Pepperstone Review 2023
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Pepperstone is #6 in our rankings of CFD brokers. |
| Pepperstone Facts & Figures |
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Pepperstone is a leading online broker with over 400,000 clients in more than 175 countries. The top-rated brokerage offers excellent market access, industry-leading platforms in MT4, MT5, TradingView and cTrader, plus low fees with no hidden charges. Pepperstone is also heavily regulated with a high trust score, holding licenses with reputable bodies, including the FCA, ASIC, DFSA, and CySEC. |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Awards |
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| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto(only Pro clients), Spread Betting |
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
| Payments | |
| Min. Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Regulated By | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes |
| DMA Account | Yes |
| ECN Account | Yes |
| Social Trading | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Auto Trading | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader |
| Signals Service | Yes (Via Chartist Software) |
| Mobile Apps | iOS, Android & Windows |
| Islamic Account | Yes |
| Commodities |
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| CFDs | Pepperstone is a fast and reliable CFD broker with 1250+ assets covering forex, commodities, shares, indices, and ETFs. CFDs can be traded on four leading platforms with a choice of accounts and base currencies. The broker boasts an impressive 99.94% fill rate with no requotes or dealing desk intervention. |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| Oil Spread | 2.50 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Forex | Pepperstone offers ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips on the Razor account and has an excellent selection of 60+ pairs. You can also trade currency indices, which aren't available at many alternatives. Forex lots start at 0.01. |
| Forex App |
Pepperstone deliver their MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms across both Android and iOS. With faster processing times, the ability to hedge your positions, advanced pending orders and more tools and indicators to take your trading to the next level – the Pepperstone mobile app is a powerful addition. |
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.0 |
| EURUSD Spread | 1.0 |
| GBPEUR Spread | 1.2 |
| Assets | 60+ |
| Currency Indices |
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| Stocks | Pepperstone offers hundreds of shares covering US, UK, Australian and German stock markets. Traders can go long or short on big names like Tesla, Apple and Netflix with deep liquidity and competitive commissions. |
| Cryptocurrency | Take positions on cryptos like Bitcoin with up to 1:10 leverage. Pepperstone also offers popular altcoins, as well as crypto indices, which offer a holistic view on the digital currency market. Pepperstone is one of the most trustworthy crypto brokers we have tested. |
| Coins |
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| Spreads | BTC 30, ETH 0 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Spreadbetting | Pepperstone offers financial spread betting to both retail and professional traders. Bet on forex, indices, shares and more on the powerful MT4, MT5, TradingView and cTrader platforms. Pepperstone also provides excellent training materials for traders new to spread bets. |
Pepperstone is an award-winning forex, CFD, and spread betting broker. With nearly 90,000 users globally, it is one of the most popular in the industry. Our UK broker review will explore the key details you need to know, including platform options, fees, regulation, customer support, and more. Find out if becoming a Pepperstone trader is right for you.
Pepperstone Headlines
Pepperstone was founded in 2010 and was originally located in Australia. Since then, the brokerage has expanded internationally and now has multiple branches registered under the Pepperstone Group, all of which are heavily regulated in their respective countries.
Its UK headquarters are based in London, next to the Bank of England, and were set up in 2016. On the path to global expansion, Pepperstone has excelled, picking up multiple industry awards and establishing itself as one of the leading CFD and forex brokers.
Trading Platforms
Pepperstone offers three industry-leading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader. All the platforms offer comprehensive access to trading markets and can be run on desktop, WebTrader, or mobile apps.
MetaTrader 4
Key features of the MT4 platform include:
- Price signals
- Historical price data
- Multi-screen interface
- Automated trading via APIs
- Range of chart timeframe options
- Integrated daily news reports with live updates
MT4
MetaTrader 5
In addition to the MT4 capabilities, MetaTrader 5 also includes the following features:
- Stop-loss alerts
- 21-time frames
- Strategy development and testing
- Highly customisable to fit any trading style
- Numerous pending order and execution types
- Advanced technical indicators and analysis tools
MT5
cTrader
cTrader offers a more user-friendly interface, and is straightforward enough for beginners to use. Clients benefit from:
- 26 built-in chart views
- Programmable algorithms
- 50+ customisable trading templates
- Selection of technical indicators and timeframes
cTrader
Products
Pepperstone has several asset classes available to trade, these include:
- 14 index CFDs, including UK100 and US30
- 20+ commodities including gold, silver, and oil
- Five cryptocurrency CFDs, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC)
- 60+ forex pairs, including majors, minors and exotics, notably: GBP/USD and EUR/USD
Plus, Peppperstone provides spread betting on stocks, currencies, indices and commodities.
Commission & Fees
Pepperstone offers competitive spreads vs many of its industry alternatives. In particular, on the Razor account, spreads start at zero pips on major forex pairs. The Razor account has lower spreads compared to the standard account, for example on EUR/USD, the Razor account comes in at 0.09 pips, compared with 0.75 pips on the Standard. However, Razor account holders are subject to commission. On MT4 and MT5, a commission of GBP 0.02 (GBP 0.05 round turn) per 1000 units is applied. But on cTrader, commission is charged at 0.0035%.
Spreads on indices, such as the UK100 and Nas100, are 1.0 pip.
Pepperstone also charges fees for positions held overnight (known as the swap rate) and commissions on CFDs depending on currency traded and the platform used.
UK Leverage
In line with FCA regulations, Pepperstone applies a maximum leverage restriction. This is variable by asset class:
- Equities – 1:5
- Commodities – 1:10
- Major forex pairs – 1:30
- Non-major forex pairs and major indices – 1:20
Mobile Trading
All three of Pepperstone’s trading platforms offer a mobile app and are available to download on Android and iOS devices. This means that investors can execute trades and track strategies on the go. Clients can utilise a suite of drawing and analysis tools and implement automated trading algorithms. Push notifications also mean traders are kept up to date with the latest price changes and market movements.
Mobile Trading on MetaTrader 4
Deposits & Withdrawals
Pepperstone offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options to UK traders. These include:
- Visa
- PoLi
- BPay
- Skrill
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Union Pay
- Mastercard
- Bank Transfer
All funding and withdrawals can be made via the Pepperstone secure client login area. However, the payment methods available may vary depending on account type. The broker has a minimum deposit of £200 or equivalent. Typically, deposits are instant and withdrawals requested before 08:00 GMT will be processed the same day. After 8 am GMT, withdrawals can take up to 3-5 working days.
Demo Account
Pepperstone offers a 30-day free demo account where traders can practice with £50,000 of virtual funds. Here, investors can familiarise themselves with the platforms available before committing themselves to a live account.
Regulation Review
Pepperstone is one of the most highly regulated brokers in the industry. It’s registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) in Australia, and The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This level of regulation should offer UK traders confidence when investing.
Additional Features
Pepperstone offers a range of additional features to enhance the trading experience, these include:
- Copy trading
- Market analysis
- Economic calendar
- Trading guides with webinars and tutorials
- Unique trading tools, including VPS trading and Autochartist
Account Types
Pepperstone offers two account types: the Standard and Razor account. Both offer the following key features:
- 180+ asset classes
- Access to MT4 and MT5
- Social/copy trading tools
- Mobile, desktop, and web trading
- Minimum deposit of £200 or equivalent
- Leverage capped at 1:30 in line with FCA regulations
Plus, when comparing the Standard account vs the Razor account, there are some advantages to selecting the latter:
- Access to cTrader
- Faster execution
- Generally lower fees
Islamic, swap-free trading is only available on the Standard account.
Whilst both trading accounts provide a comprehensive suite of features, the Standard account is best suited to new traders. The Razor account will be attractive to more experienced investors looking to employ more technical strategies, such as scalping or algorithmic trading.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Demo account
- Range of payment methods
- Multiple additional features including copy trading
- Regulated by reputable bodies, including the FCA
- Access to industry-leading trading platforms: MT4 and MT5
- Focus on consumer protection, with negative balance protection and segregated funds
Disadvantages
- No live chat service
- Limited account options
- No bonus scheme (a condition of FCA regulation)
- Fewer assets available compared to other brokers
Trading Hours
Pepperstone trading hours vary depending on the asset being traded. However, most FX pairs are available to trade 24/5. Information on specific asset trading hours is available on the company’s website.
The Pepperstone server time is set at GMT + 3 hours during US daylight saving and GMT +2 outside of this period. This aligns Pepperstone’s chart candles to close in conjunction with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Customer Support
Pepperstone offers many customer support options:
- Contact email – support@pepperstone.com
- UK toll-free phone number – 0800 046 5473
- Email enquiry form with a 24-hour response rate
Most brokers offer a live chat service, enabling customers to access support instantly. Unfortunately, Pepperstone does not provide this, but it does offer a comprehensive FAQ section with in-depth answers. Customers will find they can self-serve many of the most popular queries.
Security
As well as being heavily regulated, Pepperstone also prioritises client security. All retail funds are kept in a segregated bank account to protect their account balance in the event of liquidation. Plus, Pepperstone is signed up to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and for those trading on margin, negative balance protection is available.
Should You Trade With Pepperstone?
Pepperstone is popular with traders and it’s easy to see why. Regulated with the FCA, it prioritises client trust, while offering industry-leading platforms in MetaTrader 4 and 5. The option of both Razor and Standard account, means the needs of traders of all levels of expertise are met. Plus, with bespoke features such as copy trading and APIs, there’s sufficient functionality for most trading strategies.
FAQs
Is Pepperstone A Good Broker?
Pepperstone is a popular broker among traders due to its solid trading platform options, focus on customer security, and strong customer support.
Is Pepperstone An ECN Broker?
Yes, Pepperstone is an ECN broker in that it sources its pricing directly from liquidity providers. These prices are then passed onto the customer without dealing desk intervention.
Is Pepperstone Safe?
Pepperstone is considered a safe broker to trade with. It is regulated by the FCA in the UK, meaning that clients can benefit from negative balance protection and the security of knowing client funds are segregated. Plus, Pepperstone is part of the Financial Service Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which protects traders’ funds in the event the broker goes into liquidation.
Is Pepperstone Good For Scalping?
Pepperstone allows scalping on both Razor and Standard accounts. However, due to the tighter spreads on offer, the Razor account is recommended.
Does Pepperstone Accept PayPal And Bitcoin?
Pepperstone has several payment options, including PayPal. Currently, Bitcoin payments are not accepted. However, this could change as cryptocurrencies become a more popular form of payment.
Compare Pepperstone with Other Brokers
These brokers are the most similar to Pepperstone:
- Avatrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
- Vantage FX - Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.
- IG Index - IG is an award-winning broker that has an excellent reputation globally. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across a comprehensive suite of markets. IG is also multi-regulated, provides a great trading app and has 50 years experience.
Pepperstone Feature Comparison
| Pepperstone | Avatrade | Vantage FX | IG Index | |
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| Rating | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| Markets | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Stocks, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Commodities |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | $50 | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FRSA | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA |
| Bonus | - | - | - | - |
| Education | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | 1:500 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) |
| Visit | ||||
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
Avatrade Review |
Vantage FX Review |
IG Index Review |
Trading Instruments Comparison
| Pepperstone | Avatrade | Vantage FX | IG Index | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | No | No | No |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Silver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corn | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warrants | No | No | No | Yes |
| Spreadbetting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volatility Index | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pepperstone vs Other Brokers
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Popular Pepperstone comparisons:
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| Pepperstone is a leading online broker with over 400,000 clients in more than 175 countries. The top-rated brokerage offers excellent market access, industry-leading platforms in MT4, MT5, TradingView and cTrader, plus low fees with no hidden charges. Pepperstone is also heavily regulated with a high trust score, holding licenses with reputable bodies, including the FCA, ASIC, DFSA, and CySEC. | ||