AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB - Fees Review included
| Feature | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall |
4.6 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
|
4.4 |
4.7 |
3.8 |
|
4.4 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
|
Investment Instruments |
4.2 |
4.4 |
1 |
Platforms and Charting Tools |
4.6 |
4.8 |
4.4 |
Deposit and Withdrawal |
4.7 |
4.5 |
4.8 |
Research |
4.4 |
3.9 |
4.1 |
Education |
4.8 |
4.1 |
4.4 |
Support |
4.6 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
Bonuses |
3.9 |
3.2 |
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Pros and Cons
AvaTrade was founded in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland. The company has offices in 150 countries. It currently has over 200, 000 registered users and processes more than 2 million transactions every month. These factors contribute to AvaTrade being a reliable and trusted broker. They are accredited across five continents and are one of the market leaders. The broker is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), the Japanese FSA, and the South African FSCA. AvaTrade holds accreditation by the Central Irish Bank, the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission. AvaTrade allows traders to trade stocks, securities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and currency pairs. In total, the offer more than 250 tools to customers.
Pepperstone (Pepperstone.com) was founded in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia, by professional traders who were not satisfied with the quality of services provided by most brokers. The founders decided to avoid many of the disadvantages of competitors, including high commissions, delayed execution of orders, etc. They also focused on improving the technical component. The company has set itself the goal of changing the “rules of the game” and setting the bar high for online trading. Today, the broker provides clients all over the world with some of the best technological solutions and favorable trading conditions. The company also provides professional tools that help not only master trading as a type of activity, but also significantly increase the efficiency of trades. Pepperstone is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), FCA (UK Financial Conduct Authority), BaFin, DFSA, CMA, SCB, CySec. Clients' assets are held in aggregated accounts with major banks. These facts confirm the reliability of the company and guarantee the safety of the client's capital.
The X Trade Brokers (hereinafter “XTB”) is registered in Belize and provides a fairly extensive list of financial services to traders. The company was incorporated in 2002 and its financial regulator is the Belize International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). The broker has offices in Spain, Poland, and the UK, where it is authorized and regulated by the National Financial Supervision Commissions. The XTB is focused on working primarily with European investors. It has several significant awards, including the Best Broker in Europe award by Global Banking & Finance Review and Best Financial Teacher by World Finance Exchange & Brokers.
| AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Pros | Highly regulated broker, licenced on the territory of 5 continents | Fast order execution - 30 ms on average | 2100+ trading instrumetns |
| a wide range of trading instruments | Low trading fees | Big choice of ETF CFDs | |
| Swap-free account | Strong luqidity | Everage EURUSD spread 0.1 pip | |
| Advanced copy trading tools | Advanced ECN account | Advanced xStation trading platform | |
| A lot of educational content | Access to TradingView's advanced charting tools | Well regulated broker | |
| Low fees | Strong regulation | ||
| Optioins trading | |||
| Overall Cons | customer service efficiency and response time | The company offer Crypto CFDs outside Africa and UK | High non trading fees - 1.5% commission for withdrawal to credit cards, Account fee 10EUR etc. |
| There is no ECN account | High stock CFDs fees | ||
| Market maker(dealing desk) type of broker |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Safety and Regulation
| Regulated By: | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Max. Regulation Level |
Tier-1 |
Tier-1 |
Tier-1 |
Investor protection |
€20,00 |
£85,000 €20,000 €100,000 (DE) |
£85,000 €20,000 €100,000 (DE) |
FCA UK Regulation |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
FINRA (U.S) |
No |
No |
No |
BaFin (Germany) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
ASIC (Australia) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
CFTC (U.S) |
No |
No |
No |
MAS |
No |
No |
No |
FSCA SA |
Yes |
No |
No |
BVI FSC |
Yes |
No |
No |
VFSC |
No |
No |
No |
FSA (Seychelles) |
No |
No |
No |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Trading Conditions
| Trading Conditions | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit |
$100 |
$0 |
$1 |
Trading Platforms |
MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions |
MT4, MobileTrading, WebTrader, cTrader, TradingView |
MetaTrader 4 and xStation 5 |
Max Leverage (Futures) |
1-400 |
1-500 |
1-500 (only for non EU and UK clients), 1-30 |
Supported Markets |
Currency pairs, Forex Options, CFDs on stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, metals, commodities |
Forex, CFDs on Stocks, Commodities, Metals and ETFs, Shares, Crypto |
Forex, CFDs on Stocks, Commodities, Metals, Cryptocurrencies and ETFs |
Trading assets |
100+ |
1200+ |
2100+ |
Trading Accounts |
Standard, Professional account |
Razor, Standard |
Demo, Standard, Pro, Islamic |
Base Account Currencies |
EUR, USD |
AUD, USD, JPY, GBP, EUR, CAD, CHF, NZD, SGD, HKD |
USD |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Fees
| Fee | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, min pips |
0,6 |
0,5 |
0,5 |
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, max pips |
0,9 |
1,5 |
1,5 |
ECN Commission |
3 |
3 |
|
ECN Spread EUR/USD |
0,1 |
0,1 |
|
Deposit fee, % |
No |
No |
No |
Withdrawal fee, % |
No |
No |
No |
Withdrawal fee, USD |
No |
No |
No |
Inactivity fee, $ |
16,66 |
No |
No |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Trading Assets
| Asset Name | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall |
1000+ |
1200+ |
2100+ |
Forex |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Stocks |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Metals |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Cryptocurrencies |
Yes (CFD) |
No |
Yes (CFD) |
Energy |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Indices |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
ETFs |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Yes (CFD) |
Bonds |
Yes (CFD) |
No |
No |
Mutual funds |
No |
No |
No |
Stock options |
No |
No |
No |
Futures Trading |
Yes |
No |
No |
Binary Options |
No |
No |
No |
AvaTrade or Pepperstone or XTB: Investment Programs
| Asset Name | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Copy Trading |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
MAM/PAMM |
No |
No |
No |
Managed Accounts |
Yes |
No |
No |
Other |
Bonds |
No |
No |
Trading Platforms: AvaTrade or Pepperstone or XTB
| AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
MT4 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
MT5 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
cTrader |
No |
Yes |
No |
Appropriate platform |
AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions |
No |
xStation 5 |
Others |
No |
TradingView |
No |
|
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|
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AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
| Deposit and Withdrawal Method | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Bank Wire |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Bank Card |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Neteller |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
BTC |
Yes |
No |
No |
Wise |
No |
No |
No |
Payoneer |
No |
No |
No |
USDT |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Research
| Research Type | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
News Feed |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fundamental Data |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Chart Analysis |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Trading Ideas |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
E-Mail Reports |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Education
| Education Type | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Demo-account/Paper Trading |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Webinars |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Articles |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Videos |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Cent account |
Yes |
No |
No |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Support
| Support Features | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Working Days |
24/5 |
24/5 |
24/5 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Phone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Online chat |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
AvaTrade vs Pepperstone vs XTB: Forex Bonuses and Promo
| Promo | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | XTB |
|---|---|---|---|
Forex Bonus |
The broker offers its customers a one-time bonus upon first deposit (not for all markets) |
No |
Welcome bonus for non UK/EU & MENA residents . 50% of your first deposit can be added to your account if you trade a minimum amount of lots (15% of your first deposit amount) within 60 days of your account opening, clients should aply for Welcombe bonus and deposit at least $100. |
Affiliate Program |
A trader can receive up to 400 US dollars for inviting friends. |
For each attracted client under the terms of the program, the affiliate has the opportunity to receive up to USD 400 |
The XTB affiliate program allows a client of the company to earn additional income by advertising the broker and attracting new clients. The amount of such income is up to 20% of the spread of the referred client |
Other Promos |
Active trader program - Members of the program are paid a daily rebate, which allows them to offset part of their costs. The amount of the rebate depends on the number of trades performed by the trader per month. The rebate for one currency lot is 15%. What’s more, active traders get priority support and free VPS hosting. |
he XTB cashback (rebates) program is primarily for traders who trade actively. The client has the opportunity to receive partial compensation of the spread, subject to the fulfillment of the monthly trading volume |
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Top 5 Reviews on AvaTrade
-
Comment
AvaTrade stands out from competitors due to its geographic range of regulation — the broker is licensed in Ireland, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the UAE. Client funds are protected through segregated accounts. Customer support is available 24/7, but the platform’s user interface, especially the mobile version, needs updating. For beginners, educational resources are provided, including webinars and guides.
-
Comment
For passive investors, integration with DupliTrade — a trade-copying service — is available. Users can connect their accounts to the platform and follow strategies tested by other participants. The selection of signal providers is limited, but their data is transparent: performance, risk level, and number of followers are clearly shown. Access to the service is granted after opening an account with a minimum of $100.
-
Comment
Trading conditions at AvaTrade suit both conservative and active traders. Leverage up to 1:400 allows for scaling strategies, and the availability of swap-free accounts is beneficial for Islamic clients. The minimum lot is 0.01, which is convenient for cautious trades. However, customer support is not as fast as expected.
-
Comment
Among the 250+ available instruments, AvaTrade offers trading in currencies, cryptocurrencies, indices, metals, and stocks. The company is regulated by several authorities, including ASIC, FSA, FSCA, and the British Financial Services Commission. Support is available 24/7 and operates in 14 languages. On the downside, the web-based platform interface looks outdated and could use improvement.
-
Comment
I’ve used AvaTrade, and I really like its smooth interface and variety of trading options. The spreads are decent, and having multiple platforms like MT4 and AvaTradeGO makes it flexible. I also appreciate the strong regulations, which add a sense of security. The only downside I noticed is that withdrawals can take a bit longer than expected, but overall, it’s been a solid experience.
Top 5 Reviews on Pepperstone
-
Comment
I found the broker Pepperstone while looking for a company with no deposit or withdrawal fees — I’ve never had to pay extra, as the broker covers all the charges. I was impressed by the selection — over 1,200 instruments, including rare currency pairs, commodity indices, and cryptocurrencies. I often trade on news releases, and the execution speed (as fast as 30 ms) is just amazing! In three months, I earned nearly $1,000, especially from trading oil and gold.
-
Comment
Pepperstone caught my attention with its range of platforms: MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, and even TradingView! The minimum order size is 0.01 lots, which makes it convenient to test strategies with minimal risk. I deposited and withdrew funds via PayPal and bank card — both options were fast, with funds arriving within 1–2 hours. In one month, I made $600 trading CFDs on stocks and commodities. Bonuses and promos are rare, but the trading conditions more than make up for it.
-
Comment
I started working with Pepperstone on the recommendation of a friend who has been in the market for several years. I was pleasantly surprised that spreads start from 0.0 pips and there are over 1,200 trading instruments to choose from! I opened my account in EUR, although other currencies are available, including SGD and HKD. I trade through MetaTrader 5, and for experimentation, I connected cTrader — it’s convenient to switch between platforms. I managed to earn +$400 on cryptocurrencies during the first week, especially on ETH’s rise. Throughout my time trading, I haven’t encountered any requotes.
-
Comment
I chose Pepperstone because of its zero minimum deposit — a rarity among major brokers. I appreciated that the platform is regulated by several reputable authorities: ASIC, FCA, BaFIN, and others. Over three months of trading with 1:400 leverage, I managed to grow my deposit by $750 using scalping on currency pairs and indices. Order execution is nearly instant — averaging 30 ms, and the difference is noticeable compared to other brokers. I withdraw profits to my card without delays and with no fees.
-
Comment
Pepperstone offers a combination of transparent trading conditions, fast order execution, and a wide range of instruments. Over the years, the broker has proven to be a reliable partner: its registration with ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and other regulators reflects the trust placed in the company. A $0 minimum deposit makes it accessible for beginners. A nice bonus is support for over 30 languages and 24/5 customer service. Thanks to its variety of account types, negative balance protection, and passive income opportunities through copy trading, Pepperstone has become my go-to choice for long-term trading.
Top 5 Reviews on XTB
-
Comment
I mainly trade CFDs with XTB. The broker offers over 2,100 instruments, including stocks, ETFs, indices, and cryptocurrencies. It’s especially convenient that the commission on stock trades starts from 0.08%, and the minimum trade size is 0.01 lots. Suitable for those looking to diversify their portfolio.
-
Comment
I chose XTB because of its regulated environment — the broker is overseen by the FCA, KNF, and other European supervisory authorities. This adds a level of trust when dealing with larger sums. The average spread on EUR/USD starts from 0.9 pips, with no fixed commission. These conditions are well-suited for long-term trading.
-
Comment
For all the time I have been working with xtb I have not had any complaints - the broker works transparently and legally. Withdrawal of funds goes without delays, the platform is convenient, and in general, cooperation brings only positive impressions. Of course, as in any trading, there are moments when the market does not go in your direction, for example, gaps after the weekend. I admit that at first it was unpleasant, but then I realized that it is just market realities and not the broker's fault. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to work here - fair conditions, adequate support and stability, which is worth a lot in this sphere.
-
Comment
Withdrawal of funds in XTB company is excellent - no delays and nervousness. In most cases, the money comes the next day after the request, maximum - in two days. This is really convenient, especially if efficiency is important. I have withdrawn funds several times, and each time the process went smoothly. The service works clearly, without hidden conditions or unexpected commissions. If you need a broker where you don't have to worry about timely withdrawal of profits, everything is on top here.
-
Comment
After a bad experience with several brokers of dubious reputation, I decided to take a break from trading. I practically did not trade for a whole year, because I simply did not see a platform suitable for me. However, eventually I came across xtb, and the broker interested me. Instead of immediately rushing into trading, I decided to approach the matter thoroughly: I studied reviews, observed the company and even got a consultation. What really struck me was the attitude towards clients. When I had questions, they answered them calmly and politely, without any irritation and rudeness, which, unfortunately, is not always found in this sphere. When the time came to withdraw my earnings, the process went smoothly, quickly and without unnecessary nerves. Now I can say that I have found a worthy broker with whom it is comfortable to work.
FAQs
What should I start Forex trading with?
It is desirable for novice traders to explore trading using a demo account to learn the market and how to work on the trading platform without the risk of suffering losses. At the same time, it is advisable to review the educational materials of the broker, learn trading basics. Then you can deposit the minimum required amount to perform a small number of transactions. If you manage to close several months in a row in the black, without substantial drawdowns on the account, then you can try increasing your deposit. Also trying to copy trades automatically is a good option for a start.
What amount should I start trading with?
The minimum deposit of $10 may be enough to trade on the cent account. However, for trading on Standard/ECT accounts, experts recommend starting with at least $200-500. With this amount, you can use not a very big leverage. Remember, getting carried away with the margin is the main cause of losses among beginners.
What should I take into consideration when choosing a broker?
Experts recommend looking at the broker’s reliability first and foremost. The other important features include basic trading conditions, commissions and fees, customer reviews. If brokers are approximately the same in terms of basic criteria, you need to choose based on your experience and tasks. One broker may be good for professionals and another – for novice traders.
Is it possible to be scammed by a broker with a license from a reputable regulator?
In theory, yes. But in practice, it takes so much time and money to comply with the requirements of reputable regulators that it is not worth it for scammers to bother obtaining a legitimate license.
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Team that worked on the article
Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.
Olga Shendetskaya has been a part of the Traders Union team as an author, editor and proofreader since 2017. Since 2020, Shendetskaya has been the assistant chief editor of the website of Traders Union, an international association of traders. She has over 10 years of experience of working with economic and financial texts. In the period of 2017-2020, Olga has worked as a journalist and editor of laftNews news agency, economic and financial news sections. At the moment, Olga is a part of the team of top industry experts involved in creation of educational articles in finance and investment, overseeing their writing and publication on the Traders Union website.