Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker face a tough choice between Pepperstone and FxPro. Both brokers are well-established and accept Kiwi clients, offering access to global markets with competitive trading conditions. Pepperstone, with a stellar 4.9/5 rating, is known for its razor-thin spreads and lightning-fast execution, making it a top pick for retail traders in New Zealand. FxPro, rated 4.1/5, offers a robust multi-asset platform and a strong reputation but falls slightly short on cost efficiency. For New Zealand traders, local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are supported by both brokers, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals. With the local financial regulator overseeing compliance, Kiwi traders can trade with confidence. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2026.

| Instrument | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | Pepperstone |
| Inactivity fee | โ | โ | Tie |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Pepperstone offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Razor account, with a commission of $7 per lot round turn. This is ideal for high-volume traders who want to minimize costs. FxPro's spreads start from 0.6 pips on its cTrader platform, with no commission on standard accounts. For a Kiwi trading 10 lots per month on EUR/USD, Pepperstone's total cost is around $70 in commission plus negligible spreads, while FxPro may cost $60 in spread costs alone. However, Pepperstone's tighter spreads on major pairs often lead to lower overall costs for active traders. For New Zealanders, Pepperstone's Razor account is generally more cost-effective.
| Account Type | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | โ | โ |
| ECN / Raw spread | โ | โ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | โ | โ |
| Demo account | โ | โ |
| PAMM / MAM account | โ | โ |
| Zero spread account | โ | โ |
| Copy trading | โ | โ |
| VPS trading | โ | โ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Neg. balance protection | โ | โ |
| Entity / Asset | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Pepperstone |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | โ | โ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | โ | โ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Pepperstone |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Pepperstone |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | โ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | โ | โ | Tie |
| Options | โ | โ | Tie |
| Futures | โ | โ | Tie |
| Platform | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | โ | โ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | โ | โ |
| cTrader | โ | โ |
| TradingView | โ Exclusive | โ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | โ | โ |
| Scalping allowed | โ | โ |
| Hedging allowed | โ | โ |
| Fixed spreads | โ | โ |
| Variable spreads | โ | โ |
Both brokers offer platforms tailored to New Zealand traders. Pepperstone provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and its proprietary TradingView integration. This variety suits Kiwi traders who prefer advanced charting, automated trading, or social trading. FxPro offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, and its own FxPro Edge platform. For New Zealand traders, both brokers support mobile trading on iOS and Android, ensuring you can trade on the go. Pepperstone's TradingView integration is a standout for charting enthusiasts, while FxPro's cTrader offers intuitive order management. Overall, Pepperstone's platform range is slightly more diverse.
| Factor | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Pepperstone |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | โ | โ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | โ | โ | Tie |
| News trading | โ | โ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | โ | โ | Tie |
Execution quality is paramount for New Zealand traders. Pepperstone boasts an average execution speed of 30-40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and direct market access. FxPro offers execution speeds of around 50-60 milliseconds, which is still competitive. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in New Zealand, Pepperstone's faster execution and minimal slippage provide a clear advantage. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, but Pepperstone's technology edge shines through.
| Safety Factor | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Reg number | #684312 | #509956 |
| Verify registration | Verify โ | Verify โ |
| Top-tier regulated | โ | โ |
| Investor protection | โ | โ |
| Segregated funds | โ | โ |
| Neg. balance protection | โ | โ |
Regulation is key for New Zealand traders. Pepperstone is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, providing strong oversight. FxPro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). While neither is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, both comply with international standards. For Kiwi traders, this means client funds are segregated and protected under respective compensation schemes. Pepperstone's ASIC regulation offers additional confidence due to its proximity and strict Australian rules.
| Payment Method | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | โ | โ |
| Visa / Mastercard | โ | โ |
| Skrill | โ | โ |
| Neteller | โ | โ |
| USDT / Crypto | โ | โ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | Same business day if submitted before 07:00 AEST; otherwise next business day; bank wire several days | Instant for most methods; bank wire 3-5 days intl; withdrawals 24/5 |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
New Zealand traders have several convenient options for deposits and withdrawals at both brokers. Pepperstone accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, along with credit/debit cards and PayPal. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are instant, while Bank Transfer takes 1-3 business days. FxPro also supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, plus UnionPay and credit/debit cards. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed quickly: e-wallets take 24 hours, USDT is instant, and Bank Transfer takes 1-3 days. Minimum deposits are low (Pepperstone: $200, FxPro: $100), making both accessible for Kiwi retail traders. No deposit fees are charged by either broker, but your bank may apply charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | Pepperstone | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | โ | โ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | โ | โ |
| Gold swap-free | โ | โ |
| Crypto swap-free | โ | โ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both Pepperstone and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Pepperstone provides swap-free accounts on request, eliminating overnight interest charges on all instruments. FxPro also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, available via customer support. For New Zealand traders, both brokers ensure these accounts are accessible, though Pepperstone's process is slightly more streamlined. It's important to note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on certain instruments or holding periods. Kiwi traders should confirm eligibility and terms before opening.
| Support Feature | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | โ | โ | Tie |
| Phone support | โ | โ | Tie |
| Email support | โ | โ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | โ | โ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | โ | โ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Pepperstone |
New Zealand traders benefit from 24/5 customer support at both brokers. Pepperstone offers live chat, email, and phone support, with a dedicated team that responds quickly. FxPro provides similar channels, including 24/5 multilingual support. Pepperstone's support is slightly more responsive, with average response times under 30 seconds for live chat. For Kiwi traders, both brokers support English, ensuring clear communication. However, Pepperstone's higher rating reflects its superior service quality.
| Mobile Feature | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5โ | 4.3โ | Pepperstone |
| Google Play rating | 4.3โ | 4.2โ | Pepperstone |
| Biometric login | โ | โ | Tie |
| Push notifications | โ | โ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | โ | โ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | โ | โ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | โ | โ | Pepperstone |
| Dark mode | โ | โ | Tie |
| Resource | Pepperstone | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Pepperstone |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | โ | โ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Pepperstone |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | Pepperstone |
Choose Pepperstone if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For New Zealand traders in 2026, Pepperstone is the clear winner over FxPro. With a 4.9/5 rating, tighter spreads, faster execution, and a broader platform selection, Pepperstone caters better to retail traders in New Zealand. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, but Pepperstone's overall cost efficiency and customer support give it an edge. While FxPro is a solid choice for beginners or those wanting a multi-asset broker, Pepperstone's superior trading conditions make it the top pick for Kiwis. The local financial regulator's oversight ensures a safe trading environment for both brokers.