Two brokers compete on share CFDs and platform breadth, weighing regulatory strength, cost models, and global equity access. This comparison teases which advantages tilt the outcome.
Pepperstone wins on editorial score (3.9 vs 3.6) with a broader multi-regulatory footprint than Plus500. This helps explain its edge in trust and regulation ratings.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you want advanced charting tools and a broad multi-regulatory footprint.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer a proprietary platform with broad stock CFD access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Pepperstone has a broader multi-regulatory footprint, enhancing safety and oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Pepperstone | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: Pepperstone rates 3.9/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. 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 Plus500's 0.6. 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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Pepperstone more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Pepperstone and Plus500 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.
Pepperstone lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Pepperstone nor Plus500 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 Pepperstone and Plus500 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 supports advanced charting and DMA access via IRESS for active traders.
Plus500 offers a beginner-friendly platform with broad stock CFD access.
Plus500 provides access to 18 exchanges, broader global market reach than Pepperstone.
Pepperstone offers a transparent per-trade commission structure with 0.07%/side, aiding low-cost trading.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | 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 | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin CySEC | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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