Here is an official video from the company.

It is important to note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies. In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

In this review, if there is a conflict between the image and the text content, the text content should prevail. However, we recommend that you open the official website for further consultation.

Pros and Cons of IG

Pros:

• Wide variety of markets and instrument options.

• Intuitive and customizable trading platforms.

• Access to advanced technical analysis and charting tools.

• Multilingual, multi-channel customer service.

• Demo account with virtual financing of $20,000.

• There is no minimum deposit requirement for real accounts.

• It offers leverage of up to 1:200.

Cons:

• Fees and costs may not be clearly specified on the website.

• Information on account types is limited.

• There are not many educational resources available on the website.

• The withdrawal of funds is not clearly specified.

• The minimum transaction amount may be high for some markets.

• No welcome bonuses or promotions are offered.

• Credit card deposit fees can be high compared to other brokers.

What Type of Broker Is IG？

IG is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IG acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of offering leverage. However, this also means that IG has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interest of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with IG or any other MM broker.

General Information and Regulatory Status

IG is a UK-registered company and regulated by multiple international financial bodies, including the FCA, ASIC, FSA, NFA, FMA, MAS and DFSA. It offers access to a wide variety of financial instruments, including currencies, indices, cryptocurrencies, stocks and commodities, with over 18,000 markets available. The company provides multiple trading platforms, including an intuitive web platform, MetaTrader 4, L2 dealer and mobile apps. It also offers multilingual customer support through various channels, including telephone, email, social media and online chat.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, offering you easy and well-organized information. If you are interested, read on.

Market Instruments

IG offers access to more than 17,000 markets, covering Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds, ETFs, Options, Industry sectors, Interest rates, and more. This dimension is an advantage for traders as it provides them with a wide variety of instruments to trade and allows them to diversify their investment portfolio. In addition, this wide selection of instruments allows traders to take advantage of different market conditions and opportunities. However, a possible disadvantage of this dimension is that it can be overwhelming for some traders, as it requires greater knowledge and skill to trade in different markets. In addition, exposure to different markets can increase the risk of a portfolio, requiring more complex position and risk management.

Spreads and Commissions

In terms of costs, IG offers competitive and transparent spreads, with the average spread for EUR/USD being one pip. However, there is not much information available on commissions, which may create uncertainty for some traders. In addition, it is important to note that costs may be higher in less liquid markets or with lower trading volume. Overall, IG appears to offer a reasonable and competitive cost structure compared to other brokers.

Trading Accounts Available at IG

IG's demo account is a very useful tool for beginner traders, as it allows them to trade in a safe and risk-free environment. With IG's virtual funding of $20,000, traders can practice and hone their trading skills without risking their capital. In addition, the IG demo account provides access to the trading platform and all the instruments and tools available in the live account, allowing traders to familiarize themselves with the platform and test different trading strategies. Overall, the IG demo account is an excellent tool for beginner traders to gain experience and confidence in trading before investing their own capital.

IG offers a single live account for its clients and the minimum deposit required is $250. Aside from live accounts, demo accounts are also available.

Operating Platform Offered by IG

IG offers various trading platforms to meet the needs of different types of traders. The web-based platform is intuitive and easy to use, although it may be less customizable than other platforms. They also offer MetaTrader 4, a popular and well-known platform in the forex industry. For experienced traders, L2 Dealer offers a wide range of advanced tools and functionalities. However, this platform can be more complicated for beginner traders. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, allowing traders to trade on the go. Overall, the selection of platforms offered by IG is an advantage for traders, although some may find the lack of an IG-exclusive trading platform a disadvantage.

Maximum IG Leverage

As for the maximum leverage dimension at IG, the company offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:200. This means that traders can open positions that are 200 times larger than their available capital. Leverage can be a powerful tool for experienced traders, as it allows them to earn higher profits with limited capital. However, it can also significantly increase the risk of loss and it is important that traders fully understand the risks and limitations of leverage before using it. Overall, IG's maximum leverage is comparable to that of other online brokers and may be suitable for those seeking greater buying power in the market.

Deposit and Withdrawal: Methods and Fees

The minimum deposit for card payment is $50, and no minimum deposit required for Bank Transfer. Deposit options including immediate credit/debit card transactions upon card registration, with up to five cards permissible per account. For Hong Kong clients, cost-free FPS transfers in HKD are available and usually clear within one business day. Bank transfers are also supported. Always include your account ID as a reference to ensure prompt and accurate allocation of funds. However, fees of 1% are charged on Visa deposits and 0.5% on Mastercard deposits. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information on withdrawal of funds, which may be a drawback for some customers.

IG Markets enables convenient funding through its mobile app, accessible under the 'add funds' section for both iPhone and Android users. Additionally, transfers can be made via Wise (formerly TransferWise), though users should check for any associated fees as IG Markets is not affiliated with Wise. For Wise transfers, proof of transaction and account details may be required.

IG Educational Reaources

Unlike other online brokers, IG seems to offer a limited amount of educational resources on its website. Although a news and analysis section can be found, as well as an economic calendar, there are not many online resources to help traders learn and improve their trading skills. It is important to note that despite this, IG has a long history and experience in the financial market, which can be of great help to experienced traders looking for a reliable and solid platform to conduct their trades. However, for new and inexperienced traders, they may need to seek additional educational resources elsewhere to enhance their understanding of the financial markets and develop effective trading skills.

IG Customer Service

Customer service is an important dimension for any business and in the case of IG, this company offers a variety of options for contacting them. Customers can communicate via phone, email, social media and online chat, which offers great flexibility and convenience for users. In addition, customer service is available in multiple languages, which is a great advantage for international customers. Overall, IG seems to have placed adequate emphasis on customer service, which is important to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain a good reputation in the financial market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IG is a well-established and regulated trading platform that offers a wide variety of financial instruments, an intuitive web platform and access to MetaTrader 4 and L2 Dealer. Although its demo account offers generous virtual funding, information on live accounts is limited. Multilingual customer service is available through multiple channels. However, the lack of educational resources and limited information on withdrawals are areas where they could improve. Overall, IG is a solid choice for traders looking for a regulated platform with a wide selection of instruments and a reliable trading platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about IG

• Question: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IG？

• Answer: There is no minimum deposit requirement to open an account with IG.

• Question: What deposit methods are accepted on IG？

• Answer: IG accepts deposits through debit cards, credit cards and bank transfers.

• Question: What is the maximum leverage offered by IG？

• Answer: IG offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:200 on certain financial instruments.

• Question: How can I contact IG customer service？

• Answer: You can contact IG customer service by phone, email, online chat or social media.

• Question: What trading platforms does IG offer？

• Answer: IG offers an intuitive web platform, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer and mobile applications.

• Question: What is the average spread for EUR/USD at IG？

• Answer: The average spread for EUR/USD is one pip.

• Question: Does IG offer educational resources for traders？

• Answer: They offer a variety of live webinars and educational content on their YouTube channel.

Risk Warning

Trading online carries inherent risks, including the potential loss of invested capital. It may not be suitable for all traders or investors. It's essential to understand and acknowledge these risks before engaging in online trading. Additionally, please note that the information provided in this review is subject to change as the company updates its services and policies. The date of this review's generation is also crucial, as information may have evolved since then. Therefore, readers are encouraged to verify updated information directly with the company before making any decisions or taking action. The reader assumes full responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review.

General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.