The investment service
Sits very uncomfortably on their main spread-betting site and this feels a bit like an arranged marriage which is awkward to watch.
What we say
Holly's View
Holly has accounts with all the providers on our website and independently reviews all of them.
IG had a good 2020. Charges remain competitive and performance of their 'ready-made' portfolios is typically good. It is a more complex solution and offers spread-betting which I personally struggle with. I just don't think that's a good retail option. However for those interested in markets, who want a low-cost ready-made option and then the chance to have a bit for a play on the side/ to learn - this is worth a look.
Customer reviews
We collect reviews and share feedback from real users to give you the best information about providers.
Your opinion matters!
Leave a review for IG
Overall Summary
Best Buy 2021
Best Buy for Low-cost ISA
Ease of use
Once you navigate your way to the investments page through the many duplicated links on the homepage and the vague headers thereafter, it can be hard to find answers to ‘basic’ questions about the service, and there is a lack of interactive tools to aid. All the jargon and lack of guidance through the website is a shame as it cloaks quite a nice service for those prepared to persevere.
Mobile & Apps
There isn’t a dedicated app for their Investment proposition, with the app focused on their spread betting & CFD trading. If you hold one of their ready-made portfolios there is not much use for the app beyond simply viewing the value of your portfolio. Regular traders will find the app very useful as there is a high level of information and analysis
Behind the scenes
IG is principally a share dealing platform, though there are also ready-made investment ‘Smart Portfolios’ available for those that want to have their investments managed for them.
Once through the questionnaire, there are some good projections and helpful detail about these portfolios. There are parts which are good to use and in fairness it all works fairly simply and clearly. The Dashboard is visually clear but there is a lack of effective signposting and a lot of jargon!
Investment Choice
Products
Stocks and Shares ISA
Investment Account
Pension
Investments available
Stocks and shares
Chosen for you
Investment help
Robo advice / ready-made portfolios
Pick your own shares
The 'Geeky' Details
Provider details
Not one for our novice investors. IG is principally a share dealing platform, though there are also ready-made investment ‘Smart Portfolios’ available for those that want to have their investments managed for them.
For share traders it’s relatively low cost, at £24 per quarter for an ISA or share dealing account. You can't buy funds on the platform, apart from those that are listed – investment trusts and ETFs.
IG is more likely to suit investors who already know what they are doing, feel confident but like the idea of getting an expert to do the heavy lifting and monitoring. Share dealing and Smart Portfolios are available on the ‘Investments’ section of the website. It’s easy to get lost in the spread betting and CFD trading areas – higher risk investments and risky business. Not for your average Joe.
Important Facts & Figures
Provider Size:
Part of the IG Group, which is a FTSE 250 company.
Minimum amounts:
£500 minimum initial investment into each IG Smart Portfolio