Capital.com vs Pepperstone
Capital.com offers a beginner-friendly platform with simple pricing, while Pepperstone delivers tighter raw spreads and MetaTrader access for active traders.
Our Verdict
Choose Capital.com for simplicity and built-in education. Choose Pepperstone for tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, and more execution flexibility. Both are FCA-regulated — your choice should depend on trading style, not branding.
Quick Verdict
Choose Capital.com if…
- You want a beginner-friendly platform with simple pricing and integrated education
- You prefer a clean, intuitive interface with minimal setup
- You value built-in educational content
Choose Pepperstone if…
- You want tighter raw spreads via a Razor account
- You need MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader access
- You are an active or algorithmic trader seeking execution flexibility
At a Glance
Detailed Comparison
| Broker | Fees | Platforms | Markets | Regulation | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| spread-only | Web, Mobile | forex, indices, commodities, stocks | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | £20 | |
| commission+spread | MT4, MT5 | forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto | FCA | £0 |
Regulation & Safety
Capital.com
- Regulated by the FCA (UK entity)
- Client funds segregated
- Negative balance protection for retail clients
Pepperstone
- Pepperstone Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA
- Segregated funds and negative balance protection apply
Verdict: Both meet UK regulatory standards. No major differentiation here for UK retail clients.
Pricing & Costs
Capital.com
- Spread-only model — no commission on standard trades
- Financing charges apply overnight
- Good for simplicity, but spreads include broker markup
Pepperstone
- Standard Account: spread-only pricing
- Razor Account: raw spread + commission — often lower total cost on major FX pairs
- More cost-efficient for high-volume forex trading
Verdict: Pepperstone is usually more cost-efficient for active traders. Capital.com is simpler for occasional users.
Platforms & Tools
Capital.com
- Proprietary web & mobile platform
- Clean, intuitive interface with strong beginner experience
- Educational content built-in
- No MT4/MT5 support
Pepperstone
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
- TradingView integration
- Better suited to technical traders and automation users
Verdict: Beginners → Capital.com. MetaTrader and algorithmic traders → Pepperstone.
Asset Coverage
- Both offer CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, and share CFDs
- Neither offers direct share ownership in their UK CFD entities
Verdict: Similar coverage across both brokers.
Fees Beyond Spreads
- Overnight financing on leveraged positions
- Currency conversion where applicable
- Possible inactivity fees after extended dormancy
- Neither is a 'zero cost' broker — spreads and swaps matter
Risks & Considerations
- CFDs are leveraged — losses can exceed deposits
- Spread widening during volatility
- Financing costs accumulate on longer holds
- Neither is suitable for passive long-term investing
Trading Style Suitability
| Trader Type | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Capital.com |
| Casual trader | Capital.com |
| Day trader | Pepperstone |
| Scalper | Pepperstone |
| Algorithmic trader | Pepperstone |
| Education-focused | Capital.com |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Capital.com
Strengths
- FCA-regulated with segregated client funds and potential FSCS protection
- Commission-free trading with competitive spreads
- Intuitive platform with strong educational resources
- Fast account setup and smooth onboarding
Weaknesses
- No direct share ownership — CFD and spread betting only
- Limited advanced or institutional-grade tools
- Some mixed feedback on withdrawal process transparency
Pepperstone
Strengths
- FCA-regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- Razor account with low raw spreads for active traders
- MT4, MT5 and cTrader platform support
- Suitable for algorithmic and scalping strategies
Weaknesses
- Primarily CFD-focused — no traditional investing or share ownership
- No proprietary beginner-style simplified platform
- Financing costs apply to overnight leveraged positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capital.com cheaper than Pepperstone?
It depends on trade frequency and account type. Pepperstone Razor accounts can be cheaper for active FX trading.
Which broker is better for MT5?
Pepperstone supports MT5. Capital.com does not.
Are both FCA regulated?
Yes — both operate FCA-regulated UK entities.
Which is better for beginners?
Capital.com's platform is generally more beginner-friendly.
Which is safer?
Both operate under FCA regulation with segregated client funds.
Ready to Choose?
Visit either broker to open an account and start trading.
Methodology & Disclosure
This comparison is based on publicly available fee schedules, FCA regulatory status, platform features and general user feedback patterns. It is not financial advice. Affiliate relationships do not influence the structure of this comparison.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to brokers and products featured on this site. This compensation does not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations. We maintain editorial independence and provide objective comparisons. Read our full disclosure policy.
Risk Warning: This website does not provide financial, investment, or trading advice. All information is for educational purposes only. Trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider your financial situation and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
Last updated: 2026-01-15