IG is a global investing and trading platform offering real stocks and ETFs, managed portfolios, spread betting, contracts for difference, cryptocurrency and access to US-listed options and futures through separate account structures.
The platform serves several types of users. Long-term investors can use General Investment Accounts, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Junior ISAs and SIPPs, while active traders can access forex, indices, commodities, shares and other markets through spread bets or CFDs.
IG currently advertises access to more than 15,000 markets and supports its proprietary web and mobile platforms alongside specialist systems such as TradingView, MetaTrader, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer. Product availability, pricing and legal protection depend on the customer’s country and the IG entity providing the account. (IG)
This neutral IG review examines the broker’s investing fees, spreads, overnight funding, share dealing, CFD trading, forex products, cryptocurrency service, platforms, regulation and investor protection.
IG at a Glance
| Category | IG details |
|---|---|
| Platform type | Multi-asset investing and leveraged trading platform |
| Main UK products | Stocks, ETFs, ISAs, SIPPs, spread betting, CFDs, crypto and US derivatives |
| Available markets | More than 15,000 |
| Investment commission | Free on qualifying UK GBP investment accounts |
| Investment platform fee | Free |
| Investment FX fee | 0.70% |
| CFD and spread-bet forex spread | From 0.6 points on EUR/USD |
| CFD currency conversion | 0.8% |
| Investing inactivity fee | Free |
| CFD and spread-bet inactivity fee | Free under the current UK schedule |
| Interest on uninvested cash | 3.75% AER variable on eligible balances |
| Trading platforms | IG web, mobile, TradingView, MT4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer |
| UK regulation | FCA-regulated through several IG entities |
| Main advantage | Broad product range with strong trading technology |
| Main limitation | CFDs, spread bets and overnight financing create substantial risk |
The figures above reflect IG’s current UK public pricing. Customers in other countries can receive different products, commissions, margin rules and compensation arrangements. (IG)
Neutral IG Verdict
IG is one of the more comprehensive platforms in this review series. It combines commission-free long-term investing with advanced leveraged trading tools, specialist charting systems and access to a wide range of global markets.
Its investment accounts are competitively priced for UK customers. Qualifying stocks and ETFs can be purchased without a dealing commission or platform fee, and IG currently does not charge an investment custody or inactivity fee. The primary platform-level cost for foreign securities is the 0.70% currency-conversion charge. (IG)
The platform is substantially more complicated when used for CFDs or spread betting. Costs can include spreads, share commissions, overnight funding, currency conversion and guaranteed-stop premiums. IG’s current UK risk disclosure states that 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with the provider. (IG)
IG may suit investors who want both ordinary securities and professional-quality trading tools. It may be less suitable for beginners who could confuse long-term investing with short-term leveraged speculation.
What Is IG?
IG operates several financial services under the same brand.
In the United Kingdom, different regulated companies provide different products:
- IG Trading and Investments Limited provides share dealing and Smart Portfolio accounts;
- IG Markets Limited provides CFD accounts and US options and futures access;
- IG Index Limited provides spread betting;
- IG Digital Assets Limited provides cryptocurrency services.
IG Markets Limited, IG Trading and Investments Limited and IG Index Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under separate reference numbers. (IG)
This legal separation is important. Money held in a share-dealing account, a CFD account, a crypto account and a US options account may be subject to different custody arrangements and compensation rules.
IG Account Types
UK customers may have access to several investment and trading accounts.
| Account type | Primary purpose |
|---|---|
| General Investment Account | Buying stocks, ETFs and other eligible investments |
| Stocks and Shares ISA | Tax-advantaged UK investing |
| Junior ISA | Long-term investing for an eligible child |
| SIPP | Self-invested pension account |
| Smart Portfolio | Managed ETF portfolio |
| Spread Betting | Leveraged market speculation under UK spread-betting rules |
| CFD Account | Leveraged derivatives trading |
| Crypto Account | Buying and selling supported cryptoassets |
| US Options and Futures | US stocks, listed options, futures and futures options |
Products are not interchangeable. A stock purchased through an investment account represents a beneficial interest in the underlying security, while a stock CFD is a leveraged derivative based on the security’s price. (IG)
IG Share Dealing
IG’s share-dealing service allows eligible customers to invest in global stocks and ETFs.
The platform currently advertises more than 15,000 global shares and ETFs across its investment offering. Positions are visible through the simplified IG Invest application and the more advanced web-based share-dealing platform. (IG)
Shares are held through a custody structure rather than registered individually in each customer’s own name. IG states that Citigroup acts as its sub-custodian and holds customer securities separately from IG’s business assets. Customers remain the beneficial owners of their investments. (IG)
This custody structure means that IG’s creditors should not have access to properly segregated customer securities if the broker becomes insolvent.
IG Investment Fees
IG’s current UK investment pricing is relatively simple:
| Investment cost | Current UK charge |
|---|---|
| Dealing commission | Free |
| Platform fee | Free |
| Custody fee | Free |
| Inactivity fee | Free |
| Automatic FX conversion | 0.70% |
| Electronic portfolio transfers | Free |
| Standard bank transfer | Free |
| Debit-card deposit or withdrawal | Free |
Commission-free pricing applies to eligible stocks and ETFs traded through qualifying UK GBP General Investment Accounts, ISAs and SIPPs. Other taxes, exchange charges, product costs and currency conversion can still apply. (IG)
A foreign investment can therefore create a cost even when the trade itself has no commission. For example, purchasing a US stock through a GBP account normally requires conversion into US dollars, producing the 0.70% FX charge. (IG)
Government taxes such as UK Stamp Duty Reserve Tax can also apply to qualifying share purchases. These charges are imposed by the relevant authority rather than retained as an IG trading commission.
Multi-Currency Investing
IG allows customers to switch from automatic currency conversion to a manual multi-currency arrangement.
This can help investors deposit and hold several currencies, reducing repeated conversions when they already hold the currency used by a foreign security.
However, switching to manual conversion changes the commission structure. IG states that customers using this arrangement no longer qualify for the standard commission-free offer and instead pay market-specific dealing fees. (IG)
| Market under manual conversion | Commission |
|---|---|
| UK shares | £3 |
| US shares | 3 cents per share, minimum $15 |
| European shares | 0.10%, minimum €10 |
| Australian shares | 0.10%, minimum A$10 |
Manual currency management can be useful for larger or frequent foreign-market trades, but it may be less economical for a small investor because of the minimum commissions.
Interest on Uninvested Cash
IG currently pays 3.75% AER variable interest on eligible uninvested GBP cash balances of up to £100,000.
Interest is paid monthly. To qualify during a calendar month, the customer must either hold an open position or have completed a trade. (IG)
The rate is variable, meaning it can rise or fall. It should not be assumed that the current percentage will remain available for the lifetime of the account.
Interest on cash is separate from investment performance. Shares and ETFs can still decline even when the unused portion of the account earns interest.
Stocks and Shares ISA
Eligible UK customers can use IG’s Stocks and Shares ISA to invest without paying UK income tax or capital gains tax on qualifying returns, subject to current tax rules and individual circumstances.
The IG ISA currently has:
- commission-free investing;
- no account fee;
- variable interest on eligible uninvested cash;
- a flexible withdrawal structure;
- access to more than 15,000 shares and ETFs.
IG states that ISA transfers into and out of the platform are free from its side, although another provider may impose a charge. (IG)
Tax treatment can change and depends on the customer’s circumstances. An ISA protects qualifying returns from certain taxes but does not protect the investment from market losses.
IG SIPP
IG also provides a Self-Invested Personal Pension for eligible UK customers.
The SIPP offers access to more than 12,000 stocks and ETFs. Although ordinary investment commission and platform fees may be free under the current IG pricing, the pension is administered by Options Pensions, which charges an annual administration fee of £205. Additional transfer or pension-service charges can apply. (IG)
This means the SIPP should not be described as completely fee-free. Investors need to consider both IG’s dealing costs and the external pension-administration charge.
Pension investments are long-term products with restrictions on when and how money can normally be accessed.
IG Smart Portfolios
IG Smart Portfolios are managed investment portfolios built primarily from BlackRock iShares ETFs.
Customers answer questions about their objectives and risk tolerance, after which they are matched with a diversified portfolio containing assets such as equities, government bonds, investment-grade bonds, gold and property exposure. IG manages and rebalances the portfolio. (IG)
The management fee starts at 0.50% and is capped at £250 per year for each account type. Fund costs and underlying transaction expenses also apply. IG’s example for a £40,000 portfolio showed an estimated total annual cost of 0.72%, although underlying fund expenses and future pricing can change. (IG)
Smart Portfolios may suit customers who do not want to select every ETF themselves. They remain investments rather than guaranteed savings accounts, and their value can fall.
Spread Betting
Spread betting allows eligible UK customers to speculate on whether a financial market will rise or fall.
The customer chooses an amount to risk per point of market movement. No ownership of the underlying stock, currency or commodity is created.
Spread betting is leveraged, meaning the customer deposits only a portion of the total market exposure. Profits and losses are calculated on the full position size.
UK spread-betting profits are generally treated differently from ordinary investment gains under current tax rules, but tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and can change. Users should not choose a leveraged product solely because of potential tax treatment.
IG Index Limited provides the spread-betting service in the UK. (IG)
CFD Trading
A contract for difference is a leveraged agreement based on the price movement of an underlying market.
IG CFDs can provide exposure to:
- forex;
- stock indices;
- commodities;
- individual shares;
- ETFs;
- bonds and interest rates;
- selected options-related markets.
The customer can open either a long or short position but does not normally own the underlying asset.
CFDs can be useful for hedging or short-term speculation, but leverage means a relatively small market movement can produce a large percentage change in the deposited margin.
IG’s current UK warning reports that 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs. Professional customers can face additional risk and may lose more than their initial deposit. (IG)
IG Spreads
For forex, indices and commodities, the principal visible transaction cost is generally the spread between the buy and sell prices.
IG’s current advertised minimums include:
| Market | Minimum advertised spread |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.6 points |
| USD/JPY | 0.7 points |
| GBP/USD | 0.9 points |
| FTSE 100 | 1 point |
| S&P 500 | 0.4 points |
| US Tech 100 | 1 point |
| Germany 40 | 1.4 points |
| Spot gold | 0.3 points |
| Brent crude oil | 2.8 points |
These are minimums rather than fixed rates. Actual spreads can widen during periods of low liquidity, high volatility, market openings and major economic announcements. (IG)
A trader should review the live buy and sell prices before every order rather than calculating costs only from the minimum advertised spread.
Share CFD Commissions
Share CFDs are priced differently from most index, forex and commodity CFDs.
Rather than relying exclusively on a spread, IG generally charges a commission linked to the transaction value.
Current UK examples include:
| Share CFD market | Published charge |
|---|---|
| UK shares | 0.10% |
| European shares | 0.10% |
| US shares | 2 cents per share |
Minimum commissions and market-specific conditions can apply. The live order ticket should be checked before confirming a trade. (IG)
Because a share CFD is leveraged, the customer can also incur overnight funding when holding the position beyond the daily cutoff.
Overnight Funding
IG charges overnight funding on qualifying leveraged positions held after 10:00 PM UK time.
The charge generally has two components:
- an interest component linked to the relevant interbank rate;
- an IG administration adjustment.
Under the current spread-betting schedule, the administrative adjustment is listed as 1.5% for forex and 3.4% for other asset classes. Under the CFD schedule, it is listed as 1% for forex and 3% for other asset classes. (IG)
Funding can be credited or debited depending on the instrument, position direction and prevailing rates. Long positions commonly pay funding, while certain short positions may receive a credit.
Repeated overnight charges can make CFDs unsuitable for long-term market exposure. Investors intending to hold an asset for months or years should compare the cost with buying the underlying security.
Guaranteed Stops
A standard stop-loss instructs the platform to close a position when the market reaches a selected level.
During fast price movement or a market gap, an ordinary stop can execute at a less favourable price than requested.
IG’s Guaranteed Stop closes an eligible position at the selected level even when the market gaps past it. A premium is charged only when the Guaranteed Stop is triggered, and the potential cost is displayed on the deal ticket. (IG)
Guaranteed Stops can provide more predictable risk limits, but they are not available for every instrument and do not make the underlying trade profitable.
Currency Conversion for Leveraged Trading
IG currently applies a 0.8% currency-conversion charge when a CFD or spread-betting transaction produces a balance in a currency different from the account’s base currency. (IG)
This is higher than the 0.70% automatic FX charge applied to qualifying investment transactions.
The distinction matters because an investor buying a US stock and a trader opening a US stock CFD may face different fee structures even though both positions reference the same company.
IG Trading Platforms
IG offers one of the broadest platform selections among mainstream retail brokers.
Current platform options include:
| Platform | Typical use |
|---|---|
| IG Web Platform | General investing, spread betting and CFD trading |
| IG Mobile App | Mobile investing and position management |
| IG Invest | Simplified long-term investment interface |
| TradingView | Advanced browser-based charting and connected trading |
| MetaTrader 4 | Forex, indices and commodity automation |
| ProRealTime | Advanced charts, technical analysis and automated strategies |
| L2 Dealer | Direct market access and professional order management |
| IG tastytrade platform | US shares, listed options and futures |
The proprietary web and mobile platforms are free. Selected exchange data feeds and advanced tools can carry separate charges. ProRealTime is free for customers who complete at least four qualifying spread-bet or CFD transactions per month; otherwise, a subscription charge can apply. (IG)
IG Web and Mobile Platforms
IG’s web platform provides order entry, charts, news, economic calendars, alerts, watchlists and account-management tools through a browser.
The mobile application offers many of the same monitoring and research functions, allowing users to open, adjust and close positions from Android or iOS devices. (IG)
The interface is more detailed than a basic investing application. This can benefit active traders but may require additional learning for users who only want to purchase an ETF occasionally.
MetaTrader and ProRealTime
MetaTrader 4 is available for eligible spread-betting and CFD accounts.
It supports technical indicators, automated Expert Advisors and strategy-based forex or index trading. IG currently provides access to more than 80 markets through the MT4 mobile offering. (IG)
ProRealTime provides advanced charting, custom indicators, backtesting and automation. It is designed for technically focused traders who require more analytical control than the standard browser platform. (IG)
Automated systems execute instructions more efficiently but do not guarantee a profitable strategy. Incorrect rules can automate losses just as easily as profitable transactions.
TradingView and L2 Dealer
IG accounts can be connected to TradingView, allowing eligible users to analyse markets and place orders through TradingView Supercharts. (IG)
L2 Dealer is intended for experienced users who require direct market access, order-book information, algorithmic orders and detailed monitoring. It supports share dealing and selected share or forex CFD activity. (IG)
These tools may be valuable to active traders but are not required for ordinary long-term investing.
IG Demo Account
IG offers a demo account for spread betting and CFD trading.
The demo environment uses virtual funds and allows users to practise platform navigation, order placement, leverage settings, stops and market analysis without creating real financial gains or losses. IG’s client-funds page clarifies that demo accounts are available for spread betting and CFDs rather than ordinary share-dealing portfolios. (IG)
Demo performance does not reproduce every live condition. Real trading can involve:
- emotional pressure;
- price slippage;
- changing liquidity;
- delayed or partial execution;
- real financing charges;
- permanent financial loss.
A profitable demo result is not evidence that the same strategy will remain profitable with real money.
IG Cryptocurrency Service
IG now offers direct cryptocurrency investing to eligible UK customers through IG Digital Assets Limited.
As of June 2026, IG charges no internal commission on Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana. A 0.07% external exchange fee is included in the price through its liquidity partner. Other supported cryptoassets currently carry a 1.49% transaction fee. IG advertises access to more than 100 tokens. (IG)
This direct crypto service is separate from CFD trading. Customers can buy supported cryptoassets rather than merely opening a derivative position.
Cryptoassets are not protected by the FSCS. FCA registration imposes anti-money-laundering and compliance obligations but does not guarantee the value of the assets or compensate users for market losses. (IG)
US Options and Futures
Eligible UK customers can access US-listed shares, equity and ETF options, futures and futures options through IG’s separate US derivatives platform.
Deposited funds are automatically converted into US dollars and transferred to Apex Clearing Corporation, which handles clearing, custody and settlement. A 0.5% currency-conversion fee applies to qualifying deposits and withdrawals under the current account comparison terms. (IG)
Apex is a member of SIPC. Eligible securities and cash held through Apex can receive protection up to $500,000, including a maximum of $250,000 for cash. This protection does not cover ordinary losses from unsuccessful options, stock or futures trades. (IG)
Options and futures are complex products. Options can expire without value, while futures use margin and can create rapid losses.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Under IG’s current UK pricing, standard bank transfers and debit-card deposits or withdrawals are free from IG’s side.
The published per-transaction limits are £99,999 for debit cards and £30,000 for credit cards. Larger amounts may require several transactions or a bank transfer. (IG)
Banks, card issuers and payment providers can impose their own currency or processing charges.
Withdrawals generally need to be made to an account or payment method associated with the verified customer. Compliance checks can delay a transaction when account or payment information requires additional verification.
Account Verification
IG is required to verify customer identity and maintain current Know Your Customer information.
The process can involve electronic identity checks and requests for supporting documents when automated verification is unsuccessful. Crypto transfer access also requires current KYC status, and IG may request updated verification when account activity materially exceeds the financial information previously declared. (IG)
Applicants can be asked for information concerning:
- legal identity;
- residential address;
- tax residence;
- employment and income;
- source of funds;
- investment or trading experience.
Leveraged-account applicants can also be assessed on their knowledge of CFDs, spread betting and margin risk.
Account approval confirms that regulatory checks were completed. It does not mean a leveraged product is personally suitable.
Regulation and Client Protection
IG’s UK activities are divided among FCA-authorised companies.
IG Markets Limited is authorised under reference number 195355, IG Index Limited under 114059 and IG Trading and Investments Limited under 944492. (FCA Register)
Retail client money and eligible securities are held separately from IG’s own resources under FCA Client Assets Sourcebook rules. IG states that client cash can be distributed across several regulated banks and, where permitted, qualifying money market funds. (IG)
If an IG investment firm becomes insolvent and eligible segregated assets are missing, qualifying UK clients may receive FSCS investment compensation of up to £85,000. If a bank holding segregated client cash fails, qualifying deposits can receive protection up to £120,000 per person, per banking institution, subject to other balances held at the same banking group. (IG)
These schemes do not protect users against:
- falling share prices;
- unsuccessful CFDs;
- spread-betting losses;
- options or futures losses;
- cryptocurrency price declines.
IG Security and Custody
IG separates eligible client money and securities from its own operating assets.
Cash is held through segregated accounts at several banks, while investment holdings are maintained through nominee and custody arrangements. IG states that pooled customer shares are never mixed with securities owned by the company. (IG)
Users should still take responsibility for account security by:
- using a unique password;
- protecting the connected email account;
- securing mobile-device access;
- reviewing login and payment notifications;
- avoiding remote-access requests;
- checking regulatory details before transferring funds.
Regulated firms can be impersonated by clone websites and fraudulent representatives. Customers should access the platform only through verified IG applications and domains.
IG Customer Support
IG provides online support through channels including web chat and WhatsApp.
The platform also maintains an extensive Help Centre covering account access, funding, markets, trading platforms, investments, custody and corporate actions. Crypto-transfer assistance is generally available around the clock except during a published weekly maintenance period from Friday evening to Saturday morning. (IG)
Support may assist with:
- verification;
- deposits and withdrawals;
- platform access;
- securities transfers;
- corporate actions;
- crypto-transfer problems;
- account security.
Support cannot reverse a valid market loss or guarantee that an unsuccessful leveraged position will recover.
IG Advantages
Potential advantages include:
- commission-free qualifying stocks and ETFs;
- no standard investment platform fee;
- no current UK investment or trading inactivity fee;
- more than 15,000 markets;
- General Investment Accounts, ISAs and SIPPs;
- managed Smart Portfolios;
- interest on eligible uninvested cash;
- spread betting and CFD access;
- strong proprietary web and mobile platforms;
- TradingView, MT4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer integration;
- direct cryptocurrency access;
- US-listed options and futures;
- FCA-regulated UK entities;
- segregated client money and assets;
- FSCS or SIPC protection for qualifying products.
These strengths are most relevant to users who need more than a basic stock-investing application.
IG Limitations
Potential limitations include:
- a 0.70% automatic investment FX fee;
- a 0.8% leveraged-trading currency-conversion charge;
- CFDs and spread bets carry high loss rates;
- overnight funding can accumulate;
- share CFDs have separate commissions;
- manual currency accounts lose commission-free eligibility;
- SIPPs have an external annual administration fee;
- Smart Portfolios include management and fund costs;
- specialist data and charting tools can cost extra;
- cryptoassets do not receive FSCS protection;
- the number of account types can confuse beginners;
- products and protections differ by country and legal entity.
IG can be inexpensive for long-term domestic investing but materially more expensive for frequent foreign-currency or leveraged activity.
Is IG Suitable for Beginners?
IG can be suitable for beginners who use the IG Invest application, ordinary investment accounts and diversified stocks or ETFs.
The broker also includes highly leveraged products within the same wider ecosystem. A new user can move from a basic stock portfolio to CFDs, spread betting or options without changing brands, even though the risk changes substantially.
A cautious beginner may start by:
- opening an ordinary investment account;
- completing identity verification;
- securing the account and email;
- funding it with a small bank transfer;
- buying a non-leveraged stock or ETF;
- reviewing the 0.70% FX charge;
- using the demo account before considering derivatives;
- avoiding leverage until its risks are fully understood.
The most important distinction is whether the user is purchasing an investment or opening a leveraged derivative.
Who Might Consider IG?
IG may be relevant for:
- long-term stock and ETF investors;
- UK customers using ISAs or SIPPs;
- experienced forex traders;
- spread-betting users;
- active CFD traders;
- investors seeking managed portfolios;
- technical traders using TradingView or ProRealTime;
- algorithmic traders using MetaTrader or APIs;
- eligible customers trading US options and futures;
- crypto investors who understand the lack of FSCS protection.
It may be less suitable for:
- users seeking the simplest possible investing app;
- beginners likely to activate leverage immediately;
- investors making frequent small foreign-currency purchases;
- customers seeking personalized financial advice;
- people uncomfortable with nominee custody;
- users who assume regulation prevents trading losses;
- investors requiring identical products in several countries.
Final IG Review
IG is a mature multi-asset platform combining long-term investing, managed portfolios and advanced leveraged trading.
For UK investors, its current share-dealing pricing is competitive. Qualifying stocks and ETFs can be purchased without a dealing commission, platform charge, custody fee or inactivity fee. The main broker-level cost is the 0.70% FX fee on foreign-currency transactions.
IG’s range of platforms is another strength. The proprietary web and mobile applications are supported by TradingView, MetaTrader, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and a separate US options and futures system.
The principal concern is product complexity. Spread bets and CFDs are leveraged instruments with spreads, currency charges and overnight funding. IG reports that 69% of its retail spread-betting and CFD accounts lose money. (IG)
Smart Portfolios provide a managed alternative, but their management and fund costs should be compared with building a self-directed ETF portfolio. Cryptocurrency access has also expanded, although cryptoassets remain outside FSCS protection.
IG may be a strong platform for investors who want room to progress from straightforward investing into more advanced trading. It may be unnecessarily complex for users who only need a small recurring ETF portfolio.
Before opening an account, customers should identify the product they intend to use, confirm the IG entity serving their country and review the live fee schedule. A real share, a spread bet, a CFD, an option and a cryptocurrency can appear within the same brand while carrying entirely different costs, ownership rights and protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IG charge commission for stocks and ETFs?
Qualifying stocks and ETFs traded through UK GBP General Investment Accounts, ISAs and SIPPs currently have no dealing commission. FX, taxes and other costs can still apply. (IG)
Does IG charge an account fee?
IG currently lists no platform, custody or inactivity fee for its standard UK investment accounts. Its current UK spread-betting and CFD schedule also lists no inactivity fee. (IG)
What is the IG foreign-exchange fee?
IG currently charges 0.70% for automatic currency conversion on qualifying investments and 0.8% for leveraged trading transactions in another currency. (IG)
What are IG forex spreads?
The current advertised minimum spread is 0.6 points on EUR/USD, 0.7 on USD/JPY and 0.9 on GBP/USD. Actual spreads can be wider. (IG)
Does IG charge overnight fees?
Yes. Qualifying CFD and spread-betting positions held beyond 10:00 PM UK time can incur overnight funding based on an interbank rate plus an IG administrative adjustment. (IG)
Does IG provide a demo account?
Yes. IG offers a demo environment for spread betting and CFDs using virtual funds. (IG)
Does IG support MetaTrader 4?
Yes. Eligible customers can use MT4 for spread betting and CFD trading across selected forex, index and commodity markets. (IG)
Can I connect IG to TradingView?
Yes. Eligible users can connect an IG account to TradingView and place trades through its charting interface. (IG)
Does IG offer real shares?
Yes. IG provides real share and ETF investing through General Investment Accounts, ISAs and SIPPs. This is separate from share CFDs. (IG)
How are IG shares held?
IG uses a nominee custody arrangement, with Citigroup acting as sub-custodian. Customer shares are held separately from IG’s own assets. (IG)
Does IG pay interest on cash?
IG currently pays 3.75% AER variable on eligible uninvested GBP cash up to £100,000, subject to monthly activity conditions. (IG)
Does IG offer managed portfolios?
Yes. IG Smart Portfolios use diversified iShares ETFs and are managed by IG using portfolio designs and research associated with BlackRock. Management fees start at 0.50% and are capped at £250 per account type annually. (IG)
Can I buy cryptocurrency through IG?
Eligible UK users can buy more than 100 supported cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana currently have no IG commission but include a 0.07% external exchange fee, while other supported tokens generally carry a 1.49% charge. (IG)
Is IG cryptocurrency FSCS-protected?
No. Cryptoassets are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. (IG)
Is IG regulated in the United Kingdom?
Yes. IG Markets Limited, IG Index Limited and IG Trading and Investments Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (IG)
How much FSCS protection applies to IG?
Eligible investment claims can receive up to £85,000 if an authorised investment firm fails and qualifying customer assets are missing. Eligible money held with a failed client-money bank can receive deposit protection up to £120,000 per person, per institution, subject to scheme conditions. (IG)
Is IG suitable for beginners?
IG’s Invest application and ordinary share-dealing accounts can be accessible for beginners. Spread betting, CFDs, options and futures require substantially more knowledge because they involve leverage or complex contract risks.
Is this IG review financial advice?
No. This article is informational and does not recommend opening an account, buying an investment, trading cryptocurrency or using leveraged products.
