Is IG Good for Day Trading? | My Honest Take
- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Discover if IG is the right platform for day trading. Read my personal experiences, pros, cons, and tips to decide if it's worth it for you.
Quick Answer: How Good is IG for Day Trading?
IG remains a strong choice for day trading in 2026, offering an intuitive platform, competitive fees, fast execution, and wide market access. It suits both beginners and experienced traders who want reliable tools, strong regulation, and a stable environment for short-term trading strategies.
Author's Comments
After trading on IG for several months, I found it incredibly reliable and precise, but not beginner-friendly. The platform shines for active traders who rely on analysis and execution speed, yet feels overwhelming if you're just starting or prefer app-based simplicity.
Summary Table: IG Day Trading Verdict
| Category | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | Clean but data-heavy interface |
| Tools & Charts | 4.6/5 | Excellent analysis suite |
| Fees | 3.8/5 | Tight spreads but extra charges |
| Safety | 4.8/5 | Fully FCA-regulated and insured |
| Overall | 4.2/5 | Great for experienced traders |
Top Rated
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
How Did I Start Using IG for Day Trading?
Getting started with IG was smooth and professional. Account setup and KYC verification took under 24 hours, and the dashboard was immediately accessible. Depositing funds via UK bank transfer was simple, and I was able to place my first live trade within minutes.
What Do I Like Most About IG?
IG feels built for serious traders — fast execution, tight spreads, and institutional-grade reliability. Its web and desktop platforms are powerful, and the charting tools stand out. It's not flashy but delivers consistent performance for high-frequency and intraday trading.
Is IG Easy to Use for Day Traders?
IG's layout is clear, though dense with information. The interface performs well even during volatile sessions, and order execution is quick. It suits traders who rely on precision and data but can appear intimidating to casual or app-based users. For a closer look at how IG stacks up against eToro on usability and features, I've broken that down elsewhere.
What Markets Can You Day Trade on IG?
IG now offers direct crypto trading alongside its core markets — forex, indices, and shares. Traders can buy and sell major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum without relying on CFDs. I've covered how IG's crypto service stacks up against dedicated exchanges separately. This gives UK users real crypto exposure while retaining IG's robust trading infrastructure.
Summary of IG's market offerings:
| Market Type | Available | Typical Spread | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes | From 0.6 pips | Fast execution |
| Indices | Yes | From 0.8 pts | Global coverage |
| Crypto | Yes | From 0.2% | Real crypto trading available in the UK |
| Shares | Yes | From 0.1% | Ideal for day trading |
Are IG's Fees a Dealbreaker for Day Traders?
IG's spreads are competitive, starting from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs. However, inactivity fees of £12/month can sting if you're not trading regularly. Overall, fees are fair for active users but less appealing for those who trade sporadically. If you prefer tax-free trading on the same markets, IG's spread betting service covers many of the same instruments without capital gains tax.
How Do IG's Fees Compare to Competitors?
| Fee Type | IG | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | From 0.6 pips | From 1 pip | From 0.8 pips |
| Commission | £0 on CFDs | £0 | £0 |
| Inactivity | £12/month | £10/month | £10/month |
Are the Charting Tools Enough for Professionals?
Yes — IG's integration with ProRealTime, along with MT4 and MT5 compatibility, makes it excellent for advanced traders. It offers custom scripting, automated trading, and more indicators than most competitors. Beginners may not use half of what's available, though.
Is IG Too Complex for Beginners?
IG's interface and tool depth can overwhelm first-time traders. The platform assumes users already understand leverage, margins, and order types. While powerful, it's not the most beginner-friendly — if you're just starting out, I've looked at whether IG suits complete beginners in a separate piece. Exchanges like eToro or Bitpanda are far easier to grasp initially.
What Are the Biggest Advantages and Drawbacks for Day Traders?
After months of active day trading on IG, these are the standout strengths and the areas that frustrated me most.
Pros and Cons of Using IG for Day Trading
Pros:
- Tight spreads from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs with fast execution
- ProRealTime, MT4, and MT5 integration for advanced charting and automation
- Over 17,000 markets accessible from a single FCA-regulated account
- Reliable platform stability even during high-volatility sessions
Cons:
- £12 monthly inactivity fee kicks in after 24 months of no trades
- Overnight funding fees add up quickly if positions aren't closed same day
- Platform complexity can overwhelm less experienced traders
- Customer support isn't 24/7, limiting help during out-of-hours sessions
Should You Use IG for Day Trading?
Yes — if you're experienced. IG offers tight spreads, fast execution, and advanced charting, making it well suited to seasoned day traders. For beginners or occasional investors, the platform can feel complex. Overall, IG is best for disciplined, data-driven traders who value strong regulation and fund protection alongside performance.
For a broader look at what IG offers beyond day trading — fees, education, account types, and more — our full IG review covers the lot.
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.