TRADING bitcoin and other top cryptocurrencies just got cheaper for British investors, with one major platform slashing its fees to almost nothing.
Investing giant IG has launched zero-commission trading on the UK’s three most popular cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana – meaning customers now pay just a tiny 0.07% external exchange fee when buying or selling them.
In plain English, that means trading £100 worth of bitcoin now costs you just 7 pence.
That makes IG one of the cheapest platforms in the country for crypto, undercutting rivals by a significant margin.
By comparison, the same £100 trade on Revolut would set you back £1.49, on eToro it’s £1, and on Bitstamp it can cost as much as £2.30 once additional charges during volatile markets are factored in.
Even Binance, which charges 0.10%, comes in pricier than IG’s new offering.
The move is part of what IG describes as a push to build the UK’s most comprehensive low-cost investing experience.
The FTSE 100-listed firm already offers commission-free investing in stocks, ETFs and funds through ISAs, SIPPs and standard investment accounts.
Prices on all other cryptocurrencies available on IG’s platform remain unchanged, with a 1.49% fee still applied when buying and selling those tokens.
What is crypto?
THINK of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as digital cash.
Unlike the pounds in your pocket, it doesn’t exist as physical coins or notes.
There is no “Bank of Bitcoin” – it lives entirely on the internet and isn’t controlled by any government or high-street bank.
How does it work?
Normally, when you send money, a bank checks your account and “approves” the move.
With crypto, a massive global network of thousands of computers does this job instead.
They use a shared digital record book called the Blockchain.
Every time someone spends a Bitcoin, the whole network updates its copy of the book to make sure the same “digital coin” hasn’t been spent twice.
What is ‘Mining’?
This is how new Bitcoins are born. People called “miners” use incredibly powerful computers to solve complex math puzzles.
When they solve one, they get to add a new page to the digital record book (the blockchain) and are rewarded with brand-new Bitcoins.
How do I keep it?
You store your crypto in a Digital Wallet.
This isn’t a physical pouch but a piece of software.
It gives you a “Public Key” (like an email address so people can send you money) and a “Private Key” (like a super-secret PIN).
If you lose that private key, your money is gone forever – there is no “forgotten password” link in the world of crypto!
Should you invest in crypto?
Crypto can be very risky, even if it seems cheap to buy.
Experts have warned that a lower price does not make crypto a safer investment – and recent price swings show why.
For example, Bitcoin fell to $63,000 (£46,314) in February, down sharply from its peak of $126,000 (£92,628) in October 2025.
That highlights how quickly the market can turn.
Crypto expert Clem Chambers said that ordinary investors should understand that trading crypto is “playing with fire” and should only do it if they can afford to lose the money.
Susannah Streeter, an investment analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, has said crypto is becoming more popular, partly because of support from President Trump and possible new rules in the US. But she warned that proper regulation is still a long way off.
This is important for UK investors because crypto is not protected in the same way as normal savings or investments.
If something goes wrong, you may not be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service or get your money back.
Christopher Beauchamp at IG has previously said: “Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are very volatile, so it makes sense not to risk too much of your overall portfolio.”
He also suggests that existing holders “stay diversified” by spreading focus into other assets such as gold or steady stocks to balance out exposure.
If you want to invest in Bitcoin but do not want to buy the coin yourself, there are other options.
Some Exchange Traded Products, or ETPs, are listed on the London Stock Exchange, including the iShares Bitcoin ETP and the Invesco Physical Bitcoin ETP.
These products track the price of Bitcoin, so you can gain exposure through a normal investment account, a SIPP or a Stocks and Shares ISA, without having to store Bitcoin yourself.
But they are still risky. If the price of Bitcoin falls, the value of the ETP can fall too.
In the UK, crypto firms must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
You can check whether a firm is registered on the FCA’s Financial Services Register.
As a general rule, experts say you should have three to six months’ worth of income in easy-access savings before investing in anything, including crypto.
The dangers of investing in crypto
HERE are five key risks to keep in mind when investing in cryptocurrencies:
- Consumer protection: Many cryptocurrency investments promising high returns are not fully regulated, apart from anti-money laundering rules. This means you may have limited protection if things go wrong.
- Price volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can rise and fall dramatically, making it easy to lose money. It’s also difficult to reliably determine their value.
- Product complexity: Crypto products and services can be complicated, which makes it hard to understand the risks. Plus, there’s no guarantee you can convert your cryptocurrency back to cash—it depends on market demand and supply.
- Charges and fees: Crypto investments often come with high fees, which can eat into your returns. These fees are often higher than those for regulated investments.
- Marketing hype: Some firms exaggerate potential returns or downplay the risks involved. Be cautious of flashy promotions.
It’s essential to only invest in cryptocurrency if you fully understand how it works and the risks involved.
Remember, there’s no guarantee you can exchange it for real cash, and its value can change drastically in a short time.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Always double-check with a trusted friend or advisor if you’re unsure.
Be wary of glowing websites or perfect reviews – fraudsters often create convincing scams.
For tips on avoiding scams, check out our guide.
