Looking for a way to grow your investment portfolio at no cost? Free share promotions offered by UK-based investment platforms are a fantastic way to get started with trading or increase your existing holdings—all without spending a penny. With just a few simple steps, you could claim free stocks worth anywhere from £10 to £100.
This guide will walk you through some of the most exciting current promotions, explain how to claim your free shares, and answer common questions like whether these bonuses are taxable. Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned trader, this is your shortcut to free shares in the UK.
Current Free Share Promotions
Several investment platforms in the UK are offering generous free share promotions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best deals available right now.
Freetrade (£10-£100 Free Share)
Freetrade is an intuitive investment app that allows you to trade commission-free and includes access to tons of investment securities, from ETFs to individual stocks.
If you sign up using a referral link or promotional code, you’ll receive free stock worth between £10 and £100.
The value of your free share is random, making every signup feel a bit like a lottery. Think shares in popular companies like Netflix, Apple, or Tesla might be out of reach? Freetrade changes the game.
How to claim:
- Register for a Freetrade account and verify your details.
- Deposit a minimum of £1 into your Freetrade wallet to qualify.
- Receive your free share once your account is active.
InvestEngine (£20-£100 Signup Bonus)
InvestEngine specializes in managing ETF portfolios to simplify investing. It’s perfect for someone looking for long-term wealth creation with less hands-on involvement.
Sign up and deposit at least £100, and you’ll be rewarded with a bonus ranging from £20 to £100—a great start to your investment journey.
How to claim:
- Sign up for InvestEngine using the provided promotional link.
- Deposit your first £100 to activate the bonus.
- Your free credit will be added to your account, which can then be used for investing.
Lightyear (Free $20 Stock)
Lightyear is a growing platform designed for international trading, offering commission-free investments across the globe.
When you sign up, you get $20 of fractional share credit to invest in companies like Google, Microsoft, or Meta.
How to claim:
- Download the Lightyear app and create an account.
- Verify your identity and complete the registration process.
- The $20 credit will appear in your account, ready for you to buy fractional shares.
Robinhood (5 Free Fractional Shares Per Referral)
Robinhood is one of the pioneers of commission-free trading and is now offering UK users 5 free fractional shares for every successful referral.
Even if you’re already a user, you can take advantage of this deal by inviting friends to sign up. Each fractional share could be worth up to £200!
How to claim:
- Share your personal referral link with friends or family.
- Ensure they sign up and create a verified account.
- Once their account is set up, you’ll both receive free fractional shares as a bonus.
Remember, each referral increases your chances of earning high-value stocks, making it an exciting opportunity.
How to Claim Your Free Shares in a Few Simple Steps
Claiming free shares might sound complicated, but it’s incredibly simple if you follow these steps:
1. Choose a Platform
Decide which promotional offer suits your needs best. For example, Freetrade is ideal if you want broader trading flexibility, while InvestEngine is perfect for hands-off ETF investment.
2. Sign Up Through a Referral Link
Most platforms require you to sign up using a referral link or code to unlock free shares. Be sure to check their terms to avoid missing out.
3. Verify Your Account
Complete your account verification process by submitting identification documents such as a passport or driver’s license. This is standard for all regulated financial platforms in the UK.
4. Make a Minimum Deposit
Some platforms, like Freetrade and InvestEngine, require you to make a minimal deposit (£1 to £100). This step is usually mandatory to activate the promotional offer.
5. Receive Your Free Stock or Credit
Once everything is set up, simply wait while your free share, fractional stock, or bonus credit is deposited into your account. For some platforms, this takes just a few minutes, while others may take 1-2 business days.
6. Start Investing
Congratulations! You now own free shares or investment credit. Use them to explore the stock market, diversify your portfolio, or reinvest for long-term gains.
Will My Free Shares Be Subject to Taxes?
The short answer is yes—your free shares or stock rewards may be subject to taxes in the UK.
Here’s what you need to know about taxation on free shares:
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If your free shares grow in value and you decide to sell them, you could be liable to pay CGT on the profits if they exceed the annual allowance (£6,000 for the 2023/24 tax year).
- Income Tax: When the free share is credited to your account, its initial value may count as taxable income. However, this typically applies only if the value of the reward is significant.
To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to keep track of your free shares and consult a tax advisor to understand your obligations.
Start Earning Free Shares Today
Claiming free shares is one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into the world of investing, and it’s also an incredible way to grow your portfolio without any upfront costs.
Whether you’re drawn to Freetrade’s £100 jackpot, Lightyear’s fractional stock bonus, or InvestEngine’s solid ETF-focused rewards, there’s an option for everyone.
If you haven’t started yet—what are you waiting for? Choose your preferred platform, follow the simple steps, and begin investing with free shares today!