IG Group vs Swissquote 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IG Group suits traders who value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote suits traders who prioritise more instruments (3,000,000 vs 17,000).
Head to head
| IG Group | Swissquote | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | FCA 562379 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $1000 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 1.3 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 3,000,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Gland, Switzerland |
Regulation: IG Group vs Swissquote
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Swissquote is regulated by FCA under licence 562379 (Swissquote UK Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. Swissquote's EUR/USD spread is 1.3 pips. IG Group offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. Swissquote charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and Swissquote support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. Swissquote requires $1000. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider IG Group.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
IG Group also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IG Group and Swissquote support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. IG Group's tighter spreads (0.6 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Swissquote offers more instruments (3,000,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IG Group vs Swissquote
Choose IG Group if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). The FCA licence (195355) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Swissquote if you want more instruments (3,000,000 vs 17,000). The FCA licence (562379) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
IG Group vs Swissquote: which is better?
IG Group is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote is better for more instruments (3,000,000 vs 17,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or Swissquote safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and Swissquote (FCA 562379) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and Swissquote?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. Swissquote minimum deposit: $1000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and Swissquote have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.