XTB vs Pepperstone 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
XTB suits traders who value real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,200). Pepperstone suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, copy trading, no inactivity fee.
Head to head
| XTB | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 522157 | FCA 684312 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.1 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 5,800+ | 1,200+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | Yes |
| Real stocks | Yes | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | None |
| Founded | 2002 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Warsaw, Poland | Melbourne, Australia |
Regulation: XTB vs Pepperstone
XTB is regulated by FCA under licence 522157 (XTB Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Pepperstone is regulated by FCA under licence 684312 (Pepperstone Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
XTB's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. Pepperstone's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). Pepperstone offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XTB charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. Pepperstone does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both XTB and Pepperstone support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Pepperstone offers copy trading, XTB does not.
Minimum deposit
XTB requires a minimum deposit of None. Pepperstone requires None. Both require the same initial deposit.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
Pepperstone is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both XTB and Pepperstone support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. Pepperstone's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. XTB offers more instruments (5,800) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: XTB vs Pepperstone
Choose XTB if you want real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,200). The FCA licence (522157) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Pepperstone if you want tighter spreads, copy trading, no inactivity fee. The FCA licence (684312) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
XTB vs Pepperstone: which is better?
XTB is better for real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,200). Pepperstone is better for tighter spreads, copy trading, no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XTB or Pepperstone safer?
Both XTB (FCA 522157) and Pepperstone (FCA 684312) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XTB and Pepperstone?
XTB minimum deposit: None. Pepperstone minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XTB and Pepperstone have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.