Whether you’ve started investing already or not, getting an extra boost to your portfolio is very welcome.
Many investment apps and platforms will give new customers free shares for signing up and depositing or investing with them.
And it can add up quick!
Below I’ve listed the best platforms that offer free stocks and shares, as well as how to sign up for these bonuses.
Remember this is not financial or UK tax advice. Capital is at risk when you invest. Always do your own research. ISA rules and T&Cs apply.
Trading 212 provides access to over 10,000 stocks, funds, ETFs and investment trusts.
They offer commission-free trading* and their auto investing feature is excellent.
OUR OFFER - To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR/GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 using promo code 'GAINS'. Terms apply
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees
**When investing, your capital is at risk. If you enable interest, Trading 212 will hold your cash in qualifying money market funds and banks. Otherwise, your cash will be held only in banks. Interest applies on cash in an investment account. Terms apply.
- Commission free trading*
- Earn interest on uninvested cash**
- Fantastic mobile app
- Award winning ISA
- No personal pension
UK Investing Apps That Offer Free Shares
These investment apps offer free share bonuses for signing up:
Trading212 – Up to £100 free fractional shares
You’ll receive up to £100 free fractional shares if you invest a minimum of £1 with the code ‘GAINS’.
(Capital at risk when you invest, T&Cs apply)
IG – Up to £300 in free shares**
Invest at least £300 to get up to £300 in free shares**.
**Capital at risk. New customers only. Offer valid until 30 days after opening your account on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. Minimum share value £40. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. T&Cs apply.
Freetrade
Gives you a share worth £10-£100 for depositing £50.
(Capital at risk when you invest, T&Cs apply)
IG Junior ISA – Invest £50 get £50 bonus
Get £50 added to the account when you invest £50 in a Junior ISA with IG.
(Your capital is at risk. New customers only. ISA tax benefits depend on personal circumstances. Offer valid until 05/04/2026 on JISA accounts. T&C’s apply.)
How To Get Free Shares
The process depends on the platform but typically you’ll need ID as well as some money ready to fund the account you choose.
Normally, you have to follow these steps:
Sign up for an account on the platform’s website via the links above. Normally, you’ll need to provide your National Insurance Number and verify your ID (usually taking a photo of your passport and a selfie these days for automatic verification).
Once your account is set up, you’ll need to make the minimum deposit stated.
Abide by the terms and conditions stated. This could include waiting a certain amount of time before withdrawing your funds. For example, some platforms won’t provide your free share if you pull out within the first 30 days.
Claim your free share. You may not even have to claim it – the bonus may just appear in your account once conditions have been met.
Send referral links out to your peers to unlock additional free stocks and shares.
Stop waiting and start investing with the best UK investing apps on the market right now.
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How Do Free Shares Work?
Free stock and shares work in exactly the same way as the stock and shares you buy with your own money.
You can trade them on the stock market, their value can change, and you’re also taxed on them in the same way (more on this later).
Once you’ve gained your free share/stock, you can do whatever you want with it.
You can invest your own cash to try and gain a better return, or sell it off and withdraw the cash.
Or you can rebuy into your favourite blue chip stocks like Apple.
Normally, there is a limit to how long you have to wait before you can withdraw the cash.
You could also put your free stock or share into a General Investment Account (GIA) or an Individual Savings Account (ISA).
The free share is enough for you to start investing and even earn compound interest.
Why Companies Give Out Free Shares
The reason why companies offer free stock to new customers is to get them to sign up for their platform.
The idea of attaining free stock to play with – and the potential investment reward that could be made from this free stock – entices many beginners to sign up.
Once you’re on the platform and doing whatever you want with your free share, you may be enticed to invest further. Especially when the platform is well laid out and easy to understand.
Are Free Stocks and Shares Taxed?
Both income and profits from shares can be subject to tax.
Here is a summary of how each type of income might be taxed:
Dividend Income: Dividends are taxed separately from other forms of income. For the tax year 2025-2026, the dividend tax rates were as follows:
Personal Allowance: If your total income (including dividends) is below the personal allowance threshold (£12,570 for 2025-2026), you don’t have to pay any tax on your dividends.
Dividend Allowance: In addition to the personal allowance, there is a dividend allowance (£500 for 2025-2026), which is a tax-free amount on dividend income.
Basic rate taxpayers: 8.75% on dividend income above the dividend allowance
Higher rate taxpayers: 33.75% on dividend income above the dividend allowance
Additional rate taxpayers: 39.35% on dividend income above the dividend allowance
Please note that these rates and thresholds may change, so always check the latest information provided by the UK government or consult with a tax professional.
Capital Gains: Profits from selling shares, known as capital gains, are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). You have an annual tax-free allowance for capital gains, known as the Annual Exempt Amount.
For the tax year 2025-2026, the Annual Exempt Amount was £3,000. If your capital gains exceed this amount, you will need to pay CGT on the difference. The CGT rates for the tax year 2025-2026 are:
Basic rate taxpayers: 18% on capital gains
Higher rate and additional rate taxpayers: 24% on capital gains
ISA account
If you have an ISA, your free share provider may allow you to put your free stock/shares into your ISA. With an ISA account, you are not taxed for the first £20,000 you deposit into it.
£20,000 is the maximum you can contribute into an ISA for the 2025/2026 tax year.
This way, you can save up money without losing any to taxation. In this case, you could avoid being taxed for your free stock investment and earnings.
However, not all free share providers will allow you to deposit your bonuses into your ISA account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
You’re able to enjoy free share opportunities on most major trading platforms today.
Sometimes, all you have to do is sign up for a UK-based investment platform and follow the terms and conditions to receive your free shares.
You can sometimes also forward a referral code or referral link to receive an additional free bonus.
These bonuses are obviously in place to entice you to use the platform further – which you may or may not want to do.
Either way, who could say no to free stock worth much more than you deposit?
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Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.
