We compared Pepperstone and Trading 212 across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Pepperstone wins on more criteria (5 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| Pepperstone | Trading 212 | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Pepperstone |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya | FCA, CySEC, FSC Bulgaria | Pepperstone |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $1 | Pepperstone |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Razor) | 0.6 pips (CFD) | Pepperstone |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU/UK retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:300 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade | Trading 212 Web, Trading 212 Mobile | Pepperstone |
| Founded | 2010 | 2004 | — |
| HQ | Melbourne, Australia | London / Sofia, Bulgaria | — |
Serious retail traders who want tier-1 regulation, tight spreads, and platform choice (MT4/5/cTrader/TradingView).
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Pepperstone. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Beginners and retail investors wanting commission-free real stock investing + simple CFD access — particularly for buy-and-hold portfolios.
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Pepperstone wins 5 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Pepperstone holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya. Trading 212 holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, FSC Bulgaria. Pepperstone has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
Pepperstone spreads start from 0.0 pips (Razor). Trading 212 spreads start from 0.6 pips (CFD). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Pepperstone: $0 (no minimum). Trading 212: $1. Pepperstone has the lower entry barrier.
General risk warning: CFDs are leveraged products.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
69% of retail accounts lose money.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
73% of retail accounts lose money.
CFDs and FX Options entail risk of loss.
