Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Pepperstone, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% 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.
In the world of online trading, choosing a trustworthy broker is crucial. IG, founded in 1974, is a seasoned player in the financial arena and is publicly traded, which often means greater transparency for investors. As a bank, IG has certain protections and obligations that may be appealing to traders. It holds an impressive 8 Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com standards, and boasts a perfect Trust Score rating of 99 out of 99. Additionally, IG has 2 Tier-2 licenses, signifying further regulatory compliance.
Pepperstone, on the other hand, entered the market in 2010 and does not operate as a publicly traded company or a bank. While it holds 3 Tier-1 licenses—fewer than IG—it still manages to maintain a strong regulatory standing with these highly trusted licenses. Pepperstone scores a commendable 95 out of 99 on the ForexBrokers.com Trust Score scale, reflecting its commitment to maintaining trust with its clients. Furthermore, like IG, Pepperstone holds 2 Tier-2 licenses. Both brokers demonstrate a commitment to regulation, but IG’s longer history and more extensive licensing may offer greater reassurance to some investors.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
IG and Pepperstone are two competitive online brokers known for their diverse trading options and favorable pricing for active traders. IG, offering a robust execution system, stands out with several pricing structures across different account types. For its standard account, IG provides a market maker option with average spreads reaching 0.62 pips during high-liquidity periods. On the other hand, its Forex Direct account targets experienced traders, featuring an all-in cost of 0.82 pips when factoring in a commission equivalent of 0.2 pips. The broker also supports large order execution with attractive spreads, as seen in its 0.60 pips offer for active traders who meet its high-volume criteria.
Pepperstone positions itself as an agency-execution broker with its Razor account offering competitive pricing. The Razor account employs a commission-based pricing that includes a spread as low as 0.10 pips for the EUR/USD, with an all-in cost of 0.80 pips after incorporating a commission equivalent of 0.70 pips. Pepperstone's active trader rebate program lowers the effective spread for high-volume traders, providing a rebate of up to 25% for those in the UK and EU trading over £200 million per month. However, its Standard account remains less competitive with an average spread of 1.1 pips, making it a pricier option compared to the Razor account.
IG is rated an impressive 5 stars out of 5 for its commissions and fees, securing the #8 spot out of 62 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's ranking for this category. In comparison, Pepperstone achieves a slightly lower rating of 4.5 stars, ranking at #10 among the same brokers. Both IG and Pepperstone cater to active traders with compelling rebate programs and pricing structures, although IG edges ahead with its more diverse account offerings and competitive costs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.00 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.70 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and Pepperstone for their investment offerings, IG clearly shines with a vast array of options. IG boasts an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, significantly overshadowing Pepperstone's 1,726. Forex enthusiasts will also find IG more appealing, with 97 tradeable forex pairs compared to Pepperstone's 65. Moreover, IG offers the ability to trade exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to buy shares such as Apple and Vodafone directly. Unfortunately, Pepperstone does not extend this same access, focusing instead on CFD products.
Both brokers offer forex trading through CFDs and provide a platform for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. While IG does not offer copy trading, this is a service available at Pepperstone, which may appeal to traders looking to mirror the strategies of others. In terms of range of investments, IG is rated 5 stars and ranked 4th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, whereas Pepperstone receives a 4-star rating and ranking of 26th in the same category. This positions IG as the superior choice for investors seeking an extensive range of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1726 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 65 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by IG and Pepperstone, both brokers provide simulated or paper trading options through free virtual demo accounts, along with proprietary platforms they have developed in-house. They each support Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based browsers for trading, enhancing accessibility for users. IG and Pepperstone also offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular choice among traders. However, only Pepperstone extends its offering to include MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Another key distinction is that Pepperstone includes copy trading capabilities and tools like DupliTrade, which IG does not provide.
Charting tools and features are essential aspects of these platforms. Pepperstone offers 30 drawing tools, compared to IG's 20. Additionally, both brokers allow trades directly from stock charts, but differ in watchlist customization: IG supports up to five columns while Pepperstone offers seven. Despite these differences, IG edges out Pepperstone in overall ratings for trading platforms and tools, earning five stars compared to Pepperstone's four. ForexBrokers.com ranks IG as #2 out of 62 brokers in this category, while Pepperstone holds the 22nd position, highlighting IG’s superiority in this area.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading, both IG and Pepperstone offer impressive apps for iPhone and Android users. Traders with either broker can set stock or forex price alerts, ensure their watchlists sync with their online accounts, and receive real-time quotes. Both apps allow users to draw trendlines on charts, view various time frames, and have the convenience of auto-saving chart drawings. These features make both apps practical for traders on the go. However, IG stands out with 33 technical studies available for charting, slightly edging out Pepperstone's offering of 30.
In terms of overall mobile trading app ratings, IG is a clear leader. It is rated 5 stars and holds the prestigious #1 rank out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Pepperstone, while still a formidable choice, has a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and ranks at #21. For traders who prioritize having a comprehensive and highly rated mobile trading experience, IG might be the preferred choice, especially given its top industry ranking and stellar user feedback.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both IG and Pepperstone deliver high-quality market research with daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also provide technical analysis tools from Autochartist, and both lack offerings from Trading Central. Furthermore, both brokers enable traders to use sentiment-based trading tools, displaying long and short position ratios for various instruments in the market. Each offers a comprehensive economic calendar outlining global news and events, catering to traders eager to stay informed about impacting factors worldwide.
While both brokers provide excellent research tools, IG edges out slightly ahead with additional offerings. It provides market research from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading like the Signal Centre, features Pepperstone does not offer. These extras contribute to IG being rated 5 out of 5 stars for research by ForexBrokers.com, positioning it as the 2nd ranked broker out of 62. In contrast, Pepperstone earns a commendable 4.5 stars, ranking 12th, showcasing its own strong commitment to delivering insightful market information.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for those starting their trading journey, both IG and Pepperstone stand out with a robust selection. IG and Pepperstone each offer more than ten educational pieces primarily focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and webinars. Beginners can also benefit from their monthly online webinars. For those who prefer learning at their own pace, both brokers provide a convenient searchable archive of past webinars and offer at least ten beginner-oriented educational videos. Additionally, both IG and Pepperstone provide a dictionary containing definitions of at least 50 investment-related terms, helping beginners familiarize themselves with trading jargon.
Despite the similarities, IG edges out its competitor with a five-star rating for education compared to Pepperstone's 4.5 stars. Moreover, IG holds the top spot out of 62 brokers in the Education category, while Pepperstone ranks 18th according to ForexBrokers.com. IG also caters to experienced traders by offering more than ten advanced educational videos, matching Pepperstone in this aspect but enhancing its overall educational appeal. For beginners looking for comprehensive learning support, IG's resources and aids make it a compelling choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than Pepperstone. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Pepperstone finished with an overall rank of #16.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 |
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Both IG and Pepperstone do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IG and Pepperstone provide a variety of options for depositing and withdrawing account funds, including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and Visa or Mastercard, with Pepperstone offering an additional option of Skrill, unlike IG.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | Pepperstone | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Pepperstone Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Pepperstone | |
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| Regulation | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1726 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.00 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.70 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review | Pepperstone Review |
| Overall | IG | Pepperstone | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Pepperstone Review |
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