IG Group vs E*TRADE 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between IG Group and E*TRADE depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IG Group is headquartered in London, UK, while E*TRADE operates from Arlington, USA. IG Group has the longer track record, established in 1974, compared to E*TRADE which was founded in 1982. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
IG Group
E*TRADE
| IG Group | E*TRADE | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.3/5 ✓ | 3.6/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $250 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 ✓ | 1:4 |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ | SEC, CFTC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
IG Group is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, E*TRADE offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowIG Group vs E*TRADE: Key Differences
IG Group
E*TRADE
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Fees Comparison
IG Group
E*TRADE
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
IG Group holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. E*TRADE is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets. IG Group additionally covers Cfd, Forex.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, E*TRADE is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at IG Group.
Trading Platforms
IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. E*TRADE offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250, while E*TRADE sets no minimum deposit. This makes E*TRADE accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores IG Group at 4.33/5 and E*TRADE at 3.60/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IG Group leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
IG Group
4.3/5
Choose IG Group if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:200)
- More regulatory licences (4)
- More market types (6)
E*TRADE
3.6/5
Choose E*TRADE if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No minimum deposit
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both IG Group & E*TRADE are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is IG Group better than E*TRADE?
IG Group scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IG Group holds a 4.3/5 rating vs E*TRADE's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, IG Group or E*TRADE?
IG Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while E*TRADE starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for IG Group vs E*TRADE?
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. E*TRADE requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, IG Group or E*TRADE?
IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while E*TRADE holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do IG Group and E*TRADE support?
IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both IG Group and E*TRADE?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
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