Looking for a reliable place to start trading in the UK? With so many online trading platforms out there, it’s hard to know which one is actually worth your time and money. That’s why I tried IG and want to share my honest thoughts in this comprehensive IG platform review.
In this review, I’ll cover what IG offers, how easy it is to use, and whether it’s a good choice for beginners. My quick verdict? IG is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms I’ve tried, especially if you’re based in the UK.
This article contains affiliate links. If you sign up through my link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend platforms I genuinely believe are worth trying.
What is IG? Quick Overview
IG Group started in 1974, giving it over 50 years of experience. Unlike newer platforms that pop up and disappear, IG has stood the test of time and won multiple industry awards for its platform quality.
It’s an award-winning online trading platform that lets you trade stocks, currencies, and other investments. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced trader, IG has tools designed for your skill level.
It is designed to support both new traders who want a simple, guided start and advanced traders who need powerful tools and flexibility. The company is UK-based and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means they follow strict rules to keep your money safe.
My First Experience Using the IG Trading Platform
When I first signed up for IG, I was nervous. Trading platforms can look complicated with all their charts and numbers. But this IG trading review wouldn’t be complete without sharing how IG surprised me.
The sign-up process was straightforward with no confusing jargon. Within minutes, I was looking at the main dashboard. Everything looked clean without overwhelming buttons and flashing lights.
The platform uses simple labels and clear menus. There’s a search bar where you can type what you want to trade, and it pops up instantly. I also loved the demo account option where you can practice with fake money before risking real cash. Is IG good for beginners? Based on this feature alone, absolutely yes.
What Can You Trade on IG?
One thing that makes IG special is the huge variety of things you can trade. Here’s what’s available in this IG trading platform review:
Forex (Foreign Exchange): This is where you trade different currencies. For example, you might trade US dollars for British pounds. When currency values change, you can make a profit. IG offers access to 90+ currency pairs with competitive spreads.
Shares and Stocks: You can buy pieces of companies like Apple, Tesla, or Amazon. When the company does well, your shares usually become more valuable. IG gives you access to thousands of UK and international shares with low trading costs.
Your capital is at risk.
Indices: These track groups of companies. Instead of buying one stock, you’re betting on how a whole group performs, like the FTSE 100 (top 100 UK companies).
Commodities: This includes real-world stuff like gold, silver, oil, and wheat. People have been trading these for thousands of years, and they can be good for diversifying your investments.
Options: These give you the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an asset at a specific price. They’re more advanced financial instruments that experienced traders use for various strategies.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference): This sounds fancy, but it’s simply a way to speculate on whether prices will go up or down without actually owning the thing you’re trading. It’s a bit more advanced, so beginners should learn about these carefully before diving in.
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
Having all these options matters because you’re not stuck with just one type of investment. As you learn more about trading, you can explore different markets and find what works best for your strategy and goals.
Key Features That Make IG Stand Out
User-Friendly Interface
Most trading platforms look complicated. IG is different. Everything is laid out logically. The main screen shows important information without clutter. When I made my first trade, I simply searched, clicked, and a clean window appeared asking how much to invest.
The design isn’t flashy or distracting. Even the charts have simple tools explaining what you’re looking at. You don’t spend hours finding the “buy” button.
Interest on Uninvested Cash (Updated for 2026)
IG pays variable interest on uninvested cash held in UK investment accounts, ISAs, and SIPPs. Following a recent Bank of England rate change, the interest rate is now 3.75% AER variable.
This rate applies automatically to eligible uninvested cash balances, provided you hold an open position or have executed at least one trade during the calendar month. It’s a useful feature for investors who may not always have their full balance actively invested.
Advanced Trading Tools and Real-Time Analysis
While beginner-friendly, IG doesn’t compromise on professional features. The platform includes powerful charting tools for analyzing price movements and spotting trends with real-time data. This balance makes the platform suitable for both beginners and advanced traders.
IG offers automated trading capabilities. You can set rules like “buy this stock if it drops to £50” and the platform does it automatically. The platform also provides in-depth market research, expert insights, daily updates, and detailed reports helping you make informed decisions.
Trade Anywhere with the Mobile App
IG has a mobile app for iPhone and Android. Check investments or trade while on the bus, during lunch, or from your couch. The app has powerful charting tools, real-time analysis, and quick trade execution. It’s fast and reliable.
Learning Resources for All Levels
Starting to trade can feel like learning a new language. IG understands this and offers tons of free educational materials suitable for all experience levels.
They have video tutorials that explain basic concepts in plain English. There are live webinars where experts walk you through different strategies and answer your questions in real-time. They’ve also got articles, guides, and interactive learning materials covering everything from “What is trading?” to more advanced techniques.
What I appreciated most was that these resources aren’t trying to sell you something. They’re genuinely helpful. IG seems to understand that when you succeed at trading, you’ll keep using their platform. So they invest in helping you learn and develop your trading skills properly.
This is perfect for beginners who feel lost. Instead of Googling random advice from strangers, you have trusted educational content right where you trade.
Safety and Security
Let’s talk about something super important: is your money safe with IG?
The answer is yes. IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This is one of the strictest financial regulators in the world. It means IG has to follow serious rules about how they handle your money.
Your funds are kept separate from IG’s own money. If something ever happened to the company, your money would be protected. For UK customers, there’s also the Financial Services Compensation Scheme that can protect up to £85,000.
When you’re trusting a platform with your hard-earned money, these protections matter. IG has been around for 50 years because they take security seriously and maintain a highly regulated and secure trading environment.
Spring 2026 Special Offers: 3.75% AER Interest
IG currently has two live promotions for new UK customers:
Transfer Bonus (Promo code: TRANS3K)
Get up to £3,000 when you transfer your existing investments to IG.
- Valid until: 5 April 2026
- Eligible accounts: ISA, GIA or SIPP
- New customers only. Cannot be used with other offers. T&Cs apply.
Cashback on New Investment (Promo code: CASHBACK200)
Get up to £200 when you invest at least £100 with IG.
- Valid until: 13 March 2026
- Eligible accounts: ISA, GIA or SIPP
- 5% cashback on up to £4,000 invested
- New customers only. T&Cs apply.
Interest Rate on Uninvested Cash IG offers a competitive 3.75% AER variable interest rate on uninvested cash for UK clients.
Clients who hold an open position or have traded within a calendar month can earn 3.75% AER variable interest on their uninvested GBP cash balance, up to £100,000.
Key details:
- Rate: 3.75% AER variable
- Maximum balance: £100,000 per client
- Eligible accounts: General Investment Accounts (GIAs), ISAs, and SIPPs
- Activity requirement: Hold an open position or make at least one trade in a calendar month
- Currency: GBP cash balances only
This competitive interest rate makes IG an attractive option for investors looking to earn returns on their uninvested cash while keeping full access to their funds at any time.
Tools to Keep Your Money Safe
Trading always involves risk. You can lose money just as easily as you can make it. But IG gives you tools to protect yourself.
Stop-Loss Orders: Think of this as a safety net. You set a price where your trade automatically closes if things go badly. For example, if you buy a stock at £100, you might set a stop-loss at £90. If the price drops to £90, your position closes automatically. You lose £10 instead of potentially losing much more.
Limit Orders: This is the opposite. You set a price where your trade closes when you’ve made enough profit. It helps you lock in gains before the market turns against you.
These tools are like having a responsible friend watching your trades and saying “okay, that’s enough” before you lose too much or get too greedy. Beginners should always use these features.
Customer Support: Are They Actually Helpful?
I’ve dealt with customer service that makes you want to pull your hair out. Companies that hide their contact information or take days to respond.
IG is different. They offer 24/7 support through phone, email, and live chat. I tested their live chat with a simple question about account verification, and someone responded in under two minutes. The person was friendly and actually solved my problem instead of sending me in circles.
For beginners, this matters a lot. When you’re confused about something, you want answers fast. IG delivers on this front.
Who Should Use IG?
Complete Beginners: Simple interface and educational resources make it a great starting point. Demo accounts let you practice risk-free.
People Who Want to Learn: If you want to understand trading properly, IG’s learning materials build real skills.
Those Looking for Variety: Trade currencies today and stocks tomorrow with access to global markets.
UK Traders: FCA regulation and strong customer protections make IG especially good for British traders.
The Honest Truth: Any Downsides?
No platform is perfect, so let me be straight with you.
You can lose your entire investment if you’re not careful or due to unexpected market activities. This isn’t a problem with IG specifically, but it’s something you need to understand. Always start small and use those risk management tools I mentioned earlier.
There’s also a learning curve. Even though IG is user-friendly, trading itself takes time to understand. You’ll need to invest effort into learning before you start making consistent profits.
But here’s the thing: these aren’t really downsides of IG. They’re just the reality of trading. At least IG gives you the tools and education to handle these challenges properly.
Conclusion
With no custody fees from January 2026 and competitive interest on uninvested cash, IG continues to strengthen its position as a beginner-friendly and cost-effective platform for UK traders.
After spending time with the IG trading platform, I can confidently say it’s one of the best options for UK traders, especially beginners looking for a reliable broker.
The user-friendly interface removes intimidation. Educational resources help you understand instead of guessing. FCA regulation means you can trust them with your money. The variety of markets means you won’t outgrow the platform as you gain experience.
Is IG perfect? No platform is. But for UK residents who want to start their trading journey with a company trusted for 50 years, this IG platform review UK shows it hits all the right notes. Whether interested in forex, shares, or exploring CFDs, IG gives you the tools and support to learn properly.
Ready to give it a try? Open your IG account here and start exploring what trading can offer. Remember, you can start with a demo account to practice with zero risk. There’s no pressure to invest real money until you feel ready.
Trading won’t make you rich overnight, but with the right broker and education, it can be a valuable skill. IG gives you both, making it one of the top choices for beginners serious about learning to trade.
Reminder: This article contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you sign up through my link, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend IG because I genuinely believe it’s a solid platform worth trying.
Is IG good for beginners?
Yes, IG is excellent for beginners with free demo accounts, extensive educational resources, and a user-friendly interface. The platform balances simplicity with professional tools you can grow into as you gain experience.
How much money do I need to start trading with IG?
There is no fixed minimum deposit. The amount required depends on the market and position size, though many beginners start with a few hundred pounds but IG offers a completely free demo account with virtual funds first. This lets you practice and learn without any financial risk before depositing real money.
Is IG safe and regulated in the UK?
Absolutely, IG is regulated by the FCA and has operated since 1974 with funds kept in segregated accounts. UK customers are also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for up to £85,000.
Can I trade on my phone with IG?
Yes, IG has full-featured mobile apps for iPhone and Android with real-time charts and all trading capabilities. You can monitor markets and place trades from anywhere, anytime.
What’s the difference between IG and other UK trading platforms?
IG offers 17,000+ markets with 50+ years of reliability and comprehensive professional tools compared to simpler platforms. The award-winning platform combines beginner-friendly design with advanced features and more extensive educational resources than most competitors.
Does IG charge high fees?
No. From 8 January 2026, IG does not charge platform or custody fees and offers commission-free trading on shares and ETFs. The main cost to be aware of is a 0.7% FX fee when trading non-GBP shares or ETFs.
Hello, I’m Oliver Grant, a finance writer focused on UK savings and investing. I write about long-term investing, trading basics, and digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, to help readers understand how different investment options work. My content is based on careful research, clear explanations, and publicly available information, with the aim of making complex investment topics easier to understand and compare.
