Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets vs Pepperstone. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator and offer trading in USD, but they cater to different styles. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is known for its user-friendly fixed spread platform, risk management tools like dealCancellation, and a simpler approach ideal for beginners. Pepperstone (4.9/5) dominates with ultra-low spreads, fast execution via MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader, and extensive market access. For Cypriot traders, the choice depends on trading volume, cost sensitivity, and platform preference. Both brokers accept local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits straightforward. In this 2025 comparison, we examine spreads, regulation, platforms, and account features specifically for traders based in Cyprus.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Pepperstone |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Pepperstone |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Pepperstone |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Pepperstone |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | Pepperstone |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs can significantly impact profitability, especially for scalpers or high-volume traders. Pepperstone offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with a $7 round-turn commission per standard lot. This is highly competitive for active traders. EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads, typically starting at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission but wider overall costs. On a 1-lot trade, Pepperstone may cost around $7 commission plus minimal spread, while EasyMarkets could cost $10-15 in spread alone. Over many trades, Pepperstone’s variable spreads often result in lower total costs for Cyprus traders, especially when trading USD pairs.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Pepperstone |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders need robust platforms that work on desktop and mobile. Pepperstone provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView, covering advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and mobile app, which are intuitive but lack the depth of MT5 or cTrader. For Cyprus traders who rely on algorithmic trading or detailed analysis, Pepperstone’s platform suite is a clear winner. EasyMarkets’ platform is suitable for beginners who prefer a simplified interface with built-in risk tools.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Pepperstone |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Cyprus traders, especially scalpers and day traders. Pepperstone uses Straight Through Processing (STP) with multiple liquidity providers, achieving average execution speeds under 30ms and minimal slippage. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For active traders, Pepperstone’s execution is superior, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer predictable order fills.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Pepperstone are regulated by the local financial regulator in Cyprus, which is the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This ensures compliance with MiFID II standards, client fund segregation, and negative balance protection for retail traders. Pepperstone is also regulated in Australia and the UK, adding an extra layer of oversight. For Cyprus traders, CySEC regulation provides confidence that both brokers adhere to strict capital adequacy and reporting requirements. EasyMarkets (as Easy Forex) has a long history under CySEC, while Pepperstone gained its CySEC license more recently, but both are equally trustworthy for local clients.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 24 hours to 5 business days if submitted before 07:00 AEST |
Cyprus traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and Pepperstone. EasyMarkets also accepts Visa/Mastercard and local bank transfers in EUR or USD. Pepperstone supports the same methods plus PayPal and other e-wallets. Deposits are usually instant for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days; EasyMarkets charges no fees on most methods, while Pepperstone may have small fees on certain withdrawals. For Cyprus traders, the availability of USDT TRC20 is particularly useful for fast, low-cost transfers. Both brokers accept deposits in USD, avoiding conversion costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Cyprus can access Islamic (swap-free) accounts from both brokers. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts with fixed spreads and no swap charges, but the account must be requested and approved. The platform retains its risk management tools, including dealCancellation. Pepperstone offers swap-free accounts on its Standard and Raw accounts, with the same low spreads and commissions but no overnight interest. Traders should note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on long-term positions or require a minimum trading activity. Both brokers comply with Islamic finance principles and are suitable for Cyprus-based Muslim traders seeking halal trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is available in English and Greek for Cyprus traders at both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with a reputation for friendly, quick responses. Pepperstone provides 24/7 live chat and email support, plus phone support during market hours. Pepperstone’s support is more comprehensive for technical and account issues. Both brokers have local Cyprus phone numbers and respond promptly, but Pepperstone’s multilingual team and extended hours give it a slight edge for traders who need help outside standard hours.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | Pepperstone |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Pepperstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Pepperstone if you...
For Cyprus traders, Pepperstone is the clear winner with a 4.9/5 rating versus EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5. Pepperstone offers lower trading costs, superior platforms, and faster execution, making it ideal for cost-conscious and active traders. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets remains a viable option for beginners who prefer a straightforward fixed spread account with extra safety features. However, for most retail traders in Cyprus seeking the best overall value and performance in 2025, Pepperstone is the recommended choice.