Updated October 17, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
CapTrader vs Pepperstone
CapTrader
Pepperstone
Higher score in this comparison
CapTrader vs Pepperstone: the differences
| Compare | CapTraderReviewVisitVisit | PepperstoneReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $2,000 | $10Lower |
| Stock trade fee | $2 | $0.020Lower |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Options, Futures, Crypto, Bonds, Funds | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Metals |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation TWS, CapTrader Desktop, Trading App | TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, CTrader, Pepperstone platform |
| Account fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Inactivity fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Retail accounts that lose money | Not confirmed | 79.6% |
| Options contract fee | €2 | Not confirmed |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free withdrawal, bank transfer deposits | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Pepperstone scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 8.9.
- Minimum deposit is lower at Pepperstone: $10 vs $2,000.
- Stock trade fee is lower at Pepperstone: $0.020 vs $2.
- Markets: only CapTrader offers Options, Futures, Bonds.
- Markets: only Pepperstone offers Metals.
- Platforms: only CapTrader offers Trader Workstation TWS, CapTrader Desktop, Trading App.
- Platforms: only Pepperstone offers TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Support channels: only Pepperstone offers Email.
Our verdict on each
CapTrader
CapTrader charges $0 to hold an account and $0 for inactivity, so it suits active traders who want a wide market list. The catch is the $2,000 minimum deposit, which puts it beyond casual starters working with a small pot.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a contracts for difference broker. It can suit experienced readers, but for most household savers the product carries a high risk of losing money.
Score breakdown
| Area | CapTrader | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.7The $0 account fee and $0 inactivity charge are clean, but the $2,000 minimum deposit and $2 stock trade fee pull the score back. | 8.9Higher |
| Offer | 9.2 | 9.5Higher |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | CapTrader | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Investing | 36 of 654 | 27 of 654 |
| Stock and ETF brokers | 24 of 358 | 17 of 358 |
| Trading platforms | 18 of 24 | 12 of 24 |
| Forex brokers | 12 of 147 | 8 of 147 |
A third option
ActivTrades has minimum deposit at $0, against $2,000 for CapTrader and $10 for Pepperstone.
ActivTrades reviewWhere these facts come from
CapTrader
- captrader.com: 7 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- brokerchooser.com: 4 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Pepperstone
- pepperstone.com: 6 facts, checked September 28, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | CapTrader | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Demo account, Mobile app, Fractional shares | Not confirmed |
| Pricing model | Low fees | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Help centre | Email, Help centreCovers more |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | CapTrader | Pepperstone | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $2,000highest quarter | $10below the median | $23.50 |
| Stock trade fee | $2highest quarter | $0.020highest quarter | $0 |
| Account fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Inactivity fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | Not confirmed | 79.6%highest quarter | 72.21% |
Median across 138 listed providers.
Pros and cons
CapTrader
Pros
- The account fee is $0 and the inactivity charge is $0, so holding an account costs nothing.
- One login covers stocks, etfs and forex, from shares and ETFs through to forex, crypto and funds.
- A demo account, fractional shares and a mobile app come as standard under demo account, mobile app and fractional shares.
Cons
- The $2,000 minimum deposit sits at 201 of 218 brands, which puts it out of reach for small pots.
- Trading costs bite on every order: $2 a stock trade and €2 an option.
- Support runs on help centre only, so quick questions wait for an article.
Pepperstone
Pros
- Two pricing styles, all in or commission based.
- The company itself adds nothing when money goes in or out.
- A practice account with virtual money before risking savings.
Cons
- Most retail clients lose money on these contracts, and borrowed exposure makes losses bigger.
- Positions held overnight pick up a funding adjustment that can cost you or credit you.
- Payouts can only go to a bank account or card under your own name.
Who each suits
CapTrader
Who it suits
- Traders with a large pot who want stocks, etfs and forex under the same account.
- Desktop users who like a proper workstation, since Trader Workstation TWS, CapTrader Desktop and Trading App covers every session.
- Beginners who want to rehearse on the demo account and buy in fractions (demo account, mobile app and fractional shares).
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone starting with a small sum: CFI lists a $0 minimum deposit against CapTrader's $2,000.
- Readers who want the cheapest stock dealing, since eToro charges $0 on stock trades against CapTrader's $2.
Pepperstone
Who it suits
- Readers who already understand leverage and overnight charges.
- Readers comfortable with short term price swings.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone saving for a home, retirement or an emergency fund.
- Readers wanting a simple way to grow savings.
Questions about each
CapTrader
What does it cost to keep an account open?+
CapTrader charges an account fee of $0 and an inactivity charge of $0, so a dormant account costs nothing. That is the cheap part of running it. The money you actually pay for is trading, at $2 per stock trade and €2 per option.
How much do I need to put in before I can start?+
The minimum deposit is $2,000, which places CapTrader at 201 of 218 brands tracked on the site. That sits well above many rivals and rules out small monthly savers. Someone starting small would find $0 at CFI easier to reach.
Pepperstone
Is Pepperstone suitable for saving money?+
Not in the usual sense. Its products are leveraged contracts for difference aimed at active traders, not savings accounts or deposits. Most retail clients lose money with this provider, so money you need for bills, rent or a home deposit should stay in simpler, unleveraged products.
Will I pay a fee to add or remove money?+
Pepperstone adds nothing of its own when money moves in or out. Your bank or card provider may still charge separately, so check before moving funds. You can pay in and take money out by card, digital wallet or bank transfer.