A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and Pepperstone across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FCA and CySEC-regulated broker with a fast-growing global footprint, 300+ instruments on MT4, and a strong presence in the UAE and Asian markets - built on institutional backing and multi-regional regulation.
Multi-regulated Australian ECN-style broker with fast execution, MT4 / MT5 / cTrader / TradingView and a strong active-trader rebate program.
Pepperstone edges ahead with a score of 4.7/5 vs ATFX's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Pepperstone offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Pepperstone has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
Pepperstone offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS.
Pepperstone edges out ATFX with a higher editorial score (4.7/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2017 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Australia |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC CySEC DFSA BaFin FMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit Pepperstone |
Pros
FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (SA) licensing
300+ instruments including ETF CFDs and bond CFDs
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CySEC, DFSA licensed
Razor account: tight spreads + transparent commission
TradingView + MT4 / MT5 / cTrader
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
MT4 only - no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary platform
Standard spreads from 1.8 pips are not ECN-competitive
Relatively young broker - founded 2017
No raw spread account option
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Pepperstone ranks higher with a score of 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5 for ATFX. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and Pepperstone may each suit different trader profiles.
Pepperstone offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to ATFX's spreads from 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ATFX nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and Pepperstone hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
ATFX offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while Pepperstone offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
Pepperstone charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and Pepperstone offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS; both support MetaTrader 4; Pepperstone exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS.
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