Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs FXPrimus, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing online brokers IG and FXPrimus, IG stands out as an industry leader, having been founded in 1974. IG is a publicly traded entity and also operates as a bank, reflecting its solid foundation in the financial sector. With a perfect Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IG boasts an impressive array of regulatory credentials, including 8 Tier-1 licenses known for their high level of trust. These factors contribute to IG's reputation as a highly trusted broker globally.
In contrast, FXPrimus, established in 2009, is not publicly traded and doesn’t operate as a bank. It holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 71, indicating an average risk level. FXPrimus has 1 Tier-1 license, marking some degree of trustworthiness. However, it lacks Tier-2 licenses, which could further bolster its credibility. While both brokers offer online trading services, IG’s longer history and stronger regulatory standing make it a more trusted choice for many traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing IG to FXPrimus regarding commissions and fees, IG stands out with its scalable execution and diverse account options, designed to accommodate a range of trading needs. It offers competitive spreads on its Forex Direct accounts, averaging 0.82 pips during July 2023 when including commission costs. IG's CFD accounts also maintain a favorable standing, with typical spreads for both mini and standard contracts averaging 0.69 pips. For high-volume traders, IG provides enticing rebates via its active-trader program, which could lead to lowered effective spreads. Additionally, its DMA account offers further reductions for experienced traders who can manage substantial trading volumes.
In contrast, FXPrimus does not currently provide detailed average spread data, which can make direct comparisons challenging. However, based on available ratings, IG excels with a five-star rating for commissions and fees, securing the 8th rank out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, FXPrimus holds a respectable four-star rating but ranks 42nd in the same category. This suggests that while FXPrimus offers solid service, IG's pricing structures and benefits cater more effectively to cost-sensitive traders looking for advanced options in their trading journey.
Overall, IG is a strong choice for traders who value competitive spreads and advanced account functionalities, supported by a top-tier industry ranking. While FXPrimus remains a valuable contender, its lower rank indicates that it may not offer the same breadth of fee-reducing opportunities as IG. Traders should consider both brokers based on their specific trading volume and financial objectives to choose the best fit for their needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and FXPrimus for their range of investment options, it's clear that IG offers a much broader selection. IG provides 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, significantly outpacing FXPrimus, which offers 140 symbols and 42 forex pairs. Furthermore, IG allows trading in exchange-listed U.S. and international stocks, providing opportunities to invest in companies like Apple and Vodafone. By contrast, FXPrimus does not offer trading in such exchange-traded securities.
Both IG and FXPrimus support forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, and they offer cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies. However, FXPrimus has an edge for those interested in copy trading, a service not available through IG. Overall, IG's range of investments is highly rated, earning 5 stars and ranking 4th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, FXPrimus receives a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 59th, indicating a more limited selection for investors seeking diverse trading opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 140 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 42 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing IG and FXPrimus for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer their own unique experiences designed to meet the diverse needs of traders. IG and FXPrimus both provide free demo accounts, allowing traders to practice with virtual funds. Both brokers have developed proprietary platforms and offer Windows-based desktop downloads, as well as web-based platforms for easy access. Furthermore, each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), with FXPrimus going a step further by also offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
However, there are notable differences between the two. While FXPrimus includes a copy trading feature, IG does not provide this option. Charting tools also vary, with IG offering 20 drawing tools compared to FXPrimus's 15, though both allow trading directly from stock charts. For watch lists, IG supports five columns whereas FXPrimus offers seven. In terms of evaluation, IG shines with a five-star rating and a remarkable #2 ranking by ForexBrokers.com, while FXPrimus holds a respectable four-star rating and is ranked #49 among 62 brokers. This reflects IG's broader acclaim in the realm of trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IG and FXPrimus offer versatile mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android users, allowing traders to stay connected with the market on the go. Both platforms provide stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines, as well as view charts across different time frames. Users can also create watchlists with real-time quotes seamlessly on both apps. However, a major difference lies in the syncing capabilities. IG allows watchlist symbol syncing, which means the watchlist in the mobile app syncs with the user's online account, providing a seamless experience when switching between devices. FXPrimus, on the other hand, does not offer this feature.
When it comes to charting capabilities, IG slightly edges out FXPrimus by offering 33 technical studies compared to FXPrimus's 30. Furthermore, both apps have an automatic chart drawing saving option, which is a convenient feature for traders. In terms of user satisfaction, IG holds a prestigious 5-star rating for its mobile trading apps, and it is ranked #1 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for mobile trading apps. FXPrimus, while still regarded as a strong option with a 4-star rating, is ranked #47 in the same category. This indicates that while both apps are solid choices, IG's mobile app might be more appealing for those prioritizing app performance and additional features.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing IG and FXPrimus for market research offerings, IG stands out as a more comprehensive choice. Both brokers provide daily market commentary, ensuring clients stay informed on the latest trends. However, IG holds a significant edge by providing forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which FXPrimus does not offer. Furthermore, IG delivers insights through tools from Autochartist, a feature absent from FXPrimus’s offerings. Additionally, IG supports sentiment analysis tools and offers research resources from companies like TipRanks and Acuity Trading, whereas these are not available through FXPrimus. Both platforms feature an economic calendar, providing essential global news event data to traders.
In terms of research expertise, IG is highly rated, earning a perfect five-star rating and securing the number two spot for research among 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. By comparison, FXPrimus receives a three-star rating and ranks 58th, reflecting the more limited market research tools and resources. IG's robust range of market insights makes it a preferred choice for traders seeking in-depth and diverse research data.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, IG stands out as a top choice among online brokers. IG provides a wealth of educational materials, including over ten pieces focused on forex and CFDs, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. Beginners can benefit from IG's monthly online educational webinars and access an extensive archive of past webinars. Notably, IG offers specific content for both beginners and advanced traders with over ten educational videos available for each level. Additionally, IG includes an investor dictionary with definitions of more than 50 investing terms, earning it a 5-star rating and the top ranking by ForexBrokers.com for its educational offerings.
In contrast, FXPrimus also provides a solid foundation for learning, with more than ten educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs and regular monthly webinars. Like IG, FXPrimus offers a searchable archive of webinars. However, FXPrimus lacks specific video content for beginners and advanced traders, which might be a consideration for those seeking tailored educational resources. The absence of an investor dictionary with ample definitions further highlights an area for improvement. With a 3-star rating in education and ranking at #51 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, FXPrimus offers a good start but may not match the comprehensive educational support IG provides.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than FXPrimus. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while FXPrimus finished with an overall rank of #53.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Both IG and FXPrimus do not provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies delivered to the user, but they each offer opportunities to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing IG and FXPrimus as online brokers, IG provides a more versatile range of payment options by supporting ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while FXPrimus offers payment via Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks support for ACH, SEPA transfers, and PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | FXPrimus | |
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| Regulation | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 140 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 42 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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