Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Pepperstone vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
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Pepperstone, founded in 2010, and IFC Markets, established in 2006, are both online brokers with distinct regulatory standings. Neither is publicly traded or operates as a bank, but when it comes to trustworthiness, there are notable differences. According to ForexBrokers.com, Pepperstone holds three Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, earning a high Trust Score of 95, indicating it is highly trusted. In contrast, IFC Markets, with no Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, has a Trust Score of 73, categorizing it as average risk.
These figures suggest that Pepperstone might be a more reassuring choice for those prioritizing security and regulatory oversight, given its excellent trust score and numerous top-tier licenses. On the other hand, IFC Markets could be suited for traders who are comfortable with a moderate level of risk, reflected in its Trust Score. This essential information offers potential investors a clear understanding of each broker's credibility and regulatory framework.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
Pepperstone and IFC Markets offer different structures for commissions and fees, catering to traders with varying needs. Pepperstone’s Razor account is known for its competitive pricing, featuring an average spread of 0.10 pips on the EUR/USD and a total cost of 0.80 pips after commission, which aligns with industry standards. In contrast, its Standard account operates on a commission-free basis with a higher spread of 1.1 pips, making it the pricier option compared to the Razor account. Additionally, Pepperstone offers an Active Trader program, providing spread rebates based on trading volume, with opportunities for professional clients in the UK and EU to receive up to a 25% reduction, and professional clients in Australia benefiting from up to 30% spread reductions.
IFC Markets presents a slightly different scenario with an average spread of 1.44 pips for EUR/USD, which sits above the industry average of 1.08, making it less competitive initially. However, more frequent traders can access IFC’s new ECN account, which offers more favorable spreads of 1.1 pips after factoring in a 0.005% commission on both trade sides. The absence of inactivity fees and availability of active trader discounts add to the appeal, especially for cost-conscious traders aiming to maximize their investment returns.
According to ForexBrokers.com, Pepperstone is highly ranked for its commissions and fees, receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and securing the 10th spot among 63 brokers. On the other hand, IFC Markets is rated at 4 stars and ranks 39th in the same category, reflecting its decent but less competitive pricing structure compared to Pepperstone.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Pepperstone and IFC Markets both provide a varied selection of investment products, with each broker offering forex trading as Contracts for Difference (CFDs) or spot contracts. Pepperstone stands out with a substantial 1,726 tradable symbols compared to IFC Markets' 630. In terms of forex pairs, Pepperstone also takes the lead, presenting 65 pairs against IFC Markets' 49. Both brokers are on equal footing regarding cryptocurrency offerings, as neither provides options to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, though they do facilitate trading in cryptocurrency derivatives.
Despite both Pepperstone and IFC Markets refraining from offering U.S. exchange-traded securities, IFC Markets provides access to exchange-traded securities on international platforms such as the London Stock Exchange, a service Pepperstone does not match. Copy trading is available with both brokers, enhancing the potential for investors to mirror successful strategies. According to ForexBrokers.com, Pepperstone is rated more favorably for its range of investments with a 4-star rating and a ranking of #26 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets is rated at 3.5 stars and holds #43 in the same category.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
The online trading landscape offers a variety of platforms, and comparing Pepperstone and IFC Markets reveals some similarities as well as distinctions. Both brokers provide simulated trading options with free virtual demo accounts, making it easy for beginners to get started without financial risk. They also both feature proprietary platforms crafted in-house, Windows-based desktop downloads, and web-based platforms, ensuring flexibility for traders who prefer different access methods. The inclusion of popular platforms MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) by both Pepperstone and IFC Markets broadens their appeal to a wide range of users. Additionally, both brokers support the concept of copy trading, though Pepperstone further extends this functionality with DupliTrade, something IFC Markets does not offer. Neither broker utilizes ZuluTrade, another well-known copy trading service. Pepperstone stands out with 30 drawing tools for charting compared to IFC Markets’ 15, although both permit trading directly from stock charts and offer seven columns for watch lists.
For charting and trading tools, Pepperstone and IFC Markets receive equal ratings of four stars out of five, yet they differ significantly in their ranking among 63 brokers. Pepperstone is positioned higher at #22 compared to IFC Markets at #36, indicating a slight edge in terms of user satisfaction and versatility in trading offerings. Although both brokers deliver strong options with comprehensive trading platforms, Pepperstone's higher ranking and specific features such as DupliTrade and a greater number of drawing tools might appeal more to those seeking a bit more in terms of charting capabilities and social trading possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting, both platforms provide the necessary tools and services to support your trading journey effectively.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing mobile trading apps, both Pepperstone and IFC Markets offer solid features for traders on the go. Each platform is available on both iPhone and Android, providing accessibility across devices. Both brokers support essential functions such as price alerts, trendline drawing on charts, and the ability to view different time frames, such as daily or intraday. They also allow creating watchlists with real-time quotes and ensure that your watchlists are synced across devices, making it easy to manage and monitor your investments. Each broker provides 30 technical studies for charting, catering well to those who rely on technical analysis in their trading strategies. Additionally, both apps have the feature to auto-save chart drawings, which is a significant convenience for day-to-day trading activities.
Despite these similarities, there is a noticeable difference in their rankings. Pepperstone outshines IFC Markets, securing a 4-star rating and placing 21st out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets also boasts a 4-star rating, it stands at 52nd in the rankings. This differentiation might influence your choice if ranking is a critical factor for you. Nonetheless, both mobile apps do an admirable job supporting traders in the dynamic environment of online trading, providing competent tools for both beginners and experienced traders alike.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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.
Pepperstone and IFC Markets both provide valuable resources for traders seeking daily market commentary and economic calendars, helping keep users informed on the latest financial events. However, when it comes to accessing forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, Pepperstone holds a clear advantage as it integrates insights from these leading providers, whereas IFC Markets does not. In terms of tools for technical analysis, Pepperstone sets itself apart by offering resources from Autochartist, a well-regarded name in market analysis. Both brokers provide sentiment-based tools showing trading positions, yet neither offers research from Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
The quality of these offerings translates into their respective research ratings, where Pepperstone earns 4.5 stars, outperforming IFC Markets, which receives 3.5 stars. This distinction is further reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com. Among 63 brokers evaluated, Pepperstone secures the 12th spot for research, demonstrating a stronger overall commitment to providing insightful and comprehensive resources compared to IFC Markets, which ranks 40th. This comparison makes it evident that Pepperstone offers a more robust suite of market research tools and resources, making it a more appealing choice for traders prioritizing in-depth research capabilities.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Pepperstone and IFC Markets both provide over ten educational resources for forex or CFDs, ensuring beginners have access to a solid foundation of learning materials. Pepperstone stands out by offering regular online webinars every month, complemented by an extensive archive of recorded sessions. In contrast, IFC Markets does not provide webinars or an archive of past sessions, potentially limiting continuous learning opportunities for those who prefer interactive formats. For video lessons, both brokers cater to beginners with more than ten instructional videos each, and they also extend their learning support to advanced traders with a similar volume of advanced videos. Both platforms include an investor dictionary with over fifty key terms, aiding new traders in understanding essential market terminology. However, Pepperstone's educational offerings have earned it a 4.5-star rating and a #17 rank among 63 brokers, while IFC Markets trails behind with a 3.5-star rating and a #30 rank in the same category.
For beginners prioritizing a structured and comprehensive educational experience, Pepperstone might be more appealing, thanks to its interactive webinars and extensive learning resources. With higher ratings and ranks, it signals a commitment to weaving education seamlessly into the trading journey. On the other hand, while IFC Markets provides a strong foundation through videos and an investor dictionary, its absence of interactive webinars may not meet all learners' needs. Those starting their trading journey should weigh these educational offerings based on their preferred learning style to select the broker that best supports their growth in forex and CFD trading.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Pepperstone is better than IFC Markets. Pepperstone finished with an overall rank of #16, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
Pepperstone offers a growing range of tradeable markets, good-quality research, and support for multiple social copy trading platforms.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 |
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Both Pepperstone and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies, but they both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Pepperstone offers a broader range of deposit and withdrawal options compared to IFC Markets, providing ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, while IFC Markets supports only Visa or Mastercard and bank wires.
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 | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
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| Regulation | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). |
| Cost | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 | 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 | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pepperstone Review |
| Overall | Pepperstone | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
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