Pepperstone vs IC Markets — which has lower spreads in 2026?

Broker review: Pepperstone

Pepperstone serves EU clients through its CySEC-regulated entity (part of a group also licensed by BaFin, the FCA and ASIC), offering razor-sharp spreads, zero minimum deposit, and excellent execution across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.

IC Markets vs Pepperstone — which is better in 2026?

Both are ASIC-regulated Australian ECN brokers with raw-spread accounts from 0.0 pips. IC Markets edges ahead on execution speed (cTrader and Equinix NY4 hosting); published EUR/USD raw-spread averages are level at about 0.1 pips. Pepperstone wins on breadth of regulatory coverage (its group holds FCA, ASIC and a BaFin-licensed German entity alongside its CySEC EU-retail licence) and on customer support. EU retail clients at both open CySEC-regulated accounts (IC Markets 362/18, Pepperstone EU Ltd 388/20), so the ESMA protections are identical; German and Austrian residents can additionally onboard to Pepperstone’s BaFin entity. For raw execution, IC Markets.

Standard vs Raw Spread account — which should I choose?

Choose a Raw Spread account if you trade more than 5 standard lots per month or use automated strategies. Choose a Standard account if you trade occasionally or prefer a single all-inclusive cost number. Raw accounts cost less per trade above that volume threshold; Standard accounts are simpler below it.

Which broker has the lowest EUR/USD spread in Europe?

For raw-spread accounts available to EU clients, Pepperstone Razor quotes 0.0 pip EUR/USD. After commission, Tickmill Raw is among the cheapest at $6 round-turn. Commission-free accounts start around 0.5 pips (Trade Nation's fixed spread on TN Trader during 07:00-21:59 GMT+1; Admirals Trade from 0.5). All EU picks are quoted under EU-regulated entities with full ESMA protections; Exness offers comparable raw pricing globally but does not onboard EU residents.

What is an ECN forex broker?

An ECN (Electronic Communication Network) forex broker routes client orders directly to a pool of liquidity providers without running a dealing desk. ECN brokers charge a commission per lot instead of marking up spreads, resulting in lower all-in costs and no conflict of interest with clients.