Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Halifax, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, IG offers better pricing than Halifax for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - IG would cost £0 per year, while Halifax would cost £83.50 per year.
12 trades per year - IG would cost £0 per year, while Halifax would cost £150 per year.
36 trades per year - IG would cost £0 per year, while Halifax would cost £378 per year.
120 trades per year - IG would cost £0 per year, while Halifax would cost £1,176 per year.
3 fund trades per year - IG would cost £0 per year, while Halifax would cost £0 per year.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
When comparing the investment choices available from IG and Halifax, UK investors will find that both platforms cater to distinct preferences. IG stands out with its offering of share trading, ETFs, CFDs, and investment trusts. While Halifax does not offer share or CFD trading, it compensates by providing options like funds, corporate bonds, government bonds (gilts), and advisory services. Both platforms offer ETF and investment trust trading, making them suitable for those interested in these specific areas.
In terms of ratings, IG earns a solid 4.5 stars for its investment choices, reflecting its appeal in share and CFD trading. However, Halifax receives a perfect 5-star rating, mainly due to its comprehensive range of investment products and advisory services. With Halifax ranked #7 and IG #11 out of 21 brokers by UK.StockBrokers.com for investment choices, investors looking for a straightforward approach to mix and diversify can find a broad selection with Halifax, while those interested in more niche markets like CFDs may be drawn to IG.
| Feature |
IG
|
Halifax
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | No |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | No | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
When evaluating trading tools, IG stands out as a particularly strong option compared to Halifax, especially for those interested in active charting and real-time market data. IG provides traders with the ability to display important corporate events such as earnings, splits, and dividends directly on their charts, a feature not available with Halifax. Furthermore, IG offers a comprehensive set of 19 drawing tools and 33 technical indicators, allowing for detailed market analysis, whereas Halifax does not offer any drawing tools or technical indicators.
Both IG and Halifax offer browser-based trading platforms and allow users to set alerts for stock price updates. However, IG further differentiates itself by supporting real-time market data and letting users add notes directly to their charts, enhancing the ability to track and strategize trades. While neither broker offers the ability to add index or stock overlays to charts, IG's superior features in other charting tools provide UK traders with a versatile and informative trading experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
Halifax
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
For UK investors looking into retirement account options, both IG and Halifax present viable choices with similar offerings. Both brokers provide Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), allowing for tax-efficient saving and investment for retirement. IG and Halifax cater to those prioritizing tax benefits and flexibility in their retirement planning. Whether choosing IG or Halifax, you can benefit from the availability of ISAs and SIPPs to support your long-term financial goals. Comparing these two brokers, you’ll find the assurance of accessible retirement solutions tailored for UK investors.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors seeking a reliable mobile trading experience, IG and Halifax both provide iPhone and Android apps to manage investments on the go. IG's app significantly outshines its counterpart, securing a 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, while Halifax's app receives a more modest 3.5 stars. In a ranking of 21 brokers for mobile app performance, IG impressively claims the #2 spot, demonstrating its superior functionality and user satisfaction, whereas Halifax lags behind at #18. This comparison highlights IG's commitment to delivering a top-tier mobile trading platform compared to Halifax's offering.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the educational resources for beginner investors offered by online brokers IG and Halifax, IG clearly stands out for its comprehensive offerings tailored to newcomers in the financial market. IG provides valuable client webinars, with the convenience of on-demand archives, and covers topics like share trading and retirement planning, ensuring new investors have access to quality education. Conversely, Halifax does not offer webinars or specific education in share trading or retirement, focusing less on these educational tools. Rated 5 stars for beginner education by UK.StockBrokers.com and ranked first out of 21 brokers, IG is a top choice for UK starters seeking thorough financial learning. In contrast, Halifax, with a 3.5-star rating and ranked 18th, offers less in the way of beginner-focused education.
| Feature |
IG
|
Halifax
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No |
| Education (Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing market research features between IG and Halifax, there are several differences to consider. IG provides research reports for funds, allowing investors to explore investment opportunities, whereas Halifax does not offer this feature. Both brokers deliver insightful research on shares and ETFs, aiding decision-making for stock market enthusiasts. However, when it comes to funds research, Halifax stands out as it offers additional resources whereas IG does not. Trading enthusiasts interested in CFDs will appreciate IG's extensive research offerings, a service Halifax lacks. On the other hand, investors with an interest in bonds will benefit more from Halifax, as IG does not provide research in this area. Notably, neither IG nor Halifax offer a feature to see portfolio allocation by asset class. Overall, IG and Halifax cater to different aspects of market research, aiding various investor needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Halifax
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | No | No |
Which broker is better overall, IG or Halifax? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found IG to be a better trading platform overall.
IG is an investment platform aimed at experienced investors looking to make frequent trades on the stock market, with thousands of shares, trusts and ETFs to trade. It offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use trading platform that is used by both private and professional investors.
| Feature |
IG
|
Halifax
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both IG and Halifax do not offer cryptocurrency trading options.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | IG Review | Halifax Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | No | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No | |
| Funds | No | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Trading Fees | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | £9.50 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | £9.50 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | £9.50 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £83.50 | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £150 | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £378 | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £1,176 | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | N/A | £64.50 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | £0 / £96 | £36 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £0 / £96 | £36 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £0 / £96 | £36 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £0 / £96 | £36 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | £9.5 | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | £9.5 | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 - £8 | £9.5 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £0 - £8 | £9.5 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £50 | £25 |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No | |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | No | No |
| Education | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Overall Summary | IG | Halifax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | IG Review | Halifax Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
Trading 212 Review
Interactive Brokers Review
Hargreaves Lansdown Review
XTB Review
IG Group Review
eToro Review
Saxo Review
CMC Invest Review
Freetrade Review
Halifax Review
Vanguard Review