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IC Markets vs Pepperstone 2026: complete comparison, which broker to choose?

By Alexandre Renaud
Updated May 26, 2026
Independent comparison
Quick answer

As of May 2026, Pepperstone wins this comparison over IC Markets thanks to stronger regulation (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA), TradingView integration, and no minimum deposit. Rated 4.4/5 versus IC Markets' 4.2/5, Pepperstone offers a more complete environment for most traders. IC Markets remains the better choice for traders who need a massive instrument catalogue (2200+ vs 1200+) and True ECN execution.

Pepperstone
FCA/ASIC/CySEC/DFSA · TradingView · $0 deposit
4.4
Our rating
Our pick
VS
IC Markets
ASIC/CySEC/SCB · True ECN · 2200+ instruments
4.2
Our rating

Full comparison table

Criteria Pepperstone IC Markets
Overall rating4.4 / 54.2 / 5
RegulationFCA / ASIC / CySEC / DFSAASIC / CySEC / SCB
LeverageUp to 1:500Up to 1:500
Min. deposit$0$200
SpreadsFrom 0.0 pip (Razor)From 0.0 pip (Raw Spread)
Commission$3.50/lot (Razor) · $0 (Standard)$3.50/lot (Raw) · $0 (Standard)
Instruments1200+2200+
PlatformsMT4 / MT5 / cTrader / TradingViewMT4 / MT5 / cTrader
ExecutionECN/STPTrue ECN
ScalpingAllowedAllowed
EAs / RobotsAllowedAllowed
HeadquartersMelbourne, AustraliaSydney, Australia

Criterion-by-criterion analysis

Criterion 01
Regulation
Pepperstone holds 4 regulatory licences including the FCA (UK), ASIC, CySEC, and DFSA. IC Markets holds 3 licences: ASIC, CySEC, and SCB (Bahamas). Pepperstone's FCA licence is one of the most demanding in the world and provides superior trader protection.
✓ Advantage Pepperstone
Criterion 02
Spreads & commissions
Both brokers offer identical spreads from 0.0 pip with a $3.50 per lot commission on Raw/Razor accounts. Standard accounts are commission-free at both brokers. This is a perfect tie on trading costs.
→ Tie
Criterion 03
Platforms & tools
Both brokers offer MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Pepperstone stands out with TradingView integration, one of the most popular charting platforms worldwide. This is a significant advantage for traders who already use TradingView for technical analysis.
✓ Advantage Pepperstone
Criterion 04
Instruments
IC Markets offers over 2200 instruments, nearly double Pepperstone's 1200+. IC Markets excels in exotic forex pairs, stock CFDs, and commodities. For traders who want maximum diversification, IC Markets is clearly superior.
→ Advantage IC Markets
Criterion 05
Minimum deposit
Pepperstone requires no minimum deposit ($0), making it accessible to all trader profiles. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit. For beginners or traders with limited capital, Pepperstone is significantly more accessible.
✓ Advantage Pepperstone
Criterion 06
Execution
IC Markets uses a True ECN model with direct access to liquidity providers, offering ultra-low latency. Pepperstone uses a high-performance ECN/STP model that is slightly less direct. For high-frequency traders and scalpers, IC Markets has a slight edge.
→ Advantage IC Markets

Who should choose Pepperstone vs IC Markets?

Choose Pepperstone if...
Pepperstone
  • You want a broker with FCA regulation (UK), one of the strictest in the world
  • You use TradingView for technical analysis and want to trade directly from it
  • You're a beginner and want no minimum deposit ($0)
  • You need a reliable ECN broker with spreads from 0.0 pip
  • You want access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView in one broker
Choose IC Markets if...
IC Markets
  • You want maximum instruments (2200+ CFDs available)
  • You're a scalper or HFT trader who needs True ECN execution
  • You trade exotic pairs or niche instruments
  • You prioritize market depth and direct liquidity access
  • You already have $200+ capital and don't need TradingView

Final verdict

Our verdict

Pepperstone wins on FCA regulation, TradingView, and no minimum deposit

Pepperstone wins this comparison on 3 of the 6 criteria analyzed (regulation, platforms, minimum deposit) with 1 tie (spreads) and 2 wins for IC Markets (instruments, execution). Its FCA regulation, TradingView integration, and zero minimum deposit make it the most accessible and versatile broker for most traders in 2026.

IC Markets retains important advantages in instrument count (2200+ vs 1200+) and True ECN execution. It's the better choice for experienced traders who want maximum diversification and ultra-fast execution, and who don't need TradingView integration.

Visit Pepperstone →

Sources & methodology

This comparison is based on our independent evaluation methodology. Data comes from the official websites of IC Markets and Pepperstone, verified in May 2026. Spreads shown are theoretical minimums on Raw/Razor accounts; actual spreads vary with market conditions. Regulations were confirmed via the official registers of the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, and SCB. Neither broker paid to appear in this comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Pepperstone is the better overall choice thanks to its FCA regulation, TradingView integration, and no minimum deposit. IC Markets is better for traders who need a massive instrument catalogue (2200+) and True ECN execution.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.0 pip on their Raw/Razor accounts, with an identical $3.50 per lot commission. Standard accounts are commission-free at both. It's a perfect tie on trading costs.
Both offer MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Pepperstone has an edge with TradingView integration. If you already use TradingView for analysis, Pepperstone is the better choice. If you're comfortable with MT4/MT5/cTrader, both brokers work perfectly.
IC Markets offers significantly more instruments with 2200+ CFDs compared to Pepperstone's 1200+. IC Markets excels in exotic pairs, stocks, and commodities. If diversification is your priority, IC Markets is the better choice.
Pepperstone has no minimum deposit ($0), making it accessible to everyone. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit. For beginners or traders with limited capital, Pepperstone is clearly more accessible.