Skip to main content
Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

IG Group vs HYCM 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between IG Group and HYCM depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IG Group is headquartered in London, UK. IG Group has the longer track record, established in 1974, compared to HYCM which was founded in 1977. 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

HYCM

VS
IG GroupHYCM
BrokerRank Score4.3/5 ✓3.6/5
Min. Deposit$250$100 ✓
Spread from0.6 pips0.2 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:2001:500 ✓
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FCA, CySEC, DFSA
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4MT4, MT5
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
HYCMIG Group
Best for Low Fees
HYCMIG Group
Best for Regulation
IG GroupHYCM
Best Overall
IG GroupHYCM
Quick Answer

IG Group is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, HYCM offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

IG Group vs HYCM: Key Differences

Feature

IG Group

HYCM

Our Rating
4.3 / 5
3.6 / 5
Min. Deposit
$250
$100
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
MT4, MT5
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
1974
1977
Headquarters
London, UK
London, UK
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

Still deciding between IG Group and HYCM?

Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.

Matching for:Travelling or on a VPN? Change it.
Find my match

Fees Comparison

Fee

IG Group

HYCM

Lower fees
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

IG Group holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. HYCM is regulated by FCA, CySEC, DFSA.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, HYCM is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at IG Group.

Trading Platforms

IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. HYCM offers MT4, MT5. Both brokers are available on MT4.

Minimum Deposit

IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250, while HYCM sets a minimum deposit of $100. Both are suitable for traders with moderate starting capital.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores IG Group at 4.33/5 and HYCM at 3.43/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IG Group leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

IG Group is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 4.33/5 versus HYCM's 3.43/5. IG Group holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), offering stronger regulatory protection. HYCM has a fees advantage with 0.2 pip spreads. Traders with smaller budgets may find HYCM's lower minimum deposit of $100 more accessible. HYCM is still a solid option for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital, but IG Group offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

IG Group

IG Group

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose IG Group if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
  • More regulatory licences (4)
  • More established (est. 1974)
  • More platforms (3 supported)
HYCM

HYCM

3.6/5

Choose HYCM if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
  • Lower minimum deposit ($100)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:500)

Also consider

View all rankings

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.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both IG Group & HYCM are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is IG Group better than HYCM?

IG Group scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IG Group holds a 4.3/5 rating vs HYCM's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, IG Group or HYCM?

IG Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while HYCM starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for IG Group vs HYCM?

IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. HYCM requires $100.

4

Which broker is safer, IG Group or HYCM?

IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while HYCM holds licences from FCA, CySEC, DFSA.

5

What trading platforms do IG Group and HYCM support?

IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. HYCM supports MT4, MT5.

6

Can I use both IG Group and HYCM?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

Key Trading Terms

Related Guides

More Comparisons

BrokerRank Research

Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.

Featured

Deriv

4.0
Open Account

Capital at risk · T&Cs apply