IG UK Free Shares Promotion: Get Up to £1,000 in US Shares (January 2026)
IG UK is launching its most generous welcome promotion yet, offering new investors up to £1,000 in free US shares when they invest just £200. This January 2026 campaign represents a significant upgrade from previous offers, with the sign-up window running from 17th to 30th January 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 IG's most attractive welcome offer to date. The potential to receive up to £1,000 in free US shares for a £200 investment represents a maximum bonus of 500% on your initial deposit. Even at the lower end of the allocation spectrum, this promotion delivers genuine value for new investors.
IG has also recently 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.
What sets this promotion apart from previous IG offers is the shift to US shares. Earlier promotions featured UK stocks like AstraZeneca and Tesco, but this January 2026 campaign focuses on US equities, giving investors exposure to the world's largest stock market.
How the Promotion Works
The mechanics are straightforward: sign up as a new IG client between 17th and 30th January 2026, invest at least £200 by the end of January, and maintain your investment until 28th February 2026. Your free US shares will then be credited to your account in March 2026.
Unlike some competitor promotions that require you to buy specific stocks, IG allows you to invest your £200 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
Visit IG's promotional page and complete the account opening process. You will need to provide personal details and upload ID verification documents.
Documents needed: Photo ID and proof of address
Fund and Invest £200
Deposit and invest at least £200 into your IG account by 30th January 2026 using bank transfer, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
Deadline: 30th January 2026
Commission: Zero on all shares and ETFs
Hold Your Investment
Maintain your investment or keep an active portfolio until 28th February 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 in March 2026. No further action is required from your side.
Value range: Up to £1,000 in free US shares
Remember: This is a limited-time offer for new IG customers only. The promotion runs from 17th to 30th January 2026.
Important Requirements
Based on information from IG, here are the key requirements to qualify for this promotion:
- You must be a new IG client (existing customers are not eligible)
- Sign up between 17th and 30th January 2026
- Invest at least £200 by 30th January 2026
- Maintain your investments or keep an active portfolio until 28th February 2026
- One bonus per person, even if opening multiple account types
- UK residents aged 18 and over only
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 or account fees
FCA Regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since 1974
Tax-Efficient Accounts
GIA, Stocks and Shares ISA, and SIPP available for different tax needs
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.
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
Unlike previous IG promotions that offered UK shares, this campaign 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.
Long-Term Investors
If you can commit £200 for approximately 6 weeks until the end of February, you will receive free shares that you can hold indefinitely.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I withdraw my investment before 28th February 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 28th February 2026.
When does the sign-up period start?
The promotion sign-up window runs from 17th to 30th January 2026. You must open your account and invest during this period to qualify.
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 in March 2026, after the holding period ends on 28th February.
What type of shares will I receive?
This promotion offers free US shares, unlike previous IG promotions which featured UK stocks. The specific companies included have not yet been confirmed by IG.
Can I transfer the free shares to an ISA?
The free shares are typically credited to a General Investment Account (GIA). While in-specie transfers to an ISA may be possible, this would count towards your annual ISA allowance. Check with IG about their transfer process and any associated costs.
What if I invest more than £200?
The minimum investment requirement is £200. You can start with the minimum to secure your bonus, and if you feel comfortable with the platform, you can always increase your investment later on.
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.
