How to Open Your IG Cryptocurrency Account

Cryptoassets are high-risk investments and may not be suitable for all investors. Their prices can be highly volatile, and you could lose some or all of the money you invest.

Cryptoassets are not regulated in the same way as traditional investments and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is limited.

During periods of extreme market volatility, liquidity may be reduced, which can affect your ability to buy or sell crypto at your desired price.

You should take time to understand how crypto works and the risks involved before investing. For more information, visit IG’s Crypto Risks page.

Cryptocurrency investing with IG is only accessible to eligible UK clients.

Eligibility Requirements

To open an account, you must:

Be a UK resident and provide proof of address (proof can be a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence showing your full name and address within the last six months)
Complete our cryptocurrency appropriateness assessment (8 questions, 75% pass mark) to evaluate your understanding of cryptocurrency trading principles and associated risks
Must meet standard account opening procedures by providing identity information and verification, along with any additional checks required based on your individual circumstances

How Do I Open an Account as a New Client?

Step 1 - Application Procedure

Complete the online application via the IG website or mobile application
The form captures personal information, contact details, employment status, financial background, and trading experience

Step 2 - Identity Verification

Electronic Identity Verification (eIDV)

Most clients will have their identity verified electronically using eIDV. This process:

Happens automatically during account opening
Requires no document upload if successful
Verifies your identity using electronic databases
Takes just a few seconds to complete

Document Upload (when required)

If eIDV is unavailable or unsuccessful, you'll be guided directly to the document upload widget during onboarding to provide:

Valid proof of identity: passport, driving license, or national identity card
Valid proof of address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence (within 6 months)
Ensure documents are clear, legible, and show the full name matching your application

Step 3 - Account Status

If eIDV is successful:

Your account is created immediately
Your account becomes active
You proceed to the 24-hour cooling-off period

If documents are required:

Your account will be pending verification
You'll be guided to upload required documents
Once documents are validated, your account becomes active
You then proceed to the 24-hour cooling-off period

Step 4 - 24-Hour Cooling-off Period

Once your account is created, a 24-hour cooling-off period begins immediately.

During this period:

You can view crypto assets and token details
You cannot open trade tickets or execute trades
A countdown timer shows when the cooling off period ends

Upon approval, a confirmation email will be sent to you.

Note: This waiting period is a regulatory requirement that cannot be expedited.

How do I add a Crypto Account as an existing IG client?

Step 1 - Add Crypto Account

Login to your My IG Dashboard
Select 'Add an account', then choose 'Crypto' and follow the on-screen prompts

Step 2 - Identity Verification (if required)

If you've previously verified your identity with IG:

Your existing verification may be sufficient
No additional documents needed

If additional verification is required:

You may need to provide documents through the upload widget
eIDV may be used if available

Step 3 - Complete Assessment

Complete the 8-question appropriateness assessment with a 75% pass mark.

Step 4 - Cooling-off Period

Once you have completed your application, there will be a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period that begins immediately when your account is created.

A countdown timer displays showing when you can start trading
You can view assets but cannot execute trades
Upon approval, a confirmation email will be sent to you

Account Structure

Important: All IG crypto clients must have at least one other IG account to hold cash.

If you don't already have another IG account:

We'll automatically create a Share Dealing account for you
You'll need to accept the Share Dealing terms and conditions on your next login
This account will hold your cash for crypto transactions

You can find the terms and conditions for our share dealing account here.

What if I Have Verification Problems?

Common verification issues include poor image quality, expired documents, and mismatched personal information.

If you experience verification issues/delays, the following solutions are available:

Submit clearer or more recent documents if needed
Check your verification status in your account dashboard
Contact support for manual verification assistance

If You Don't Pass the Assessment

You will have two attempts before needing to wait 24 hours to try again. If you fail a third time, you will not be able to proceed with opening an IG Crypto account.