IG vs. Forex.com: Which Broker Is Better for Gold Trading?

Gold trading remains one of the most attractive markets for retail and institutional traders due to its volatility, global demand, and historical safe-haven status. With many brokers offering access to gold markets, two names frequently stand out: IG and Forex.com. Both are reputable, regulated, and globally recognized, but which one is truly better for gold trading? This article breaks down their features, platforms, spreads, and suitability for gold-focused traders.

 Regulation and Trustworthiness

Choosing a broker with strong regulatory backing is crucial, especially for a high-value asset like gold. Both IG and Forex.com are well-regulated:

•        IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK’s FCA, ASIC in Australia, and several others across Europe and Asia. With a long-standing presence since 1974, IG is often viewed as a pioneer in the online trading space.

•        Forex.com, operated by GAIN Capital, is regulated by the FCA (UK), CFTC and NFA (US), IIROC (Canada), and more. Established in 2001, Forex.com has built a strong global client base and a trustworthy image in the FX and commodity markets.

Both brokers offer high regulatory standards, but IG’s longer track record and broader global footprint may appeal more to conservative or institutional traders.

 Trading Platforms and Tools

A reliable, fast, and feature-rich platform is essential for gold trading, especially during volatile market hours.

•        IG provides its proprietary web platform, mobile app, and access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The web-based platform is known for its clean UI, advanced charting tools, and integrated news and sentiment analysis. However, its MT4 offering is somewhat limited compared to competitors.

•        Forex.com supports MT4, MT5, and its proprietary Advanced Trading Platform. The Advanced Platform includes a broader range of customization, integrated technical analysis, and deep market insights—perfect for gold traders who rely on indicators and real-time strategy testing.

If you prefer MetaTrader flexibility or automated trading strategies on gold, Forex.com might be the better choice. But if you’re a manual trader looking for superior in-house tools, IG’s proprietary platform can be a strong contender.

 Spreads, Commissions, and Account Types

Cost plays a major role in gold trading profitability. Lower spreads and fees allow for more flexible trade management.

•        IG offers competitive spreads on gold, often starting from 0.3 pips on its raw account types. However, some account types may have higher spreads depending on region and regulation. IG does not charge commission on gold CFDs.

•        Forex.com provides gold spreads starting around 0.4–0.5 pips for its Standard account and even lower with the Commission Account, where a small commission is applied but spreads are tighter. This flexibility is useful for scalpers and day traders focused on cost efficiency.

While IG’s pricing is straightforward, Forex.com provides more variety in account types and fee structures, allowing traders to choose based on their strategies.

 Gold Market Access and Leverage

How brokers allow access to gold markets also varies.

•        IG offers gold trading primarily through CFDs and spread betting (UK only), with flexible lot sizes and variable leverage based on account location. Institutional-level liquidity ensures fast execution during volatile news events.

•        Forex.com also offers gold CFD trading and futures access for U.S. clients. Leverage is usually capped at 1:20 for retail traders under most regulators, but professional clients may access higher leverage levels.

For U.S.-based traders, Forex.com may offer better accessibility, while international traders might appreciate IG’s broader gold-related instruments.

 Customer Support and Educational Resources

Support and education are especially important for traders new to gold markets.

•        IG provides extensive educational content, webinars, and real-time commentary. Their customer service is responsive and available 24/5.

•        Forex.com has one of the most well-organized learning centers, with structured gold trading courses, platform tutorials, and a helpful glossary. Their support team is available 24/5 via chat, email, and phone.

Both brokers excel in this area, but Forex.com’s tailored educational material for commodity traders gives it a slight edge for beginners focusing on gold.

 Mobile Trading and Ease of Use

Mobile trading has become increasingly important for traders managing positions on the go.

•        IG's mobile app is intuitive, well-designed, and offers almost all the same features as its desktop counterpart. Alerts, charting tools, and one-click trading are all included.

•        Forex.com also offers a powerful mobile app with real-time price alerts, interactive charts, and custom layouts. It syncs easily with the desktop version and supports MT4/MT5 mobile integration.

For traders who rely on mobile access, both apps are strong, but Forex.com’s wider compatibility with MT platforms may appeal to algorithmic and copy traders.

 Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Gold Trading?

Both IG and Forex.com are excellent brokers for trading gold, but their strengths cater to different trader types:

•        Choose IG if you value a long-standing global brand, user-friendly in-house platforms, and stable institutional-grade execution.

•        Choose Forex.com if you’re looking for lower spreads on multiple account types, flexible platform options like MT4/MT5, and strong educational support focused on commodities.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your trading style, platform preferences, and whether you're prioritizing cost, tools, or regulatory reach.

 A Smarter Way to Trade Gold

Whether you choose IG or Forex.com, gold trading success also depends on timing, risk management, and discipline. To make this journey easier, traders today are turning to AI-powered automation tools.

The SMARTT robot integrates with all brokers and financial markets—including gold—and monitors top global traders’ actions to mirror the most effective strategies. With no emotional bias and real-time analysis, SMARTT empowers users to follow expert-informed trades while maintaining full control of their accounts.

Explore how SMARTT can elevate your trading approach by visiting the homepage or reaching out via our contact us page. To explore the list of trusted broker partners that collaborate with SMARTT for seamless and secure trading, visit our dedicated broker licenses page.