IC Markets vs Pepperstone
Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.
CFD risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Quick Verdict
Pepperstone scores higher overall at 9.4/10 vs 9.1/10.
Score Comparison
Trading Conditions
| Condition | IC Markets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread), 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Razor), 0.69 pips (Standard) |
| Commission | $3.50 per lot per side (Raw Spread), None (Standard) | $3.50 per lot per side (Razor), None (Standard) |
| Leverage (Retail) | 30:1 | 30:1 |
| Leverage (Pro) | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Swap-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (broker absorbs international wire fees up to certain volumes) | Free |
Platform Comparison
IC Markets Platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
- TradingView
Standard, Raw Spread (MT4/MT5), Raw Spread (cTrader)
Pepperstone Platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
- TradingView
Standard, Razor
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets Regulation
ASIC
CySEC
FSAICF up to EUR 20,000 (via CySEC entity)
Pepperstone Regulation
BaFin
FCAICF (Investor Compensation Fund) up to EUR 20,000
Overall Verdict
Pepperstone takes the overall win with a score of 9.4 vs 9.1, winning 5 out of 7 individual categories compared to IC Markets's 1.
In terms of costs, Pepperstone also leads on fees. On the regulatory front, Pepperstone and offers stronger regulatory protection.
Choose Pepperstone if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose IC Markets if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as platforms.
CFD Risk Warning
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. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.