Updated October 17, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone
ActivTrades vs Pepperstone: the differences
| Compare |  ActivTrades |  Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0Lower | $10 |
| Stock trade fee | $0Lower | $0.020 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Bonds | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Metals |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84% | 74.1% |
| Platforms | ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView | TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, CTrader, Pepperstone platform |
| Account fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Regulators | FCA, SCB, CMVM, FSC, BACEN | Not confirmed |
| Investor protection | FSCS up to GBP 85,000 | Not confirmed |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% | Not confirmed |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free deposits and withdrawals | Not confirmed |
| Interest on cash | 3.3% | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- ActivTrades scores higher overall: 9.4 vs 9.2.
- Minimum deposit is lower at ActivTrades: $0 vs $10.
- Stock trade fee is lower at ActivTrades: $0 vs $0.020.
- Markets: only ActivTrades offers Bonds.
- Markets: only Pepperstone offers Metals.
- Platforms: only ActivTrades offers ActivTrader.
- Platforms: only Pepperstone offers CTrader, Pepperstone platform.
Our verdict on each
ActivTrades
ActivTrades suits active share and CFD traders who want broad market access with commission free dealing and flexible platform choice for everyday orders. Minimum deposit sits at $0, stock trade fee sits at $0 and retail accounts that lose money sit at 84%, so careful risk controls remain essential.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a CFD broker with several platforms and a demo account. It suits active traders, though leveraged CFDs carry a high risk of quick losses.
Score breakdown
| Area | ActivTrades | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3HigherAccount fee sits at $0 so holding costs stay contained | 8.9 |
| Offer | 9.6HigherCoverage spans stocks, ETFs and forex across shares and leveraged products | 9.5 |
| Trust | 9.5Oversight includes FCA, SCB and CMVM with FCA cover for reassurance | Not confirmed |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | ActivTrades | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and ETF brokers | 1 of 471 | 22 of 471 |
Side by side, item by item
| Markets | ActivTrades | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | Yes | No |
| Metals | No | Yes |
Sources behind this comparison
ActivTrades
- activtrades.com: 12 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- help.activtrades.com: 1 fact, checked September 29, 2026
Pepperstone
- pepperstone.com: 6 facts, checked October 17, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | ActivTrades | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Demo account, Fractional shares, Mobile app | Not confirmed |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Not confirmed | Email, Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | ActivTrades | Pepperstone | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0below the median | $10below the median | $25 |
| Stock trade fee | $0at the median | $0.020above the median | $0 |
| Account fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 84%highest quarter | 74.1%above the median | 72.21% |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5%above the median | Not confirmed | 0.45% |
| Interest on cash | 3.3%above the median | Not confirmed | 3% |
Median across 136 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
ActivTrades
Pros
- Stock trade fee sits at $0 for share dealing under commission free
- Minimum deposit sits at $0, below eToro at $50
- Funding terms read Free deposits and withdrawals for deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Retail accounts that lose money sit at 84%, above the CFD median at 72.05%
- Currency conversion on funding costs 0.5% for balances held in other currencies
- Cash interest sits at 3.3%, which limits appeal for cash heavy portfolios
Pepperstone
Pros
- Several platforms, including MetaTrader, cTrader and TradingView.
- Two pricing styles, one all in and one commission based.
- A demo account with virtual funds before going live.
Cons
- Leverage can cause fast losses, and a high share of retail accounts lose money.
- Overnight positions can pay or earn interest, with larger midweek rollovers.
- Withdrawals must go to an account or card in your own name.
Who each suits
ActivTrades
Who it suits
- New traders starting modestly with entry at $0 and practice via crypto, demo account and fractional shares
- Share traders wanting dealing at $0 across stocks, ETFs and forex with platform choice
- CFD traders wanting structured support via email, chat and phone where funding reads Free deposits and withdrawals
Who should look elsewhere
- Traders wanting crypto led dealing with very low cash entry may prefer Kraken at $1
- Traders wanting social and copy features may prefer eToro despite higher entry at $50
Pepperstone
Who it suits
- Traders who want a choice of MetaTrader, cTrader and TradingView.
- Frequent FX, gold or index CFD traders.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who cannot accept fast losses from leverage.
- Long term investors who want to own shares outright.
Questions about each
ActivTrades
What does ActivTrades charge for stock trades?+
Stock trade fee sits at $0 for share dealing. The pricing model is described by commission free, which helps keep ticket costs predictable for equity orders. Spreads and conversion charges can still apply on leveraged trades, so review order previews and statements before dealing.
Is ActivTrades regulated and safe?+
Oversight comes via FCA, SCB and CMVM, including FCA cover alongside other regional entities. Eligible balances carry protection at FSCS up to GBP 85,000. Protection applies under scheme rules and by entity, so confirm which entity serves your account during signup and keep account records.
Pepperstone
Does Pepperstone charge fees on deposits or withdrawals?+
The company charges no internal funding or withdrawal fees, though your bank or payment provider may apply its own charges. Deposits can be made by debit or credit card, digital wallet, or domestic and international bank transfer. Withdrawals must go to an account or card in the same name.
Can I practise on a demo account first?+
Yes. A demo account uses virtual funds in a live market environment and runs on the same platforms as live accounts. You can test strategies, try order types and explore charts and indicators without risking capital. Demo accounts cannot be reactivated once closed, so keep notes on what you tested.
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