Savings Interest Rates, Switch Offers and Guides for IG

Who they are

IG was founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler, originally as IG Index - short for Investors Gold Index. It became the first company to offer spread betting, allowing investors to speculate on gold prices at a time when UK exchange controls restricted buying physical gold. In the decades since, it has grown into something much broader. IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the FTSE 100. Today, through its brands - which include IG, tastytrade, Freetrade and Independent Reserve - the Group serves over 1.3 million customers worldwide.

Most people know IG for active trading - spread betting, CFDs, forex. Its move into longer-term investing, including stocks and shares ISAs, is a more recent chapter in that story.

The Stocks and Shares ISA

IG offers a DIY stocks and shares ISA, where you choose your own investments rather than handing control to a managed service. You can build a portfolio from over 12,000 shares and ETFs. There is no fixed interest rate on the account itself - returns depend entirely on the investments you pick.

One notable feature is a transfer cashback offer: you can receive up to £5,000 cashback when transferring at least £10,000 into an IG Stocks and Shares ISA. Terms apply, so check the current details carefully before committing.

On protection, the picture here has two layers. Investments held in the ISA are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS. Uninvested cash sitting in the account carries a higher protection level of up to £120,000. That separation is worth understanding if you plan to keep any cash parked inside the wrapper.

Is it right for you?

IG suits hands-on investors who want a wide range of investments and are comfortable making their own decisions. The main platform can feel overwhelming for those investing smaller sums, though the simpler IG Invest app is easier for beginners. It is worth being aware that infrequent traders should note the £8 monthly platform charge, which is only waived by three or more trades a quarter. If you do not trade often, that cost adds up.

The transfer cashback offer is worth a look if you are already holding a stocks and shares ISA elsewhere and thinking about switching. As with any investment account, the tax wrapper protects your returns - but the returns themselves are never guaranteed.

As always, the live figures shown on this page are the most up-to-date guide to what IG is currently offering - rates and terms can and do change.