Your capital is at risk. Trade only with funds you can afford to lose.
Pepperstone
#4 in our CFD broker rankings
Accepts traders from SH
CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Rating breakdown
- Regulation & trust4.6same as AvaTrade (4.6)
- Assets & markets4.60.1 higher than AvaTrade (4.5)
- Fees & costs4.50.5 higher than AvaTrade (4.0)
- Platforms & tools4.80.5 higher than AvaTrade (4.3)
- Accounts & banking4.00.3 lower than AvaTrade (4.3)
- Education4.00.5 lower than AvaTrade (4.5)
- Research4.3same as AvaTrade (4.3)
- Customer support4.60.3 higher than AvaTrade (4.3)
AvaTrade’s score. Numbers show the difference.
AvaTrade
#2 in our CFD broker rankings
Accepts traders from SH
Rating breakdown
- Regulation & trust4.6same as Pepperstone (4.6)
- Assets & markets4.50.1 lower than Pepperstone (4.6)
- Fees & costs4.00.5 lower than Pepperstone (4.5)
- Platforms & tools4.30.5 lower than Pepperstone (4.8)
- Accounts & banking4.30.3 higher than Pepperstone (4.0)
- Education4.50.5 higher than Pepperstone (4.0)
- Research4.3same as Pepperstone (4.3)
- Customer support4.30.3 lower than Pepperstone (4.6)
Pepperstone’s score. Numbers show the difference.
| Pepperstone | AvaTrade | |
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| Overview | Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 830,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,400+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, helping to ensure a secure environment for day traders at all levels. | Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience. |
| Customer Reviews | Based on 10 customer reviews | Based on 7 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot Score | ||
| Promotions | – | |
| Comment by Reviewer | “Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/5 support (18h a day on weekends).” | “Celebrating 20 Years in the industry, AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.” |
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| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
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| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct) |
| Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| STP Account | Yes | No |
| ECN Account | Yes | No |
| DMA Account | Yes | No |
| MAM Account | Yes | Yes |
| PAMM Account | Yes | Yes |
| LAMM Account | No | No |
| Demat Account | No | No |
| AI / Machine Learning | No | Yes |
| Robo Advisor | No | No |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Market Maker | No | Yes |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| App Review | Pepperstone excels for its excellent integration with the MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView apps, making it a standout option for day traders familiar with these leading third-party trading solutions. These platforms deliver a stable and reliable mobile trading experience, enhanced by Pepperstone's almost unrivalled execution speeds and wide range of asset classes. Recent improvements also helped it secure second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best Trading App' award for 2025. | AvaTradeGO consistently impresses with its comprehensive mobile trading experience, boasting an interface that's not just easy to use, but genuinely intuitive. Navigating the app is a breeze, ensuring fast access to hundreds of markets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and bonds. However, what sets AvaTradeGO apart is its AvaProtect™ feature, offering an unmatched level of risk protection that's rare to find elsewhere. |
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| Auto Trading | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading Platform | Pepperstone facilitates the replication of experienced traders' strategies through MetaTrader Signals, DupliTrade and now its own copy trading app (available in certain regions) through a partnership with Pelican Trading, providing access to thousands of experienced traders and personalized risk parameters. On the downside, it lacks support for cTrader Copy which may deter users familiar with the terminal from Spotware. | AvaTrade maintains a top position when it comes to social and copy trading tools. Traders can access the proprietary AvaSocial app as well as popular third-party platforms, DupliTrade and ZuluTrade. The comprehensive performance metrics can help you find the right strategy provider for your goals and risk appetite. |
| Social Trading | No | Yes |
| Trade Signals | Yes | Yes |
| VPS Hosting | No | No |
| Tournaments | No | No |
| Demo Competitions | No | No |
| Ethical Investing | No | No |
| Custodial Account | No | No |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | No | No |
| Inactivity Fee | $0 | $50 |
| Islamic Account | Yes | Yes |
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| CFD Trading | ||
| Overview | Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets. | AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. What we love is that you can speculate on rising and falling prices in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help you discover short-term trading opportunities. |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 | 0.5 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| Oil Spread | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 | 0.13 |
| Forex Trading | ||
| Overview | Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice. | AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'. |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 | 0.9 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| Assets | 100+ | 50+ |
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| Cryptocurrency | ||
| Overview | Pepperstone continues to prove itself as one of the most trusted crypto CFD brokers. Although its selection of digital tokens is average, you can trade popular cryptos like Bitcoin and altcoins like Ripple with up to 1:10 leverage, while its crypto indices provide a holistic view of the digital currency markets not found on most day trading platforms. It has also launched a dedicated crypto exchange in Australia - Pepperstone Crypto. | Regulated in five continents, AvaTrade offers a secure way to access crypto markets. There's a growing range of digital currencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple, plus more unusually, a crypto index for diversified exposure. You can also access competitive crypto spreads in the broker's three platforms as well as 1:2 leverage. |
| Spread | 30 (BTC) | BTC <1%, ETH 2% |
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| Crypto Lending | No | No |
| Crypto Mining | No | No |
| Crypto Staking | No | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No | No |
CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
How To Compare Pepperstone Vs AvaTrade
Pepperstone and AvaTrade are globally established and award-winning CFD brokers. Both platforms are regulated and offer various multi-asset trading opportunities. But which is better? In this Pepperstone vs AvaTrade comparison, we review the pros and cons of trading with each brand, platform features, minimum investment requirements, tradeable assets and more. We also explain which broker is best for beginners and how are they different. Find out how to compare Pepperstone vs AvaTrade.
Business Credentials
Pepperstone Limited was established in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. Today, it is one of the largest forex and CFD brokers in the world with offices in London, Limassol, Dubai and more. The broker has been recognized with various prestigious awards for its attitude to customer service, competitive trading conditions and value for money.
Its global user base now exceeds 300,000 across 170 countries. The brand processes an average of $12.5 billion in trading volumes each day.
AvaTrade was founded in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland. The online brokerage has established an office presence in Europe, Asia and Australia. Throughout its 15-year history, AvaTrade has picked up multiple awards. Categories include the best mobile platform and best online broker.
AvaTrade now has over 200,000 users and is active in 150+ countries. The brand hosts an average of 2 million trades per month, with trading volumes in excess of £60 million.
Minimum Investment
Pepperstone does not have a minimum deposit requirement. However, the broker does recommend a £500 initial investment amount. AvaTrade, on the other hand, has a $100 account deposit requirement.
So, you can get away with a fraction of the deposit to start trading with Pepperstone, which is best for beginners.
Assets & Products
Pepperstone offers CFD trading opportunities across 1200 assets including 60+ currency pairs, 25+ commodities, 3 currency indices, 14 major stock markets and 1000+ global shares. There is also the added option of spread betting, which is not available on AvaTrade.
When comparing Pepperstone vs AvaTrade, we found that AvaTrade offers a similar number of products. A total of 1250+ assets spanning 50+ currency pairs, 700+ global stocks, 18 commodities and 31 indices. AvaTrade has also made options trading accessible for investors of all experience levels, reducing the complexity of vanilla options.
Both brokers offer cryptocurrency trading for eligible investors. Available digital currencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP). Note, local jurisdiction restrictions may apply.
Platforms & Tools
Our Pepperstone vs AvaTrade comparison found both brokers offer industry-established MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading terminals. These platforms are available to download to desktop devices or compatible with all major web browsers. Access price history, technical analysis indicators and live charting tools.
AvaTrade does have an advantage vs Pepperstone in that it offers the proprietary AvaOptions platform for intuitive forex and options trading. This is beginner-friendly with an interactive risk management strategy simulator, fully customizable interface and chart view, plus access to a free pricing widget.
Pepperstone also provides the third-party cTrader platform. Bespoke tools include premium charting features, copy trading services and algorithmic investing solutions. Additionally, you can access TradingView charts, which are not available with AvaTrade.
Overall, AvaTrade is more suited to new or inexperienced traders. The suite of platforms provided by Pepperstone could be a better fit for experienced traders looking for enhanced analysis features, balance sheet breakdowns and access to price prediction data.
Spreads & Fees
Pepperstone offers tighter spreads on forex pairs via their CFD Razor account. However, commissions apply when trading forex and CFD equities while all assets are commission-free with AvaTrade.
Spreads are variable with both brokers. The United States SP500 index, for example, is offered at 0.4 pips on the Pepperstone platform vs 0.25 pips with AvaTrade.
Overnight charges apply when trading with both brands. Non-trading fees such as inactivity charges are more expensive at AvaTrade vs Pepperstone. This is a $100 fee or equivalent currency after 12 months of consecutive non-use vs no cost with Pepperstone.
Leverage
Both Pepperstone and AvaTrade limit leverage aligned with regulatory guidance. This means that day traders within the EU, including the UK, are restricted to a maximum leverage of 1:30.
In other markets or within pro accounts, Pepperstone is holding higher margin opportunities up to 1:500 vs 1:400 offered by AvaTrade.
Deposits & Withdrawals
When we review Pepperstone vs AvaTrade for deposit options, AvaTrade comes out on top. Pepperstone offers debit and credit cards, bank wire transfers and PayPal. In comparison, AvaTrade offers all of the above, plus an additional choice of e-wallet solutions including Neteller, Skrill and WebMoney. Global payment method restrictions may apply.
Both brokers offer free account funding and immediate clearance (except bank wire transfers), although third-party charges and delays may apply.
Pepperstone withdrawal times are one to three working days for all methods. AvaTrade promotes 24 to 48-hour guaranteed processing times once KYC verification is complete. Both brands do not charge any internal fees for withdrawals.
Mobile App
Both brokers offer suitable access to mobile trading. However, AvaTrade does rank best here with a selection of proprietary mobile apps including AvaTradeGo (trading app), AvaSocial (copy trading platform), and AvaOptions (options trading).
Nevertheless, you can find portable device compatibility for both iOS and Android devices with Pepperstone and AvaTrade. Access historical trading activity, view live watchlist data and trade directly from graphs.
Regulation
AvaTrade holds licenses with more international regulatory bodies. This includes oversight from the Central Bank of Ireland, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Financial Services Agency and the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority.
Pepperstone also holds relevant entity licensing from the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Dubai Financial Services Authority in the UAE. We are confident both brokers offer a legitimate and safe trading environment for global customers.
It is pretty clear when comparing Pepperstone vs AvaTrade that they both are globally recognized for their high-quality trading services. Pepperstone has been repeatedly recognized for excellence in innovation, technology, and customer service, with 50+ awards under its belt. AvaTrade’s awards include “Best Customer Support”, “Best Alert System”, “Best Financial Derivative Trading Provider”, and “Best Forex Broker”.
Bonuses
Both Pepperstone and AvaTrade tend not to offer any significant bonus incentives or promotions for retail clients. Regulatory restrictions will be a factor here.
Instead, new customers are encouraged to utilize educational content and online resources to enhance the trading experience.
Demo Account
Our Pepperstone vs AvaTrade review shows both brokers offer free demo account services. These are available on all trading platforms, including proprietary terminals in the case of AvaTrade. There is a 30-day limit on the Pepperstone demo account vs unlimited access offered by AvaTrade.
Both brokers offer a substantial amount of virtual funds so you can practice trading and test platform features risk-free. A simple online registration form is required for each paper trading account. Existing AvaTrade customers may also login to a demo profile directly through their live account.
Pepperstone and AvaTrade provide an array of free resources to utilize alongside a demo profile. Online tutorials, webinars and YouTube video content can be accessed.
Customer Service
Pepperstone and AvaTrade offer 24/7 multilingual customer service options. This includes live chat support with near-instant response and settlement times.
Importantly, there is a key difference with AvaTrade’s customer support, which feels more personalized owing to local customer service representatives available in your country of residence.
Pepperstone Vs AvaTrade – Which Is Better?
Our Pepperstone vs AvaTrade 2026 review has indicated the strengths of trading with each brand. Both offer international regulation, responsive customer support options and intuitive trading platforms with mobile app compatibility.
Overall though, AvaTrade is the best for beginners, with commission-free investing and a user-friendly options trading exchange. Pepperstone, on the other hand, offers more advanced trading conditions, including access to sophisticated TradingView charts and algorithmic solutions via the cTrader terminal.
Follow our registration links to open a trading account today.
Note, that both services are not available in the US.