Updated October 17, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
Deriv vs Pepperstone
Where Deriv and Pepperstone differ
| Compare |  Deriv |  Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5Lower | $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 | 74% | 74.1% |
| Platforms | Deriv MT5, Deriv Trader | TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, CTrader, Pepperstone platform |
| Inactivity fee | $25 | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Pepperstone scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 8.9.
- Minimum deposit is lower at Deriv: $5 vs $10.
- Stock trade fee is lower at Deriv: $0 vs $0.020.
- Markets: only Deriv offers Bonds.
- Markets: only Pepperstone offers Metals.
- Platforms: only Deriv offers Deriv MT5, Deriv Trader.
- Platforms: only Pepperstone offers TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Support channels: only Pepperstone offers Email.
Our verdict on each
Deriv
Deriv suits beginners and day-traders who want a $0 stock trade fee, a $5 minimum deposit and a demo account to practise on. Most retail accounts here lose money, at 74%, so the cheap entry is not a reason to trade lightly.
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 | Deriv | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.9An inactivity fee of $25 is the weak spot, against $0 at Vantage. | 8.9 |
| Offer | 8.9 | 9.5Higher |
Side by side, item by item
| Markets | Deriv | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | Yes | No |
| Metals | No | Yes |
Choosing between them
Pick Deriv if minimum deposit and stock trade fee matter most.
Pick Pepperstone if offer matter most.
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | Deriv | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and ETF brokers | 160 of 471 | 22 of 471 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Deriv | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Demo account, Mobile app, Crypto | Not confirmed |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Not confirmed |
| Audience | Day traders, Beginners | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Help centre | Email, Help centreCovers more |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Deriv | Pepperstone | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5below the median | $10below the median | $25 |
| Stock trade fee | $0at the median | $0.020above the median | $0 |
| Inactivity fee | $25highest quarter | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | 74%above the median | 74.1%above the median | 72.21% |
Median across 136 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
Deriv
Pros
- A single account covers stocks, etfs and forex, so no second broker is needed
- demo account, mobile app and crypto covers a demo account and a mobile app alongside Deriv Trader and Deriv MT5
- Built for beginners and day traders (day traders and beginners) rather than experienced traders only
Cons
- An inactivity fee of $25 applies to dormant balances, against $0 at Vantage
- Support runs on help centre only, with no phone line or live chat listed
- Deriv reports that 74% of retail accounts lose money, above the 70.15% site median
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
Deriv
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a demo account and a small minimum deposit before going live
- Day-traders who want stocks, etfs and forex in a single account
- Traders already comfortable with charting platforms, since Deriv MT5 is one of the platforms listed (Deriv MT5 and Deriv Trader)
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone leaving money parked for long: Vantage lists an inactivity fee of $0
- Traders who want futures in the same account: the markets at eToro, stocks, etfs and forex, include them
- Traders who want the smallest possible entry: CFI lists a minimum deposit of $0
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
Deriv
What does it cost to open a Deriv account?+
The minimum deposit is $5, so the account opens on a small balance. Stock trades are charged at $0, which sits inside a commission-free model, so no commission is added per trade. Beginners and day traders are the stated audience.
Will I be charged if my account sits idle?+
Yes. Deriv charges an inactivity fee of $25 on an account left unused, which is the main cost trap here. Vantage lists an inactivity fee of $0 by comparison, so a dormant balance is cheaper elsewhere. Move money you are not using rather than leaving it parked.
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.