Beginners' FAQs
Here are some answers to our commonly asked questions, including how to deposit funds and how to get started with PureDeal.
Opening an account
I'm new to spread betting, where do I start?
The first step is to open an account. You can apply online in just a few minutes using our automated form, or download and print a PDF form if you prefer.
Do I need to send any documents to open an account with IG Index?
In the vast majority of cases you will not need to send us any supporting documents as we can verify your address details online. Occasionally we will be unable to confirm your identity online (for example if you have moved house recently), and in such cases we will contact you in order to verify your details.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
Yes, we can accept applications from most countries except:
- United States, Turkey: not permitted for legal reasons.
- Australia: we have an operation licenced in Australia and cannot accept customers directly to the UK through this site. Please visit www.igmarkets.com for CFD and FX trading.
IG Index and financial security
How do we make our money?
As a business, we make our money principally through the dealing spreads offered on each market, but also through funding adjustments on share DFBs, through currency conversion and through passing on external fees.
For more detail on what this means for you, see our no hidden charges section.
How safe are my funds with IG Index?
Your funds are completely safe. When you open an account with us we will hold your money on a segregated basis, according to the Financial Service Authority's client money rules. Under these rules, we pay the full balance of our clients' money into client bank accounts. The money is treated as belonging to our clients and cannot be used by us, so the security of our clients' money is absolutely unaffected by whatever happens to us.
To discover more about IG Index and our parent company IG Group, see client money protection.
Deposit funds
Do I need to deposit any funds to activate my account?
You don't need to send any money to activate your account, though you will have to deposit funds before you start placing bets.
How do I fund my spread betting account?
For a complete list of the wide range of payment methods available to you, browse our help & support portal. However, the quickest way to send funds to your account is to register your debit card. This will enable you to make deposits online very easily whenever you wish. To register your card, enter your details via the Payments button or by visiting the My Account area within PureDeal.
Enhance your spread betting skills
How can I learn more about spread betting?
We offer a free, six-week education course to help you learn spread betting at your own pace. With TradeSense you can place bets starting at just 10 pence per point – one of the lowest bet sizes in the market. You may have registered for TradeSense when you opened your account with us. If not, call us on 0800 288 8300 and we will arrange this for you.
Can I get more information on trading strategies, charting methods etc?
Our extensive range of free online seminars, conducted by chief market strategist David Jones, covers topics such as risk management using Stop Orders; forex trading; trading with PureDeal; charting and trading strategies and more so you can place your first bet with confidence and continue learning from there.
Start dealing on PureDeal
Do you offer a demo platform or demo account?
While we do not provide a demo account, with our free TradeSense programme you can start trading from just 10 pence per point. TradeSense is available to all new account holders, giving you full access to the PureDeal platform and the ability to place real trades at very low bet sizes. Unlike a demo account, with TradeSense you get a sense of the full trading experience, as well as the benefit of our valuable training modules and online seminars.
Will I need to download any software before I start spread betting?
Our award-winning dealing platform, PureDeal, is completely browser-based, meaning you don't need to download any software. You can also access your account through your iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7. Stay in touch 24-hours-a-day, from anywhere around the world!
How soon can I begin spread betting?
If you apply online, providing we are able to verify your identity and once you have deposited funds to your account, you could be up and running within minutes.
I'd like someone to deal on my behalf. Can I appoint a Power of Attorney to trade for me?
Yes. Initially, please open an account in the usual way. Once your account is open, we will send you a Power of Attorney form which will allow a nominated third party to access your account.
Further guidance
For full details on all our markets, see our bet details, or take a look at our extensive spread betting glossary.