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Pepperstone vs IG (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Pepperstone against IG across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: Pepperstone Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **Pepperstone** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While IG remains an excellent choice for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access, Pepperstone proves superior due to its top-tier liquidity with frequent 0.0 pip spreads and exceptional platform choice including tradingview and ctrader.
Pepperstone vs IG: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 1974 |
| Overall Rating | 4.8/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 (Recommended $200) | $250 ($0 bank transfer) |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Razor) | 1.0 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:500 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Forex Pairs | 60+ | 80+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, BPay | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
| Execution Type | NDD & STP | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
Pepperstone vs IG: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Pepperstone and IG, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Pepperstone offers pricing characterized by $3.50/lot (Razor) alongside 0.0 pips (Razor) | 1.0 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, IG utilizes a model with $0 (Built into spread for Forex) and 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, Pepperstone provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Pepperstone | IG |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Razor) | 1.0 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $3.50/lot (Razor) | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) |
| Execution Model | NDD & STP | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Pepperstone or IG Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Pepperstone and IG are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Pepperstone is armed with 4 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2010. IG, licensed since 1974, counters with 5 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. IG holds a slight edge with more top-tier authorities. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Pepperstone
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)BaFin (Germany)DFSA (Dubai)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (CY) / £85,000 (UK)
- Licensed Since: 2010
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Pepperstone equips its clients with MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. IG, on the other hand, grants access to IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. If you rely on TradingView charting, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Pepperstone | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | ||
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Pepperstone vs IG
Pepperstone
Pros
- Top-tier liquidity with frequent 0.0 pip spreads
- Exceptional platform choice including TradingView and cTrader
- Award-winning 24/5 customer support
- Deepest liquidity pools for large order execution
- No minimum deposit requirement
Cons
- Educational content is good but not standard-setting
- No proprietary mobile app (relies on MetaQuotes/cTrader apps)
- Lacks robust fixed-spread options
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
Expert Verdict: Pepperstone vs IG
When we place Pepperstone and IG side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Pepperstone, licensed since 2010, has carved out a massive niche focusing on advanced traders, automated trading & tradingview enthusiasts. Their execution model heavily leans into NDD & STP, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, IG, operational out of London, UK, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their $0 (Built into spread for Forex) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is top-tier liquidity with frequent 0.0 pip spreads, and you intend to start with a minimum of $0 (Recommended $200), Pepperstone is the logical path forward. If, however, you value publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and require IG Platform, IG edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Pepperstone vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy