IG
IG Group
4.3 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A globally regulated multi-asset powerhouse built for serious traders who demand depth, leverage, and platform choice.
- Min deposit
- $250
- Max leverage
- 1:200
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/11/2026
IG Group vs Stash: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
IG Group and Stash serve very different types of investors, but only one comes out on top in our independent 2026 rating. IG Group scores 4.3/5 against Stash's 3.3/5, driven largely by superior regulation and market access. Stash still holds appeal for cost-conscious beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and tighter headline spreads.
S
Stash
3.3 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A zero-minimum-deposit investing app built to make simple stock, ETF, and crypto investing accessible to everyday beginners.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC, FINRA
Overall Winner
IG Group
Best for Beginners
Stash
Lowest Fees
Stash
Top Regulation
IG Group
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | IG IG Group | S Stash |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 1974 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | New York, USA |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC | SEC, FINRA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $250 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web |
| Markets Offered | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
IG Group
$250
Stash
$0
Spreads From
IG Group
0.6 pips
Stash
0 pips
Commission
IG Group
None
Stash
None
Deposit Fees
IG Group
None
Stash
None
Withdrawal Fees
IG Group
None
Stash
None
Pros & cons
IG
IG Group
Pros
- Backed by four tier-1 regulators for stronger fund safety
- Supports six distinct market categories for diversified trading
- Offers leverage up to 1:200 for more flexible position sizing
- Includes MT4 alongside proprietary platforms for added flexibility
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
- Long operating track record dating back to 1974
- Highest overall rating in this comparison at 4.3/5
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit requirement of $250
- Spreads start wider than Stash at 0.6 pips
- More complex platform suite may overwhelm absolute beginners
- Leverage trading carries elevated risk for inexperienced users
S
Stash
Pros
- No minimum deposit makes investing highly accessible
- Advertised spreads from 0 pips on supported instruments
- Simple, beginner-friendly mobile and web platforms
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Straightforward regulatory structure for US-based investors
Cons
- Limited to only two regulators (SEC, FINRA) versus IG Group's four
- Maximum leverage capped at 1:1, restricting trading flexibility
- No MT4 or third-party platform support
- Narrower market range covering only stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Lower overall rating of 3.3/5 compared to IG Group
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner IG Group
Lowest fees Stash
Best regulation IG Group
Better for beginners Stash
IG Group is our recommended pick overall, earning 4.3/5 on our proprietary rating scale compared to Stash's 3.3/5. The gap is driven primarily by regulatory depth — IG Group is licensed by four tier-1 regulators (FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC) versus Stash's two (SEC, FINRA) — plus a far wider range of tradable markets including forex, indices, commodities and CFDs. Stash counters with a $0 minimum deposit and marginally tighter advertised spreads, making it a reasonable entry point for first-time stock and ETF investors, but it simply doesn't match IG Group's depth for traders who want multi-asset access, higher leverage, or institutional-grade oversight.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is where this comparison is decided most decisively. IG Group is overseen by four major regulators — the FCA, ASIC, MAS, and SEC — giving it one of the broadest compliance footprints in the retail brokerage space.
Stash, by contrast, is regulated solely by the SEC and FINRA in the United States. That's a credible setup for a US-focused investing app, but it lacks the multi-jurisdictional oversight that international or cross-border traders typically look for.
For traders who prioritize fund safety and regulatory redundancy, IG Group's four-licence structure offers meaningfully stronger protection. Stash remains adequate for domestic US investors who don't need international regulatory coverage.
Account Costs & Minimum Deposit
Stash wins on accessibility, requiring no minimum deposit at all, compared to IG Group's $250 entry threshold. This makes Stash notably easier for beginners or those testing the waters with limited capital.
Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees, so funding and accessing your account carries no hidden cost on either platform.
However, a low minimum deposit alone doesn't offset the narrower market access and lower leverage ceiling that come with choosing Stash. Traders should weigh entry cost against long-term platform capability.
Spreads, Commissions & Trading Fees
On pure headline pricing, Stash edges ahead with spreads advertised from 0 pips, versus IG Group's spreads starting at 0.6 pips. Neither broker charges a separate commission on trades.
That said, spread comparisons need context. IG Group's 0.6 pip starting spread applies across a much wider range of instruments including forex and CFDs, while Stash's 0 pip figure is tied to its simpler stock and ETF offering.
For cost-sensitive investors trading primarily stocks and ETFs, Stash's fee structure is competitive. For multi-asset traders, IG Group's pricing remains reasonable given the added market depth.
Markets & Leverage
IG Group offers access to six market categories — CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto — compared to Stash's three: stocks, ETFs, and crypto. This makes IG Group the clear choice for traders wanting diversified exposure from a single account.
Leverage is another area of separation. IG Group supports leverage up to 1:200, while Stash caps out at 1:1, reflecting its design as a straightforward investing app rather than a leveraged trading platform.
Active traders and those interested in forex or CFD speculation will find IG Group's leverage and market range far better suited to their needs.
Trading Platforms
IG Group supports its own proprietary web and mobile platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4), giving traders flexibility to use a globally recognized third-party platform alongside IG's in-house tools.
Stash offers only its proprietary mobile and web apps, with no MT4 or other third-party platform integration. This keeps things simple but limits flexibility for traders who prefer advanced charting or automated strategy tools.
Traders who rely on MT4 indicators, expert advisors, or custom scripts will find IG Group's platform lineup significantly more capable.
Our Verdict
IG Group is the stronger all-around broker, backed by a 4.3/5 rating versus Stash's 3.3/5 on our independent scale. Its regulatory depth, wider market access, higher leverage, and MT4 support make it the better fit for the majority of traders.
Stash remains a sensible option specifically for beginners with limited starting capital who want simple stock, ETF, and crypto exposure without a minimum deposit barrier.
If you need a single, do-it-all platform with institutional-grade oversight, choose IG Group. If you're a cost-conscious beginner starting small with stocks and ETFs, Stash is a reasonable entry point.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
IG Group wins overall
IG Group edges out Stash overall based on our expert rating score.
IG
Highest Rated
IG Group
4.3 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4.3/5).
IG GroupBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
StashLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
StashStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
IG Group
Frequently asked questions
IG Group scores higher overall on our independent rating system, earning 4.3/5 compared to Stash's 3.3/5. IG Group's advantage comes primarily from stronger regulation and broader market access, while Stash appeals mainly to beginners seeking a low-cost entry point. The right choice ultimately depends on your trading style and experience level.
Stash advertises tighter spreads starting at 0 pips, while IG Group's spreads begin at 0.6 pips. Neither broker charges a separate commission. However, IG Group's pricing covers a much wider range of tradable markets, so the comparison isn't perfectly like-for-like.
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Stash requires no minimum deposit at all. This makes Stash notably more accessible for beginners or those wanting to start with minimal capital.
IG Group holds licences from four regulators — the FCA, ASIC, MAS, and SEC — while Stash is regulated by the SEC and FINRA only. IG Group's broader regulatory coverage generally translates to stronger investor protection, especially for traders operating outside the US.
IG Group supports its proprietary web and mobile platforms as well as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), giving traders access to advanced charting and automation tools. Stash offers only its own proprietary mobile and web apps, with no third-party platform integration.
IG Group offers dedicated forex trading alongside CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto. Stash does not offer forex trading at all, focusing instead on stocks, ETFs, and crypto, making IG Group the clear choice for currency traders.
IG Group offers leverage up to 1:200, giving active traders more flexibility in position sizing. Stash caps leverage at 1:1, reflecting its design as a straightforward, low-risk investing app rather than a leveraged trading platform.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many investors use a combination of platforms — for example, IG Group for leveraged forex and CFD trading alongside Stash for simple long-term stock and ETF investing.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so you can fund and access your account on either platform without incurring extra transaction costs. This makes both brokers reasonably cost-efficient when it comes to moving money in and out of your account.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.