Two multi-regulated brokers clash on price, platforms, and instrument breadth. The tension centers on raw ECN pricing versus spread-only pricing and the role of proprietary tools.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you want a broad instrument universe with 2,200+ CFDs and a low $25 minimum deposit, plus access to a proprietary web and mobile platform.
Choose if…
Choose Pepperstone if you value raw spreads with a per-lot commission and access to MT4/MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Pros
CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSCA four-jurisdiction regulation
$25 minimum deposit - lowest among brokers with this regulatory stack
2,200+ instruments including shares CFDs
FSCS protection (UK) and ICF compensation (EU)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Markets.com | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Pepperstone rates 4.7/5 versus 4/5 for Markets.com. Pepperstone edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Pepperstone starts from 0 pips, tighter than Markets.com's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, while Markets.com requires at least $25. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Markets.com and Pepperstone hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker'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 brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Markets.com lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while Pepperstone lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Pepperstone charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Markets.com are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Pepperstone supports IRESS, TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Markets.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to IRESS and TradingView and cTrader.
Pepperstone offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Markets.com, reducing trading costs.
Pepperstone wins safety and regulation with six regulators and segregated client funds.
Pepperstone wins for active traders thanks to raw spreads and an active-trader rebate program.
Pepperstone is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Pepperstone wins platform choice with MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView and IRESS.
Markets.com wins for beginners due to a low $25 minimum deposit.
Markets.com wins instrument variety with 2,200+ CFDs.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Melbourne, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $25 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FSCA FCA ASIC | DFSA CySEC BaFin FCA ASIC FMA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | IRESS TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
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
Spread-only pricing, no raw ECN account
Research tools limited, no analyst reports or stock screener
Not available to US clients
Platform analytical depth below Saxo or IG
Cons
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Pepperstone tops Markets.com on editorial score and regulator breadth with ECN-style pricing. Markets.com remains spread-based from 0.6 pips.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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