IG vs Swissquote
Can't decide between IG and Swissquote? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
IG and Swissquote are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IG scores 99/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Swissquote's 95/100.
On pricing, IG offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips vs 1.3 pips). IG supports IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer while Swissquote offers Advanced Trader, MT4, MT5, giving IG an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS while Swissquote is regulated by FINMA, FCA, SFC, DFSA. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to Swissquote (95/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IG offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips, beating the 1.3 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $250, IG is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IG | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 99/100 ✓ | 95/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | 1.1 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips ✓ | 1.3 pips |
| Commission | $0 | $0 (spread only) / $2.50/lot on Elite |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 22ms | < 35ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:100 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 ✓ | $1,000 |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 400,000+ |
| Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA | Premium, Prime, Elite |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | Advanced Trader, MT4, MT5 |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS | FINMA, FCA, SFC, DFSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $18 per month (after 24 months) | $10/month after 24 months |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose Swissquote if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
- ✓You value swiss banking security and deposit insurance
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
Swissquote Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Full Swiss banking license (FINMA) — deposits insured up to CHF 100,000
- ✓ Listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (SQN) — complete financial transparency
- ✓ 400,000+ instruments including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures with direct market access
- ✓ Swiss banking-grade security with multi-factor authentication and encrypted communications
- ✓ Dual functionality as both a bank and a broker — IBAN account, debit card, and crypto wallet included
Drawbacks
- × Higher minimum deposit ($1,000) compared to most retail brokers
- × Forex spreads wider than ECN competitors like IC Markets (1.1 pips on Premium)
- × Limited payment options — no Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal
- × Platform interface feels dated compared to modern competitors like Capital.com
- × Customer support can be slow during high-volume periods
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✗✓
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
Swissquote Execution
Swissquote offers its proprietary Advanced Trader platform alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The Advanced Trader provides access to the full product range including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds — products not available through MT4/MT5. The platform is functional and stable but visually dated compared to modern competitors like Capital.com or CMC Markets' Next Generation. Charting is adequate with 50+ indicators but lacks the polish of TradingView integration. MT4 and MT5 are offered in standard configurations without significant customization. Execution averaged 30-35ms — acceptable but not competitive with sub-20ms ECN brokers.
The Bottom Line: IG vs Swissquote
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($250)
- ✓ Swiss Banking Security
- ✓ Deposit Insurance
- ✓ Multi-Asset Investing
- ✓ Crypto Ownership
- ✓ Institutional Safety
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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