Pepperstone Leverage

Last updated Oct 19, 2024

Pepperstone leverage varies depending on the trading instrument and the client's jurisdiction. On this page, we provide a detailed overview of the maximum leverage levels offered by Pepperstone across different regions and instruments.

Overview of Pepperstone Leverage

Three main factors determine the leverage levels you can access on the Pepperstone trading platform:

  1. Your location and the specific Pepperstone subsidiary you use, affect financial regulation.

  2. The asset or product you intend to trade.

  3. Whether you are classified as a retail or professional trader.

Below, we provide an overview of the leverage limits available to traders using Pepperstone:

ProductsCMA (Kenya)SCB (Bahamas)ASIC, FCA, BaFin, CySEC, DFSA - RetailASIC, FCA, BaFin, CySEC, DFSA - Pro
Forex1:400500:130:1500:1
Precious Metals1:100100:120:1500:1
Energy Carriers1:100100:110:1100:1
Soft Commodities1:5050:110:1100:1
Indices1:400400:120:1200:1
Stocks1:2020:15:120:1
ETFs1:2020:15:120:1

Maximum Leverage on Pepperstone (Global)

Trading InstrumentMax. Leverage for Retail TradersMax. Leverage for Pro Traders
Forex
1:200
1:500
Precious Metals
1:100
1:100
Energy Carriers
1:100
1:100
Soft Commodities
1:50
1:50
Indices
1:200
1:400
Stocks
1:20
1:20
ETF
1:20
1:20
Cryptocurrency
1:2
1:2

Under the regulation of the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB), professional traders can access a maximum leverage of 1:500, while retail traders are limited to a maximum leverage of 1:200. This high leverage availability applies globally except for traders in Kenya, Australia, the UK, European Union, and the UAE.

Maximum Leverage on Pepperstone (AU, UK, EU, AE)

Trading InstrumentMax. Leverage for Retail TradersMax. Leverage for Pro Traders
Forex1:301:500
Precious Metals1:201:100
Energy Carriers1:101:100
Soft Commodities1:101:50
Indices1:201:400
Stocks1:51:20
ETF1:51:20
Cryptocurrency (except UK)1:21:10

In regions such as Australia (AU), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), and the United Arab Emirates (AE), Pepperstone offers varying leverage levels based on trader classification. Retail traders have access to a maximum leverage of 1:30 for Forex and lower levels for other instruments, while professional traders can benefit from a higher leverage of up to 1:500 for Forex. This tiered leverage system ensures compliance with local regulations and provides appropriate risk management measures for traders.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following reviews:

Maximum Leverage on Pepperstone (Kenya)

Trading InstrumentMax. Leverage for Retail Traders
Forex1:400
Precious Metals1:100
Energy Carriers1:100
Soft Commodities1:50
Indices1:400
Stocks1:20
ETF1:20

In Kenya, Pepperstone offers substantial leverage levels to retail traders, with a maximum leverage of 1:400 for Forex and indices, 1:100 for precious metals and energy carriers, and lower leverage for other instruments. These amounts of leverage provide traders in Kenya with the opportunity to amplify their trading positions significantly while adhering to the regulatory guidelines of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following review:

Comparison of Pepperstone's Maximum Leverage and Other CFD Brokers

The leverage ratio can significantly impact trading strategies, allowing traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. Here, we compare the maximum leverage offered by Pepperstone with other best CFD brokers.

BrokerMaximum Leverage
Pepperstone1:500
IC Markets1:500
AvaTrade1:400
RoboForex1:2000
FxPro1:1000

Pepperstone provides competitive leverage levels, with professional traders able to access up to 1:500 leverage. This is on par with IC Markets, another broker known for providing high leverage. AvaTrade offers a slightly lower maximum leverage of 1:400, while RoboForex stands out with an impressive maximum leverage of 1:2000. FxPro offers one of the highest leverages available, with up to 1:10000.

For traders seeking brokers that offer high leverage, it's crucial to consider not just the leverage but also the regulatory environment and the specific conditions attached to each broker. High leverage can amplify both potential gains and losses, making effective risk management essential.

To explore more options and details about brokers with high leverage, visit our dedicated page on brokers that offer high leverage. This resource provides comprehensive comparisons and insights to help you make informed decisions when choosing a broker.

How to Get High Leverage on Pepperstone

Achieving high leverage on Pepperstone involves meeting certain criteria and understanding the conditions under which higher leverage is granted. Here are the key steps to access higher leverage:

  1. Qualify as a Professional Trader: High leverage levels are primarily available to professional traders. To qualify, you generally need to meet at least two of the following criteria:

    • Sufficient trading activity in the last year, such as making a significant number of trades of a substantial size.
    • A financial portfolio, including cash deposits and financial instruments, exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., €500,000).
    • Relevant professional experience in the financial sector that requires knowledge of derivatives trading and leverage.
  2. Open a Professional Account: Once you qualify as a professional trader, you can apply for a professional account with Pepperstone. This involves providing evidence of your trading experience, financial portfolio, and professional background.

  3. Understand Regulatory Differences: Different regions have varying regulations concerning leverage. For instance, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) caps retail leverage at 1:30 for major forex pairs but allows professional traders to use leverage up to 1:500. Similarly, in Australia, retail traders are limited by ASIC to 1:30 for forex, while professional traders can access up to 1:500.

  4. Choose the Right Trading Instruments: Certain trading instruments have higher leverage limits. For example, forex and indices typically offer higher leverage compared to stocks and cryptocurrencies. Knowing which instruments allow for higher leverage can help you plan your trading strategy effectively.

  5. Maintain a High Account Balance: Having a larger account balance can sometimes qualify you for higher leverage, even if you are not classified as a professional trader. This is particularly relevant in jurisdictions with more flexible leverage regulations.

  6. Regularly Update Your Trading Knowledge and Skills: Continuous education and staying informed about market conditions and regulatory changes can enhance your trading proficiency. This not only improves your trading performance but also demonstrates your capability to handle higher leverage responsibly.

By following these steps, you can access higher leverage levels on Pepperstone, enabling you to amplify your trading positions and potentially increase your returns. However, it's crucial to use high leverage judiciously, as it also increases the risk of significant losses.

FAQ

Does Pepperstone accept US clients?

No, Pepperstone does not accept clients from the United States due to regulatory restrictions. For more details, visit the Pepperstone US clients page.

What is the leverage for Pepperstone?

Pepperstone offers different leverage levels depending on the trader's classification (retail or professional) and the regulatory region. Retail traders typically have access to leverage up to 1:30 for major forex pairs, while professional traders can access leverage up to 1:500.

How does Pepperstone leverage work?

Leverage at Pepperstone allows traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. For example, with 1:30 leverage, you can control a $30,000 position with just $1,000 of your capital. This can amplify both potential profits and losses.

Can you change leverage at Pepperstone?

Yes, you can change the leverage on your Pepperstone account by contacting their customer support or through the client portal, depending on your regulatory jurisdiction and trading account type.

Is Pepperstone safe for trading?

Yes, Pepperstone is considered safe for trading. It is regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC (Cyprus). These regulators ensure that Pepperstone adheres to strict financial standards and provides a secure trading environment.

What is the best leverage for a small account at Pepperstone?

For small accounts, it is advisable to use lower leverage to manage risk effectively. Leverage of 1:30 or 1:50 is generally recommended to balance the potential for profit with the risk of significant losses.

Does Pepperstone allow short selling?

Yes, Pepperstone allows short selling on various instruments, including forex, indices, and commodities. This enables traders to potentially profit from falling markets.

Is CFD trading tax-free at Pepperstone?

The tax status of CFD trading depends on the jurisdiction you are trading from. In some regions, trading CFDs may be tax-free, while in others, it may be subject to capital gains tax or other forms of taxation. It's essential to consult a tax advisor for specific guidance based on your location.

How to reduce risk in CFD trading?

To reduce risk in trading CFDs, use stop-loss orders, diversify your portfolio, manage leverage wisely, and continuously monitor your positions. Additionally, educate yourself about the markets and employ risk management strategies such as position sizing and maintaining a favorable risk-reward ratio.

What is the margin percentage at Pepperstone?

The margin percentage at Pepperstone varies depending on the instrument and leverage used. For example, with leverage of 1:30, the margin requirement is approximately 3.33% of the trade value.

Are leverage limits the same across all Pepperstone account types?

No, leverage limits differ between retail and professional accounts. Retail accounts have stricter leverage limits (e.g., 1:30 for major Forex pairs), while professional accounts can access higher leverage (up to 1:500) depending on regulatory jurisdiction.

Can you manually set leverage at Pepperstone?

Yes, traders can request changes to their leverage settings by contacting Pepperstone's customer support or adjusting settings through the client portal, subject to regulatory constraints and account type.

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.