IG Group
Firstrade
VS
Higher Rated
IG Group
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
Choosing between IG Group and Firstrade depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IG Group is headquartered in London, UK, while Firstrade operates from New York, USA. IG Group has the longer track record, established in 1974, compared to Firstrade which was founded in 1985. 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
Firstrade
| IG Group | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.3/5 ✓ | 3.4/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $250 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 ✓ | 1:2 |
| 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 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Firstrade offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowIG Group
Firstrade
IG Group
Firstrade
Lower feesIG Group holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. IG Group additionally covers Cfd, Forex, Commodities.
On spreads, Firstrade is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at IG Group.
IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Firstrade offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Firstrade sets no minimum deposit. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.
BrokerRank scores IG Group at 4.33/5 and Firstrade at 3.41/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IG Group leads overall with a clear advantage.
IG Group
4.3/5
Choose IG Group if you want…
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
IG Group scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IG Group holds a 4.3/5 rating vs Firstrade's 3.4/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
IG Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while Firstrade starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. Firstrade requires $0.
IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.