Broker comparison

IG Markets vs.
Saxo Bank

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

IG Markets has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Saxo Bank (4.5/5). Saxo Bank offers 9 instrument types, while IG Markets offers 7. The minimum deposit is lower at Saxo Bank with 0 €. IG Markets is BaFin-regulated, while Saxo Bank is supervised by DFSA/FCA. IG Markets has been in the market since 1974, making it the more experienced provider.

World-leading CFD provider with 50 years of experience

Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsIG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 DealerSaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo App
Product typesCFDs, Forex, Options, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, CryptoStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual Funds
Options tradingYes, vanilla options and barriersYes, comprehensive options trading on global exchanges
Fee modelSpreads from 0.6 pip on forex, from 0.1% on stock CFDsStocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip
Minimum deposit300 €0 €
RegulationBaFin/FCADFSA/FCA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

IG Markets

IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer

Saxo Bank

SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo App

Product types

IG Markets

CFDs, Forex, Options, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Crypto

Saxo Bank

Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual Funds

Options trading

IG Markets

Yes, vanilla options and barriers

Saxo Bank

Yes, comprehensive options trading on global exchanges

Fee model

IG Markets

Spreads from 0.6 pip on forex, from 0.1% on stock CFDs

Saxo Bank

Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip

Minimum deposit

IG Markets

300 €

Saxo Bank

0 €

Regulation

IG Markets

BaFin/FCA

Saxo Bank

DFSA/FCA

More information

IG Markets

Details

Saxo Bank

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Spreads from 0.6 pip on forex, from 0.1% on stock CFDs

Published fee
Spreads from 0.6 pip on forex, from 0.1% on stock CFDs
Minimum deposit
300 €
Inactivity
£12/month after 24 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip

Published fee
Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip
Minimum deposit
0 €
Spread figure
EUR/USD from 0.4 pip (Classic), 0.2 pip (VIP)
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

CFDsForexOptionsIndicesCommoditiesStocks CFDsCrypto
StocksOptionsFuturesForexETFsBondsCFDsCommoditiesMutual Funds

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

IG Platform · MT4 · ProRealTime · L2 Dealer

IG Markets offers four trading platforms: The IG Platform is the proprietary web platform with advanced charts, market analyses, and over 17,000 markets. MT4 is available for automated trading and Expert Advisors. ProRealTime offers professional chart analysis with over 100 indicators and backtesting capabilities. L2 Dealer enables Direct Market Access (DMA) for professional traders. All platforms support trading in CFDs, forex, and options.

Explore platform

SaxoTraderGO · SaxoTraderPRO · Saxo App

Saxo Bank offers three trading platforms: SaxoTraderGO is the web-based main platform with modern design, comprehensive charting tools, option chains, stock screeners, and integrated research reports. SaxoTraderPRO caters to professional traders with multi-monitor support, extended order book, algorithmic trading, and real-time analyses. The Saxo App provides the full range of features on mobile, including options trading and portfolio management.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

BaFin/FCA

Regulatory information

DFSA/FCA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

World-leading CFD provider with 50 years of experience

  • Over 17,000 markets available
  • Vanilla options and barriers available
  • Very long company history since 1974
  • Minimum deposit €300
  • High fees for small accounts

Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments

  • Over 72,000 tradable instruments
  • Professional platforms
  • Comprehensive options trading
  • Higher fees for entry-level account
  • Platform complex for beginners

Find the broker that fits

IG Markets oder Saxo Bank?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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In-depth analysis

Costs and entry: The minimum deposit clearly separates them — IG requires €300, Saxo Bank starts at €0. On trading costs IG trades forex from 0.6 pip (EUR/USD typically from 0.6 pip) and stock CFDs from 0.1%; Saxo Bank charges stocks from $1, options from $1 and forex from 0.4 pip (Classic), 0.2 pip (VIP). On forex spreads Saxo leads at 0.4 pip, while IG offers one of the fastest executions in this comparison at ~17 ms (Saxo's execution time is not stated in the data).

Product philosophy: Here the two differ fundamentally. IG (founded 1974, London) is CFD- and derivatives-oriented, trading CFDs, forex, options (vanilla options and barriers), indices, commodities, stock CFDs and crypto. Saxo Bank (founded 1992, Copenhagen) is an investment house with a very broad range of real securities: stocks, options, futures, forex, ETFs, bonds, CFDs, commodities and mutual funds — including comprehensive options trading on global exchanges.

Regulation, platform and verdict: IG is BaFin/FCA-regulated and offers the IG platform, MT4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer; Saxo (DFSA/FCA) relies on SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO and the Saxo app. Ratings: IG 4.6/5, Saxo 4.5/5. For traders seeking CFDs, forex and derivative options structures (barriers) with very fast execution, IG is the stronger choice; those wanting to build a broad portfolio of real stocks, bonds, futures and exchange-traded options with no minimum deposit are better served by Saxo Bank.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between IG Markets and Saxo Bank?
IG Markets: Spreads from 0.6 pip on forex, from 0.1% on stock CFDs. Saxo Bank: Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: IG Markets or Saxo Bank?
IG Markets offers CFDs, Forex, Options, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Crypto. Saxo Bank offers Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual Funds.
How are IG Markets and Saxo Bank regulated?
The broker profiles list BaFin/FCA for IG Markets and DFSA/FCA for Saxo Bank. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is IG Markets or Saxo Bank better for beginners?
IG Markets lists a 300 € minimum deposit and offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. Saxo Bank lists 0 € and offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
IG Markets vs Saxo Bank: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between IG Markets (4.6/5, 2500 reviews) and Saxo Bank (4.5/5, 1900 reviews) depends on your needs. IG Markets: World-leading CFD provider with 50 years of experience. Saxo Bank: Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments.
How do spreads compare between IG Markets and Saxo Bank?
IG Markets offers typical spreads of EUR/USD from 0.6 pip (typical). Saxo Bank offers EUR/USD from 0.4 pip (Classic), 0.2 pip (VIP). Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Do IG Markets or Saxo Bank charge an inactivity fee?
IG Markets: £12/month after 24 months of inactivity. Saxo Bank: no inactivity fee.

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