IC Markets vs Pepperstone2026
Head-to-head on our published 4-pillar methodology - same data as the full reviews.
Our verdict
This one is genuinely close - IC Markets and Pepperstone score within a tenth of a point overall. IC Markets leads on trading costs; Pepperstone leads on trust & regulation, support & funding. The right choice depends on which pillar matters most for how you trade - the breakdown below shows exactly where each one earns its score.
Score breakdown
Trust & regulation
Trading costs
Platforms & tools
Support & funding
Side-by-side comparison
| IC Markets | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas) | FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, CMA (Kenya), SCB |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) |
| EURUSD spread | 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw) | 0.0–0.3 pips + $7 r/t (Razor) |
| Max leverage | 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) · 1:1000 (offshore) | 1:30 (FCA/ASIC) · 1:400 (SCB) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone platform |
| Instruments | 2,250+ FX, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, crypto | 1,200+ FX, indices, shares, ETFs, commodities, crypto |
| Withdrawals | Same-day processing on business days | 1 business day |
Choose IC Markets if…
- you scalp or day-trade and every fraction of a pip counts
- you run EAs or automated strategies
- the lowest all-in trading costs are your priority
- true raw spreads averaging 0.02 pips on EURUSD before commission
Choose Pepperstone if…
- you chart and trade on TradingView
- top-tier regulation is non-negotiable
- you focus on index CFDs
- seven regulators including FCA, ASIC and BaFin - elite trust profile
IC Markets vs Pepperstone FAQ
Is IC Markets better than Pepperstone?
Neither, decisively - they score within a tenth of a point overall in our testing. Choose based on the pillar that matters most to you.
Which is cheaper, IC Markets or Pepperstone?
IC Markets scores higher on trading costs (4.7 vs 4.4). Typical EURUSD pricing: IC Markets 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw); Pepperstone 0.0–0.3 pips + $7 r/t (Razor). Cashback rebates, where available, can change the effective winner for your volume.
Which is safer, IC Markets or Pepperstone?
Pepperstone has the stronger trust profile in our scoring. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas); Pepperstone by FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, CMA (Kenya), SCB. Always check which entity actually onboards clients from your country.
Can I use both IC Markets and Pepperstone?
Yes - nothing stops you holding accounts at both, and many active traders do exactly that: route each strategy to the venue where it's cheapest, and diversify broker risk at the same time.
Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. Between 70–85% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Disclosure: WizeGorilla is reader-supported - we may earn a commission when you open an account through our links, at no cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure and review methodology.