In this head-to-head, AvaTrade and Pepperstone compete for equity CFD access. The tension centers on platform architecture and exchange reach, hinting at diverging strengths.
AvaTrade and Pepperstone are closely matched overall, with AvaTrade offering a proprietary platform that Pepperstone does not.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value a proprietary platform and access to more exchanges.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want a zero minimum deposit and DMA access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Pepperstone is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, FMA, and DFSA, enhancing safety.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | 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 |
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 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 AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Pepperstone has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and TradingView.
Neither AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade 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.
Pepperstone offers DMA access with IRESS and extensive platform options.
Choose Pepperstone for zero minimum deposit, enabling micro-investing and trialing without upfront funds.
AvaTrade wins for global market access with 10 exchanges.
Pepperstone because it offers transparent share CFD commissions (0.07%/side) and explicit costs.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares, ISA wrappers, nor dividend reinvestment programs.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | 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 |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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