Is LHFX cheaper than IG Markets on forex?

On most majors, yes. LHFX charges $3 per side on raw spreads from 0.0 pips, so EURUSD all-in cost is around 0.6 pips equivalent including commission. IG Markets uses spread-only pricing on standard forex accounts, starting from 0.6 pips on EURUSD, which lands at a similar number but without flexibility on commission-only execution.

Can I switch from IG Markets to LHFX?

Yes. LHFX uses MT5, which differs from IG's proprietary platform. Charts and indicators do not carry over directly, but if you have MT4 or MT5 templates from IG, they convert to MT5 cleanly. You can open an LHFX account with $10 and test execution before moving more capital.

Does IG Markets offer MT5?

No. IG supports MT4 alongside its own platform, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. IG does not currently offer MT5. LHFX runs MT5 only. If you specifically need MT5, IG is not an option. If you want ProRealTime, IG is the source.

Which is more regulated, LHFX or IG Markets?

IG Markets has stronger regulatory coverage. IG holds tier-1 licenses with the FCA, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, and DFSA, and IG Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange. LHFX is regulated by the FSC in Mauritius and the FSCA in South Africa. If top-tier regulation is your primary filter, IG covers it.

Can I deposit and withdraw in crypto on IG Markets?

No. IG accepts bank transfer, cards, and PayPal in supported regions, but does not accept crypto for funding. Crypto on IG exists only as a CFD product. LHFX accepts BTC, ETH, and USDT for both deposits and withdrawals, with crypto payouts averaging 13 minutes.

IG Markets Alternative: Why Traders Switch to LHFX

IG Markets is a London-listed broker founded in 1974 with 15,000+ markets and FCA, ASIC, FINMA, MAS regulation.

LHFX runs MT5 with $3 per side, $10 funding, 1:500 leverage, and crypto payouts in around 13 minutes. Full comparison below.

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Quick Comparison

LHFX vs IG Markets at a glance.

Feature

LHFX

IG Markets

Commission

$3 per side

Spread-only on forex; $8 to $10 per side on shares

Minimum Deposit

$10

From $300

Spreads

From 0.0 pips

From 0.6 pips on EURUSD (standard)

Leverage

Up to 1:500

Up to 1:200 (international); 1:30 EU and UK retail

Platforms

MT5

IG web/mobile, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer

Forex Pairs / Instruments

41 forex pairs / 132+ total

80+ forex pairs / 15,000+ markets

Execution

STP/ECN

Market maker (DMA available on shares)

Regulation

FSC Mauritius, FSCA South Africa

FCA, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, DFSA, JFSA, BMA

Crypto Deposits & Withdrawals

Yes (BTC, ETH, USDT)

No (crypto traded as CFDs only)

Islamic Account

Yes

Yes (limited markets)

Where LHFX Wins

The areas where LHFX offers a clear advantage over IG Markets.

Tighter Forex Cost

$3 per side on raw spreads from 0.0 pips. IG Markets uses spread-only pricing on forex, with EURUSD starting at 0.6 pips, so the all-in cost on majors is typically higher on IG.

$10 vs $300 Minimum

Start trading at LHFX with $10. IG Markets requires $300 to open an account. That is a 30x lower funding requirement.

Higher Retail Leverage

Up to 1:500 at LHFX vs up to 1:200 on IG international entities (1:30 in the UK and EU). For traders who want more leverage, LHFX goes 2.5x higher.

Crypto Funding and Payouts

LHFX accepts BTC, ETH, and USDT for deposits and withdrawals. IG Markets does not offer crypto funding. Crypto on IG exists only as a CFD product.

13-Minute Payouts

Crypto withdrawals at LHFX average 13 minutes via automation. IG processes bank withdrawals on standard banking timelines, which is 1 to 3 business days for most rails.

Where IG Markets Wins

IG Markets has genuine strengths. Here is where they come out ahead.

Top-Tier Global Regulation

IG holds licenses with the FCA, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, and DFSA. IG Group is also listed on the London Stock Exchange. LHFX is regulated by the FSC in Mauritius and the FSCA in South Africa.

15,000+ Markets

IG offers 15,000+ markets including shares, ETFs, options, and futures. LHFX offers 132+ instruments across forex, indices, commodities, crypto, and stock CFDs.

50+ Year History

IG has operated since 1974 and is a FTSE 250 component. LHFX is younger as a brand under its current structure.

Multiple Platforms

IG offers its own web/mobile platform, MT4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer for advanced share traders. LHFX runs MT5 only.

Who Should Choose LHFX

Traders who want $3 per side on raw spreads instead of wider spread-only pricing
Traders who want to start with $10 instead of $300
Traders who want 1:500 leverage on offshore terms
Traders who need crypto deposits and 13-minute payouts
Traders who prefer STP/ECN execution to a market-maker model

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Who Should Stick with IG Markets

Traders who specifically want an LSE-listed, FCA-regulated counterparty
Traders who need shares, ETFs, options, or futures alongside forex
Traders who want DMA execution on equities through L2 Dealer
Traders who specifically want ProRealTime charting
Traders in the UK, EU, Singapore, Switzerland, or UAE who need local regulation

Making the Switch

Moving from IG Markets to LHFX takes minutes, not days.

Open an LHFX Account

$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.

Verify Your Identity

Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.

Fund and Start Trading

Deposit via crypto, Skrill, or Neteller and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.

Open an LHFX Account

$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.

Verify Your Identity

Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.

Fund and Start Trading

Deposit via crypto, Skrill, or Neteller and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more:Account Types·Spreads & Fees·ECN Execution·Leverage·Demo Account·Deposit & Withdrawal·Security & Official Channels·LHFX vs AvaTrade·LHFX vs IC Markets

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$10 minimum deposit. $3 per side commission. 1:500 leverage. Crypto withdrawals in around 13 minutes.

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