Two brokers clash on tools and reach: E*TRADE leverages a mature US platform; Pepperstone offers diverse platforms under multiple regulators. The tension centers on cost, research, and global access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want phone support and extended-hours access, plus a proprietary platform.
Choose if…
Choose Pepperstone if you value multi-regulatory oversight and IRESS DMA access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | E*TRADE | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | 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 |
The scores are close: ETRADE rates 4.3/5 and Pepperstone rates 3.9/5. ETRADE 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 starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Pepperstone requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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, Pepperstone provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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 E*TRADE 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.
ETRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Pepperstone supports IRESS, TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. ETRADE has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to IRESS and TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while Pepperstone does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Pepperstone scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
E*TRADE wins for low cost trading because it offers commission-free stocks and ETFs.
Pepperstone wins for safety and regulation, with multiple regulators and a compensation scheme.
E*TRADE wins for long-term investors due to dividend reinvestment and a 40+ year history.
ETRADE wins for active traders with Power ETRADE and professional options tools.
E*TRADE is best for beginners due to commission-free trades and a long operating history.
Pepperstone wins for global market access with IRESS DMA and global CFDs.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transfer | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | ASIC CySEC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | IRESS TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
E*TRADE edges Pepperstone on editorial score, backed by its mature Power E*TRADE platform with options analytics, futures access, and Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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