Alpaca Trading vs IG - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs IG

Compare Alpaca Trading and IG side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
IG

IG

Active CFD and forex traders

IG is a CFD-focused broker with forex, shares, ETFs, crypto, options and futures, plus web, Android and third…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs IG
Feature Alpaca Trading IG
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions US share CFDs: 2 cents per share, $15 minimum online; UK share CFDs: 0.10%, £10 minimum online; Hong Kong share CFDs: 0.18%, HKD50 minimum online; Euro share CFDs: 0.10%, €10 minimum online
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, DFSA, JFSA, CFTC, NFA, BMA
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active CFD and forex traders
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Futures
-
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
Demo Account
Business Account
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
IG

IG

Pros

  • No minimum balance for a CFD trading account
  • Free demo account with $20,000 virtual funds
  • Lower minimum deal sizes for the first 6 weeks
  • No commission to close listed options positions
  • Futures positions have no overnight funding fees
  • Extended hours on over 90 key US stocks
  • Weekend trading on selected indices, FX pairs and crypto

Cons

  • 0.8% FX conversion fee on non-base-currency CFD trades
  • 2.3% third-party card processor charge
  • US share CFDs have a $15 minimum online commission
  • UK share CFDs have a £10 minimum online commission
  • Daily overnight funding applies to overnight CFD positions
  • $40/month ProRealTime fee unless conditions are met
  • Monthly fees can apply for exchange stock feeds
  • Demo trades exclude slippage, interest and dividend adjustments
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

IG

IG

IG is a CFD-focused broker with forex, shares, ETFs, crypto, options and futures, plus web, Android and third-party platforms.

Visit IG Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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