Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
VS
Pepperstone
⭐ 4.7 / 5
IC Markets vs Pepperstone — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IC Markets and Pepperstone across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Pepperstone wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| IC Markets | Pepperstone | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya | Pepperstone |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | Pepperstone |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | 0.0 pips (Razor) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade | Pepperstone |
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia | — |
Pros & cons compared
IC Markets pros
- ✓ Industry-leading raw spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD typical)
- ✓ Three platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader — one of few brokers offering cTrader
- ✓ Equinix NY4 server location — sub-millisecond execution for HFT/scalpers
- ✓ ASIC + CySEC dual-tier-1 regulation
- ✓ No restrictions on scalping, EAs, or hedging
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum deposit — higher than budget brokers
- ✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA)
- ✗ Educational content thinner than XM / eToro
Pepperstone pros
- ✓ Seven tier-1 regulators including FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA
- ✓ No minimum deposit — start with any amount
- ✓ Razor account spreads from 0.0 pips with $3.50/lot commission
- ✓ Native TradingView platform integration for chart-first traders
- ✓ 1,200+ instruments incl. shares CFDs from 16 global exchanges
Cons
- ✗ Limited crypto offering vs. Exness or Bybit
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
- ✗ No proprietary platform — relies on third-party
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Which one should you choose?
Choose Pepperstone if you want…
Serious retail traders who want tier-1 regulation, tight spreads, and platform choice (MT4/5/cTrader/TradingView).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IC Markets or Pepperstone?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Pepperstone wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IC Markets more regulated than Pepperstone?
IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. Pepperstone holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya. Pepperstone has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IC Markets vs Pepperstone?
IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). Pepperstone spreads start from 0.0 pips (Razor). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or Pepperstone?
IC Markets: $200. Pepperstone: $0 (no minimum). Pepperstone has the lower entry barrier.