Which broker is better for Canada traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between Exness and IG as a Canada trader involves weighing factors like regulation, trading costs, and deposit methods. Both brokers are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), ensuring a secure trading environment for local residents. Exness, with a Trustpilot score of 4.8/5, is known for its low spreads, fast execution, and support for popular Canadian payment methods like Interac, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a well-established UK broker with a strong reputation, offering a comprehensive platform and extensive research tools. For Canada traders trading in CAD, the choice often comes down to cost efficiency versus platform depth. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
For Canada traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Exness offers raw spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD and USD/CAD, plus a commission of around $3.50 per lot per side. IG’s standard spreads are slightly wider, typically starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. For high-volume traders, Exness’s lower spreads can lead to significant savings, especially when trading CAD-denominated pairs. IG’s costs are more predictable for occasional traders. Both brokers are transparent about fees, but Exness generally provides better value for active Canada traders.
| Account Type | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG offers its proprietary web platform, which is highly customizable and includes advanced charting tools and a wide range of indicators. It also supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for traders who prefer that interface. Exness provides MT4, MT5, and its own WebTerminal, giving Canada traders flexibility. IG’s platform is more feature-rich for research and analysis, while Exness’s platforms focus on speed and ease of use. For Canada traders who value simplicity and fast execution, Exness is ideal; for those needing in-depth analysis tools, IG is superior.
| Factor | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness is known for its fast execution speeds, with average order processing times under 100 milliseconds, which is beneficial for scalpers and high-frequency traders. IG also offers reliable execution but may have slight delays during peak market hours. For Canada traders trading volatile pairs like USD/CAD, Exness’s execution quality is superior.
| Safety Factor | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and IG are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), which is a key advantage for Canada traders. IIROC oversight ensures that brokers adhere to strict capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and reporting standards. This means your funds are protected in case of broker insolvency. Exness also holds licenses from other top-tier regulators like the FCA and CySEC, adding an extra layer of security. IG, being a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, offers additional transparency. For Canada traders, this dual regulation provides peace of mind.
| Payment Method | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
Canada traders have several convenient deposit methods with both brokers. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Interac, and Credit Card, with most deposits being instant and free. Interac is particularly popular among Canadians for its speed and low cost. IG accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card but does not offer Interac, which may be a drawback for some. Withdrawals at Exness are processed within 24 hours for most methods, while IG takes 1-2 business days. Both brokers have no deposit fees, but check for any currency conversion charges when depositing in CAD. Exness’s inclusion of Interac makes it more accessible for Canada traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both Exness and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Canada traders who require them due to religious beliefs. Exness provides swap-free accounts on all account types without any additional fees, making it a straightforward option. IG offers Islamic accounts on request, but they may have restrictions on certain instruments. For Canada Muslim traders, Exness’s policy is more inclusive and easier to access. Both brokers comply with Islamic finance principles, ensuring no interest is charged on overnight positions.
| Support Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, including English, via live chat, email, and phone. IG provides support from 8 AM to 6 PM EST on weekdays, which may not be ideal for Canada traders in different time zones. Exness’s round-the-clock support is a clear advantage for traders who need assistance outside regular hours.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose IG if you...
For Canada traders, the choice between Exness and IG ultimately depends on your priorities. Exness excels in cost efficiency, with lower spreads, faster execution, and support for Interac, making it ideal for active traders who want to minimize costs. IG offers a more robust platform and extensive research tools, suited for traders who value analysis and a wider product range. Both are regulated by IIROC, ensuring safety. If you trade in CAD frequently and value low costs and convenience, Exness is the better choice. If you prefer a feature-rich platform and don’t mind higher spreads, IG is a solid option. Consider your trading style and local payment preferences to make the best decision.