Comparison of IG vs AvaTrade [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theIG vs AvaTrade comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

IG

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

AvaTrade

Main points

Fees

Average 3,4/5

Regulated

FCA, ASIC

Demo account

Yes

Average 3,4/5

Fees

ASIC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – IG offers competitive spreads and a transparent fee structure for crypto CFDs. However, the inactivity fee after 24 months can be a downside for less active traders .

4.2 – AvaTrade stands out with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads, making it a good option for frequent traders. The only drawback is the inactivity fee .

Level

Average 3,4/5

Brief explanation

IG’s commission structure for cryptocurrency trading primarily involves spreads and overnight funding fees. When trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies, IG charges a spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price. This spread varies depending on the cryptocurrency being traded. For example, spreads for Bitcoin and Ethereum are typically lower due to higher liquidity, while smaller altcoins may have wider spreads. Additionally, IG charges an overnight funding fee if positions are held open past a certain time. This fee is based on the size of the position and the duration it is held. Unlike some exchanges, IG does not charge a direct commission per trade, making the spread the primary cost to consider. However, traders should be aware of the potential for overnight fees to accumulate if positions are held long-term. Overall, while IG’s fee structure can seem complex due to the combination of spreads and overnight funding fees, it remains competitive for those who trade actively and manage their positions effectively.

AvaTrade operates with a clear and competitive commission structure, making it an attractive choice for traders looking for cost efficiency. There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage compared to many other platforms. Deposits can be made via credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while withdrawals are processed within 1-5 business days, depending on the method used . AvaTrade charges spreads on cryptocurrency trades, with typical spreads being competitive. For example, the spread for Bitcoin against the US dollar (BTC/USD) is around 0.35%, and for Ethereum against the US dollar (ETH/USD), it’s about 0.60%. These spreads are within the industry standard, offering traders cost-effective trading opportunities . However, there are some non-trading fees to be aware of. AvaTrade imposes an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter after three months of inactivity and a $100 administrative fee after 12 months of inactivity. Additionally, overnight financing fees apply to positions held overnight, with rates varying depending on the asset . Despite these non-trading fees, AvaTrade’s overall fee structure is transparent and competitive, making it a favorable platform for active traders looking to minimize their costs.

IG

Year Founded: IG was founded in 1974, giving it a long-standing reputation and extensive experience in the trading industry. This longevity demonstrates its stability and reliability as a trading platform.
Number of Users: IG serves over 239,000 clients worldwide, reflecting its widespread acceptance and trust among traders. A large user base often indicates a platform's credibility and reliability.
Security Methods: IG employs top-tier security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption protocols, and segregated client funds, ensuring that user data and assets are well-protected.
Reputation and Reviews: IG has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings from users and industry experts alike. Its commitment to transparency, customer service, and innovative tools has earned it numerous awards and recognitions.
Regulation: IG is regulated by several top financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These stringent regulatory standards provide additional assurance of its legitimacy and trustworthiness.

AvaTrade

Regulated by Multiple Authorities: AvaTrade is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC in Australia, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa, and the Financial Futures Association of Japan. This extensive regulatory oversight ensures a high level of security and compliance with international standards .
Established Track Record: Founded in 2006, AvaTrade has a long-standing presence in the financial industry. This longevity demonstrates the platform's resilience and reliability through various market cycles and financial crises .
Robust Security Measures: AvaTrade employs advanced security protocols to protect client funds and personal information. These measures include negative balance protection and the segregation of client funds from the company’s operational funds, ensuring that your investments are safeguarded against unforeseen events .
Comprehensive Customer Support: AvaTrade offers excellent customer service, available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is multilingual, responsive, and well-equipped to handle a wide range of trading-related queries, ensuring that users can get the help they need promptly .
Transparent Operations: AvaTrade maintains transparency in its operations, providing clear information about its fees, regulatory status, and security measures. This transparency builds trust and allows traders to make informed decisions about their investments

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

IG does not have a native token.

AvaTrade does not have a native token.

Earns

IG does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It offers crypto trading primarily through CFDs .

AvaTrade does not provide earning options like staking for cryptocurrencies. The platform focuses on CFD trading .

NFT marketplace

IG does not have an NFT marketplace.

AvaTrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

IG does not provide a card for its clients .

AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, IG accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Yes, AvaTrade accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, IG accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, AvaTrade accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is supported as a payment method .

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, IG accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .

Yes, AvaTrade accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

IG	Features	AvaTrade
IG’s low minimum trade size makes it accessible for beginners looking to start small.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is accessible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it suitable for beginners.
While IG offers competitive spreads, its fee structure can be confusing and relatively high due to additional charges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads, but inactivity and overnight fees can add up .
IG provides a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, focusing primarily on major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Limited selection of 13 cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum .
The platform mainly supports crypto-to-fiat trading, with fewer options for trading between different cryptocurrencies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, but the range is limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .
IG excels in transparency, providing clear and detailed information about fees, regulations, and trading options.	Website Transparency	The website is clear and informative, with comprehensive details about fees, trading conditions, and regulations .
IG does not provide a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .
IG does not offer dedicated crypto wallets, as it focuses on CFD trading rather than actual cryptocurrency ownership.	Storage Offering	Does not offer crypto wallets as it only deals in crypto CFDs .
There are no staking or reward programs for holding cryptocurrencies on IG.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or rewards programs available, which could be a drawback for some users .
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are well-designed, offering advanced trading tools and features.	Mobile App and Desktop	AvaTradeGO mobile app and desktop platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 provide robust trading features and user-friendly interfaces .
IG provides responsive and helpful customer service through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat.	Customer Service	Multilingual customer support available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, but not 24/7 .
IG offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, though some may incur fees, and processing times can vary.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals with various methods, though withdrawal processing can take up to five days

Key features

Analysis tools

IG provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a highly functional mobile app. They also offer educational resources and risk management tools, including stop and limit orders .

AvaTrade offers the Guardian Angel risk management tool for MetaTrader 4 and 5, which provides real-time feedback on trading actions. AvaTrade also provides access to a wide range of technical indicators and charting tools within their trading platforms .

Mobile APP

Yes, IG offers the IG Trading app, which is highly regarded and packed with features for both casual and advanced traders .

Yes, AvaTrade offers the AvaTradeGo mobile app, which is reliable and provides access to all trading tools and account management features .

Security

IG is highly trusted and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC. They offer robust security features such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption. IG also provides negative balance protection, ensuring clients do not lose more than their account balance.

AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance.

Additional features

IG offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies for trading via CFDs. Their platform includes robust charting tools, various order types, and 24/7 customer support. IG is regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of security and reliability. However, their services might not be available to all regions, and they do not provide direct ownership of cryptocurrencies .

AvaTrade is known for its extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more. They offer leverage up to 1:2 for EU clients and up to 1:25 for non-EU clients. AvaTrade also features the Guardian Angel tool for risk management, which gives instant feedback and advice tailored to each trader’s actions. Furthermore, they provide competitive spreads and have a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5 .

Anonymity

IG requires personal identification and verification documents for account opening, thus not supporting anonymous accounts .

Anonymous accounts are not available on AvaTrade. The registration process includes filling out personal information, financial details, and providing proof of identity and residence .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

IG offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies are Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), NEO, Stellar (XLM), and EOS.

AvaTrade provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Ethereum (ETH), EOS, NEO, Dash, Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), IOTA (MIOTA), and Ripple (XRP). Additionally, it offers a Crypto10 index.

User-friendliness

IG’s platform is well-regarded for its usability, offering a straightforward interface for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform provides access to various educational resources and customer support, making it easier for new traders to get started. IG’s robust regulatory framework and security measures also contribute to a trustworthy trading environment .

AvaTrade simplifies the crypto trading experience with a quick and fully digital account setup process. Users can start trading within minutes, which is significantly faster compared to traditional crypto exchanges. The platform supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making it convenient for global users. AvaTrade’s intuitive interface and support for various cryptocurrencies make it an excellent choice for beginners .

Value for money

IG provides excellent value for money with competitive fees and a wide range of tradable cryptocurrencies. However, its fee structure can be complex, and occasional traders may find some charges, such as inactivity fees, to be less appealing.

AvaTrade provides a robust value for money with no deposit or withdrawal fees, though it charges an inactivity fee of $50 after three months of inactivity. The spreads on major cryptos are competitive, making it a good option for active traders.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, United States, Singapore .

Ireland, Japan, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Israel .

Best for

IG is suitable for traders who value a well-established, regulated platform with a range of educational resources. It’s best for those who prefer trading cryptocurrency CFDs and are looking for a comprehensive trading experience with robust security measures.

AvaTrade is great for traders who are interested in speculating on the price movements of major cryptocurrencies using CFDs. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to utilize leverage and trade within a highly regulated framework, although the limited number of available cryptocurrencies might be a drawback for some.

Account

Trading

IG provides a robust platform for trading crypto CFDs, offering a variety of cryptocurrencies with leverage options. It is well-regulated and provides excellent trading tools, making it suitable for serious traders.

AvaTrade supports crypto CFD trading with a range of popular cryptocurrencies. The platform is well-regulated and offers leverage, providing a secure environment for trading cryptos.

Deposit and withdrawal

IG offers free deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal. The process is quick and efficient, with most transactions processed within a few business days.

AvaTrade supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is generally smooth, but withdrawal times can vary based on the method used.

Account opening process

IG offers a smooth and fast account opening process. Users fill out an online application form, provide personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually approved within a day.

Opening an account with AvaTrade is simple and fast. Users must complete an online registration form, provide personal information, and upload verification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved within a day.

KYC required?

KYC verification is compulsory at IG. Users are required to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

AvaTrade requires KYC verification. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

IG offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to get assistance.

AvaTrade provides strong customer support through multiple channels including live chat, email, and phone. Their support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users report occasional delays in getting complex issues resolved.

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I would recommend IG for its robust and secure trading platform. IG’s long-standing reputation, coupled with its strong regulatory oversight, makes it a reliable choice for cryptocurrency trading. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources are perfect for beginners, while the advanced trading tools cater to more experienced traders. However, it’s important to be aware of the complex fee structure and limited selection of cryptocurrencies. Overall, IG is a solid option for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies through a well-established broker.

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend AvaTrade for its robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading platforms. AvaTrade’s diverse range of trading instruments and excellent customer support make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies could be broader, and the inactivity fees lower, the overall security and ease of use make AvaTrade a strong contender in the world of crypto trading.

Read IG review

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Read AvaTrade review

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

Comparison of IG vs AvaTrade [ 2024 ]

IG

AvaTrade

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

IG

AvaTrade

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives IG and AvaTrade