Two contrasting approaches meet in this crypto broker comparison: a native exchange with vast asset breadth versus a regulated CFD broker. The tension centers on safety, access, and cost structures.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose MEXC if you want the widest coin selection and access to a native exchange. You also benefit from staking and a proprietary trading platform.
Choose if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want regulated custody with segregated funds and compensation schemes. You also get negative balance protection.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.10%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | MEXC | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: MEXC rates 3.6/5 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 spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for MEXC. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither MEXC nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Pepperstone holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. MEXC may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, Pepperstone provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
MEXC offers up to 200:1 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.
MEXC charges $0.1 per trade, lower than Pepperstone's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
MEXC supports MEXC, while Pepperstone supports IRESS, TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. MEXC has exclusive access to MEXC. Pepperstone has exclusive access to IRESS and TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
MEXC offers staking while Pepperstone does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check MEXC's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
MEXC lists 500+ coins while Pepperstone does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, MEXC has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
Pepperstone wins for security thanks to FCA/ASIC regulation and segregated client funds.
Pepperstone suits beginners with regulated protection and clear client funds handling.
MEXC offers staking and yield-earning options while Pepperstone does not, making MEXC the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched as neither offers DeFi access or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoP2PCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoP2P | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | ASIC CySEC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | Yes | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | Yes | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | Yes | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Pepperstone is the editorial winner, supported by stronger regulation and customer support; MEXC sustains its edge in coin breadth and zero maker fees.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker