D
Dukascopy
3.7 / 5Score: 2 / 5
Swiss-regulated precision trading backed by over two decades of tier-1 oversight.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:200
- Spread from
- 0.1 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, MAS
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/14/2026
Dukascopy vs Pacific Union: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Dukascopy and Pacific Union appeal to very different traders, one built on Swiss-grade regulation, the other on rock-bottom entry costs. Our research puts Dukascopy ahead overall, but Pacific Union fights back hard on fees and accessibility.
PU
Pacific Union
3.2 / 5Score: 3 / 5
Ultra-low entry costs with razor-thin spreads designed for budget-conscious traders.
- Min deposit
- $20
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSCA, FSA
Overall Winner
Dukascopy
Best for Beginners
Dukascopy
Lowest Fees
Pacific Union
Top Regulation
Dukascopy
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | D Dukascopy | PU Pacific Union |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2004 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Mahé, Seychelles |
| Regulation | FCA, MAS | FSCA, FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3.5/lot | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Dukascopy
$100
Pacific Union
$20
Spreads From
Dukascopy
0.1 pips
Pacific Union
0 pips
Commission
Dukascopy
$3.5/lot
Pacific Union
$3/lot
Deposit Fees
Dukascopy
None
Pacific Union
None
Withdrawal Fees
Dukascopy
None
Pacific Union
None
Pros & cons
D
Dukascopy
Pros
- Holds tier-1 licences from FCA and MAS for stronger fund safety
- Offers access to six market categories, including stocks
- Over two decades of operating history since 2004
- Supports three distinct trading platforms including proprietary tools
- Higher overall rating of 3.7/5 on our independent scoring
- No fees charged on deposits or withdrawals
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit of $100 compared to competitors
- Leverage capped at 1:200, lower than some rivals
- Slightly wider headline spreads starting from 0.1 pips
- Commission of $3.5 per lot is marginally higher than Pacific Union
PU
Pacific Union
Pros
- Very low minimum deposit of just $20
- Tighter headline spreads starting from 0 pips
- Higher maximum leverage of up to 1:500
- Slightly lower commission at $3 per lot
- Supports the widely used MT4 and MT5 platforms
- No fees on deposits or withdrawals
Cons
- Lower overall rating of 3.2/5 compared to Dukascopy
- Regulated only by FSCA and FSA, both lower-tier bodies
- Shorter operating history, founded in 2015
- No individual stock trading offered
- Lacks a proprietary platform alternative to MetaTrader
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Dukascopy
Lowest fees Pacific Union
Best regulation Dukascopy
Better for beginners Dukascopy
Dukascopy is our recommended pick overall, earning a 3.7/5 on our independent rating versus Pacific Union's 3.2/5. Dukascopy's FCA and MAS licences give it a clear regulatory edge, while Pacific Union counters with 0.0 pip headline spreads and a far lower $20 minimum deposit. Traders prioritizing safety and market breadth should lean Dukascopy; cost-conscious beginners with small accounts may still find Pacific Union appealing.
Regulation & Safety
Dukascopy is the clear winner on regulatory strength, holding licences from the UK's FCA and Singapore's MAS, two of the most respected tier-1 regulators in the industry. This gives traders access to strict capital adequacy rules, segregated client funds, and robust dispute resolution channels.
Pacific Union, by contrast, is regulated by the FSCA (South Africa) and FSA (Seychelles), both considered lower-tier oversight bodies with lighter capital requirements and less stringent enforcement history.
For traders who prioritize fund safety above all else, especially those depositing larger sums, Dukascopy's Swiss heritage and tier-1 licensing make it the more trustworthy choice on paper.
Fees & Spreads
Pacific Union technically wins on headline pricing, advertising spreads from 0.0 pips compared to Dukascopy's 0.1 pips. Its commission structure is also marginally cheaper at $3 per lot versus Dukascopy's $3.5 per lot.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which keeps the overall cost comparison relatively clean and transparent for both platforms.
That said, headline spread figures can be misleading without consistent execution data, and Dukascopy's tier-1 regulatory backing often translates into more reliable pricing during volatile market conditions, even if the raw numbers look slightly higher.
Account Accessibility & Leverage
Pacific Union is significantly more accessible for traders starting out with limited capital, requiring just a $20 minimum deposit compared to Dukascopy's $100 threshold.
Leverage also favors Pacific Union, which offers up to 1:500 versus Dukascopy's more conservative 1:200 cap. Higher leverage can amplify both gains and losses, so this is a double-edged advantage.
Beginners on a tight budget may find Pacific Union's lower entry barrier attractive, but should treat the higher leverage ceiling with caution given the increased risk exposure.
Trading Platforms & Markets
Dukascopy supports a broader platform lineup with its own Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms alongside MT4, giving traders flexibility between in-house tools and the industry-standard MetaTrader ecosystem.
Pacific Union sticks to the more familiar MT4 and MT5 combination, which benefits traders who already have experience with MetaTrader's charting and automated trading tools.
On market breadth, Dukascopy edges ahead with six asset classes including individual stocks, while Pacific Union covers five, notably omitting standalone stock trading.
Company Background & Stability
Dukascopy has a significantly longer operating history, founded in 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland, giving it over two decades of market presence and institutional credibility.
Pacific Union was founded more recently in 2015 and is headquartered in Mahé, Seychelles, a jurisdiction known for lighter corporate oversight.
Longevity and headquarters location matter for traders assessing long-term platform stability, and Dukascopy's track record provides more reassurance in this regard.
Our Verdict
Weighing all factors, Dukascopy earns the higher overall rating of 3.7/5 against Pacific Union's 3.2/5, driven primarily by superior regulation, longer track record, and wider market access.
Pacific Union remains a legitimate option for beginners who need a low-cost entry point and don't mind trading under lighter regulatory oversight, especially if cost per trade is the top priority.
For most traders, particularly those with larger account sizes or a focus on long-term capital protection, Dukascopy represents the stronger all-around package.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Dukascopy wins overall
Dukascopy edges out Pacific Union overall based on our expert rating score.
D
Highest Rated
Dukascopy
3.7 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.7/5).
DukascopyBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
DukascopyLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Pacific UnionStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Dukascopy
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Dukascopy scores higher overall at 3.7 out of 5 compared to Pacific Union's 3.2 out of 5. The gap is driven mainly by Dukascopy's stronger regulatory standing and longer operating history, though your ideal choice still depends on your personal trading priorities and budget.
Pacific Union holds a slight edge on headline costs, advertising spreads from 0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot, compared to Dukascopy's spreads from 0.1 pips and $3.5 per lot commission. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, keeping the overall comparison fairly close.
Dukascopy requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Pacific Union only requires $20 to get started. This makes Pacific Union notably more accessible for beginners or those testing a strategy with smaller capital.
Dukascopy is regulated by the FCA and MAS, both recognized tier-1 regulatory bodies with strict oversight standards. Pacific Union is regulated by the FSCA and FSA, which are generally considered lower-tier regulators with lighter enforcement frameworks.
Dukascopy offers its own Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms alongside MT4, giving traders a choice between in-house tools and the MetaTrader ecosystem. Pacific Union supports both MT4 and MT5, appealing to traders who prefer the standard MetaTrader suite.
Yes, both brokers are accessible to beginners, though Pacific Union's $20 minimum deposit makes it easier to start with minimal capital. Dukascopy, despite its higher $100 minimum, is still considered a strong option for beginners thanks to its regulatory safety and educational resources.
Pacific Union offers higher maximum leverage at up to 1:500, compared to Dukascopy's more conservative cap of 1:200. While higher leverage can boost potential returns, it also increases risk, so traders should use it cautiously regardless of which broker they choose.
Dukascopy supports a broader range of markets including individual stocks, alongside forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto. Pacific Union covers five asset classes but does not offer standalone individual stock trading.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from opening accounts with both brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across multiple platforms to take advantage of different fee structures, asset availability, and regulatory protections.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.