IG UK Free Shares Promotion: Get Up to £1,000 in US Shares (February 2026)
IG UK is running its most generous welcome promotion yet, offering new investors up to £1,000 in free US shares when they invest £300. This February 2026 campaign represents a significant opportunity, with the sign-up window running from 31st January to 27th February 2026.
Key Benefit: Commission-free trading on all shares and ETFs with no custody or account fees
Our Verdict: Is This Worth It?
This is one of IG's most attractive welcome offers. The potential to receive up to £1,000 in free US shares for a £300 investment represents a maximum bonus of over 300% on your initial deposit.
However, it is important to understand how the bonus allocation works. IG uses a weighted probability system for share allocation:
- 60% chance: £50-£75 in shares
- 25% chance: £75.01-£150 in shares
- 10% chance: £150.01-£250 in shares
- 4% chance: £250.01-£500 in shares
- 1% chance: £500.01-£1,000 in shares
This means most participants will receive shares worth £50-£75, which still represents a 17-25% bonus on your £300 investment. Even at the lower end of the allocation spectrum, this promotion delivers genuine value for new investors.
IG has also removed custody fees entirely, making their platform commission-free on all shares and ETFs with no ongoing account charges. This fee structure change makes the platform significantly more competitive for long-term investors.
A key improvement over previous offers is that this promotion now applies to GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts, giving you more flexibility in how you receive your bonus shares.
How the Promotion Works
The mechanics are straightforward: sign up as a new IG client using promo code FS1000 between 31st January and 27th February 2026, invest at least £300, and maintain your investment until 31st March 2026. Your free US shares will then be credited to your account by 30th April 2026.
Unlike some competitor promotions that require you to buy specific stocks, IG allows you to invest your £300 in any shares or ETFs available on their platform. This flexibility means you can build a portfolio that matches your investment goals while still qualifying for the bonus.
How to Claim Your Free IG Shares
Follow these steps to secure your bonus shares worth up to £1,000
Open Your IG Account
Click here to visit IG's promotional page and complete the account opening process. Use promo code FS1000 when creating your account.
Promo code: FS1000
Documents needed: Photo ID and proof of address
Fund and Invest £300
Deposit and invest at least £300 into your IG account by 27th February 2026 using bank transfer, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
Deadline: 27th February 2026
Commission: Zero on all shares and ETFs
Hold Your Investment
Maintain your investment or keep an active portfolio until 31st March 2026. Withdrawing early may disqualify you from receiving the free shares.
Important: Early withdrawal forfeits bonus eligibility
Receive Your Free Shares
IG will automatically credit your free US shares to your account by 30th April 2026. No further action is required from your side.
Account types: GIA, ISA, and SIPP eligible
Value range: Up to £1,000 in free US shares
Remember: Use promo code FS1000 when signing up. The promotion runs from 31st January to 27th February 2026.
Important Requirements
Based on IG's terms and conditions, here are the key requirements to qualify for this promotion:
- You must be a new IG client (existing customers are not eligible)
- Use promo code FS1000 when creating your account
- Sign up between 31st January and 27th February 2026
- Invest at least £300 by 27th February 2026
- Maintain your investments or keep an active portfolio until 31st March 2026
- One bonus per person, even if opening multiple account types
- UK residents aged 18 and over only
- Valid on GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts
- This promotion cannot be combined with other concurrent IG promotions
- Not open to employees of IG or IG Group
Important note on share values: The value of bonus shares can fluctuate after they are credited to your account. Recipients may receive less than the stated band values due to market movements, and IG does not provide compensation for any decrease in value.
IG Platform Features
IG has made significant improvements to their platform that make this promotion even more attractive:
IG Platform Highlights
Zero Commission
Commission-free trading on all shares and ETFs with no custody fees
FCA Regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since 1974
Tax-Efficient Accounts
GIA, ISA, and SIPP available for this promotion
Extensive Range
Access to over 17,000 shares and ETFs from global markets
Crypto Trading
First UK-listed broker to offer direct crypto trading
Publicly Listed
FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange
No More Custody Fees: IG has removed custody fees entirely, making their platform commission-free on all shares and ETFs with no custody or account fees. This is a significant change that makes IG more competitive with other fee-free brokers like Trading 212 and Freetrade.
Crypto Trading: IG made history by becoming the first UK-listed broker to offer crypto trading. This addition allows investors to hold stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies all within one platform. For more details, read our article on IG crypto trading in the UK.
Who Should Consider This Offer
This promotion is particularly attractive for several types of investors:
New Investors
If you are just starting your investment journey, this promotion gives you a substantial bonus to kickstart your portfolio with minimal initial capital.
US Stock Enthusiasts
This promotion provides free US shares, giving you exposure to companies listed on American exchanges.
Cost-Conscious Investors
With zero commission on all shares and ETFs plus no custody fees, IG now offers one of the most competitive fee structures in the UK market.
ISA and SIPP Users
Unlike some previous IG promotions, this offer is valid on ISA and SIPP accounts, making it attractive for tax-efficient investing.
How Does IG Compare to Other Brokers?
IG is one of several UK brokers offering competitive investment services. To see how it compares across fees, features, and account types, consider using our broker comparison tool to find the platform that best matches your investment needs.
If you want to maximise welcome bonuses, you might also consider these other broker promotions:
- eToro UK Bonus: Get up to $500 in free stocks from major tech companies
- Trading 212 Promo Code: Get a free fractional share worth up to £100
- Lightyear Promo Code: Also offers a free share worth up to £100
Other IG Articles
Explore more IG content on MatchMyBroker:
- IG Transfer Cashback (£3,000): Get up to £3,000 cashback when you transfer your investments
- IG Deposit Match (£200): Get up to £200 matched on your first investment
- IG Zero Spread on FTSE 100: Understanding IG's zero spread offering for UK stocks
- IG Crypto Trading UK: Trade cryptocurrencies with the first UK-listed broker to offer crypto
Looking for tax-free savings alongside your IG investments? Compare the top providers in our best Cash ISAs in the UK guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What promo code do I need to use?
Use promo code FS1000 when creating your IG account to qualify for this promotion.
What happens if I withdraw my investment before 31st March 2026?
If you withdraw your investment before the required holding period ends, you will likely forfeit your eligibility for the free shares. IG requires you to maintain your investment or active portfolio until 31st March 2026.
Can I use my ISA or SIPP for this promotion?
Yes. Unlike some previous IG promotions, this offer is valid on GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts.
Can I participate if I already have an IG account?
This promotion is specifically for new IG clients. If you have previously held an IG account, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus.
When will I receive my free shares?
IG will credit the free shares to your account by 30th April 2026, after the holding period ends on 31st March.
What type of shares will I receive?
This promotion offers free US shares from a selection of US-listed companies.
Can I combine this with other IG promotions?
No. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other IG offers running at the same time.
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. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and 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.
