The first ever cryptocurrency – bitcoin – is famed for its volatility and potential. Learn more about buying and selling bitcoin with our spot crypto account.
Call 0800 195 3100 or email newaccounts.uk@ig.com to talk about opening an account.
bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralised technology called blockchain, which manages and records transactions across many computers without a central authority like a bank or government.
Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, making it inherently resistant to inflation. This scarcity, combined with growing adoption and interest, has contributed to its significant price appreciation over time.
BTC’s value comes from its utility as a borderless payment system, its potential as a store of value (sometimes called ‘digital gold’), and increasing institutional acceptance. However, its price can experience extreme volatility, making it both an opportunity and a risk for investors.
In 2010, bitcoin traded at less than $0.01 and by December 2024, it exceeded the $100,000 mark. The bitcoin story is one of meteoric rallies and bursting speculative bubbles, with one constant – market volatility. This unpredictability – and high risk – is what attracts people, but also why bitcoin trading should be approached cautiously by beginners and experts alike.
Please note that all figures refer to historical performance, which is not a reliable indicator of future results. All amounts are quoted in US dollars, and outcomes may differ in other currencies. Returns may increase or decrease due to currency fluctuations.
To open a position on bitcoin, you first need to understand the factors that have an impact on its price:
With our spot crypto account, you can buy and own actual bitcoin. This means you'll take beneficial ownership of the cryptocurrency, when you purchase it, held by our partner Uphold in your beneficial interest, and you'll profit if you sell your coins when their price rises beyond your original purchase price.
Plus, you can hold it for as long as you want, with no overnight fees.
Our platform offers an intuitive way to buy and sell bitcoin. As the wider bitcoin market is relatively liquid, you're likely to be able to execute your orders at your desired price, even for larger amounts.
Opening a spot crypto account usually takes minutes. And there’s no obligation to fund your account until you’re ready to trade.
Once you’ve selected bitcoin from the list of available cryptocurrencies, enter the amount (in pounds) that you want to spend on the coin. You’ll automatically see the equivalent in BTC that you’ll get for that amount — though please note that we charge a sole fee comprising a 1.49% flat spread on all crypto trades. Then, review and confirm your order. The bitcoin will immediately reflect in your account.
You may want to close your position to realise a profit or avoid further losses. Navigate to your portfolio, select bitcoin enter the value (in pounds) that you want to sell. Then, review and confirm the sale.
Do I need to use an exchange to trade bitcoin?
No, with our spot crypto account, you can buy bitcoin directly on our platform without using a cryptocurrency exchange. You can buy and own bitcoin, even in fractions through our partner Uphold — and then sell it again whenever you want, assuming market liquidity and no operational outage.
Do I need a digital wallet when buying bitcoin?
No, our partner Uphold stores your bitcoin for you. You don't need to set up or manage your own digital wallet.
What are bitcoin’s trading hours?
bitcoin markets operate 24/7, unlike traditional financial markets. This means you can buy and sell bitcoin at any time, day or night, including weekends and holidays — as long as there are no outages. For reference, the past outage was in 2013.
What is the minimum amount to start bitcoin trading?
You can start trading bitcoin with us with £10 – and you can buy bitcoin in fractions, allowing you to start with a small amount. As with all speculative investments, only invest what you are comfortable with and what you can afford to lose.
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The footer below includes standard risk disclosures and regulatory information applicable to IG’s broader range of investment services, including regulated financial instruments.
This page relates to unregulated crypto products, which are not covered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and do not benefit from regulatory protections such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Please ensure you understand the specific risks associated with unregulated crypto assets.