if what you are after is tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000). Its DFSA licence (DF000029) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000). Its FCA licence (195355) 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
Saxo Bank vs IG Group: which is better?
Saxo Bank is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000). IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Saxo Bank or IG Group safer?
Both Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) and IG Group (FCA 195355) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank and IG Group?
Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. IG Group minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Saxo Bank and IG Group have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.