IC Markets vs Pepperstone (2026): Which Broker Is Better?
Compare fees, spreads, minimum deposits, platforms and regulatory information side by side. Conditions vary by country and legal entity.
Data last verified 2026-11-02Sources and verificationHow we compare brokers
Quick verdict
Pepperstone has the higher Brokeradar score
Pepperstone leads this comparison with an editorial score of 4.8/5. IC Markets has the lowest recorded entry deposit at No fixed minimum, while Pepperstone offers the broadest platform selection in our current dataset. The right choice still depends on the entity available in your country and the account type you use.
IC Markets and Pepperstone are two Australian-founded brokers aimed at active traders. This comparison separates their raw-account costs, platform range and entity-specific protections so traders can compare the account they can actually open.
Comparing 2 brokers
- Editorial score
- ★ 4.4 / 5
- Min Deposit
- No fixed minimum
- Spreads From
- 0.0 pips
- Max Leverage
- Up to 1:5000 (entity and equity dependent)
- Regulation
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas, CMA Kenya
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Islamic Accounts
- Yes, Swap-Free
- Established Year
- 2007
- Data last verified
- 2026-11-02
- Editorial score
- ★ 4.8 / 5
- Min Deposit
- $10 funding minimum
- Spreads From
- 0.0 pips
- Max Leverage
- Up to 1:500 (professional/entity dependent)
- Regulation
- ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA UAE, CMA Kenya, SCB Bahamas
- Platforms
- Pepperstone Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Islamic Accounts
- Yes, Swap-Free
- Established Year
- 2010
- Data last verified
- 2026-11-02
| Compare Features | | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | ★ 4.4 / 5 | ★ 4.8 / 5 |
| Min Deposit | No fixed minimum | $10 funding minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Max Leverage | Up to 1:5000 (entity and equity dependent) | Up to 1:500 (professional/entity dependent) |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas, CMA Kenya | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA UAE, CMA Kenya, SCB Bahamas |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Pepperstone Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Islamic Accounts | Yes, Swap-Free | Yes, Swap-Free |
| Established Year | 2007 | 2010 |
| Data last verified | 2026-11-02 | 2026-11-02 |
| Actions |
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: key differences
Calculated from the recorded data for each broker. The account type and legal entity you are onboarded by can change these figures.
Lower minimum deposit
Advantage: IC Markets
- IC Markets
- No fixed minimum
- Pepperstone
- $10 funding minimum
Higher maximum leverage
Advantage: IC Markets
- IC Markets
- Up to 1:5000 (entity and equity dependent)
- Pepperstone
- Up to 1:500 (professional/entity dependent)
Platforms only one broker offers
Platforms available at only one of the compared brokers.
- IC Markets
- —
- Pepperstone
- Pepperstone Platform
Licences only one broker holds
Regulators that appear for only one of the compared brands.
- IC Markets
- FSA Seychelles
- Pepperstone
- FCA, BaFin, DFSA UAE
More account base currencies
Advantage: IC Markets
- IC Markets
- 10
- Pepperstone
- 6
Longer track record
Advantage: IC Markets
- IC Markets
- 2007
- Pepperstone
- 2010
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: fees and spreads
IC Markets trading costs
Published spreads start from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit recorded is No fixed minimum. Raw and standard accounts can use different spread and commission models, so compare the account-level schedule before funding.
Pepperstone trading costs
Published spreads start from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit recorded is $10 funding minimum. Raw and standard accounts can use different spread and commission models, so compare the account-level schedule before funding.
Regulation and country availability
A broker brand can serve customers through multiple legal entities. Licenses, leverage limits and compensation arrangements may therefore differ between two customers using the same brand.
IC Markets
Licenses recorded: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas, CMA Kenya.
Review IC Markets safety detailsPepperstone
Licenses recorded: ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA UAE, CMA Kenya, SCB Bahamas.
Review Pepperstone safety detailsIC Markets vs Pepperstone: category-by-category winners
Last checked 2026-11-02
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing and account costs | IC Markets | For IC Markets and Pepperstone, published headline spreads and commissions are compared on like-for-like account types; actual costs still depend on the instrument, entity and market conditions. |
| Platforms and trading tools | Tie | The IC Markets versus Pepperstone platform verdict reflects the breadth of currently published platforms, automation support and charting integrations. |
| Regulation and entity protection | Pepperstone | The stronger result between IC Markets and Pepperstone reflects regulator quality, entity transparency and eligible compensation arrangements, not a guarantee against losses. |
| Account access and flexibility | IC Markets | For this IC Markets and Pepperstone comparison, minimum funding, account choice, leverage limits and country restrictions are considered together because availability changes by onboarding entity. |
Pricing and account costs
Winner: IC Markets
For IC Markets and Pepperstone, published headline spreads and commissions are compared on like-for-like account types; actual costs still depend on the instrument, entity and market conditions.
Platforms and trading tools
Winner: Tie
The IC Markets versus Pepperstone platform verdict reflects the breadth of currently published platforms, automation support and charting integrations.
Regulation and entity protection
Winner: Pepperstone
The stronger result between IC Markets and Pepperstone reflects regulator quality, entity transparency and eligible compensation arrangements, not a guarantee against losses.
Account access and flexibility
Winner: IC Markets
For this IC Markets and Pepperstone comparison, minimum funding, account choice, leverage limits and country restrictions are considered together because availability changes by onboarding entity.
Which broker should you choose?
Last checked 2026-11-02
Choose IC Markets if…
- Choose this broker when its account structure, platforms and contracting entity better match your location.
Choose Pepperstone if…
- Choose this broker when its pricing model, tools and local protections are the stronger fit.
Final verdict: IC Markets vs Pepperstone
Last checked 2026-11-02
IC Markets has the edge for traders prioritising published raw-account costs and offshore leverage flexibility. Pepperstone is the stronger choice when top-tier regulatory breadth and a polished multi-platform experience matter more.
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: frequently asked questions
Last checked 2026-11-02
Which broker is safer?
Safety depends on the exact legal entity shown in your account agreement. Verify that entity and licence on the regulator register before depositing.
Which broker is cheaper?
Compare the live spread plus commission for the instrument and account you will actually use. Headline minimum spreads are not an all-in cost guarantee.
Can I use the same leverage in every country?
No. Retail leverage caps, professional classification and offshore limits differ by jurisdiction and account equity.
Sources and verification
Last checked 2026-11-02
Figures on this page come from the Brokeradar dataset and should be verified against the official broker pages and regulator registers below before you fund an account. Entity, leverage and fee schedules change and vary by country.
IC Markets
Data last verified 2026-11-02
IC Markets official sitePepperstone
Data last verified 2026-11-02
Pepperstone official site