IGvs
PepperstoneStock Broker Comparison
In this matchup, IG and Pepperstone clash over real share ownership versus CFDs, and the breadth of exchanges and platforms each offers.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG edges Pepperstone on editorial score (4.5 vs 3.9), reflecting a broader multi‑asset UK stock offering. IG also offers real share dealing and a Stocks & Shares ISA, while Pepperstone concentrates on CFDs.
IG
4.5/5
Pepperstone
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Real share ownership with ISA wrapper available on IG
- 2IG offers 30 exchanges; Pepperstone offers 8
- 3Pepperstone provides 24/5 live chat; IG lacks this
Who should choose IG vs Pepperstone?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want real share ownership, an ISA wrapper, and access to exchange-listed options.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want stock CFDs across MT4, MT5, and cTrader with regulated, multi-jurisdiction oversight.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG has a broader regulatory footprint with more listed authorities than Pepperstone.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG vs Pepperstone: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
IG vs Pepperstone Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed, among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
Cons
IG vs Pepperstone: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
IG
criteria wins
1
Pepperstone
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IG vs Pepperstone: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.9/5 for Pepperstone. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Pepperstone lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither IG nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG and Pepperstone hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while Pepperstone lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Pepperstone charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide TradingView and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5.
Neither IG nor Pepperstone is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both IG and Pepperstone are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
