IC Marketsvs
PepperstoneCrypto Exchange Comparison
IC Markets and Pepperstone battle for crypto CFD exposure across four platforms and strong regulation. The tension centers on support access and token breadth.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
IC Markets and Pepperstone are closely matched overall; IC Markets provides phone support whereas Pepperstone does not.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Phone support is available with IC Markets but not with Pepperstone.
- 2IC Markets offers 20 crypto CFDs versus Pepperstone's 30.
- 3Pepperstone adds IRESS alongside MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Pepperstone?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value phone support and a 20 asset crypto CFD lineup.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you prefer a larger 30 coin selection and rely on other support channels.
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
Pepperstone earns higher security due to broader regulator coverage (FCA, BaFin, DFSA).
Best for low fees
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets is best for low fees, scoring higher on Fees & Spreads than Pepperstone.
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▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 7.00% |
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
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
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Pepperstone rates 4/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Both IC Markets and Pepperstone list the same spread figure of 0. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both IC Markets and Pepperstone hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Pepperstone's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Both IC Markets and Pepperstone charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Pepperstone has exclusive access to IRESS.
