ActivTradesvs
PepperstoneStock Broker Comparison
In this stock-focused broker comparison, ActivTrades emphasizes its proprietary platform and regulatory protections, while Pepperstone emphasizes breadth of platforms and global regulator coverage.
Our Verdict
Pepperstone winsby 0.2 pts
ActivTrades and Pepperstone are closely matched, with ActivTrades offering a proprietary platform Pepperstone lacks.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades has a proprietary platform; Pepperstone does not.
- 2Phone support is available with ActivTrades, not offered by Pepperstone.
- 3ActivTrades covers 10 exchanges versus Pepperstone's 8.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Pepperstone?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value a proprietary platform and responsive phone support.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want a wide platform suite including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Pepperstone wins for safety and regulation with a broader multi-regulatory footprint across several authorities.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
0
Pepperstone
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and Pepperstone rates 3.9/5. 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 tighter spreads from 0, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither ActivTrades nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Pepperstone lists up to 20:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither ActivTrades nor Pepperstone is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ActivTrades and Pepperstone are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
