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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

IG Group vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

In the broker comparison of IG Group and Kraken, the key difference lies in their market focus and trader appeal. IG Group, with a rating of 4.33/5 and over 50 years of industry experience, offers a comprehensive range of markets including CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto, making it suitable for traders seeking diversification and advanced research tools. Conversely, Kraken, rated 3.37/5, specialises in cryptocurrency trading and appeals primarily to crypto enthusiasts who value strong regulatory compliance and the availability of staking options. While IG Group caters to experienced traders looking for a broad market spectrum, Kraken is better suited for those focused on digital assets with a preference for a straightforward fee structure.

IG Group

Kraken

IG GroupKraken
BrokerRank Score4.3/54.3/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$250$0 ✓
Spread from0.6 pips0.2 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:200 ✓1:5
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FCA, CFTC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
KrakenIG Group
Best for Low Fees
KrakenIG Group
Best for Regulation
IG GroupKraken
Quick Answer

IG Group (4.3/5) and Kraken (4.3/5) are closely matched. Kraken has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.

See full side-by-side comparison below

IG Group vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

IG Group

Kraken

Our Rating
4.3 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$250
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Crypto
Founded
1974
2011
Headquarters
London, UK
San Francisco, USA
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

IG Group

Lower fees

Kraken

Spread From
0.6 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5

BrokerRank Verdict

For beginners, IG Group is the superior choice due to its comprehensive educational resources, wide range of markets, and user-friendly platforms. Professional traders might prefer IG Group as well, owing to its extensive market offerings and advanced charting tools like ProRealTime. When it comes to fees, Kraken has a slight edge for crypto traders with its lower spreads starting at 0.2 pips, despite its higher commission rate of 0.16%.

Who Should Choose Which?

IG Group

IG Group

4.3/5

Choose IG Group if you want…

  • No per-trade commission
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:200)
  • More regulatory licences (4)
  • More market types (6)
Kraken

Kraken

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
  • No minimum deposit

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
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#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
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#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
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#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both IG Group & Kraken are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is IG Group better than Kraken?

IG Group (4.3/5) and Kraken (4.3/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.

2

Which has lower fees, IG Group or Kraken?

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

3

What is the minimum deposit for IG Group vs Kraken?

IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. Kraken requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, IG Group or Kraken?

IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do IG Group and Kraken support?

IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both IG Group and Kraken?

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

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