XTB vs. IG Markets
Publicly listed brokers XTB and IG Markets, the former in Poland and the latter in the UK, share many similarities in their core trading environment. Both brokers present competitive proprietary trading platforms, but IG Markets additionally deploys ProRealTime, MT4, and L2 Dealer. It also upgrades the core MT4 with 18 add-ons plus the Autochartist plugin, creating a superior MT4 trading experience.
IG Markets shines with its asset selection, order execution, and trading costs. XTB counters with a well-balanced choice of trading instruments, but notably less quantity with 17,000+ at IG Markets versus 2,100+ at XTB. It does take a minor edge in minimum trading costs and higher leverage. Both feature a volume-based rebate program and training academies for beginner traders.
We have conducted an in-depth review of XTB and IG Markets to determine which one presents the better overall choice and from which traders will benefit the most.
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- XTB vs. IG Markets - Verdict
Features and Platforms
| Features & Platforms | XTB (visit site) | IG (visit site) |
 |  | |
| Headquarter: | Poland | UK |
Established : | 2002 | 1974 |
Retail Loss Rate: | 73.00% | 66.00% |
Regulation: | ||
Minimum Deposit: | $0 | $250 |
Demo Account: | ||
Managed Account: | ||
Islamic Account: | ||
Inactivity Fee | €10 monthly after 12 months | £12 monthly after 24 months |
Deposit Fee: | ||
Withdrawal Fee | Third-Party | Third-Party |
Funding Methods: | 5 | 4 |
MT4: | ||
MT5: | ||
cTrader: | ||
Proprietary Platform: | ||
Automated Trading: | ||
Social / Copy Trading: | ||
MT4/MT5 Add-ons: | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss: | ||
Negative Balance Protection: | ||
Bonuses and Promotions: | ||
Unique Feature One: | High leverage | API Trading |
Unique Feature Two: | Low trading costs | MT4 plugins + Autochartist |
Broker Offers: |
Noteworthy:
IG Markets maintains ideal trading conditions for algorithmic trading via API, ProRealTime, and MT4. It is notably absent from the trading environment at XTB.
Available Markets
| Available Markets | XTB | IG |
| Currency Pairs: | ||
Cryptocurrency Pairs: | ||
Commodities and Metals: | ||
Indices: | ||
Equities: | ||
Bonds: | ||
ETFs: | ||
Options, Futures, and Synthetics: | ||
Maximum Retail Leverage: | 1:500 | 1:200 |
Maximum Pro Leverage: | 1:500 | 1:200 |
IG Markets offers an unrivaled asset selection, including options and DMA. The breadth of investment and trading choices creates a distinct competitive advantage for advanced traders and fund managers. While XTB has notably fewer assets, it maintains a well-balanced and competitive overall selection. Cryptocurrencies remain underserved at XTB and IG Markets alike.
Typical Spreads and Fees
| Typical Spreads & Fees | XTB | IG |
Minimum Raw Spreads: | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Minimum Standard Spreads: | 0.1 pips | 0.6 pips |
Minimum Commission for Forex: | Commission-free | Commission-free |
Commission for CFDs/DMA: | 0.08% per lot | 0.10% or $0.02 per side |
Commission Rebates: | Yes | Yes |
Execution Type: | NDD | Market Maker/ECN |
Both brokers maintain a commission-free Forex pricing environment, where XTB provides traders with an edge. Costs for the EUR/USD are as low as $1.00 versus $6.00 at IG Markets. XTB also has 20% lower commissions on equities. The pricing advantage extends with average spreads at XTB versus IG Markets.
Security and Trust
XTB
| Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
Poland | Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego (KNF) | License Number 0000217580 |
Belize | International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) | License Number 000302/185 |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | FCA Reference Number 522157 |
Spain | Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) | Undisclosed |
South Africa | Financial Sector Conduct Authority | Undisclosed |
IG
| Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority | FCA Reference Number 195355 |
Cyprus | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission | License Number 378/19 |
Germany | Federal Financial Supervisory Authority | BaFin ID Number 10148759 |
Switzerland | Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority | Confirmed, but no regulatory license number |
Dubai | Dubai Financial Services Authority | DFSA Reference Number F001780 |
South Africa | Financial Sector Conduct Authority | FSP Number 41393 |
Singapore | Monetary Authority of Singapore | Confirmed, but no regulatory license number |
Japan | Japanese Financial Services Agency | Unconfirmed |
Australia | Australian Securities & Investments Commission | AFSL Number 220440, AFSL Number 515106 |
New Zealand | Financial Markets Authority | FSP18923 |
XTB and IG Markets both offer negative balance protection and segregate all client deposits from corporate funds.
eToro vs Coinbase – Verdict
XTB
| Pros | Cons |
| Outstanding trading costs, ranking among the best Forex spreads industry-wide | Limited deposit and withdrawal methods |
| Well-balanced asset selection with high leverage | Absence of MT4 and no algorithmic trading |
| Fast NDD order execution and deep liquidity | |
| Quality training academy for beginner traders |
IG
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent choice of trading platforms and superior asset selection | Limited deposit and withdrawal methods |
| Competitive trading costs with a volume-based cash rebate program | Higher minimum deposit requirement, but within a reasonable demand |
| Outstanding trading environment for algorithmic trading, including API support | |
| Comprehensive educational tools for beginner traders |
Both brokers maintain an industry-leading trading environment. IG Markets takes an overall lead due to superior asset selection and extensive support for advanced algorithmic trading solutions. The educational platforms for beginners at XTB and IG Markets offer in-depth and high-quality courses.
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