If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether Pepperstone or IG Markets is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.

In this Pepperstone vs IG Markets review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

Headquarters
AustraliaAustralia
Regulators
ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCAASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, SCB
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
20052010
Execution Type(s)
ECN/STPNo Dealing Desk, NDD
Minimum Deposit
$100$0
Negative Balance Protection
N/A
Trading Platform(s)
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, Proprietary platform, Web-basedOther, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, Proprietary platform, Trading View+
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
1.2 pips1.1 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.4 pips1.4 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.02$2.50
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.16$0.15
Retail Loss Rate
70.70%74-89%
Minimum Raw Spreads
0.0 pips0.0 pips
Minimum Standard Spreads
1.0 pips1.0 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
$6.00 per Round Lot6.00 per round lot (cTrader) / $7.00 per round lot (MT4/MT5)
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
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Features and Platforms

MT4
MT5
MT4/MT5 Add-Ons
N/A
cTrader
Proprietary Platform
Automated Trading
Social/Copy Trading
N/A
DOM?
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Scalping
Hedging
One-Click Trading
OCO Orders
Interest on Margin
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FP Markets, a leading Australian broker, provides traders with upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms on top of its geographically restricted proprietary alternative, Iress. Retail account management is available via the MAM/PAMM accounts, while FP Markets also offers social trading options, VPS hosting, and an excellent cost structure. Pepperstone, another competitive Australian broker, is home to one of the best MT4/MT5 upgrade packages, while cTrader is equally available. Social trading support exists via three market-leading providers. A volume-based reward program offers traders a superior pricing environment, while both brokers remain overall very competitive.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
Cryptocurrencies
N/A
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
N/A
Bonds
N/A
ETFs
Options
N/A
Futures
Synthetics
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Traders at FP Markets get over 70 currency pairs and 11 cryptocurrency pairs. It also offers 10 commodities, 54 equity CFDs for most international traders who remain excluded from Iress, where FP Markets lists more than 10,000. Completing the asset selection are 15 index CFDs, more than 290 ETFs, and 2 bonds. MT4/MT5 accounts remain limited in their choice of trading instruments. Pepperstone counters with 61 currency pairs, nine cryptocurrency pairs, and 23 commodities. It treats all clients to an equal number of equity CFDs, 64, complemented by 14 index CFDs. Pepperstone provides most clients with more trading choices, excluding the Iress account at FP Markets.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
1.2 pips1.1 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.4 pips1.4 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.02$2.50
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.16$0.15
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$21.0825
Minimum Raw Spreads
0.0 pips0.0 pips
Minimum Standard Spreads
1.0 pips1.0 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
$6.00 per Round Lot6.00 per round lot (cTrader) / $7.00 per round lot (MT4/MT5)
Deposit Fee
Withdrawal Fee
Inactivity Fee
No$0
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FP Markets maintain an equally overpriced commission-free account structure with a minimum mark-up of 1.0 pips or $10 per 1.0 standard lots. The commission-based alternative at both remains highly competitive. FP Markets commences from 0.0 pips for a commission of $6.00 per round lot. Pepperstone shows a minimum spread of 0.0 pips and a fee of $7.00. The volume-based cash rebated program may lower costs to $5.95, down by 15%. Traders must pay swap rates on leveraged overnight positions, and third-party payment processor costs may apply. FP Markets retains a marginal pricing edge over Pepperstone.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
Australia, Cyprus, Kenya, South AfricaUnited Arab Emirates, Australia, The Bahamas, Cyprus, Germany, Kenya, United Kingdom
Name of the Regulator
ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCAASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, SCB
Regulatory License Number
286354, 103, 371/18, 50926414530, 91279, 128, 388/20, F004356, 684312, F217
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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the primary authority regulating FP Markets and Pepperstone. It is one of the most competitive global regulators and the best Tier I option. FP Markets also operates an additional unit authorized by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and one unregulated one out of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Pepperstone has subsidiaries licensed and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DSFA). FP Markets and Pepperstone rank among the most secure and trustworthy ones

FP Markets vs Pepperstone – Verdict

FP Markets and Pepperstone remain two competitive Australian-based brokers. The geographic restriction of the Iress trading platform and its 10,000+ equities at FP Markets drops this broker notably down the rankings. Most international traders have no access to it and trade with the unregulated unit operating out of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The asset selection for MT4/MT5 traders remains below average, but clients get one of the best commission-based cost structures, including a volume-based rebate program. Pepperstone offers the potentially best MT4/MT5 upgrade among all global brokers, besting what FP Markets provides and deploys an excellent pricing environment. The maximum leverage at both brokers is 1:500, social trading is available, together with quality research at FP Markets and Pepperstone. Both brokers offer new traders valuable educational content, where FP Markets has an edge. FP Markets and Pepperstone represent two of the most trusted international brokers.

Safety, security, and trustworthiness at both brokers remain exceptional. Pepperstone has more regulated subsidiaries, while most international traders at FP Markets trade with their unregulated entity. Both are transparent brokers

You might also be interested in reviewing the below broker comparisons:

FAQs

Does FP Markets or Pepperstone offer lower pricing?

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Both brokers deploy an equally expensive commission-free cost structure. The commission-based alternative also remains very similar, with a minor edge for FP Markets, as Pepperstone clients must qualify for the volume-based rebate program to match FP Markets.

Is FP Markets or Pepperstone safer for Forex and CFDs trading?

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Safety, security, and trustworthiness at both brokers remain exceptional. Pepperstone has more regulated subsidiaries, while most international traders at FP Markets trade with their unregulated entity. Both are transparent brokers.

What about MetaTrader and copy trading?

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FP Markets and Pepperstone offer clients upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms, but the upgrades at Pepperstone remain superior and rank at the top industry wide. Social trading is available at both, with more providers and trading instruments at Pepperstone.

What are the minimum deposits for these brokers?

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The minimum deposit at FP Markets is $100 versus $200 at Pepperstone.