XM vs IG Group 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at XM if you value tighter spreads. IG Group plates up better for anyone who leans on lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,400).
The two menus, side by side
| XM | IG Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC 120/10 | FCA 195355 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $5 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 1,400+ | 17,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $15/mo after 3mo | $12/mo after 2mo |
| Founded | 2009 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, UK |
The kitchen inspection: XM vs IG Group
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). The CySEC 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
XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. XM offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months without trading. IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months.
Platforms and tools
Both XM 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
XM requires a minimum deposit of $5. 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 XM and IG Group support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. XM'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: XM vs IG Group
Book a table at XM if what you are after is tighter spreads. Its CySEC licence (120/10) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,400). 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
XM vs IG Group: which is better?
XM is better for tighter spreads. IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 1,400). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XM or IG Group safer?
Both XM (CySEC 120/10) and IG Group (FCA 195355) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XM and IG Group?
XM minimum deposit: $5. IG Group minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XM and IG Group have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.