CMC Marketsvs
PepperstoneStock Broker Comparison
This comparison weighs stock CFD breadth and platform depth against regulatory breadth and cost. The axis centers on exchange access versus platform features.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.1 pts
CMC Markets and Pepperstone are closely matched; the clearest differentiator is CMC Markets' access to 20 exchanges.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets has a proprietary platform with integrated stock screener.
- 2CMC Markets covers 20 exchanges.
- 3Phone support is available on CMC Markets but not Pepperstone.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Pepperstone?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value broader exchange access and a proprietary platform with built in tools.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you prefer MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DMA access with IRESS.
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 holds a six-regulator profile FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, FMA, DFSA, enhancing oversight.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
CMC Markets vs Pepperstone: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
CMC Markets vs Pepperstone Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs Pepperstone: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
Pepperstone
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
CMC Markets vs Pepperstone: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and Pepperstone rates 3.9/5. CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither CMC Markets nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets 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.
