Free Share Offers Explained: Are They Worth It?
5 min read
How UK 'free share' and deposit-bonus offers from investing apps work, what they're really worth, the risks, and whether they're worth your time.
What is a free share offer?
Investing apps attract new customers by giving you a free share — or a cash deposit bonus — when you sign up via a referral link and fund your account. The share is usually a random one worth a small amount, with a tiny chance of something larger.
Unlike a bank switch bonus (paid in cash), a free share is an investment: its value can move up or down, though you can normally sell it straight away and withdraw the proceeds.
What you typically need to do
- Sign up through a referral link (direct sign-ups usually don't qualify).
- Verify your identity (upload ID — takes a few minutes).
- Make a minimum deposit (sometimes as low as £1).
- Receive your free share, usually within a few days.
- Optionally sell it and withdraw, or keep it invested.
Live investing offers
Provider
Trading 212
Sign up to Trading 212 via a referral link, deposit at least £1, and get a random free share worth between £8 and £100. Strong offer, but the cash value normally cannot be withdrawn for 30 days after allocation.
Requirement: £1 deposit; reward cash value normally withdrawable after 30 days
Easy5-10 minutesPayout Usually within a few days after the qualifying deposit
Verified 27 June 2026
Provider
eToro
Open a new eToro account through this direct link, deposit £200, and get a £50 bonus under the current direct sign-up route. The important catch is the hold period: do not treat the £50 or the deposit as instantly withdrawable.
Requirement: £200 deposit with live hold or withdrawal terms
Medium10-15 minutesPayout Up to 7 days
Verified 27 June 2026
So — are they worth it?
For low-barrier offers (e.g. a £1 deposit for a free share), the effort-to-reward ratio is excellent and the downside is tiny. For deposit-bonus offers requiring £200+, weigh whether you'd have invested that money anyway and whether withdrawal restrictions apply.
As a rule: low-deposit free-share offers are some of the easiest beer money going; higher-deposit bonuses are only worth it if you're already happy to invest.
FAQ
- Can I sell the free share immediately?
- Usually yes — most platforms have no minimum holding period, so you can sell and withdraw straight away (subject to small market movements).
- Are these apps safe?
- Reputable ones are FCA-regulated and investments are protected under the FSCS up to £85,000 against platform failure — though that doesn't protect against investment losses.
Last updated 17 June 2026. Offers change frequently - always confirm details on the provider's site before applying. Not financial advice.