Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Pepperstone
⭐ 4.7 / 5
IG vs Pepperstone — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Pepperstone across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Pepperstone wins on more criteria (2 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| IG | Pepperstone | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Pepperstone |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (Razor) | Pepperstone |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU/UK retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade | Tie |
| Founded | 1974 | 2010 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Australia | — |
Pros & cons compared
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
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
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).
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Pepperstone. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Pepperstone?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Pepperstone wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than Pepperstone?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Pepperstone holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Pepperstone?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Pepperstone spreads start from 0.0 pips (Razor). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Pepperstone?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Pepperstone: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.
