IG General Investment Account Review: Great Mix Of High & Low-Risk Investing
Account: IG General Investment Account
Description: IG is primarily a trading platform (and one of the best, at that) but also has an investment account through which you can deal in physical stocks and shares, including ETFs, in the UK, Europe, US and Asian markets. If you don't want to choose your own stocks, IG also has a managed investment product called Smart Portfolios. These are pre-made diverse portfolios with exposure to the global markets through shares, bonds, property and commodities. IG is a good choice for traders also looking for a cost-effective way to hold long-term investments in a GIA, or a stocks and shares ISA or SIPP. Capital is at risk.
Is IG's GIA a Good Account?
Yes, we rank IG as one of the best combined investing and trading platforms in the UK. You can invest with IG through a GIA, ISA or SIPP in either individual stocks or through pre-made Smart Portfolios. One letdown, though, is the lack of access to funds and bonds – you’ll be better served by a traditional stockbroker like Hargreaves Lansdown. And unlike some rivals, like Bestinvest, IG can’t provide advice on investments.
Fees
IG charges a flat custody fee of £24 a quarter (£96 a year) for its GIA. But if you have more than £15,000 in a Smart Portfolio managed fund, or place over three trades per quarter, that fee is waived. Standard dealing fees are £8 for UK and £10 for US shares. Smart Portfolio fees are 0.5% and capped at £250 per year. Fund management charges are 0.13% and transaction costs are 0.09%.
Special Offer: Free US stock investing. There is zero commission on US share trades and just £3 on UK share trades when you trade three or more times a month.
What is IG’s Platform Like to Use?
IG’s investment platform is the same as its trading interface so this will be familiar to its short-term speculators. The platform offers good visuals of investments, with associated news and analysis.
Pros
- Low-cost investing account
- UK & international shares
- Pre-made portfolios
Cons
- Also provides access to high-risk investment products.
- Limited investment funds
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Pricing
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Market Access
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App & Platform
(5)
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Customer Service
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Research & Analysis
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Overall
5Capital at risk.
