IG vs Trading 212
Since 1 Dec 2001, the FCA, FRN 114059, has authorised IG INDEX LIMITED, which holds client money. Since 1 Oct 2014, the FCA, FRN 609146, has authorised Trading 212 UK Limited, which holds client money.
IG and Trading 212 side by side
Every figure comes from the broker and includes the date we checked it. They follow the order in which people search for them, rather than any personal preference.
| Fact | IG | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| UK firm | IG INDEX LIMITED | Trading 212 UK Limited |
| FRN | 114059 | 609146 |
| Regulatory status | Authorised | Authorised |
| Authorised since | 1 Dec 2001 | 1 Oct 2014 |
| Clone firms on the register | 0 | 4 |
| Retail CFD accounts that lose money | 70%, read 2 Nov 2026 | 75%, read 2 Nov 2026 |
| EUR/USD spread as stated | 0.6 points (minimum, Spread betting) | Not stated |
| Smallest deposit | £250 | £10 |
| Inactivity fee | Free (as stated on spread betting/CFD charges tab) | Not stated |
| Withdrawal fee | free | free (third-party banks may charge) |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Spread betting | Yes | Not stated |
| Share dealing | Yes | Yes |
| Retail leverage | up to 30x leverage on selected markets | Major currency pairs use 1:30, minor pairs 1:20 and other commodities 1:10; the margin table also lists 1:5 for stocks and ETFs.) |
| Platforms | MT4, plus MT5, TradingView, IG mobile app and online trading platform; L2 Dealer, ProRealTime and tastytrade platform for US options and futures are also included.) | Trading 212 app and web platform |
| Demo account | Yes | Not stated |
| Negative balance protection | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone app rating, UK App Store | 4.58 of 5 (34,180 ratings) | 4.7 of 5 (412,613 ratings) |
These features match at each firm: negative balance protection, share dealing, CFDs and FCA status.
Sources: ig.com/uk, read 2 Nov 2026; trading212.com/trading-instruments/cfd, read 2 Nov 2026; ig.com/uk/charges, read 2 Nov 2026; ig.com/uk/about-us/international-offering, read 2 Nov 2026; trading212.com/terms/cfd, read 2 Nov 2026; ig.com/uk/spread-betting, read 2 Nov 2026; helpcentre.trading212.com/hc/en-us/articles/11471872562461-What-are-the-fees-in-the-CFD-account, read 2 Nov 2026.
How the two loss rates stand against the wider field
The full risk warning from each broker
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. With this provider, 70% of retail investor accounts lose money through spread bets and CFDs. Whether you understand how CFDs and spread bets work is something you should consider. You should also consider whether you can afford taking a high risk of losing your money.
On ig.com, read 2 Nov 2026, IG uses these words.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Among retail investor accounts trading CFDs with this provider, 75% lose money. For CFDs, consider whether you understand how they work and whether the high risk of losing your money is one you can afford.
On trading212.com, read 2 Nov 2026, Trading 212 uses these words.