IG UK Free Shares Promotion: Get Up to £500 in US Shares (April 2026)
IG UK is offering new investors a free share bundle worth £50 to £500 in US shares when they invest at least £500. This April 2026 promotion runs from 1st to 30th April 2026, and is available to new share dealing clients opening a GIA, ISA, or SIPP. Use promo code FS500 when signing up to qualify.
Our Verdict
The IG free shares promotion is a straightforward welcome offer that rewards new clients for opening an account and making their first investment. There are no complicated conditions or hidden requirements, just sign up with the promo code FS500, invest £500 or more, and you will receive a bundle of US shares.
A minimum investment of £500 is reasonable compared to other broker sign-up bonuses. The value of your free share bundle is randomly allocated between £50 and £500. There is a luck element involved, but even at the lower end, receiving £50 in free shares on a £500 investment represents a 10%% return before your portfolio has done anything.
The holding period until 31 July 2026 is manageable, especially for investors planning to stay invested for the long term. If you were already considering opening an IG account, this promotion adds a nice bonus on top of what is already a well-regarded investing platform.
How It Works
To take advantage of this offer, open a new IG share dealing account between 1st and 30th April 2026. During the sign-up process, enter promo code FS500 when prompted. Once your account is open, invest a minimum of £500 in shares or ETFs.
The value of your free share bundle is randomly allocated. You could receive anywhere between £50 and £500 worth of US shares. Because the free shares are US-listed, you will need to complete a W-8BEN form (a standard US tax document for non-US investors) by 31st July 2026. This is a quick online form that IG will guide you through.
You must maintain at least £500 invested in your account until 31st July 2026. Your free shares will then be credited to your General Investment Account (GIA) by August 2026. Note that the free shares are always credited to a GIA, regardless of which IG account type you opened.
Important Requirements
- Must be a new IG client
- Use promo code FS500 when signing up
- Sign up between 1st and 30th April 2026
- Invest a minimum of £500 in shares or ETFs
- Maintain at least £500 invested until 31st July 2026
- Submit W-8BEN form by 31st July 2026
- Free shares credited to your GIA by August 2026
- Valid on GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts
- Cannot be combined with other IG promotions
- UK residents aged 18 and over only
IG Platform Features
Beyond this promotion, IG is one of the most established investment platforms in the UK. They offer zero commission on UK-listed shares and ETFs, and currently pay 3.75%% AER on uninvested cash in your account. IG supports GIA, ISA, and SIPP account types, giving you flexibility depending on your investment goals. They also offer crypto trading for those interested in digital assets alongside traditional share dealing.
Other IG Offers and Reviews
IG regularly runs promotions for new and existing clients. Here are some other IG articles you may find useful:
- IG Cashback Offer: Get Up to £250
- IG Transfer Cashback: Up to £5,000
- IG Zero Spread on FTSE 100 Shares
- IG Crypto Trading UK Review
Looking for more broker promotions? Check out our full list of broker bonuses or use BrokerMatch to find the best broker for your needs.
What promo code do I need for the IG free shares offer?
You need to use promo code FS500 when signing up for a new IG share dealing account between 1st and 30th April 2026.
How much do I need to invest to get free shares from IG?
You need to invest a minimum of £500 in shares or ETFs. This amount must be maintained in your account until 31st July 2026.
What shares will I receive from the IG free shares promotion?
You will receive a randomly allocated bundle of US shares worth between £50 and £500. The exact value is determined randomly by IG.
When will I receive my free shares from IG?
Your free shares will be credited to your General Investment Account (GIA) by August 2026, provided you have met all the requirements including submitting the W-8BEN form.
What is the W-8BEN form and why do I need it?
The W-8BEN is a standard US tax form required for non-US investors who hold US shares. Since the free shares are US-listed, you must complete this form by 31st July 2026. IG will guide you through the process within your account.
Can I use the IG free shares offer with other IG promotions?
No, this promotion cannot be combined with other IG offers. You can only use one promotional code when signing up.
Risk Disclaimer. Trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may lose some or all of your initial investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. We recommend only investing money you can afford to lose and ensuring you fully understand the risks involved before trading. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67%% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
