Updated October 17, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
Kraken vs Pepperstone
Kraken
Higher score in this comparison
Pepperstone
Kraken vs Pepperstone: the differences
| Compare | KrakenReviewVisitVisit | PepperstoneReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $1Lower | $10 |
| Stock trade fee | $0Lower | $0.020 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Crypto, Futures | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Metals |
| Platforms | Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop, Kraken Wallet | TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, CTrader, Pepperstone platform |
| Regulators | Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) | Not confirmed |
| Investor protection | EU ICS up to EUR 20,000 | Not confirmed |
| Retail accounts that lose money | Not confirmed | 79.6% |
| Currency conversion fee | 0% | Not confirmed |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25 | Not confirmed |
| Maximum retail leverage | Up to 10x | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Minimum deposit is lower at Kraken: $1 vs $10.
- Stock trade fee is lower at Kraken: $0 vs $0.020.
- Markets: only Kraken offers Futures.
- Markets: only Pepperstone offers CFDs, Metals.
- Platforms: only Kraken offers Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop.
- Platforms: only Pepperstone offers TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
Our verdict on each
Kraken
Kraken suits active crypto traders who also want stocks, ETFs, forex and futures alongside digital assets, with commission free stock dealing at $0 and cover shown as EU ICS up to EUR 20,000. Support runs through help centre routes, so traders who want phone help should weigh that trade off before opening an account.
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 | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3HigherStock dealing costs stay lean at $0 for equity orders. | 8.9 |
| Offer | 9.0Market choice spans stocks, ETFs and forex with broad coin coverage. | 9.5Higher |
| Trust | 9.3Oversight links to Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Conduct Authority with stated scheme cover. | Not confirmed |
Side by side, item by item
| Markets | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| CFDs | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Metals | No | Yes |
Pick Kraken if, pick Pepperstone if
Pick Kraken if cost, minimum deposit, and stock trade fee matter most.
Pick Pepperstone if offer matter most.
Where these facts come from
Kraken
- kraken.com: 9 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- support.kraken.com: 3 facts, checked September 28, 2026
Pepperstone
- pepperstone.com: 6 facts, checked September 28, 2026
How they place
| Ranking | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Investing | 25 of 654 | 27 of 654 |
| Stock and ETF brokers | 15 of 358 | 17 of 358 |
| Trading platforms | 11 of 24 | 12 of 24 |
| Forex brokers | 7 of 147 | 8 of 147 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Mobile app | Not confirmed |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Not confirmed |
| Audience | Beginners, Experienced | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Not confirmed | Email, Help centre |
Crypto exchanges
| Fact | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Taker fee | 0.05% to 0.8% | Not confirmed |
| Coins listed | 728 | Not confirmed |
| Fiat deposit methods | Card, Bank, SEPA, ACH, Apple pay | Not confirmed |
| Maker fee | 0% to 0.4% | Not confirmed |
| Proof of reserves | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Derivatives | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Exchange type | Cex | Not confirmed |
Debit cards
| Fact | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €0 | Not confirmed |
| Free ATM withdrawals | €0 | Not confirmed |
| Card type | Debit | Not confirmed |
| Cashback rate | 0.5% to 2% | Not confirmed |
| Card network | Mastercard | Not confirmed |
| Currencies | 600 | Not confirmed |
| Custody | Self custody | Not confirmed |
Crypto wallets
| Fact | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet type | Mobile | Not confirmed |
| Price | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Coins supported | 728 | Not confirmed |
| Backup options | Seed | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Kraken | Pepperstone | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $1below the median | $10below the median | $23.50 |
| Stock trade fee | $0at the median | $0.020highest quarter | $0 |
| Retail accounts that lose money | Not confirmed | 79.6%highest quarter | 72.21% |
| Currency conversion fee | 0%below the median | Not confirmed | 0.4% |
Median across 138 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Kraken
Pros
- Commission free stock dealing at $0, below DKB at €10
- Low entry with $1 alongside fiat choice across card, bank and SEPA
- Broad venue with stocks, ETFs and forex and 728 plus published proof of reserves
Cons
- Support runs on help centre only, so you manage queries through help centre paths.
- Card funding carries extra cost within Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25, so bank routes suit cost aware deposits.
- Coin trading fees run 0.05% to 0.8%, so frequent takers should weigh volume tiers.
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
Kraken
Who it suits
- Active traders wanting crypto plus stocks, ETFs, forex and futures in a shared venue
- Cost aware equity investors drawn to dealing at $0 with modest entry at $1
Who should look elsewhere
- ActivTrades if you want phone led help rather than help centre paths on help centre
- DKB if you prefer bank bundled investing over crypto led coverage at 728
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
Kraken
What is the minimum deposit to start with Kraken?+
You can open an account with $1, which keeps entry modest for new funders. Bank routes are available alongside card and wallet paths, so you can choose the rail that fits your timing and cost preference.
How much does Kraken charge for stocks and crypto trades?+
Stock dealing is shown as $0, which keeps equity orders lean. Crypto taker fees run 0.05% to 0.8%, so your all in cost depends on asset class, order type and monthly volume tier.
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.
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