IG Group vs Firstrade 2026: Which Broker is Better?
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 vs Firstrade: Key Differences
IG Group
Firstrade
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Fees Comparison
IG Group
Firstrade
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
IG Group holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. IG Group additionally covers Cfd, Forex, Commodities.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, Firstrade 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. Firstrade 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 Firstrade sets no minimum deposit. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
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.
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)
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade 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 & Firstrade are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is IG Group better than Firstrade?
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.
2Which has lower fees, IG Group or Firstrade?
IG Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while Firstrade starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for IG Group vs Firstrade?
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. Firstrade requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, IG Group or Firstrade?
IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do IG Group and Firstrade support?
IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both IG Group and Firstrade?
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.
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