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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

CFD account details

Our charges

It's completely free to open an account with IG. Once you've funded your account and started trading, our main charge on each trade is the spread or a small commission for shares trades.

You choose your price per contract (we offer low minimum contract sizes for new clients), and put down a margin payment. This allows you full exposure to a market with only a fraction of the total capital you'd normally need. Other charges can apply – see our charges and fees for more details.

Take a look at a share trading example, or a more detailed indices trading example.

Account benefits

When you open an IG account you're joining the world's No.1 CFD trading provider*.

All our clients benefit from:

  • Tight spreads, low commissions and low margins on over 17,000 markets
  • A superior trading platform, available across the web and mobile devices
  • Expert charting packages
  • Free educational videos and resources
  • Friendly, helpful customer support
  • Free data, research and analysis tools
  • Security of a financially strong, FTSE 250 company, founded in 1974

What you need to know

Like all financial products, CFD trading carries risk. If the market moves against you, you lose money. However, as CFDs are a leveraged product, the risks can be greater – with the possibility of losses exceeding deposits.

With an IG CFD trading account, you can manage your exposure using a range of risk management tools, including stops and automated alerts. We’ll also help you learn the essentials of risk management, and you can practise your strategies using a demo account.

It's also important to read and understand our account information documents before you get started, including the CFD trading customer agreement.

Account essentials

Account charges

Setup charge No fee
Annual charge No fee
Account closure No fee

Trading details

Markets Over 16,000 global markets
Commission Yes, on certain markets
Overnight funding Yes, charges apply
Tax-free* No, but exempt from stamp duty
Traded in Shares or contracts
Minimum trade size R25 per trade for first two weeks1
Margin/leverage From 0.5% for forex, 5% for shares and margin factor for indices
Trading by phone Yes
Risk management Full range of tools available

Platforms and tools

Platforms available All platforms
Demo account Yes
Live streaming IG charts Yes
Advanced charting packages Yes (free to active account holders2)
DMA Yes
Technical analysis tools Yes
Economic calendar Yes
Live Reuters news Yes
Free market data Yes (refundable fees apply for some shares data3)

Support and education

24/7 phone support Yes
Educational videos and guides Yes
In-person seminars Yes
Live webinars Yes
Introductory programme

Yes

News and articles from IG experts

Yes

Open an account now

Fast execution on a huge range of markets

Enjoy flexible access to more than 17,000 global markets, with reliable execution

Fast execution on a huge range of markets

Enjoy flexible access to more than 17,000 global markets, with reliable execution

Trade seamlessly, wherever you are

Trade on the move with our natively designed, award-winning trading app

Trade seamlessly, wherever you are

Trade on the move with our natively designed, award-winning trading app

Feel secure with a trusted provider

With 45 years of experience, we’re proud to offer a truly market-leading service

Feel secure with a trusted provider

With 45 years of experience, we’re proud to offer a truly market-leading service

1 Based on revenue excluding FX (published financial statements, February 2018

2 Introductory offer.

2,3, See more about our charges and fees

Eligibility

Requirements checklist

  • You must be over 18
  • You must successfully meet our appropriateness assessment (within the application form) to see if CFD trading is appropriate for you – this is a regulatory requirement
  • We can open a SA CFD trading account for people from most countries, but it may be more convenient for you to deal with an office closer to home

Information checklist

  • It’s important to understand the basics of CFD trading
  • Do you understand the risks?

Full terms and agreements

What we ask you

  • We need your name and address to establish your identity – this protects against possible fraud
  • We ask about your financial trading experience to assess if CFD trading is appropriate for you – this is a regulatory requirement

Peace of mind

  • We’ll never contact your employer as part of the application
  • Your data is kept securely in line with our privacy policy and the Data Protection Act
  • We’ll never ask for a deposit to open an account

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Help and support

Get answers about your account or our services.

Get answers

Call 010 500 8626

Or ask about opening an account on 010 500 8624 or newaccounts.za@ig.com.

We're here 24hrs a day from 9am Saturday to 11pm Friday.