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What is API trading?
API stands for application programming interface. It is a program that connects two applications – for example, your IG trading account and your custom-built platform. Trading with APIs enables you to gain direct access to IG’s ecosystem, providing you with faster order execution and more control, which can enhance the experience of trading.
Trading with our APIs is an easy way to get live market data, historical prices and execute trades from any of your IG trading accounts – without having to manually trawl various exchanges and dark pools for data and prices. Instead, you can get the information delivered directly to you, ensuring speed and efficiency.
What is API trading?
API stands for application programming interface. It is a program that connects two applications – for example, your IG trading account and your custom-built platform. Trading with APIs enables you to gain direct access to IG’s ecosystem, providing you with faster order execution and more control, which can enhance the experience of trading.
Trading with our APIs is an easy way to get live market data, historical prices and execute trades from any of your IG trading accounts – without having to manually trawl various exchanges and dark pools for data and prices. Instead, you can get the information delivered directly to you, ensuring speed and efficiency.
Why trade with APIs?
Create bespoke trading solutions with our web-based APIs, either REST-based or streaming
Take advantage of DMA and OTC products with our FIX API via IG’s institutional service
Get coding as quickly as possible with our sample app
Use alongside third-party software such as Excel (VBA), .NET, and Java
Why trade with IG?
Choose the market-leader
Start trading with the Australia's No.1 CFD provider1
Access deep liquidity
Take advantage of our market-leading pricing and execution technology
Trade over 17,000 markets
With competitive pricing and round-the-clock support
Feel secure with a trusted provider
With 48 years of experience, we’re proud to offer a truly market-leading service
Who typically trades with APIs?
Trading APIs are popular among hedge funds and registered trading firms as they enable access to more advanced programs, but they are also widely used among private traders and investors.
If you want to focus on trading rather than coding, but would like to use an advanced platform that is capable of trading with algorithms, you can use our ProRealTime platform.
Open an account now
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Ahead of the curve
We’ve provided traders with access to leading financial markets since 1974 and are a FTSE 250 company.2 We’re ASIC-regulated and trusted by 320,000+ clients with the security of their money.
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Fast, efficient online platforms
Seize your opportunity in seconds and take full control over each of your trades with our easy-to-use platform and apps.
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Support when you need it
We have a dedicated team on hand to support you, and you can also benefit from knowledge-sharing with IG Academy.
Routes to trading with APIs
There are two different ways to trade via APIs with an IG account:
Directly through IG's API
You'd do this if you want to build your own trading platform.
- Create a live IG account
- Generate an API key
- Connect to the IG API using our Excel app or start coding
- Understand the risks and costs of trading before you open your first trade
Via ProRealTime
You’d do this if you want to send IG trades from a custom interface you have built.
- Create a live IG account
- Launch ProRealTime
- Build your own algorithms
- Start trading
Alternatively, you could create a demo account to test your application in a virutal environment. To use APIs via an IG demo, you have to use the same email address as your live account. If you already have a live account, you can use the account switcher on the top left of the page to open a demo account.
Trading CFDs with APIs
With IG’s trading API, you can either build your own or use pre-made solutions to trade CFDs.
- CFD trading - 'contracts for difference' allow you to speculate on the price of a huge variety of financial markets, without having to own the asset.
When you trade CFDs, you can take a long or a short position. You’d take a long position if you expect the market to rise, and a short position if you expect it to fall. Once you’ve opened a position, your profit or loss will depend on the market movement of the underlying instrument.
Markets and costs with APIs
- Forex
- Indices
- Commodities
- Cryptos
| Market | Minimum spread |
| EUR/USD | 0.60 |
| AUD/USD | 0.60 |
| EUR/GBP | 0.90 |
| GBP/USD | 0.90 |
| Market | Minimum spread |
| FTSE 100 | 1 |
| Wall Street | 1.6 |
| Germany 40 | 1 |
| Australia 200 | 1 |
| Market | Minimum spread |
| Spot Gold | 0.3 |
| Spot Silver | 2 |
| Oil - US Crude | 2.8 |
| Oil - Brent Crude | 2.8 |
| Market | Minimum spread |
| Bitcoin | 45 |
| Ether | 1.8 |
| Bitcoin Cash | 2 |
Spreads are subject to variation, especially in volatile market conditions
Try these next
1 Number 1 in Australia by primary relationships, CFDs & FX, Investment Trends November 2024 Leveraged Trading Report.
2 IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a member of the FTSE 250.
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Disclaimers
- CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider the Margin Trading Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Risk Disclosure Notice and Target Market Determination before entering into any CFD transaction with us.
- The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through an IG share trading account can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
- Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure.
- The information on this website is prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs.
- This website is operated by IG Australia Pty Ltd. IG Australia Pty Ltd is located on Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. ABN 93 096 585 410, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 515106. Derivatives Issuer Licence in New Zealand FSP No. 684191, NZBN 9429047618251.