AvaTrade vs IG Markets

If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether AvaTrade or IG Markets is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.

In this AvaTrade vs IG Markets review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

• Features and Platforms
• Available Markets
• Typical Spreads and Fees
• Security and Trust
• AvaTrade vs IG Markets - Verdict

Feature	AvaTrade (visit site)	IG Markets (visit site)
Headquarter:	Ireland	United Kingdom
Regulation :	MiFID, Central Bank of Ireland, FSA, ASIC, BVI, FFAJ, FSCA, ADMG - FRSA	FCA
Type of Broker:	ECN/STP	Market Maker
U.S. Clients Allowed:
Minimum Deposit:	$100	$250
Maximum Leverage:	1:400	N/A
Commissions / Spreads:	Spreads	Both
Account 1:	Retail	CFD
Account 2:	Professional	Spread Betting
Account 3:	Spread Betting	Share Dealing
Account 4:	Standard	ISA/SIPP
Demo Account:
Islamic Account:
Segregated Account:
Managed Accounts:
Institutional Accounts:
Website Languages:	English Chinese Other	English Chinese Other
Support Hours:	24/5	24/5
E-mail Support:
SMS Support:
Chat:
Broker Offers:	See what AvaTrade offers	See what IG Markets offers

Features and Platforms

AvaTrade has created a trustworthy brand since its inception in 2006. While it offers traders the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, this broker developed three proprietary trading platforms. Manual traders have the AvaTrade WebTrader, where a clean interface allows for efficient trading. Options traders have AvaOptions catering to their needs, while mobile traders will benefit from AvaTradeGo. An excellent educational section, market commentary, and support for social trading enhance the core trading environment. IG Markets remains one of the best overall online brokers available today. Founded in 1974, this broker deploys a superior proprietary trading platform alongside MT4. ProRealTime adds support for automation of trading strategies, and the L2 Dealer caters to investors. The education and research division deliver high-quality content, while the deployed technology infrastructure improves order execution.

Available Markets

While AvaTrade provides all retail trader with an above-average asset selection across Forex, commodities, FX options, bonds, equities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, IG Markets provides a significantly broader choice. Where the former has over 1,250 assets, the latter maintains a portfolio spanning more than 17,000 products, catering to all types of traders, including institutional ones, hedge funds, and proprietary trading desks. IG Markets also provides overt 70 extended-hours CFDs, allowing traders to benefit from after-hour trading, which is of particular interest following earnings releases. AvaTrade does offer more cryptocurrencies than IG Markets, but the overall selection well behind one of the market leaders among online brokers.

Typical Spreads and Fees

From a pricing perspective, AvaTrade ranks in the middle of the pack, while IG Markets offers a notably more competitive environment. The EUR/USD at the former carries a 0.9 pip spread versus 0.6 pips at the latter. AvaTrade does not levy commissions, but the mark-up remains higher to compensate. As a liquidity provider, IG Markets offers notably more competitive spreads, but a commission of $10 or currency equivalent applies with a minimum charge depending on the asset. Therefore, AvaTrade provided an overall more cost-effective structure, especially for retail traders. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions exist at AvaTrade and IG Markets alike. IG Markets, given its broad market selection, has several additional costs, but not all apply to all traders. AvaTrade does have a $50 per month inactivity, among the highest in the industry.