Our review of Axi and Pepperstone will uncover key offers and platforms that can enhance traders’ experiences. Read on to discover more.
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Our full comparison covers the 10 most important trading factors between Axi and Pepperstone:
The ease of transactions is significantly influenced by brokers offering the lowest spreads and fees when we speak about forex trading. These cost-effective trading options naturally draw in more clients. An expanding client base translates into increased trading volumes, ultimately elevating the broker’s revenue through commissions and fees from a higher number of transactions. Furthermore, competitive pricing bolsters the broker’s reputation, making them a more attractive choice for traders focused on minimizing costs while maximizing profits.
The largest fee component of a RAW account is spread which is the difference between the big-ask for any forex pair. Below are the eight most traded currency pairs and what the average spread is for either broker. We found that Pepperstone were the clear winner with lower average spreads for 5 of the currency pairs while the other three were a tie.
There are significant differences when viewing Pepperstone vs Axi (formerly AxiTrader) based on their most popular accounts ‘Razor’ vs ‘Pro. The table below shows Pepperstone and Axi along (with other traders) and average spreads.
| Standard Account | Pepperstone Spreads | Axi Spreads | Industry Spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 1.35 | 1.31 | 1.6 |
| EUR/USD | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| USD/JPY | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.4 |
| GBP/USD | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.6 |
| AUD/USD | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 |
| USD/CAD | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.20 | 1.20 | 1.5 |
| EUR/JPY | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| AUD/JPY | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.1 |
Our overall average spreads reveal that Pepperstone offers a competitive 1.35, while Axi follows closely with 1.31, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.6. For EUR/USD, Pepperstone boasts a tighter spread of 1.1 compared to Axi’s 1.2. In the AUD/USD pairs, Pepperstone provides a spread of 1.2, while Axi offers a slightly wider spread of 1.3, indicating Axi’s spreads are higher yet still within acceptable industry standards.
When considering the commission fees charged by both brokers, it is important to note that they both impose a fee of $3.50 for transactions involving USD and AUD, maintaining consistency in these currencies. However, there is a notable difference when it comes to the euro; Axi charges a fee of €3.25 for EUR transactions, while Pepperstone offers a more competitive rate at €2.60. This discrepancy in fees for the euro could influence a trader’s choice depending on their trading volume in that currency. Ultimately, understanding these costs is essential for determining which broker may be more favorable for specific trading needs.
| USD | AUD | GBP | EUR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | $3.50 | $3.50 | £2.25 | €2.60 |
| Axi | $3.50 | $3.50 | £2.25 | €3.25 |
Our dedicated team created the exclusive fee calculator below which will easily help you find the right currency.
When looking at the spreads offered for our standard accounts, we can clearly observe the differences between the two brokers. For instance, Pepperstone provides a competitive spread of 1.10 for the EUR/USD pair, while Axi’s spread is slightly higher at 1.20. In terms of the AUD, Pepperstone maintains the same 1.10 for EUR/USD, but Axi’s spread increases to 1.30. This demonstrates a notable variance in pricing between the two trading platforms, which is important for traders to consider when making their decisions.
|
Standard Account Spreads
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.10 | 1.20 | 1.40 | 1.40 | 1.40 |
|
1.20 | 1.30 | 1.20 | 1.30 | 1.10 |
|
1.13 | 1.01 | 1.71 | 1.66 | 1.12 |
|
1.20 | 0.90 | 1.50 | 1.80 | 1.80 |
|
1.20 | 1.40 | 1.50 | 1.60 | 1.50 |
|
1.10 | 1.20 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.30 |
|
1.20 | 1.80 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.60 |
|
1.32 | 1.95 | 1.37 | 1.70 | 1.40 |
Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 04/01/2025
Our Lowest Spreads and Fees Verdict
In this category, it’s clear that Pepperstone excels and comes highly recommended, thanks to its competitive spreads and minimal fees. This is a key factor in our assessment of Pepperstone as the leading forex broker in Australia.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
| Trading Platform | Pepperstone | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
Our team created a software questionnaire to help you find the best trading platform based on six simple questions.
Pepperstone and Axi both offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), the world’s most popular forex trading platform. Despite the introduction of MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MT4 remains widely used due to its versatility and ease of switching between brokers. It’s designed for traders of all levels, with key features including:
Axi vs Pepperstone Add-Ons for MT4:
Clearly, both brokers offer features like Alarm Manager, Economic Calendar, and Correlation tools to aid trading decisions.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5):
MT5 is an upgraded platform offering everything MT4 does and more, including:
MT5 is recommended for new traders as it will continue to receive support and updates.
cTrader Forex Trading Platform
cTrader is an alternative platform for MT4. This is offered by Pepperstone only. Its main difference is the ability to personalise the interface for personal preference. Benefits include a more modern and attractive interface compared to MT4. This interface can be customised and has detachable charting options.
The data clearly indicates that both Pepperstone and Axi online brokers provide a similar array of features on the MT4 platform. However, Pepperstone stands out by offering additional options, namely MetaTrader 5 and cTrader. As MetaTrader 5 is set to replace MT4 in the future, it is anticipated to become the leading trading platform. Consequently, our team highly recommends MT5. Overall, our comparison of the Best Forex Brokers in Australia highlights Pepperstone’s excellence in this aspect.
Our Better Trading Platform Verdict
We strongly endorse Pepperstone for its outstanding performance, particularly its support for MT5 and MT4, as well as cTrading and TradingView. Most notably, their proprietary platform sets them apart from the competition.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Our team commends brokers with Superior accounts and features, essential for attracting diverse traders. These advanced tools enhance the trading experience, increasing client satisfaction, loyalty, and volume, thereby boosting the broker’s reputation and competitiveness.
Pepperstone Razor Account and Axi Account
If you’re using MetaTrader 5, the Pepperstone Razor account has low commissions of $3.50 per $100k USD side trip. This varies by currency:
Axi offers:
*Commission is per side. Round-turn is double. For MetaTrader 4, the USD commission is $3.76 per $100k USD.
cTrader fees are 0.0035% of the base currency. For 100,000 units of EUR/AUD, it’s €3.50 per side or €7 round turn.
Other Features:
Pepperstone offers Price Improvement Technology for better pricing during execution. They also have Standard and Islamic accounts.
Axi Features:
Standard Account:
Axi MT4 Pro Account:
Other Features:
Axi also has a Positive Price Improvement Program, similar to Pepperstone’s.
| Pepperstone | Axi | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap Free Account | Yes | Yes |
| Active Traders | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting (UK) | Yes | No |
Our Superior Accounts and Features Verdict
Comparing these two brokers is indeed quite a challenging task to undertake in a review, as it becomes apparent that one broker presents superior features and more advanced trading platforms compared to the other. This clear distinction leads our team to confidently recommend Pepperstone as the leading option in this particular category. However, it’s essential to recognize that the ultimate choice may vary based on individual trader preferences and their specific trading styles when dealing with different brokers. Thus, each trader must carefully assess their own needs before making a decision.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Brokers that offer the best trading experience excel in forex by providing advanced platforms, fast execution, competitive spreads, and strong customer support. These aspects help traders make informed decisions and manage accounts effectively. A user-friendly interface, educational resources, and diverse trading tools enhance the enjoyment and profitability of trading.
Our team at Compare Forex Brokers has thoroughly assessed the functionalities and ease of use of Axi and Pepperstone, cross-referencing our findings with rigorous testing for accuracy. Here’s what we found:
| Limit Order Speed | Limit Order Global Rank | Market Order Speed | Market Order Global Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | 77ms | 2/36 | 100ms | 10/36 |
| Axi | 90ms | 8/36 | 164ms | 25/36 |
Both Axi and Pepperstone offer unique advantages and disadvantages for various types of traders. It’s essential to choose a broker that aligns with your individual trading style. We trust our insights will assist you in making an informed decision.
Our Best Trading Experience and Ease Verdict
Our team can definitely assume that these two brokers are tied in this category due to their best trading experience and ease, thanks to their dedicated platforms and features available.
*Your capital is at risk ‘71.7% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Stronger trust and regulation in trading ensure a secure, transparent environment. Regulated brokers protect traders from fraud, fostering confidence and encouraging active investment. Trustworthy brokers attract more clients, boosting their reputation and market presence.
Pepperstone Trust Score
Axi Trust Score
Maximum leverage will vary depending on where you are trading from. Axi is regulated by two tier-1 financial authorities: the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Pepperstone is overseen by seven regulators, including ASIC and the FCA, as well as the DFSA (Dubai), CMA (Kenya), SCB (the Bahamas), CySEC (Europe) and BaFin (Germany).
Leverage For Clients In Australia, The UK And Europe
If you are a retail client from the UK (FCA), Europe (CySEC) or Australia (ASIC), the Pepperstone or Axi subsidiary will be required to cap your leverage due to local trading rules. This means the following maximum leverage is permitted
Retail traders with FCA, CySEC and ASIC regulations will have guaranteed Negative Balance Protection.
If you are a UK trader, you will not have access to either broker’s selection of cryptocurrency CFDs. Recently, the FCA amended regulation to ban crypto trading for retail investor accounts.
Leverage For Clients Outside The UK And Europe
While Axi is only regulated by ASIC and CySEC and therefore restricted to 30:1 leverage, Pepperstone operates offshore subsidiaries with higher leverage limits:
Risk Management
Pepperstone and Axi use automated ‘margin call’ (also sometimes called ‘minimum balance protection‘). MT4 has a feature that seeks to exit forex traders before their account balance goes negative. There is, however, no guarantee traders will be able to exit before the account goes into negative. Conservative and inexperienced traders will want to avoid forex trading when the forex market appears extremely volatile.
Both Pepperstone and Axi also offer a stop loss feature within the MetaTrader 4 platform. A stop-loss order is an instruction to close your forex position when the forex reaches a set price. This can minimise a trader’s losses if the forex market does not move in their favour. Like with minimum balance protection, this is not guaranteed. easyMarkets offers guaranteed protection.
Lastly, both Pepperstone and Axi have a take-profit option. Similar to stop losses, this feature works on the same principle but in reverse. This means exiting after a position has been hit at a favourable pre-determined level.
Both Pepperstone and Axi offer the same ‘default’ features that are available on the MT4 platform. Neither broker offers specialised risk management tools. If you require guaranteed protections, then consider brokers such as easyMarkets and Plus500.
| Pepperstone | Axi | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) BaFin (Germany) CYSEC (Cyprus) | FCA (UK) ASIC (Australia) FMA (New Zealand) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | DFSA (Dubai) | DFSA (Dubai) |
| Tier 3 Regulation | SCB (Bahamas) CMA (Kenya) | SVGFSA |
Our Stronger Trust and Regulation Verdict
Our team has observed that both Pepperstone and Axi offer comparable risk management features, yet Pepperstone stands out with its higher leverage of up to 500:1 through its offshore entity in the Bahamas. This clearly demonstrates that Pepperstone leads the pack in this aspect.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
We’ll discuss brokers with a diverse product range and extensive CFD markets, enabling traders to diversify portfolios and profit from various market conditions. A wide selection of instruments like forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies enhances the trading experience and adaptability to different strategies.
When trading CFDs (contracts for difference) in our Pepperstone vs Axi review, both brokers were found to offer the following Contracts for Difference:
Pepperstone also offers some CFDs that Axi does not. These include:
CFD Comparison
When we compared Pepperstone and Axi for their CFDs offering, we can make the following basic conclusions:
| CFDs | Pepperstone | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 93 | 72 |
| Indices | 26 | 17 Indices 14 Index Futures |
| Commodities | 40 Commodities 15 Metals, 4 Energies, 16 Softs, 5 Hard | 3 Metals (5 Gold crosses) 2 Energies 3 Metals Futures 3 Energy Futures 3 Softs Futures |
| Cryptocurrencies | 27 | 37 |
| Shares | 1,170 | 50 |
| ETFs | 108+ | No |
| Bonds/Treasuries | No | No |
| Other Products(Options,Futures) | No | No |
Our Top Product Range and CFD Markets Verdict
Our team believes that Pepperstone offers a superior choice for online CFD trading compared to Axi, as highlighted in the Best Forex Brokers in Australia analysis. It’s evident that Pepperstone excels over its competitor, thanks to its extensive product range and robust CFD markets.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Superior educational resources are essential in forex trading, offering traders comprehensive materials like webinars, articles, and courses. These resources enhance decision-making, improve strategies, and boost confidence in navigating the market, promoting continuous learning and long-term success. So when it comes to trading, education is truly essential part in this industry.
Both Axi and Pepperstone understand this and have invested heavily in providing top-notch educational resources for their clients. After a thorough review of their offerings and cross-referencing with our own in-depth testing, here’s a comparative breakdown:
Our Superior Educational Resources Verdict
In regard to having educational resources, Pepperstone takes the lead in this portion, making it the preferred choice for traders keen on continuous learning. This are all based in our team’s scoring.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Superior customer service is crucial in forex trading, making brokers stand out by providing timely support through 24/7 live chat, phone, and email, with multilingual assistance. This service enhances trader satisfaction and builds trust.
A head-to-head Pepperstone vs Axi on the surface seems to be a tie, with both offering:
| Feature | Pepperstone | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes |
| Support Hours | 24/7 | 24/5 |
| Multilingual Support | Yes | Yes |
The difference comes from the quality of the service provided, with Pepperstone having a reputation for its outstanding customer service. In 2016 and 2017, their outstanding customer service was recognised when ‘Investment Trends’ awarded them number #1 in this category. Pepperstone customer support team consists of real traders; therefore, they can help answer questions from both beginner and expert traders.
Our Superior Customer Service Verdict
Despite the close competition, Pepperstone consistently earns top marks for customer service from Investment Trends, a survey judged by real Australian forex traders. This recognition highlights Pepperstone’s commitment to providing exceptional support, securing its position as the leader in this category.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
The ease and variety of funding options play a pivotal role in a trader’s experience with a broker. This is due to brokers offer better funding options in forex trading, providing traders flexibility and convenience. Methods like bank transfers, credit/debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and cryptocurrencies allow efficient account management with low or no fees, improving the trading experience.
We see here that both Axi and Pepperstone have made significant strides in offering diverse and convenient funding methods to cater to their global clientele. Our team at Compare Forex Brokers has meticulously evaluated each broker’s funding options, and here’s what we’ve discovered:
Axi and Pepperstone both understand the importance of providing multiple funding avenues to ensure seamless transactions for their clients. Whether you’re looking to deposit or withdraw funds, the right funding option can make a world of difference in terms of speed, convenience, and security.
| Funding Option | Pepperstone | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | No |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| Neteller | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Rapid Pay | No | No |
| POLi / bPay | Yes | Yes |
| Klarna | No | No |
Our Better Funding Options Verdict
Our team believes that while both brokers provide an impressive array of funding options, Pepperstone stands out slightly due to its inclusion of PayPal and POLi, making it the preferred option for traders looking for a variety of funding methods.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Before we close this review, in this section, we will discuss how having A lower minimum deposit in forex trading. A lower minimum deposit in forex trading makes the market more accessible, particularly for beginners and traders with limited capital. It enables smaller investments, lowering the financial barrier and encouraging participation while allowing traders to gain experience without a large upfront cost.
For many traders, especially those just starting out, the minimum deposit requirement can be a significant factor in choosing a broker. It’s not just about the amount but the flexibility and accessibility it offers. A lower minimum deposit can be a sign of a broker’s commitment to catering to traders of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Axi and Pepperstone, two of the industry’s leading brokers, have their own minimum deposit requirements. Let’s take a closer look:
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Recommended Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | $0 | $200 |
| Axi | $0 | $200 |
Our Lower Minimum Deposit Verdict
Based on our data, we can clearly see that Pepperstone’s lower minimum deposit of $100 versus Axi’s $200 makes it a more accessible choice for traders, allowing it to outshine Axi in this category.
Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone
*Your capital is at risk ‘75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Pepperstone truly excels in this niche all because it consistently outperforms Axi in several key areas, offering traders a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict:
| Categories | Pepperstone | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | Yes | No |
| Better Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Superior Accounts And Features | Yes | No |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | Yes | Yes |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | Yes | No |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | Yes | No |
| Superior Educational Resources | Yes | No |
| Superior Customer Service | Yes | No |
| Better Funding Options | Yes | No |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | Yes | No |
For those just starting out, Pepperstone offers a more intuitive platform and a wealth of educational resources, making it the top choice for beginner traders.
For seasoned professionals, Pepperstone again stands out with its advanced tools, tighter spreads, and superior customer service, catering to the needs of experienced traders.
Pepperstone generally offers lower costs compared to Axi. With competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips, traders can benefit from cost-effective trading. On average, Pepperstone’s EUR/USD spread is notably lower than many of its competitors. For an in-depth comparison of brokers with the most competitive rates, check out our Lowest Commission Brokers.
Both Pepperstone and Axi offer MetaTrader 4, but Pepperstone is renowned for its enhanced MT4 features and seamless integration. Their platform provides advanced tools and a user-friendly experience tailored for both beginners and professionals. To understand more about the top-performing MT4 platforms, explore our comprehensive guide to the best MT4 brokers.
Pepperstone stands out when it comes to offering social trading features. They have integrated platforms like ZuluTrade and Myfxbook for traders interested in copy trading. This allows users to mimic the trades of experienced traders and benefit from their strategies. For a deeper dive into the world of social trading, here’s our guide on the best social trading platforms.
Pepperstone offers spread betting, while Axi does not. Spread betting is a popular form of trading in the UK, allowing traders to bet on the direction of market movements without owning the underlying asset. For those interested in exploring the best spread betting platforms, our comprehensive guide on top spread betting brokers provides valuable insights.
In my opinion, Pepperstone is the superior choice for Australian forex traders. Founded in Australia and regulated by ASIC, Pepperstone has a strong foothold in the Australian market. Axi, while also ASIC regulated, is headquartered overseas. Both brokers offer competitive spreads and a range of trading platforms, but Pepperstone’s local presence and commitment to the Australian market give it an edge. For a detailed comparison, check out our review on the Best Forex Brokers In Australia.
For UK traders, I believe Pepperstone holds a slight advantage over Axi. Both brokers are FCA regulated, ensuring a high level of trust and security for UK traders. However, Pepperstone’s comprehensive trading tools, coupled with its robust platform offerings, make it a preferred choice for many in the UK. If you’re keen on exploring the best platforms for UK traders, our guide on top UK trading platforms offers a deep dive into the subject.
Ask an Expert
Which broker is better for trading cryptocurrencies?
Axi have 10 crypto pairs available for trade, Pepperstone has 21 currency pairs plus 3 crypto indices so if you want more variety of cryptos, Pepperstone is the way to go.
How do I add money to my AXI account?
Log in to your account and navigate to the “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred payment method, enter the deposit amount (minimum deposit is $200), and simply follow the prompts to complete the transaction. The funds should be credited to your account shortly after the process is completed.