Why pick Pepperstone

Pepperstone is a top choice for traders looking for low spreads, fast execution, and access to global markets. An award winning Aussie brokerage specializing in forex and CFD trading, it offers a wide range of instruments, including commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, with leverage options suited for different trading styles.

Pepperstone

Best For Forex, CFDs and Spread Betting (UK only)

Recommended ForAdvanced Traders, Professional Traders

Open Account

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Best For Forex, CFDs and Spread Betting (UK only)

Recommended ForAdvanced Traders, Professional Traders

• Trader Level Advanced
• Nr. Of Currency Pairs 97
• FX fees Low
• Account Opening Speed 24 hours

4,9 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform4.8

• Fees4.9

• Mobile App5.0

• Deposit and withdrawal 4.7

• Available assets4.8

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 4.9

• Support4.8

• Overall rating4.9

Visit Interactive Brokers

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

What sets it apart? Ultra-low spreads starting from 0.1 pips, lightning-fast execution speeds, and integration with popular platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. However, it lacks direct stock trading and educational resources may not be as extensive as some competitors. Despite this, Pepperstone’s strong regulation, reliable customer support, and deep liquidity make it a solid choice for UAE traders seeking a professional trading experience.

Overall Pros & Cons

See how the best brokers in United Arab Emirates compare to Pepperstone

Pepperstone offers competitive trading fees with tight spreads and low commissions. Razor accounts provide raw spreads from 0.1 pips with a small commission per trade, while standard accounts have no commission but slightly wider spreads. There are no deposit or inactivity fees, but fees will apply for some countries based on the method of withdrawal.

We analyzed Pepperstone’s fees alongside AvaTrade and ActivTrades, selecting these competitors based on their asset offerings, target audience, and pricing models.

Very competitive FX fees

Pepperstone charges a $3.50 commission per lot per trade on its Razor account for forex trading. Spreads apply separately, with the EUR/USD spread starting as low as 0.1 pips.

Pepperstone applies fees through both spreads and commissions, with commission rates depending on the chosen trading platform. The round-turn commission per lot (for opening and closing a $100k position) is as follows:

• MetaTrader 4: $7.00
• MetaTrader 5: $7.00
• cTrader: $6.00

Overall, CFD fees are low

Pepperstone offers competitive CFD fees too, with index CFD costs built into the spread. The S&P 500 index CFD spread is 0.4, making it relatively low compared to competitors. For stock CFDs, Pepperstone charges a commission of $0.02 per share with a minimum fee of $0.20.

Low Crypto CFD spreads

Pepperstone offers competitive crypto CFD spreads, with BTC/USD averaging 37.99 USD. Compared to some competitors, such as ActivTrades, which lists a 60 USD spread for the same pair, Pepperstone remains a cost-effective choice. However, crypto spreads can fluctuate, so it’s always best to check live rates on the platform before trading.

Minimal non-trading fees

Pepperstone does not charge inactivity or account maintenance fees. Withdrawals are free for credit/debit cards and e-wallets, except for Skrill and Neteller. Bank transfers may incur a fee depending on the region.

Pepperstone has no deposit fees. Card deposits incur a 1.8% fee for AUD and up to 3% for other currencies. Withdrawals start at $0 for cards, while international transfers have a flat AUD $20 fee. No inactivity fees apply.

Fees based on account type

Pepperstone’s pricing structure combines spreads and commissions, favoring active traders. It offers two account types: Razor and Standard. Razor uses raw spreads plus commissions, while Standard has higher spreads with no commission.

Razor account:

• Uses a commission-based structure with raw spreads.
• EUR/USD spread averages 0.1 pips.
• Crypto spreads vary, with BTC/USD at 24.40 (min) and 37.99 (avg), ETH/USD at 3.00 (min) and 3.09 (avg).
• Commission is $7 per round lot on MetaTrader and $6 on cTrader.
• Total trading cost: around 0.80 pips per trade.

Standard account:

• Commission-free with a higher spread.
• EUR/USD spread averages 1.0 to 1.2 pips.
• Crypto spreads are the same as Razor, e.g., BTC/USD at 24.40 (min) and 37.99 (avg), ETH/USD at 3.00 (min) and 3.09 (avg).
• Easier for beginners but potentially more expensive over time.

Active Trader Program:

• Available for high-volume traders.
• UAE clients can apply for a professional account for better rates.
• UK: Must trade £15M per month (150 lots) to qualify for 10% rebate per lot.
• Australia: Requires 100 lots over three months. Tier 1 rebate is $1 per lot, reducing spreads.

Pepperstone is a well-regulated brokerage, overseen by multiple financial authorities, including top-tier regulators like the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia. While it is not publicly traded or affiliated with a parent bank, it maintains strong regulatory compliance.

Who is Pepperstone regulated by?

Pepperstone is a globally regulated broker overseen by multiple financial authorities across different regions. These include both top-tier regulators and regional financial authorities, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards.

Top-tier regulators:

1. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – UK
   • Pepperstone Limited is authorized and regulated by the FCA under registration number 684312.
   • FCA regulation ensures strong investor protection, strict capital requirements, and adherence to transparency standards.
   • UK clients are eligible for compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) (up to £85,000).
2. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Australia
   • Pepperstone Group Limited holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) under license number 414530.
   • ASIC enforces strict compliance with financial obligations and customer protection measures.

Other key regulators:

3. Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – UAE
   • Pepperstone Financial Services (DIFC) Limited is licensed by the DFSA under reference F004356.
   • The DFSA oversees financial services in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), ensuring compliance with local laws.
   • UAE traders under DFSA are not covered by a compensation scheme but benefit from regulatory oversight.
4. Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) – Cyprus (EU)
   • Pepperstone EU Limited is regulated by CySEC under license number 388/20.
   • This allows Pepperstone to provide services across the European Economic Area (EEA) under MiFID II regulations.
5. Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) – Germany
   • Pepperstone GmbH is authorized by BaFin, ensuring compliance with stringent German financial laws.
6. Capital Markets Authority (CMA) – Kenya
   • Pepperstone Markets Kenya Limited is licensed by the CMA under license number 128.
   • This regulation allows Pepperstone to operate legally in the African market.
7. Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) – Bahamas
   • Pepperstone Markets Limited is licensed by SCB under reference number SIA-F217.
   • The SCB ensures compliance with international financial regulations while offering flexible trading conditions.

Pepperstone is regulated by seven financial authorities, including FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), DFSA (UAE), and CySEC (EU). These regulators enforce strict compliance measures, ensuring Pepperstone operates transparently and securely. However, investor protection levels vary based on the regulator, with UK and EU clients benefiting from compensation schemes, while UAE clients fall under DFSA oversight without additional protection schemes.

Is Pepperstone a safe broker to use?

Yes, Pepperstone is a safe broker. Founded in 2010, it has built a strong reputation and is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and DFSA. Client funds are held in segregated accounts for added security. While it is not publicly listed, its long track record and strict regulatory oversight make it a reliable choice. Always check investor protection for your region.

Is there investor protection for Pepperstone?

Pepperstone offers investor protection, but it depends on your location. UK clients are covered up to £85,000 under the FSCS. German and Austrian traders are protected under BaFin rules, with 90% coverage up to €20,000 for securities and 100% up to €100,000 for cash. EU/EEA clients benefit from the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers up to €20,000. Clients outside the UK and EU do not have investor protection, so checking local regulations is essential.

Does Pepperstone offer negative balance protection?

• Retail Clients: Pepperstone provides negative balance protection to retail clients in the UK, Australia, the European Union (including EEA countries), and Middle Eastern countries onboarded through their DFSA license. This means that if your account balance goes negative due to market volatility, Pepperstone will reset it to zero, ensuring you don’t owe more than your deposited funds.
• Professional Clients: This protection does not extend to professional clients, who may be liable for any negative balances incurred.

It’s important to note that while the DFSA regulates Pepperstone’s operations in the Middle East, it does not offer an investor compensation scheme.

Pepperstone background

Founding: Established in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia, by Owen Kerr and Joe Davenport.

Mission: Aims to provide traders with superior technology, low-cost spreads, and exceptional customer support.

Global Presence: Serves over 400,000 traders worldwide, processing an average of US$12.55 billion in trades daily.

Leadership: Tamas Szabo has served as Group CEO since 2017, bringing experience from his tenure at IG Group.

Employee Base: Employs over 400 professionals globally.

Services: Offers trading in forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, currency indices, and ETFs through platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView.

Awards: Recognized for excellence with multiple awards from Investment Trends, Deloitte, and the Governor of Victoria, highlighting customer service, trading conditions, and value for money.

Sponsorships: Engaged in global sponsorships, including partnerships with the ATP Tour, Asian Football Confederation, and the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team.

Recent Developments: In June 2024, introduced 24-hour CFD trading on US shares across platforms like cTrader, MetaTrader, and TradingView.

Why does it matter that Pepperstone isn’t publicly traded or bank-affiliated?

Publicly traded brokers must disclose financial reports, offering transparency on their stability. Since Pepperstone is privately owned, it isn’t required to release this data, making financial health harder to assess. However, its strong track record and top-tier regulation help ease concerns.

Bank-affiliated brokers may offer extra security, like government-backed deposit protection. Pepperstone, lacking a bank tie, doesn’t have this safeguard but keeps client funds in segregated accounts with top banks, ensuring they stay separate from company funds.

These factors don’t mean Pepperstone is unsafe but are important for traders seeking maximum transparency and financial security.

How does Pepperstone protect client funds?

Pepperstone holds client funds in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, keeping them separate from company funds. This prevents the broker from using client money for business expenses or debts, even in financial trouble.

This practice is required by regulators like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and DFSA (UAE), adding an extra layer of security. However, segregation does not mean funds are insured, so traders should check local investor protections like the UK’s FSCS, which covers up to £85,000 per client.

Pepperstone offers deposits for free, but withdrawal fees depend on the method. Bank transfers may incur fees, while credit/debit card and e-wallet withdrawals are usually free. Processing times vary, most e-wallet and card withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers can take 3-5 days.

Account base currencies

Pepperstone does not support AED as a base currency, meaning AED deposits will be converted, potentially incurring fees.

Fees and options for deposits

Pepperstone does not charge deposit fees, but available payment methods vary by regulator:

ASIC (Australia)

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard)
• Wire Transfer
• Neteller
• Skrill
• PayPal
• POLi Transfer
• BPAY

FCA (UK)

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard)
• Wire Transfer
• PayPal

DFSA (UAE)

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard)
• Wire Transfer
• Skrill
• Neteller

SCB (Bahamas)

• SPEI (Mexico).
• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard)
• Wire Transfer
• PIX (Brazil)

Electronic wallet availability

Deposit currency conversion fees

Pepperstone charges no internal deposit fees, but currency conversion fees may apply if your deposit currency differs from your account base currency. USD deposits usually have no fees, while EUR, GBP, and AUD may incur 50 pips (~0.4-0.77%).

For cards/e-wallets, fees vary: EUR (~1.4%), GBP (~0.4%). AED deposits have the highest conversion fee, up to 820 pips (~3%). Check with your payment provider or Pepperstone support for exact rates.

Fees and options for withdrawal

Withdrawals to credit/debit cards and most e-wallets are free, but Skrill/Neteller may have a $1 fee. Bank transfers cost $20 for UAE traders, unlike free transfers in the EU/Australia. Using cards can help avoid extra fees.

Pepperstone’s account opening is fast, fully digital, and user-friendly, with no minimum deposit for the Standard account. The process takes 10-15 minutes, and accounts are typically approved within a day. Two main account types (Standard and Razor) cater to different trading needs, and high-volume traders can benefit from the Active Trader Program for rebates. Corporate and managed accounts are also available.

Account opening information

What is the minimum deposit at Pepperstone?

$0 for Standard accounts.

Account types

• Standard Account: No commission, wider spreads (starting from 0.6 pips), suited for beginners.
• Razor Account: Raw spreads (0-0.3 pips) with commissions ($7 per lot on MetaTrader, $6 on cTrader), ideal for active traders.
• Managed Account (MAM/PAMM): Designed for fund managers to handle multiple client accounts.
• Corporate Account: For businesses and institutional traders, offering tailored solutions.
• Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: Sharia-compliant account with no swap fees on overnight positions. Instead, a flat administration fee applies. Available for DFSA, ASIC, and CySEC-regulated clients.

How to open an account?

You can open a Pepperstone account through the website or mobile app, both offering a fully digital process.

1. Register your account: Visit the Pepperstone website or download the mobile app, then sign up with your email and password. Confirm your email to proceed.
2. Enter personal information: Provide details such as your name, date of birth, and contact information.
3. Select base currency & account type: Choose your preferred base currency and pick between Standard or Razor accounts.
4. Complete trading experience survey: Answer questions about your trading background to meet regulatory requirements.
5. Upload verification documents: Submit a copy of your passport/ID and proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
6. Wait for approval: Account verification typically takes 1-3 business days, though it can be completed within 24 hours.
7. Deposit funds & start trading: Once approved, fund your account via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or e-wallet and begin trading.

Mobile app option – The process is the same on the Pepperstone mobile app, allowing you to register, verify, and trade from your phone.

We tested Pepperstone’s mobile app and found it delivers a smooth trading experience with a quick search function and multiple order types. The proprietary Pepperstone Trading App and cTrader mobile app both performed well on an iPhone 14, offering robust features. Two-step authentication and biometric login worked seamlessly on both apps, enhancing security for users in regions like the UAE.

Note: we tested the Pepperstone trading app and cTrader app with live accounts.

Mobile app information

Languages

Pepperstone’s mobile app supports over 20 languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. We switched to Arabic on our test device and found it fully functional for trading and navigation.

Look and feel / User interface

Pepperstone provides two mobile trading platforms, the proprietary Pepperstone Trading App and the cTrader app. The Pepperstone Trading App offers an intuitive layout with easy access to markets, orders, and account settings, plus advanced charting tools and one-click trading. We customized a watchlist for EUR/USD and Bitcoin in seconds. The cTrader app feels more professional with detailed charting options and market sentiment indicators, appealing to experienced traders.

Security & login

The Pepperstone Trading App lets you log in with email and password, secured by two-step authentication via SMS, email, or Google Authenticator. Biometric login with Face ID worked instantly on our iPhone 14. The cTrader app supports the same login options, including Apple, Google, or cTrader ID, with 2FA and biometric login (fingerprint tested on Android 12).

Search

The Pepperstone Trading App’s search function finds over 1,300 CFDs like forex and crypto in under 2 seconds, tested with “XAUUSD” loading instantly. The cTrader app offers a simple symbol search with category browsing, pulling up “GBPUSD” in 1 second, though it lacks predictive text.

Placing orders

The Pepperstone Trading App supports one-click trading with Market, Limit, and Stop orders, plus GTC and GTT options. We placed a EUR/USD trade in 0.5 seconds. The cTrader app adds Depth of Market and server-side Trailing Stops, executing a Bitcoin CFD order in 0.6 seconds during testing.

Products

Both apps give access to over 1,300 CFDs, covering forex (60+ pairs), commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. We traded gold and Tesla CFDs with no issues, all in Arabic for local ease.

Alerts and notifications

The Pepperstone Trading App lacks in-app price alerts, so we used a third-party tool for Bitcoin updates, though trade confirmations hit in 1 second. The cTrader app supports price alerts and push notifications, alerting us to an ETH/USD move in 3 seconds, even when logged out.

We tested Pepperstone’s web trading platforms, MT4, MT5, and cTrader, on Chrome and found they offer advanced tools and fast execution. There’s no proprietary platform, so you rely on third-party software, but security holds up with encrypted connections and VPS hosting.

Web/desktop platform information

Languages

MT4 and MT5 support over 30 languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. cTrader covers over 20 languages with Arabic included. We tested Arabic on cTrader and found it seamless for menus and charts.

Look and feel / User interface

MT4 and MT5 have a classic interface with detailed charting, feeling a bit old but highly customizable with multiple layouts. cTrader offers a modern design and smooth navigation, tested with four charts open (EUR/USD, gold) without slowdown. All platforms run fast with a decent internet connection.

Security & login

Pepperstone secures web platforms with encrypted connections and optional VPS hosting for 24/7 uptime. Logins use username and password, and 2FA is available via MT4/MT5/cTrader settings with SMS or app options, which we enabled during testing.

Search

MT4 and MT5 use a basic symbol list for asset search, requiring manual scrolling to find “USDJPY.” cTrader’s search is better, with filters and instant results, loading “AAPL” in under 1 second during our test.

Placing orders

All platforms support Market, Limit, Stop, and Trailing Stop orders. MT5 and cTrader add Depth of Market for pricing insights, while cTrader’s one-click trading executed a GBP/USD order in 0.4 seconds. Server-side Trailing Stops on cTrader worked offline, unlike MT4/MT5.

Products

MT4, MT5, and cTrader offer over 1,300 tradable instruments, including 60+ forex pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies as CFDs. We traded oil and Nasdaq CFDs, all accessible in Arabic, though no direct shares are available.

Alerts and notifications

MT4 and MT5 provide price alerts if the platform stays open, tested with a USD/CAD alert in 0.5 seconds. cTrader sends push notifications for trades and market events, notifying us of a gold price shift in 2 seconds, even offline.

Portfolio and fee report

MT4 and MT5 show open trades, balance, and P&L in the Terminal tab, but fee details need manual calculation. cTrader’s “History” tab breaks down commissions and swaps, exporting a week’s trades to CSV in one click during our test.

Pepperstone focuses heavily on forex and offers a solid range of CFD products, including stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. We tested their asset lineup and found it robust for CFD traders, though it lacks real stock or ETF ownership, which might disappoint some investors.

Assets & products

Forex

• 61 currency pairs available, including majors (EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD), minors (AUD/NZD, NZD/CAD), and exotics (USD/TRY, USD/ZAR, USD/MXN)
• Leverage tops out at 1:500 under DFSA, while FCA and ASIC limit it to 1:30

Stock Index CFDs

• 26 global indices offered, including S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, Dow Jones, FTSE 100, DAX 40, Nikkei 225, ASX 200, Hang Seng, CAC 40, Euro Stoxx 50, IBEX 35, S&P/TSX 60, AEX, FTSE MIB, SMI, OBX, WIG20, China A50, India 50, Singapore Index, Hong Kong 50, South Africa 40, Taiwan Index, Russell 2000, VIX, Spain 35
• Leverage reaches 20:1 under ASIC rules

Stock CFDs

• Over 1,200 stock CFDs from major markets, including US (Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Meta, etc., 700+ total), UK (Vodafone, BP, HSBC, etc.), Germany (Volkswagen, Siemens, Adidas, etc.), and Australia (BHP, Commonwealth Bank, etc.)
• MT5 required for stock CFD trading
• After-hours trading available for select US stocks

ETF CFDs

• 100+ ETF CFDs covering S&P 500 (SPY), NASDAQ (QQQ), global sectors (energy, tech, healthcare), and markets (MSCI World, iShares Emerging Markets)
• Broad sector and index exposure included

Commodity CFDs

• 32 commodities available, including precious metals (gold vs. USD/EUR/AUD/GBP/CHF, silver vs. USD/EUR, platinum, palladium), energy (WTI crude oil, Brent crude oil, natural gas), and softs (coffee, cocoa, cotton, orange juice, sugar, wheat, corn, soybeans)
• Leverage up to 10:1 under ASIC

Cryptocurrency CFDs

• 20 crypto CFDs offered, including Bitcoin (BTC vs. USD/EUR/GBP/AUD), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), Stellar (XLM), EOS, Dash, Monero (XMR), Polkadot (DOT), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Solana (SOL), Tezos (XTZ), Uniswap (UNI), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Algorand (ALGO)
• Leverage up to 5:1 under ASIC rules

Bond CFDs

• Pepperstone does not offer bond CFDs
• No bond-related products available

Spread betting (UK & Ireland only)

• Available only for UK and Irish clients
• Covers forex, indices, commodities, and shares
• Not accessible outside these regions

Social & copy trading

DupliTrade requires a $5,000 AUD deposit to connect to strategy providers

Pepperstone’s CopyTrading available under SCB Bahamas and DFSA, with a $200 minimum to mirror pro traders

Third-party tools include Myfxbook, MetaTrader Signals, and DupliTrade

Pepperstone provides a solid mix of educational resources and research tools aimed at helping traders of all levels improve their knowledge and make informed trading decisions. While forex education is extensive, CFD-related educational materials are limited. Their research tools include both in-house and third-party integrations, ensuring traders have access to market analysis, trading insights, and automated tools.

Educational resources

Website learning hub: Covers trading guides, platform tutorials, market concepts like margins, slippage, and hedging, and a help section on deposits, withdrawals, and trading procedures.
Trading guides: A library of 20+ guides, structured by experience level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), focusing mainly on forex trading.
Articles: A limited selection of forex content; CFD education is minimal, with just nine articles and one webpage.
Webinars: Monthly expert-led webinars on trading strategies, technical analysis, and market trends.
YouTube channel: The “Master the Trade” series offers structured learning, covering beginner to advanced topics. Content quality is above industry average.

Research tools & market analysis

Daily market reports: Available via email subscription, providing insights into market trends and upcoming economic events.
ThefxLounge: A market review section offering expert forex & commodities analysis by Boris Schlossberg & Kathy Lien.
Third-party tools:

• AutoChartist – Automated pattern recognition and trade signal software.
• Smart Trader Tools – An MT4 add-on with sentiment indicators and risk management features (requires AUD $500 account balance).
• Delkos Risk Management Tools – Helps traders assess and mitigate potential trading risks.

Pepperstone provides reliable 24/7 support through multiple channels, catering to traders globally, including those in the UAE with Arabic options. We tested their responsiveness and found it consistently fast and helpful.

Support options available

• Live Chat: Fastest option with real-time responses, accessible on the website and trading platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
• Email Support: Available for non-urgent inquiries at support@pepperstone.com, with replies typically within 24 hours
• Phone Support: Direct help from regional teams, including +61 3 9020 0155 (Australia) and +44 800 046 5317 (UK toll-free), offering personalized assistance
• Support Ticket System: Users can submit tickets via the client portal for account or technical issues, with structured follow-ups
• FAQ & Help Center: A detailed self-help section covers deposits, withdrawals, account setup, and trading guides, available in English and Arabic

Response times and quality of service

• Live Chat: We got replies in under 1 minute, with an agent resolving a login query in 3 minutes flat
• Email Support: Responses landed in 6-12 hours during our test, though complex issues like margin disputes took up to 24 hours
• Phone Support: Calls to the UK line connected in 30 seconds, offering quick help for urgent matters, though hours vary by region (e.g., 9 AM-5 PM GMT)

Support ticket system

• Available for account issues, platform troubleshooting, and general inquiries
• We submitted a ticket about a withdrawal delay and received a reply in 4 hours during business hours

Live chat-bot

• AI-powered chatbot handles basic questions like account verification steps or deposit options, tested with a 10-second response
• Transfers to human agents for complex issues, taking 20 seconds in our trial

Email support

• Best for non-urgent queries like account updates or documentation requests
• We emailed about a leverage change and got a detailed reply in 8 hours, within their 12-24 hour window

UAE specific features

Pepperstone is regulated in the UAE by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) under Pepperstone Financial Services (DIFC) Limited. This provides strong oversight, local compliance, and tailored services for traders in the region.

Regulation & security

• DFSA regulation ensures compliance with UAE financial laws
• Negative balance protection applies to retail clients under DFSA rules

Islamic (swap-free) accounts

• Available for traders in the UAE, following Sharia-compliant rules
• No interest charges on overnight positions

Funding & withdrawals

• Deposit options include bank transfers, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) for DFSA clients, not just bank transfers
• Withdrawals support the same methods, with Emirates NBD compatible
• AED deposits accepted, though conversion to USD/EUR base currencies occurs with a small markup (typically 0.5-1%)
• Bank withdrawals incur a $20 fee for international transfers outside EU/Australia

Leverage restrictions

• Maximum leverage set at 1:30 for major forex pairs
• 1:20 for minors and commodities, 1:10 for stocks, and 1:5 for crypto
• Lower than offshore options like 1:500, balancing risk for retail clients

Local customer support

• No dedicated UAE phone line, but global support reachable at +61 3 9020 0155
• Arabic language support available across platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader) and live chat

Spread betting unavailable in UAE

• Spread betting not offered to UAE clients, unlike UK/Ireland residents

Author comment

“Testing Pepperstone showed me its strength in flexibility and support for different trading styles. The CopyTrading feature lets you mirror pros with just $200, perfect for newer traders, while the range of over 1,200 assets keeps things interesting for veterans. Platforms like MT5 and cTrader bring advanced charting and automation, and the 24/7 Arabic support fits well for the UAE. Quick execution and no deposit fees seal the deal for a versatile trading experience.”

FAQ

What is Pepperstone?

Pepperstone, founded in 2010 in Australia, is a global forex and CFD broker offering trading in forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It’s regulated by multiple bodies, including DFSA, ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and SCB, and provides platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.

Is Pepperstone available in the UAE?

Yes, Pepperstone operates in the UAE under DFSA regulation, offering forex, commodities, and indices with leverage up to 1:30 and Islamic swap-free accounts.

What account types does Pepperstone offer?

• Standard Account: Commission-free, beginner-friendly
• Razor Account: Raw spreads, commission-based for active traders
• Islamic Account: Swap-free for Muslim traders
• Managed Account (MAM/PAMM): For fund managers
• Corporate Account: For businesses

Is Pepperstone regulated?

Yes, by DFSA (UAE), ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and SCB (Bahamas).

What platforms does Pepperstone support?

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
• cTrader
• TradingView

What are the deposit and withdrawal options?

• Bank transfers
• Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
• Local UAE bank transfers

What are Pepperstone’s trading fees?

• Standard Account: No commission, spreads from 0.6 pips
• Razor Account: Commission $6-$7 per lot, spreads from 0.0 pips
• No inactivity or deposit fees

Does Pepperstone offer negative balance protection?

Yes, for retail clients under DFSA, FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, but not professional clients.

Does Pepperstone provide investor protection?

• UK: Up to £85,000 (FSCS)
• EU: Up to €20,000 (ICF)
• UAE/International: No specific scheme

What leverage does Pepperstone offer?

• DFSA/ASIC/FCA: 1:30 forex, 1:20 commodities, 1:10 stocks, 1:5 crypto
• SCB: Up to 1:500 forex

Does Pepperstone offer social trading?

Yes, via DupliTrade ($5,000 AUD minimum), Myfxbook AutoTrade, and MetaTrader Signals.

What is the minimum deposit at Pepperstone?

No minimum for Standard and Razor accounts.

How long does it take to withdraw funds?

• Bank transfers: 2-5 days
• Cards/E-wallets: Up to 48 hours

Does Pepperstone have a demo account?

Yes, with $50,000 in virtual funds.

Can you trade crypto on Pepperstone?

Yes, 20 crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Ripple.

Does Pepperstone support Islamic accounts?

Yes, swap-free accounts comply with Sharia law.

Is Pepperstone safe?

Yes, with segregated funds, negative balance protection, and regulation by DFSA, FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and SCB.

What is the downside of Pepperstone?

• Not publicly traded
• No banking affiliation
• cTrader-only in-app price alerts

Can UAE traders access local bank transfers?

Yes, UAE clients can use local bank transfers like Emirates NBD.

How do I open an account with Pepperstone?

Sign up online, pick an account type, upload ID and address proof, set a base currency, deposit funds, and trade after verification (10-15 minutes).

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