Get started – simply apply for an account, fund and start trading.
How to apply
Fill in the form
It's quick and easy and takes less than three minutes to complete
Send documents
We will validate your identity, as well as assess your knowledge and/or prior experience in trading CFDs.
Place your trade
Fund your account and use our tools to spot an opportunity, then place your trade.
Before you apply
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 also open a South African CFD trading account for people from most countries, but it may be more convenient for you to trade with an office closer to home.
Information checklist
- It’s important to understand the basics of CFD trading
- Do you understand the risks?
- Have you read the following important information:
What happens next?
After you apply:
- If your application is successful, we send you an email with your login details to access the platform.
Setting up your account:
- Your account manager will call to talk you through the platform and help you place your first trade.
- You’ll need to fund your account to start trading. It’s easiest to fund via bank transfer
- Learn more about how to use the platform and improve your trading skills, including video guides, tips and walkthroughs
- Set your preferences within the platform – advanced traders can choose to activate ProRealTime charts, one-click trading and more
Safe, secure online process
Fully regulated and authorised
Short, easy-to-use online form
FAQs
How long does the application process take?
If you have the right supporting documents we can open your trading account in a day.
Do you offer a demo account or platform?
Yes, you can try our interactive platform preview or open a demo account.
Do I need to download any software?
Our main platform is browser-based, so you don’t have to download anything. If you want to use our mobile or tablet apps, you will need to download them from the relevant app stores. Clients using the advanced L2 Dealer platform will also need to download software.
Can I apply by post?
Yes. Download and fill out the relevant PDF form:
Once complete, send via one of the following methods (remembering to enclose the supporting documents as described on the form itself):
Email: docs.za@ig.com
Fax: 011 467 8501
Post:
New Accounts
IG South Africa
The Marc, Tower 2, 129 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2196
Do I need to send any documents?
To open your account quickly, we need three supporting documents as required by FICA. Visit our Supporting Documents page for all the details or contact our sales team on 010 344 0052.
Do I need to deposit funds to open an account?
No, you don't need to send any money to open your account, though you will have to deposit funds before you start trading.
How do I deposit funds?
You can fund your account via bank transfer. You’ll need to log in to your account and go to the My Account tab within the web-based trading platform. See more details on how to make a payment.
I’d like someone to trade on my behalf; can I appoint a power of attorney to trade for me?
Yes. Initially, please open an account in the usual way. Once your account is open, you can fill in a power of attorney form which will allow a nominated third party to access your account.
How secure is IG/your platform?
IG is a global FTSE 250 company, we are regulated by the FSCA locally and in the UK we are regulated by the FCA. We segregate client funds to protect your money and our platforms use industry-standard 256-bit SSL encryption – the same as PayPal or high street banks.
* Based on revenue (published financial statements, October 2022)
Help and support
Get answers about your account or our services.
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.
