Pepperstone
ACY Securities
Pepperstone vs ACY Securities
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Pepperstone and ACY Securities are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Pepperstone, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, DFSA, SCB and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. ACY Securities, established in 2011 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $50 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Pepperstone scored 8.5/10 overall compared to ACY Securities's 7.6/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ACY Securities holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Pepperstone scores 8.5/10 overall vs 7.6/10 for ACY Securities — a 0.9-point difference.
- 💵
Pepperstone requires just $0 to start, while ACY Securities needs $50 — Pepperstone is 50x more accessible.
- 📈
ACY Securities offers 2,200+ instruments vs 1,200+ at Pepperstone — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Pepperstone runs on MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, while ACY Securities uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: Pepperstone scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for ACY Securities — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Pepperstone
Score: 8.5/10 · Wins 5 categories- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
ACY Securities
Score: 7.6/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
Pepperstone takes the lead with an overall score of 8.5/10 compared to 7.6/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. Pepperstone stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while ACY Securities remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Pepperstone comes out ahead with a 8.5/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.0/10. Pepperstone holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. ACY Securities is not without merit — it scores 7.6/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full Pepperstone review and ACY Securities review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Pepperstone wins by 1.5 points
Pepperstone wins by 1.5 points
Pepperstone wins by 0.5 points
Pepperstone wins by 0.5 points
Pepperstone wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 ✓ | 7.6/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $50 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, DFSA, SCB | ASIC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 ✓ | 2011 |
| Markets | 1,200+ | 2,200+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Pepperstone has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8.5/10 for ACY Securities. Pepperstone offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Pepperstone is $0, compared to $50 at ACY Securities. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Pepperstone scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for ACY Securities. Pepperstone provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, while ACY Securities offers MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Pepperstone is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, DFSA, SCB (Tier 1), while ACY Securities holds licenses from ASIC (Tier 1). Pepperstone scores 9/10 and ACY Securities scores 7.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Pepperstone leads with 7/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Pepperstone and ACY Securities both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Pepperstone offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while ACY Securities provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Pepperstone scores 9/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ACY Securities scores 7.5/10. Pepperstone accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and ACY Securities supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $50 for ACY Securities. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Pepperstone if you...
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
Choose ACY Securities if you...
- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pepperstone better than ACY Securities?
Pepperstone scores higher overall (8.5/10 vs 7.6/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, ACY Securities remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Pepperstone or ACY Securities?
Pepperstone scores higher for trading costs. Pepperstone offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips with $50 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Pepperstone safe to trade with?
Pepperstone is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, DFSA, SCB and scores 9/10 for regulation. ACY Securities is regulated by ASIC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Pepperstone or ACY Securities?
Pepperstone scores 9/10 for platforms. Pepperstone offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, while ACY Securities provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Pepperstone vs ACY Securities?
Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit of $0, while ACY Securities requires $50. Pepperstone has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.