The IG Markets demo account provides traders with a risk-free platform to practice trading using virtual funds. IG Markets, a globally recognized brokerage, offers this account to simulate real-market conditions without financial risk. Opening a demo account requires visiting the IG Markets website, filling out a registration form with personal details, and verifying the account via email. Once completed, traders gain access to the full range of IG Markets’ trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, and the proprietary WebTrader.
The demo account includes a $10,000 virtual balance, access to over 17,000 financial instruments, and real-time market data. It mirrors live trading environments by offering adjustable leverage, multiple platform compatibility, and market execution features. Educational resources, including IG Academy tutorials, complement the experience, allowing traders to refine strategies without financial exposure. Unlike live accounts, the demo environment excludes trading psychology factors such as emotional decision-making, slippage, and transaction costs.
The IG Markets demo account has no expiration date, remaining active as long as traders log in regularly. If the account remains inactive for extended periods, IG Markets may deactivate it, requiring users to create a new one. While the virtual balance cannot be reset, traders can open multiple demo accounts with different email addresses. Transitioning to a live account involves identity verification and an initial deposit, but the demo remains accessible for continued strategy testing.
How to open an IG Markets demo account?
There are five steps to open an IG Markets demo account. These are visit the IG Markets’ website, fill the registration form, verify your profile, customize the demo account and login into the demo account. The different steps to open an IG Markets demo account are listed below.
First, visit the IG Markets’ website. IG Markets has several variations of its website to cater to different jurisdictions. If you notice any variation between this guide and the IG Markets website, it’s due to regional differences. Visit the broker’s website (71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.) and select your region. This can be done by scrolling down until you find the small flag on the left side of the broker’s website footer.
From here, click on the button to open a demo account.
Second, fill the IG Markets registration form. It is necessary to fill in the registration form with the following information: first name and last name, username and password, main contact number, valid email address and country of residence.
Third, verify your profile. Once you submit the demo account registration form, you will get an email with your account details. You might have to verify your email address before logging in to the account. You might also get a call from the IG Markets customer support to guide you through this process.
Fourth, customize the demo account. IG Markets offers a wide range of trading platforms to cater to different needs and preferences. The available platforms are the IG Markets Webtrader, IG Markets Mobile app, MetaTrader 4, IG Markets L2 Dealer, and IG Markets ProRealTime Platform. If you want to open a demo with any of these platforms, click on the ‘trading platforms’ button in the top menu bar, then click ‘compare platforms’. From here you can view all platforms IG offers and navigate to dedicated pages for each one. Each platform page will provide options to create demo accounts; all you have to do is click on the ‘create demo account’ button. If you choose the MT4 platform, the broker will send you the MetaTrader login details to your email.
Last step, login into the demo account. Use the login details provided to start using your demo account. IG Markets’ demo doesn’t have a time limit so you can take your time to trade and learn.
What are the features of the IG Markets demo account?
The features of the IG Markets demo account are listed below.
- Trading Platforms: The IG Markets demo account provides a variety of trading platforms for users. These include the proprietary web-based platform, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and L2 Dealer.
- Virtual Balance: In the IG Markets demo account, users are provided with a default virtual balance of $10,000. This balance can be customized within the MT4 platform, allowing traders to simulate different trading conditions and strategies without risking real money.
- Tradable Instruments: The demo account offers access to a wide range of tradable instruments with over 17,000 markets, such as forex, indices, commodities, and share derivatives, certain limitations exist for specific accounts like IG’s MT4 demo.
- Leverage: Leverage is available in the IG Markets demo account. Users can select their preferred leverage settings during the account setup process.
- Real-Time Market Data: Real-time market data is included in the IG Markets demo account. This feature allows users to experience live market conditions as they practice their trading strategies.
- Time Limit: There is no time limit on using the IG Markets demo account; it remains active as long as traders continue to use it. This unlimited access allows users to practice at their own pace without pressure.
- Account Reset: Users cannot reset the existing IG Markets demo accounts. They can create multiple demo accounts if they wish to start fresh. Each new account requires a different email address for registration.
- Educational Resources: The IG Markets demo account includes educational resources through the IG Academy. This provides traders with tutorials and materials that complement their practice sessions in the demo environment.
- Practice Strategies: Traders can practice various strategies on the IG Markets demo account without any financial risk. This feature is particularly beneficial for testing new approaches or refining existing ones.
- Customer Support: Customer support is available for users of the IG Markets demo account. Traders can reach out for assistance regarding their accounts or any issues they may encounter while using the platform.
The IG Markets demo account main features and characteristics are detailed in the table below.
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Demo available | Yes |
| Trial duration | Unlimited |
| Demo platforms | MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, Proprietary WebTrader, Mobile App |
| Virtual money amount | $10,000 |
| Customizable features | Yes |
What is the difference between a live and demo IG Markets account?
The differences between IG Markets demo and live accounts include the absence of trading psychology exposure in the demo account. The IG Markets demo account also lacks slippage, commissions and transaction costs. Live accounts involve real money, while IG Markets demo accounts use virtual funds.
Demo accounts allow traders to practice in a risk-free environment, while in live accounts, traders trade with real money. This involves financial risks, as losses have a direct impact on traders’ capital.
As for market execution, the main difference between demo and live trading is slippage. Slippage is the difference between your initial requested order price and the actual order’s execution price. Slippage may occur in live trading but does not occur on a demo account as all funds used are virtual.
In live accounts, traders encounter costs, such as commissions, spread and other transaction costs, which affect traders’ earnings, while in the demo account there are no transaction costs and commissions are low or equal to zero. For Live accounts, there is a $18 fee after 24 months of inactivity, while the demo accounts are unlimited without any cost.
How to switch from a IG Markets demo to a IG Markets live account?
There are three steps to switch from an IG Markets demo to an IG Markets live account. These are to provide proof of your identity, verify your account and make the first deposit. The different steps to switch from an IG Markets demo to an IG Markets live account are listed below.
First, provide proof of your identity (Passport, ID, or Driver’s Licence) and proof of your residence (Bill utility, or bank statement) to become verified by the broker. Depending on your country, the broker may also ask to fill out a questionnaire about your trading knowledge.
Second, IG Markets will verify your account. This step confirms that your identity and residence have been authenticated.
Finally, after IG Markets verification, make your first deposit and start trading. The IG Markets minimum deposit depends on your location. When switching to a live account, your demo will still be available.
How to best use an IG Markets demo account?
To best use an IG Markets demo account you have to set up the demo account as you would set up a real account, avoid opening large positions, treat money as if it were real, practice daily and use the learning materials offered by IG Markets.
Set up your demo account exactly as you would a real one, matching platform, currency, balance, and account type to your live trading intentions. This ensures a realistic environment. Consistency in your initial setup builds a strong foundation for learning.
Avoid opening large positions if you don’t plan on trading significant funds later. Oversized trades can give you a misleading sense of security. Keeping position sizes reasonable fosters more disciplined habits.
Treat your demo funds as if they were real. This mindset prevents you from taking risks you wouldn’t normally take. Respecting your virtual balance encourages responsible decision-making.
Make time to practice every single day. Regular trading sessions help you refine strategies, identify patterns, and maintain focus. Consistent practice also accelerates your learning curve.
Study and integrate the knowledge you gain through IG’s educational tools. Explore tutorials, webinars, and any additional resources they offer. Combining these insights with daily practice reinforces a deeper understanding of the markets.
What are the advantages of an IG Markets demo account?
The advantages of an IG Markets demo account are listed below.
- Good choice of trading platforms: allows traders to choose between MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, Proprietary WebTrader, Mobile App
- Unlimited Accounts: traders can open as many demo accounts as you need
- Trial duration: the IG Markets demo account is unlimited
- Backtesting opportunities: allows traders to evaluate and optimize strategies to improve future performance
What are the disadvantages of an IG Markets demo account?
The disadvantages of an IG Markets demo account are listed below.
- Ignoring risk management: traders use virtual money and may not fully understand the importance of risk management
- Lack of the psychological factor: it can lead to a false sense of security
- No slippage: demo accounts allow you to execute orders at the requested price and can lead to unrealistic expectations of the markets
To find out more about IG Markets’ characteristics, features, pros and cons and opinions, check out our “IG Markets review“.