FOREX.com vs. Pepperstone

When choosing a forex broker, two of the biggest names in the game are FOREX.com and Pepperstone. Both are globally recognized, highly regulated brokers offering access to forex and CFD markets. But while they may seem similar on the surface, key differences in pricing, platforms, execution, and product range could make one a better fit depending on your trading goals.

Below, we compare them across critical categories—execution speed, spreads, account types, platforms, instruments, and more.

What is FOREX.com?

Founded in 2001, FOREX.com serves traders looking to enter the forex and contract for differences (CFD) markets. The broker offers CFDs, spread betting, and futures on various asset classes. It appeals to all types of traders, from beginners to advanced and active traders. Although its product selection differs by location, it strives for quick execution across several platforms while guaranteeing your money's security.

What is Pepperstone?

Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based brokerage firm that offers trading in several instruments, such as forex, indices, equities, and commodities. It provides solutions to help everyone in their trading journeys, including active traders who utilize algo and copy trading.

Comparing FOREX.com and Pepperstone

Here’s a comparison between FOREX.com and Pepperstone.

1. Company Background & Reputation

FOREX.com has a solid history as a U.S.-regulated broker under StoneX Group. With operations in over 18 countries and over 420,000 clients, it’s a globally trusted brand with strong regulatory oversight.

Pepperstone is an Australian-born brokerage founded in 2010. It has a strong international presence, particularly in Australia, the UK, and the Middle East, and it serves over 300,000 traders.

2. Minimum Deposit

FOREX.com requires a minimum deposit of $100, which is low enough for beginners to start. If you aren't ready to drop cash upfront, you can test out their demo account before you commit.

Pepperstone has no minimum deposit. While it recommends at least $200 to begin trading effectively, it doesn’t require it.

3. Trading Instruments

FOREX.com offers 80+ currency pairs, 5,500+ stock CFDs, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs, and futures trading via FuturesOnline.

Pepperstone offers 60+ currency pairs, 1,200+ instruments including indices, commodities, ETFs, and crypto CFDs. It also offers copy trading and social trading via Myfxbook and DupliTrade.

4. Trading Platforms

FOREX.com offers MT4, MT5, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Trading Central, and its proprietary WebTrader and mobile app with advanced charting tools. 

Pepperstone offers MT4, MT5, cTrader and a TradingView integration — making it ideal for scalpers, algo traders, and those wanting fast execution with depth-of-market tools.

Keep in mind that some platform availability depends on your region.

5. Execution Speed

FOREX.com offers an average execution speed of 0.19 seconds — extremely fast for market and limit orders.

Pepperstone offers execution speeds as low as 30ms (0.03 seconds), especially on cTrader and Razor accounts via Equinix servers.

6. Spreads and Commissions

FOREX.com offers standard accounts with spreads as low as 1.3 pips on EUR/USD. Commission account spreads start at 0.0 pips + $7/round turn per $100k.

Pepperstone offers Razor accounts with spreads starting at 0.0 pips and commissions of $6/round turn per $100k on MT4, lower on cTrader ($4).

Account Type & Commissions

Typical Spreads on Majors

7. Research and Education

FOREX.com offers solid research, news, trade ideas, webinars, live interactive courses, and education for all skill levels, and it is accessible without logging in.

Pepperstone offers daily videos, market commentary, economic calendars, and webinars, but fewer structured learning paths.

8. Regulation and Security

FOREX.com offers regulation in the U.S. (CFTC/NFA), U.K. (FCA), and Canada, making it highly secure and one of the best options for U.S.-based forex traders. They also have international oversight, so the broker is accessible around the globe.

Pepperstone offers regulations from ASIC, FCA, DFSA, CySEC, and BaFin, covering most major global regions. While it isn't available to residents in the U.S. or Canada, Pepperstone is a big player in places like the U.K., Australia and Singapore.

9. Negative Balance Protection

FOREX.com offers negative balance protection for EU/UK clients, but not for U.S.-based traders.

Pepperstone offers negative balance protection to all retail clients across its regulated regions.

10. Best For

FOREX.com offers a great platform for forex-focused traders, beginners, and those wanting access to a wide range of CFDs or U.S. regulations.

Pepperstone offers lower pricing, faster execution, cTrader access, and copy trading for more experienced or cost-sensitive traders.

Side-by-Side Comparison: FOREX.com vs. Pepperstone

Final Verdict

If you're deciding between FOREX.com and Pepperstone, the better option depends on your trading style, priorities and location.

We recommend FOREX.com for U.S.-based traders, as Pepperstone does not accept U.S. clients. It's also a strong choice if you want access to MetaTrader platforms, a broad range of CFDs and futures, and a well-developed educational offering. FOREX.com is a reliable, regulated broker that's well-suited to beginner and intermediate traders alike.

We recommend Pepperstone for cost-sensitive, active, or algorithmic traders outside the U.S. who need ultra-tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and support for advanced platforms like cTrader. It also stands out for traders interested in copy or social trading features through Myfxbook or DupliTrade.

Both brokers are highly secure, well-regulated, and trusted worldwide. Each has clear strengths with only minor drawbacks, so the right choice ultimately comes down to your specific trading needs and regional access.

Frequently Asked Questions