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IG Account Opening 2026: Types, Deposit & Verification
Complete guide to opening an account with IG. Minimum deposit: $250 ($0 bank transfer). Available account types, KYC requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
By Wanjiru Kamau•Updated 2026-07-01•Fact-checked by Lisa Martinez
How to open a IG account?
Complete guide to opening an account with IG. Minimum deposit: $250 ($0 bank transfer). Available account types, KYC requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
Minimum Deposit
$250 ($0 bank transfer)
Max Leverage
1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro)
Platforms
IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4
Islamic Account
Yes (Select regions)
Demo Account
Yes (unlimited)
Copy Trading
No
IG Account Types
**Standard CFD Account** — Min. deposit: $0. Spreads from 0.6 pips. All 17,000+ markets.
**Professional Account** — Min. deposit: Must meet eligibility criteria. Higher leverage up to 500:1. Reduced margin requirements.
**Share Dealing Account (UK)** — Min. deposit: No minimum. Buy real shares. ISA and SIPP available.
**Spread Betting Account (UK/Ireland)** — Min. deposit: $0. Tax-free profits for UK residents. Same markets as CFDs.
Verification & KYC Process
Opening an account with IG is a fully digital process that typically takes 1-3 business days for verification. The broker accepts clients from most countries and offers various account types including standard CFD accounts, spread betting (UK/Ireland), and share dealing accounts.
Available Trading Platforms
IG supports the following trading platforms: IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is available for those who prefer the industry-standard platform.
Demo Account
IG offers a free demo account: Yes (unlimited). A demo account allows you to practice trading with virtual money before committing real funds. This is especially valuable for beginners learning the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
To open an account with IG, visit their website and click "Register" or "Open Account". You'll need to provide personal information, complete identity verification (KYC), and make a minimum deposit of $250 ($0 bank transfer).
The minimum deposit for IG is $250 ($0 bank transfer). Some premium account types may require higher deposits.
Yes, IG offers a demo account: Yes (unlimited). This lets you practice with virtual funds before trading with real money.
You typically need: 1) A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID, or driving license), and 2) Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document dated within the last 3 months).
Yes, IG offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or earn overnight interest.