IG offers new UK investors up to £200 in free shares in September 2025

Investment platform IG is offering new UK clients up to £200 worth of free UK shares during September 2025, provided they open an account and invest at least £50 into an investment account, an ISA or a SIPP, the company said.

The offer applies to new retail customers who meet the minimum funding requirement and open one of the eligible account types. IG said the free shares will be allocated as part of its promotional campaign to encourage people to start investing and to back UK-listed companies. The promotion is subject to the firm’s full terms and conditions and to usual investment risks.

IG’s promotion comes as the FTSE 100 reached series of all-time highs in 2025, a rally that analysts say has been driven in part by some investors seeking diversification away from US equities and by shifts in global trade dynamics. Market commentators have cited concerns that certain US stocks look expensive and noted that trade tensions and policy shifts have influenced flows into UK-listed companies.

Despite the recent gains in UK equities, household savings patterns remain skewed towards cash. Surveys and market data show many Britons continue to prefer the perceived safety and liquidity of cash deposits, even though inflation has eroded the real value of cash holdings. Broker promotions such as IG’s aim to nudge savers toward starting investing, the firm said.

The free-share allocation is not guaranteed to outperform and recipients may receive shares whose value rises or falls. Financial regulators and advisers caution that investing carries the risk of capital loss and that past market performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Over the long term, broadly diversified equity investments have historically offered higher returns than cash but also involve greater volatility.

Promotional offers typically come with eligibility windows, holding-period requirements and other conditions. Prospective customers should review IG’s published terms for details on how shares are selected and allocated, any timelines for receiving free shares and whether any promotional codes or account verification steps are required. The minimum qualifying deposit for this promotion is £50; higher or tiered allocations up to the stated £200 total may depend on other aspects of the promotion.

IG’s offer will be available alongside its standard product suite, which includes execution-only trading, ISAs and SIPPs. ISAs and SIPPs provide tax-advantaged wrappers for investments but carry their own rules on contributions, withdrawals and tax treatment. Investors interested in using an ISA or a SIPP should consider their personal tax circumstances and the suitability of such accounts for their financial goals.

Industry observers say broker-led incentives can help lower the barrier to entry for first-time investors, but they urge consumers to focus on long-term strategy rather than short-term promotions. Individuals considering the IG offer should compare fees, platform features, research tools and customer service with alternative providers, and confirm the official promotional terms before opening an account.

Anyone unsure about the implications of investing or the choice of account type may wish to seek regulated financial advice. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates investment firms in the UK and provides guidance for consumers on understanding risks and choosing suitable products.