This page contains an affiliate link — I earn a commission if you invest with IG through it, at no extra cost to you (although you may not get a bonus otherwise). Scrimpr is independent and not part of IG. For transparency: I've been an IG customer myself since 2025.
IG Invest Offer Summary
Deadline: 31/05/2026. Complete your sign-up before this date.
Scrimpr Pro Tip
You must submit a valid W-8BEN form by 31st August 2026 or you'll forfeit your bonus shares. Do this soon after opening your account — it only takes a few minutes and certifies your non-US tax status. IG doesn't offer fractional shares, so you'll need to buy whole shares that add up to £1,000+. IG has no inactivity fee, making it one of the cheapest investing platforms for a stocks and shares ISA or general investment account. No platform fee, and no trading fees.
Invest with IG
Step 1 — Sign up
Open a GIA, ISA or SIPP using code MAYSHARES between 1–31 May 2026
Step 2 — Invest £1,000+
Buy shares totalling at least £1,000 by 31 May 2026 (whole shares only — no fractionals)
Step 3 — Hold position
Maintain at least £1,000 invested until 31 August 2026
Step 4 — Complete W-8BEN
Submit your W-8BEN form by 31 August 2026 (required to receive your bonus shares)
Step 5 — Receive shares
Bonus shares credited to your GIA by 30 September 2026
About IG Invest
Commission-free UK stock trading with no platform fee and fee-free trading and interest on cash balances. Trusted by 2M+ investors worldwide.
What You Might Get
These are the possible outcomes when you sign up. The actual share you receive is random.
| Value | Probability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| £50-£70 | 70 | Most likely outcome |
| £70-£100 | 20 | Uncommon |
| £100-£250 | 7 | Rare |
| £250-£500 | 2 | Very rare |
| £500-£1000 | 1 | Jackpot |
Around £85 on average
Costs & Fees to Know
| Cost | Amount | Avoidable? | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty | 0.5% on UK shares | yes | doesn't apply to ETFs |
| Currency fee | 0.7% on non-UK stocks | yes | doesn't apply to UK-listed investments |
Important Information
- This offer is for new customers only.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- Your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up. You may receive back less than you invest.
- Must be UK resident | Open to new IG clients using code MAYSHARES, plus existing clients directly invited by IG | Transfers from other providers don't count — must be a genuine new investment | Bonus shares always credited to your GIA, even if you opened an ISA or SIPP (new smart portfolio clients must add a GIA) | Cannot combine with other IG promotions | Shares are US-listed and denominated in USD (value will fluctuate with exchange rate) | W-8BEN form must be submitted by 31 August 2026 or you forfeit the bonus entirely | No fractional shares available — ensure your trades add up to £1,000+ | IG can withdraw the offer if they suspect abuse or fraud | Shares credited by 30 September 2026
The Bottom Line
A decent offer for new IG investors — £1,000 minimum with an 70% chance of the £50–£70 band and a 1-in-100 shot at up to £1,000. The holding period runs to end of August, and you have until then to submit your W-8BEN too. Bonus always goes to your GIA regardless of which account type you opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll receive a random allocation of US shares worth between £50 and £1,000. The odds are weighted: 70% chance of £50–£70, 20% chance of £70–£100, 7% chance of £100–£250, 2% chance of £250–£500, and just 1% chance of the top £500–£1,000 band. Realistically, expect around £50–£70.
Bonus shares are credited to your GIA by 30 September 2026, provided you've maintained at least £1,000 invested until 31 August 2026 and submitted a valid W-8BEN form.
It's a US tax form certifying you're a non-US resident, required because the bonus shares are US-listed. You must submit it by 31 August 2026 — if you don't, IG will withhold your bonus shares and you'll forfeit the entire reward. Takes a few minutes inside your IG account.
Bonus shares are always credited to a GIA, regardless of which account type you opened or invested in. If you opened a Smart Portfolio, ISA or SIPP, you'll need to also have (or open) a GIA to receive them.
You must keep at least £1,000 invested until 31 August 2026 to qualify. Selling down below that threshold beforehand will disqualify you from the bonus. After 31 August, you're free to sell and withdraw.
No — transfers from other providers don't count toward the £1,000 minimum. It must be a genuine new investment of fresh funds. If you'd rather transfer, see the separate IG Transfer Offer instead.
Mostly no — this is for new IG clients using code MAYSHARES. Existing clients can only participate if IG has directly contacted and invited them.
No — IG doesn't offer fractional shares. You'll need to buy whole shares that add up to at least £1,000.
No platform fee, no share trading commission, no inactivity fee. You'll pay 0.5% stamp duty on UK share purchases (not ETFs) and a 0.7% FX fee on non-UK stocks. Bonus shares are USD-denominated, so their GBP value fluctuates with the exchange rate.
Terms and conditions apply. Not all applicants will qualify. Your capital is at risk.
This page is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Always verify current terms directly with IG Invest. The value of your investments can go down as well as up.