Pepperstone vs IC Markets — which has lower spreads in 2026?
How this answer was verified
- Cross-checked against broker-published fact sheets, regulator licensing databases, and ESMA product intervention notices.
- Reviewed by the FX-Brokers EU editorial desks (Markets, Platforms, Regulation). Desk structure disclosed at /about/editorial-desks.
- Refreshed quarterly. The most recent verification date is shown above. Read our methodology.
Broker mentioned in this answer
Pepperstone
9.4/10Pepperstone serves EU clients through its CySEC-regulated entity (part of a group also licensed by BaFin, the FCA and ASIC), offering razor-sharp spreads, zero minimum deposit, and excellent execution across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
72.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Affiliate disclosure: FX-Brokers.info may receive compensation from brokers listed above when you open an account through our links. This does not affect our editorial ratings or the order in which brokers appear. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Related
Broker review: Pepperstone
Pepperstone serves EU clients through its CySEC-regulated entity (part of a group also licensed by BaFin, the FCA and ASIC), offering razor-sharp spreads, zero minimum deposit, and excellent execution across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
IC Markets vs Pepperstone — which is better in 2026?
Both are ASIC-regulated Australian ECN brokers with raw-spread accounts from 0.0 pips. IC Markets edges ahead on execution speed (cTrader and Equinix NY4 hosting) and tighter EUR/USD spreads in active hours. Pepperstone wins on breadth of regulatory coverage (its group holds FCA, ASIC and a BaFin-licensed German entity alongside its CySEC EU-retail licence) and on customer support. EU retail clients at both open CySEC-regulated accounts (IC Markets 362/18, Pepperstone EU Ltd 388/20), so the ESMA protections are identical; German and Austrian residents can additionally onboard to Pepperstone’s BaFin entity. For raw execution, IC Markets.
Standard vs Raw Spread account — which should I choose?
Choose a Raw Spread account if you trade more than 5 standard lots per month or use automated strategies. Choose a Standard account if you trade occasionally or prefer a single all-inclusive cost number. Raw accounts cost less per trade above that volume threshold; Standard accounts are simpler below it.
Which broker has the lowest EUR/USD spread in Europe?
For raw-spread accounts available to EU clients, Pepperstone Razor quotes 0.0 pip EUR/USD. After commission, Tickmill Pro is cheapest at $6 round-turn. Standard (commission-free) account winner: IC Markets True ECN at 0.1 pip. All EU picks are quoted under EU-regulated entities with full ESMA protections; Exness offers comparable raw pricing globally but does not onboard EU residents.
What is an ECN forex broker?
An ECN (Electronic Communication Network) forex broker routes client orders directly to a pool of liquidity providers without running a dealing desk. ECN brokers charge a commission per lot instead of marking up spreads, resulting in lower all-in costs and no conflict of interest with clients.
Free: EU Broker Regulatory Cheatsheet
4-page A4 reference — ESMA leverage caps, regulator strength ranking, and the 12-point pre-account checklist. Plus weekly broker updates.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your privacy.