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Pepperstone vs CMC Markets

Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.

P
Pepperstone
Est. 2010 · Melbourne, Australia
9.3
VS
CM
CMC Markets
Est. 1989 · London, UK
8.9

Quick Verdict

Pepperstone
4 categories won
Tied
1 categories
CMC Markets
2 categories won

Pepperstone scores higher overall at 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10.

Score Comparison

OverallPepperstone wins
Pepperstone9.3
CMC Markets8.9
Fees & CostsPepperstone wins
Pepperstone9.4
CMC Markets8.5
PlatformsPepperstone wins
Pepperstone9.3
CMC Markets9.2
RegulationTie
Pepperstone9.5
CMC Markets9.5
ExecutionPepperstone wins
Pepperstone9.5
CMC Markets8.8
SupportPepperstone wins
Pepperstone9.0
CMC Markets8.3
EducationCMC Markets wins
Pepperstone8.0
CMC Markets8.7
InstrumentsCMC Markets wins
Pepperstone8.8
CMC Markets9.5

Trading Conditions

ConditionPepperstoneCMC Markets
Min DepositNoneNone
EUR/USD Spread0.0 pips (Razor), 0.69 pips (Standard)0.7 pips average
Commission$3.50 per lot per side (Razor), None (Standard)None (spread-only)
Leverage (Retail)30:130:1
Leverage (Pro)500:1500:1
Swap-FreeYesNo
Withdrawal FeeFreeFree

Platform Comparison

Pepperstone Platforms

  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
Account Types:

Standard, Razor

CMC Markets Platforms

  • Next Generation Platform
  • MetaTrader 4
Account Types:

CFD, Spread Betting (UK), Stockbroking

Regulation & Safety

Pepperstone Regulation

BaFinGermanyCySECCyprusFCAUKASICAustralia
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

ICF (Investor Compensation Fund) up to EUR 20,000

CMC Markets Regulation

BaFinGermanyFCAUKASICAustralia
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

ICF up to EUR 20,000

Overall Verdict

WinnerPepperstone9.3

Pepperstone takes the overall win with a score of 9.3 vs 8.9, winning 4 out of 7 individual categories compared to CMC Markets's 2.

In terms of costs, Pepperstone also leads on fees. On the regulatory front, Pepperstone with both offering comparable regulatory protection.

Choose Pepperstone if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose CMC Markets if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as education and instruments.

CFD Risk Warning

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. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.