In this comparison, two CFD brokers compete on regulation depth, platform breadth, and crypto access. The clash highlights how policy and tooling shape crypto trading experiences.
Pepperstone edges FXCM on the editorial score. Its broader regulation and wider platform mix explain the lead.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you value phone support and a proprietary trading platform.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want 30+ crypto CFDs across MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Pepperstone wins for security due to its broader regulatory oversight across multiple authorities.
Pepperstone scores higher on Fees & Spreads, indicating comparatively better pricing.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXCM | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: FXCM rates 3.8/5 and Pepperstone rates 4/5. Pepperstone has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Pepperstone lists a lower spread from 0, compared with FXCM's 0.4. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXCM and Pepperstone hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Pepperstone's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Pepperstone charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Pepperstone scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Pepperstone lists 30+ crypto CFDs, far more than FXCM's 4.
Pepperstone is best for beginners with a zero minimum deposit.
Equally matched for DeFi and Web3 since neither offers DeFi access or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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