Head to head

HYCM vs Pepperstone (2026)

HYCM

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Pepperstone

Higher overall score

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The verdict

Pepperstone edges it overall with a Clarity Score of 90 vs 64, helped by stronger regulation & safety. But HYCM can still be the better fit.

Side by side

Full comparison

Metric	HYCM	Pepperstone
Clarity Score	64	90
Risk level	Higher risk	Higher risk
Regulators	FCA, DFSA, CMA (UAE)	FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, CMA, CMA (UAE), SCB
Segregated funds	HYCM says capital not allocated to margin is segregated from operating funds. Check the exact entity's client-money terms.	Yes
All-in cost	$$···	$···· Costs and charges may vary depending on the jurisdiction
Min deposit	$20	$10
Typical spread (EUR/USD)	0.1 pips	0 pips
Max leverage (intl.)	500:1	1000:1
Withdrawal speed	3–7 daysArrival · broker-stated	Same–next day
Demo account	Yes	Yes
Copy trading	No	Choose your country to check Copy trading is not intended for EU/UK/AU-based audiences
Platforms	MT4, MT5, HYCM Trader	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Web, iOS, Android

Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value on that metric. Figures are reviewed regularly — verify current terms before depositing.

Pick HYCM if you want…

a solid all-round option for your needs

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Pick Pepperstone if you want…

stronger regulation & safety
lower all-in cost
better for beginners
a higher-rated app
stronger advanced tools
faster withdrawals

80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Risk warning. CFDs and leveraged products are complex and high-risk. In the broker disclosures we track, 65% to 81% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs (figures by entity, read September 2026). Whether losses can exceed your deposit depends on the entity that onboards you: negative-balance protection is mandatory for retail clients under FCA, ESMA and ASIC rules, not at every offshore entity. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.

HYCM: CFDs carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. HYCM's international agreement names a Costa Rica company; the UK and Dubai authorisations do not apply to every HYCM account. Check the company on your agreement before depositing.

Pepperstone: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 73.6% and 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Pepperstone, depending on the entity that onboards you (Pepperstone Limited 73.6%, Pepperstone EU Limited 74.1%, Pepperstone GmbH 76.1%, Pepperstone Markets Limited 80%; figures read on the entity sites 2026-10-13). You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

We earn a commission if you open an account through our links — at no extra cost to you. It does not change our rankings. How we make money.

FAQ

Common questions

Is HYCM or Pepperstone better?

Pepperstone edges it overall with a Clarity Score of 90 vs 64, helped by stronger regulation & safety. But HYCM can still be the better fit.

Which is cheaper, HYCM or Pepperstone?

On all-in cost, Pepperstone is cheaper (cost index 1/5 vs 2/5). Compare the full fee breakdown on each review.

Which is better regulated?

Pepperstone scores higher on our regulation & safety criterion. HYCM: FCA, DFSA, CMA (UAE). Pepperstone: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, CMA, CMA (UAE), SCB.

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