IC Markets vs Pepperstone Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Pepperstone across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.1 / 5
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.
VS
Score 4 / 5
Pepperstone delivers competitive crypto CFD spreads via MT4, MT5, and cTrader with ASIC and FCA backing - a solid regulated option for crypto CFD trading, though real coin ownership is unavailable.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
IC Markets and Pepperstone are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.1/5 and 4/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out Pepperstone with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | No minimum |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | ASIC CySEC DFSA FCA BaFin FMA |
| Cold Storage | No | No |
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
| Staking | No | No |
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
| NFT Trading | No | No |
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
| Visit exchange | Visit IC Markets | Visit Pepperstone |
IC Markets vs Pepperstone Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs - tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
- Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Not available to US residents
Pros
- 30+ crypto CFDs tradeable across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- FCA and ASIC regulation with segregated client funds
- Tighter crypto spreads than typical market-maker forex brokers
- No inactivity fee; 24/5 customer support with strong user ratings
Cons
- No real crypto ownership, staking, or self-custody withdrawals
- Narrower coin selection (30+) vs dedicated exchanges offering hundreds
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Spreads still wider than top-tier crypto exchanges like Kraken or Coinbase
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
0
Pepperstone
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 4/5 for Pepperstone. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
IC Markets and Pepperstone show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
IC Markets and Pepperstone appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.
Neither IC Markets nor Pepperstone is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Pepperstone has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: Pepperstone has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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