Best Low Spread Forex Brokers Reviewed for 2024 – Cheapest Brokers Compared

Why Trust Techopedia
Why Trust Techopedia

Inexperienced forex traders will often focus on the commission when assessing fees. But the spread is equally as important, as this is an indirect fee charged on both buy and sell orders.

In this guide, we reveal the twelve best low spread brokers for 2024. Not only do we rank brokers based on average spreads, but also commissions, payment types, supported markets, leverage limits, and much more.

Top Low Spread Brokers Shortlisted

The twelve best low spread brokers are ranked in the list below:

  1. eToroBest low-spread broker with 55 forex brokers. Spreads starting from 1.0 pips. Copy trading, sentiment analysis, and 400:1 leverage.
  2. XTB: Low spread, no-commission broker with 48 currency pairs. Spreads of 1.3 pips for EUR/USD. Leverage of up to 1:500.
  3. AvaTrade: 0% commission trading.. Spreads start from 0.9 pips when trading EUR/USD.
  4. FP Markets: Low spread forex broker offering consistently low spreads that start from 0.0 pips.
  5. Pepperstone: Razor account offers 0.0 pip spreads plus commissions of $3.50 for every lot traded.
  6. Admiral Markets: Offers competitive fees with spreads as low as 0.1 pips for EURUSD and commission from 1.8 USD per lot.
  7. Plus500 – Low commission CFD broker, which also supports futures trading on the Plus500Futures platform, including majors and exotic futures (which have commissions).
  8. IUX: Low spread forex broker suited to beginners. Spreads starting from 0.0 pips.
  9. Libertex: Zero-commission forex broker with spreads from just 0.2 pips. Eligible traders can apply up to 999X leverage.
  10. Skilling: Commission-free broker offering EUR/USD spreads from 0.7 pips. Leverage of up to 1:30.
  11. IG: Forex broker popular with US clients and 80+ forex pairs. EUR/USD spreads start from 0.8 pips.
  12. Forex.com: Supports over 80 currency pairs. Standard account offers 0% commission trading and EUR/USD spreads from 0.7 pips.
  13. Capital.com: Supports 125 currency pairs with zero commission and leverage of up to 30X. EUR/USD spreads start from 0.6 pips.

Best Low Spread Forex Brokers Reviewed

Read on to discover what the best lowest spread forex brokers offer in 2024. Our reviews not only cover spreads but also other important metrics. For instance, supported markets, minimum deposit requirements, and regulations.

1. eToro – Best Low-spread Broker with Trading Fees from 1.0 Pips

eToro is a popular low-spread forex broker offering forex trading fees starting at only 1.0 pip for the popular EUR/USD trading pair. It backs up these low spreads with overnight fees starting at only $0.00000227 per sell and $-0.00008473 per buy. 

There are no deposit fees for bank transfers, debit cards, or e-wallets making it one of the most competitive platforms on the market.

eToro FX pairs

Beyond just offering low fees, there’s a lot more for forex traders to like about eToro. This forex broker has its own powerful trading platform that makes it easy to monitor a wide range of trading pairs at once. You can set up alerts, save custom chart layouts, and find trading opportunities using dozens of built-in technical indicators.

On top of that, eToro helps you track market sentiment for each forex pair it offers. You can see at a glance whether other traders on eToro are buying or selling and incorporate that information into your trading strategy.

You can also mimic the moves of experienced forex traders on eToro thanks to its copy trading feature. This is a great way to implement different forex trading strategies in your portfolio without having to watch the market all day. Regulated by leading bodies in the UK and Europe, eToro is the perfect platform for beginner and investor alike.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
eToro 1.0 pips 2.0 pips

Pros pros

  • Spreads from 1.0 pips for forex CFDs
  • Low overnight fees
  • Powerful charting platform
  • Tracks trader sentiment for forex pairs
  • Supports forex copy trading

Cons cons

  • Minimum deposit to open an account
  • $10 per month fee after 12 months of inactivity

76% of retail CFD accounts lose money – your capital is at risk.

2. XTB – Low Spread Broker Offers 48 Currency Pairs

XTB is one of the best low spread brokers for day traders. Not only does it offer competitive spreads but there are no commissions to pay. This is the case for all supported markets. EUR/USD, for example, starts from just 1.3 pips.  Moreover, XTB is suitable for beginners, as there is no minimum deposit requirement.

It is important to note that XTB spreads are variable. This means that spreads will change throughout the day, depending on broader trading commissions. For example, GBP/USD is currently trading with spreads of 1.6 pips, because the markets are closed. However, this is reduced to 1.3 pips during standard market hours. XTB is also one of the best low spread brokers for obtaining high-leverage limits.

XTB forex spreads

Eligible traders can buy and sell forex pairs with leverage of up to 1:500. This translates to a margin requirement of just 0.2%. In addition to forex, XTB supports thousands of other financial instruments. This includes everything from stocks and indices to cryptocurrencies and commodities. XTB has its own native trading platform – xStation 5. This offers plenty of advanced trading tools, including technical indicators.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
XTB 1.3 pips 1.3 pips

Pros pros

  • 0% commission on all supported markets
  • EUR/USD spreads start from 1.3 pips
  • One of the best high-leverage brokers (up to 1:500)
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Regulated in multiple jurisdictions

Cons cons

  • Variable spreads are wider outside of standard market hours

Forex and CFDs are leveraged products and can result in losses that exceed your deposits. Please make sure you fully understand all risks.

3. AvaTrade – Established Forex Broker With EUR/USD Spreads Starting at 0.9 Pips        

AvaTrade is an established forex broker that also supports other leveraged markets, including stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and options. When trading EUR/USD, AvaTrade offers spreads of just 0.9 pips. USD/JPY and AUD/USD can be traded with spreads of 1 pip and 1.1 pip, respectively. GBP/USD is slightly less competitive at 1.5 pips.

Nonetheless, AvaTrade doesn’t charge trading commissions on any of its supported markets, making it one of the best forex brokers with low spread. In addition, AvaTrade offers eligible clients leverage of up to 1:400 on major and minor forex pairs. Exotics can be traded with leverage of up to 1:100. AvaTrade supports multiple trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. It also offers a native web trading platform.

avatrade homepage

Users can also trade via the AvaTrade mobile app for iOS and Android. AvaTrade is also popular for its regulatory framework. It is authorized and licensed in nine different countries. We also like that AvaTrade offers fee-free deposits and withdrawals. Accepted payment methods include debit/credit cards and bank wires. The minimum deposit is $100, or the currency equivalent.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
AvaTrade 0.9 pips 1.5 pips

Pros pros

  • Regulated forex broker with licenses in nine different countries
  • No commissions are payable on any supported markets
  • EUR/USD spreads start from 0.9 pips
  • Fee-free deposits and withdrawals

Cons cons

  • Supports DupliTrade – but this requires a minimum deposit of $5,000

4. FP Markets: Low commission Forex Broker Featuring Spreads Starting from 0.0 Pips

FP Markets logoFP Markets stands out as one of the premier forex trading platforms, offering exceptionally low spreads that begin at 0.0 pips. It supports an extensive range of over 70 currency pairs, providing robust trading options in major pairs such as GBP/USD, EUR/USD, and USD/JPY. The platform operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, catering to the global forex market.

FP Markets Forex Trading

The platform boasts fast trade execution, largely due to the integration of Equinix servers. This high-speed capability is complemented by features such as margin and leverage trading facilities, which allow for swift investment actions. FP Markets operates through cTrader and MetaTrader 4, renowned for its power and versatility, and features a customizable interface to enhance user experience.

Security is a top priority at FP Markets, with robust measures like 128-bit encryption to protect trader data. Additionally, the platform offers Expert Advisors to aid traders in making informed decisions. Multilingual customer support further enhances accessibility, making FP Markets a highly recommended choice for forex traders worldwide.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
FP Markets 0.0 pips 0.0 pips

Pros pros

  • Access more than 10,000 financial products
  • 70+ currency markets available to trade
  • Fast execution thanks to Equinix servers
  • Forex trading supported through MetaTrader 4

Cons cons

  • Certain withdrawal methods come with fees

5. Pepperstone – 0.0 Pip Spread Accounts With Deep Liquidity     

Pepperstone, used by more than 400,000 traders globally, offers some of the lowest spreads in the market. Those opening a Razor account will secure minimum spreads of 0.0 pips on many pairs. This includes EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and USD/CHF. To get the best spreads possible, users will need to trade during peak market hours.

The Razor account comes with commissions of $3.50 per traded lot. On pairs denominated in GBP and EUR, the commission amounts to £2.25 and €2.60 respectively. Pepperstone also offers Standard accounts that come without commissions. But the spread will be much higher. For instance, EUR/USD and GBP/USD start at 0.7 and 0.9 pips. This is still very competitive nonetheless.

Pepperstone review

We also like that Pepperstone allows traders to deposit any amount of their choosing – no minimums apply. No deposit fees are charged either. Accepted payment types include debit/credit cards, PayPal, and bank wires. All deposit methods are processed instantly apart from bank wires.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Pepperstone 0.0 pips 0.0 pips

Pros pros

  • Forex spreads from 0.0 pips on the Razor account
  • No minimum deposit required
  • Commission-free accounts are also available
  • Regulated with tier-one licensing bodies

Cons cons

  • Only supports third-party trading platforms

Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

6. Admiral Markets: Offers Competitive Fees with Spreads as Low as 0.1 Pips for EURUSD And Commission from 1.8 USD Per Lot

Admiral Markets is one of the best low-spread forex brokers with competitive trading costs. It offers more than 8,000 trading instruments with spreads as low as 0 ( Zero.MT4 and Zero.MT5 accounts) and from 0.5 (Trade.MT4 and Trade.MT5 accounts). However, apart from spreads, commissions can be charged depending on the account type and the trading instrument. 

Their fees are built into tight spreads, such as 0.1 pips for EURUSD and a low commission of 1,8 USD per lot, making it quite an economical choice for active traders. The platform is run by Admiral Markets UK Ltd and is regulated by the FCA.

It gives users access to thousands of CFDs and spot trading choices. There are more than 80 forex pairs, 40 indices, and many bonds and commodities that investors can trade. These include metals, energy, crops, and more. Admiral Markets also lets you trade more than 3,400 share CFDs and spot shares, which makes it a flexible tool for traders of all levels.

admiral markets

It’s worth noting that the platform has a low minimum deposit of just £25, and buyers can buy fractional shares starting from just £1. Admiral Markets also accepts a number of payment methods, such as MasterCard, VISA, and bank transfers, and it allows you to make one free withdrawal per month.

The platform integrates with MetaTrader accounts and gives users powerful trade tools and learning materials, like webinars, to help them learn more about CFDs and other investment strategies. Admiral Markets is a good choice for buyers because it has great customer service and an easy-to-use dashboard.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Admiral Markets 0.1 pips

Pros pros

  • Low spreads starting at 0.1 pips for EURUSD.
  • Vast range with over 3,400 share CFDs available.
  • Supports MetaTrader integration and educational resources.
  • Free withdrawal once per month.

Cons cons

  • A $3.00 commission per lot may discourage low-volume traders.

Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

7. Plus500 – Regulated Futures Broker With Low Commission

Plus500 offers some of the lowest commissions on the platform. Moreover, Plus500 waives deposit and withdrawal fees, and there are no fees for routing as well as no platform fees, which are often charged by other brokers.

This makes Plus500 an excellent choice for active future traders. There are 13 forex futures to trade, from Micro AUD/USD and Micro GBP/USD to Mexican Peso and Euro FX, with leverage that depends on the margin.

Plus500 CFD broker

If you want to take a more cautious approach and diversify your investments, choose from over 50 future contracts. Add popular Equity Indices like E-mini S&P MidCap 400 or Micro E-mini S&P 500 to your portfolio or trade crypto futures and metals such as gold, silver, and more. You can also trade agriculture futures and interest rates as well.

To keep your mind at ease, Plus500 is one of the futures brokers that is regulated by multiple financial authorities. Because of that, there are over 25 million users from 50 countries that use the platform daily.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Plus500 no spread on the futures platform no spread on the futures platform

Pros pros

  • Regulated futures broker with licenses in multiple countries
  • Low commissions
  • Leverage depends on the margin
  • Fee-free deposits and withdrawals

Cons cons

  • No MT4 or MT5 platform support

Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone.

8. IUX – One of the Lowest Spread Forex Brokers with Zero Commissio

IUX is a market-leading, low-spread digital trading platform that focuses primarily on forex trading. Alongside forex trading, the platform also offers CFD trading on a variety of international markets including stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.

The platform is renowned for its low-spread forex trading, which provides users with access to over 60 currency markets and spreads starting from as low as 0.0 PIPs. Such a diverse mix of proprietary liquidity ensures that tight spreads are always available.

IUX mobile

More than $1.5 billion worth of CFD trades are processed every day showcasing IUX’s institutional-grade platform which has uninterrupted access to deep levels of liquidity.

IUX boasts some of the fastest order execution on the market today thanks to the use of low latency fiber optic and an in-house Equinix LD4 server. This ensures that the average trade execution speed remains under 30ms. For those who want even faster trade execution speeds, IUX also provides access to Low Latency Collocated VPS free of charge.

You can access the IUX platform via desktop or mobile application and with support for over 10 languages and 35,000 global installations to date, it is easy to see why IUX has become so popular in a relatively short space of time.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
IUX 0.0 pips 0.0 pips

Pros pros

  • Access more than 250 financial products
  • 60+ currency markets available to trade
  • Low latency ensures super fast order execution
  • Deep liquidity guarantees trades will always execute

Cons cons

  • Only 15 cryptocurrencies available

9. Libertex – Minimum Deposit of $10 and Leverage of up to 1:999     

Libertex is a popular CFD broker that supports forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. It also supports some of the best cryptocurrencies to trade, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. Forex traders have dozens of currency pairs to choose from across the majors, minors, and exotics. There are no trading commissions to pay.

Moreover, Libertex offers spreads of just 0.2 pips on EUR/USD. One of the best features of Libertex is that it offers leverage of up to 1:999 on major forex pairs. This means for every $999 traded, a margin balance of just $1 is required. Limitations will apply depending on the location of the trader.

Libertex review

In terms of trading platforms, Libertex supports MT4 and MT5. It also has its own native platform for web browsers and smartphones. First-time users can test Libertex via its free demo account, which comes with $50,000 in virtual trading funds. Real money accounts require a minimum deposit of just $10.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Average GBP/USD Spread
Libertex 0.2 pips 0.9 pips

Pros pros

  • EUR/USD can be traded from just 0.2 pips
  • All markets are commission-free
  • Minimum deposit of just $10
  • Major forex pairs can be traded with leverage of up to 1:999

Cons cons

  • Spreads are volatile outside of standard market hours

10. Skilling – Premium Forex Accounts Come With Minimum Spreads of 0.1 Pips        

Skilling is the final option to consider on this list of the best low spread brokers. It offers two account types to choose from. Its Premium account offers minimum spreads of just 0.1 pips on EUR/USD. This comes with a commission of $35 for every $1 million traded. Moreover, the Premium account has a minimum deposit requirement of €5,000.

As such, the Premium account likely won’t be suitable for beginners. That said, Skilling also offers a Standard account. Not only does it come with a minimum deposit of €100 but no trading commissions are charged. But the minimum spread on EUR/USD has increased to 0.7 pips.

Skilling review

Both Skilling accounts offer access to 73 forex pairs, alongside indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. Retail clients can trade major pairs with leverage of 1:30. This is increased to 1:200 for professional traders. We like that Skilling supports multiple trading platforms. This includes MT4 and cTrader. Skilling also offers a native trading suite, available on web browsers and a mobile app for iOS and Android.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Skilling 0.1 pips 0.4 pips

Pros pros

  • Premium accounts offer minimum spreads of 0.1 pips
  • Covers a wide range of assets – including forex, stocks, and indices
  • Commission-free accounts are also available
  • €1 million insurance for each trader in the event of a brokerage collapse

Cons cons

  • Leverage capped at 1:30 for retail clients

76% of the retail investors lose money when trading with this CFD provider.

11. IG – Trusted Low Spread Broker for US-Based Clients       

IG is one of the best low spread brokers for US-based clients. It is registered with the CFTC and NFA and supports more than 80 currency pairs. Moreover, IG is popular for its super-fast execution speeds and high-level trading dashboard. The latter supports dozens of technical indicators, chart drawing tools, and customer order types.

The IG trading suite also supports breaking news, direct from Reuters. In terms of fees, EUR/USD spreads can be traded from 0.8 pips. There are no commissions to pay when trading forex. US clients can also trade forex with leverage. EUR/USD requires a minimum margin requirement of just 2%. GBP/USD and USD/CHF require a slightly higher margin at 5%.

IG review

IG offers a fast account opening process. In most cases, US clients are verified instantly. The main drawback is that US clients cannot trade other assets on IG. Those based in other countries will have access to thousands of stocks, funds, commodities, indices, and other popular markets.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Current GBP/USD Spread
IG 0.8 pips 1.6 pips

Pros pros

  • Top-rated forex broker for US clients
  • Supports multiple trading platforms – including MT4
  • Commission-free forex trading and spreads from 0.8 pips
  • Great customer support

Cons cons

  • Debit/credit card fees of up to 1%

12. Forex.com – Low Spread Currency Broker with Over 80 Pairs   

Forex.com is a regulated forex broker that was founded in 2001. It supports more than 80 currency pairs and offers competitive pricing. That said, spreads often depend on the trader’s location and account type. For instance, US clients looking for low spread forex brokers can open a Direct Market Access (DMA) account, which offers institutional-grade spreads alongside a small commission.

While non-US clients are limited to Standard accounts, which come with higher spreads but without commissions. On the Standard account, EUR/USD can be traded with spreads of just 0.7 pips. But spreads are variable, so expect volatility. Nonetheless, we like that Forex.com supports MT5, which comes packed with trading and analysis tools.

Forex.com review

Forex.com also has its own trading platform, accessible via browsers, desktop software, and an app for iOS and Android. Non-US clients have access to thousands of other assets, backed by leveraged CFDs. This includes commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Forex.com 0.7 pips 1.1 pips

Pros pros

  • Established forex broker that was founded in 2001
  • Supports more than 80 forex pairs
  • US clients have access to DMA accounts
  • Standard accounts are commission-free

Cons cons

  • Non-forex assets are backed by CFDs – so US clients can’t trade them

13. Capital.com – 0% Commission Forex Trading on 125 Currency Pairs         

Capital.com is one of the best FX low spread brokers for diversification. 125 forex pairs are supported, which is more than most brokers in this industry. This includes dozens of exotic pairs, which will appeal to high-risk traders. All markets supported by Capital.com can be traded at 0% commission. Moreover, spreads on EUR/USD start from just 0.6 pips. Spreads are variable, so will change as per market conditions.

Capital.com has its own web trading platform and a native app for iOS and Android.  Its trading suite supports over 70 technical indicators, economic news, multi-chart toggling, and personalized watchlists. Capital.com supports leverage of up to 1:30 when trading major currency pairs. This is reduced to 1:20 when trading minors and exotics. Traders might wish to start with the Capital.com demo account.

Capital.com forex review

This comes pre-loaded with $1,000 in virtual funds and it tracks live market conditions. Real money accounts require a minimum deposit of just $20. Debit/credit cards and e-wallets are supported. But bank wire deposits require a minimum of $500. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees. We also like that Capital.com supports other leveraged markets. This includes more than 2,800 stocks from multiple international exchanges. In addition, Capital.com supports cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices.

Broker Min. EUR/USD Spread Min. GBP/USD Spread
Capital.com 0.6 pips 1.3 pips

Pros pros

  • Minimum EUR/USD spreads of just 0.6 pips
  • No commissions to pay on any supported markets
  • 125 forex pairs supported – including dozens of exotics
  • Native trading platform comes with plenty of analysis tools
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees

Cons cons

  • Bank wires require a minimum deposit of $500

Best Low Spread Brokers Compared

Comparing spreads, commissions, and other important metrics can be a daunting task.

Therefore, the best low spread brokers are summarized in the table below.

Broker Pairs EUR/USD Spread Account Types Account Fees Max. Leverage
eToro 55 1.0 pips Standard – 0% commission trading $10 per month fee after 12 months of inactivity 1:400
Plus500 +60 0.00012 Individual trading accounts No fees 1:30
XTB 48 From 1.3 pips Standard – 0% commission trading €10/month inactivity fee after 1 year 1:500
IUX 60+ From 0.0 pips 0% commission trading No fees 1:3000
AvaTrade 53 From 0.9 pips Standard – 0% commission trading $50/quarter inactivity fee after 3 months 1:400
Admiral Markets 80 From 0.1 pips 3% commission per lot None 1:500
Pepperstone 60+ From 0.0 pips Standard – 0% commission trading / Razor – $3.50 per lot None 1:200
Libertex 50 From 0.2 pips Standard – 0% commission trading 2.5% on debit/credit card payments. E-wallet payments are charged between 1.9% and 4%. 1:999
Skilling 73 From 0.1 pips Standard – 0% commission trading / Premium – $35 per $1 million traded E-wallet payments are charged up to 2.9%. Bank wire withdrawals cost up to $25. 1:30
IG 80+ From 0.8 pips Standard – 0% commission trading Deposit fee of 1% (Visa) and 0.5% (MasterCard). $18/month inactivity fee after 2 years 1:50 (US)
Forex.com 80+ From 0.7 pips Standard – 0% commission trading / US Clients have access to DMA accounts $10/month inactivity fee after 1 year 1:50 (US)
Capital.com 125 From 0.6 pips Standard – 0% commission trading None 1:30

What is a Spread in Trading?

In simple terms, the spread is the difference between the ‘bid’ and ‘ask’ prices of a forex pair. Some brokers will display this as the ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ price. Either way, this is an indirect fee that is charged when entering and exiting a position.

Crucially, this is one of the most common ways that forex brokers make money. Irrespective of which way the market moves, the broker will make a small profit on each buy and sell order.

eToro forex trading

In forex, spreads are priced in PIPs (percentage in point). The reason for this is that currency prices – especially majors, move by micro-fractions.

For instance:

  • Let’s suppose that EUR/USD has a bid price of 1.0922
  • Simultaneously, the ask price of EUR/USD is 1.0923
  • The difference between the two is 0.0001
  • So that’s a spread of 1 pip

This means that traders will pay 1 pip when opening a position. And if the spread remains the same when cashing out, they will again pay 1 pip.

It is important to note that most forex brokers highlight the ‘minimum’ spread that traders can access. But spreads are usually variable, meaning they change as each second passes. The minimum spread is usually available during peak market hours for the respective pair.

How are Forex Spreads Calculated?

To calculate the spread, traders first need to know what the bid and ask prices are for the forex pair. In most cases, forex brokers quote prices with four decimal places. For instance, the bid price of GBP/USD might be 1.2801. The only exception here is pairs that contain the Japanese yen, which have two decimal places.

Nonetheless, after the bid and ask prices are known, traders can calculate the spread in pips.

For example:

  • Pair: EUR/USD
  • Bid Price: 1.1005
  • Ask Price: 1.1000

In the above example, the difference between the bid and ask prices is 0.0005. Now, to convert this into pips, the decimal place needs to be moved four digits to the right. So, in this example, the spread is 5 pips.

However, some brokers with the lowest spreads use five decimal places (and three on JPY pairs). The good news is that the fourth decimal place still represents the pip.

For example:

  • Pair: EUR/USD
  • Bid Price: 1.10015
  • Ask Price: 1.10005

In the above example, the difference between the bid and ask prices is 0.00010. As such, the spread is 1 pip. If the difference was 0.00015, the spread would be 1.5 pips, and so on.

Do I Need to Calculate the Spread?

  • It is crucial that forex traders know what spreads they are paying.
  • Otherwise, traders won’t be able to accurately log their profits and losses.
  • Fortunately, many forex brokers display the spread in real-time.
  • This means that traders do not need to calculate the spread themselves.

What Factors Affect Forex Spreads?

Forex spreads are affected by a large number of variables, including market conditions and trading volume. Spread can also vary between brokers. Some factors that affect forex spreads are:

  • Market Liquidity: Popular pairs like EUR/USD normally have tighter spreads as they have deeper liquidity.
  • Market conditions and volatility: Increased market volatility can result in wider spreads as brokers and traders demand higher compensation to manage risk.
  • Time: Spreads can be wider during hours where trading volume is lowers. For example, trading AUD/JAP during the night time in Australia may incur a wider spread.
  • Economic News: Central bank decisions or announcements from governments may impact spreads.
  • Broker rates: Each broker can impose their own spreads, and some will be higher than others.

What is Considered a Low Forex Spread?

The competitiveness of a forex spread varies depending on the pair. A good starting point is to assess EUR/USD, as this is the most traded currency pair globally. Moreover, forex brokers usually offer their most competitive spreads on EUR/USD. This is because EUR/USD attracts the most liquidity and lowest volatility levels.

In most cases, an EUR/USD spread of under 1 pip would be considered competitive. That said, traders also need to factor in another trading fee – commissions.

For example, some tight spread forex brokers offer spreads of 0.0 pips on EUR/USD. However, traders will need to pay a commission to access spreads this low. This is usually about $3.50 for each currency lot traded ($100,000). At the other end of the scale, some forex brokers offer 0% commission trading. But equally, spreads will be less competitive.

Forex Pairs with Lowest Spreads

The forex pairs with the lowest spread are usually those that are the most commonly traded worldwide. This includes pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD. They have more liquidity, which results in tighter spreads.

Commission-Free or Low Spreads: Which is Better?

Some forex brokers will offer a choice of two account types:

  • 0% commission trading with higher spreads
  • 0.0 spreads with a commission per slide

The best option ultimately depends on trading volumes. For example, those trading larger amounts will be better suited for a 0.0 spread account, with a small commission. However, casual traders are better suited for 0% commission accounts with a slightly higher spread.

Are There Any Zero Spread Forex Brokers?

Some forex brokers do offer zero spreads, but will then charge a commission instead – every broker will charge some type of fee to ensure they make money.

So if you’re looking at a zero spread forex broker, make sure to check the other fees involved, as you could end up paying more in commission than at a low spread broker.

Best Times to Trade Forex for Low Spreads

We mentioned earlier that forex brokers usually quote the ‘minimum’ spread that they can offer. But this won’t always be available, as spreads are variable. This means that outside of market hours, traders should expect less competitive spreads.

The most competitive spreads can be accessed during peak market hours. But this will depend on the pair being traded.

  • For example, the best time to trade GBP/USD is between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. (EST).
  • During these hours, both the UK and US markets are open.

Finding Forex Trading Overlaps

Traders should do some research on the time zones applicable to their preferred pairs. For example, those trading AUD/JPY should consider what times the Australian and Japanese markets open, and when they overlap.

The overlap is the best time to trade the respective pair, as both markets are open. Not only will this ensure the lowest spreads but the most liquidity.

Other Fees to Consider When Trading Forex

While the spread is an important trading fee to assess, other charges should also be considered if you are trying to find the cheapest forex broker.

This includes:

Commissions

Many forex brokers charge commissions on forex trades. A minimum spread forex broker usually covers its costs with a commission, which can be charged in many different ways.

Other forex brokers charge a percentage-based fee. For example, suppose the broker charges 0.5% per slide. The trader enters a $10,000 position, so they pay a commission of $50. When they exit the position, it’s worth $12,000. In this instance, the trader pays a commission of $60.

Overnight Financing

Forex traders also need to pay overnight financing fees when positions are kept open past standard market hours. This is otherwise known as a swap fee.

Overnight financing represents the cost of borrowing capital from the forex broker. After all, currency pairs are traded in lots. So, if the trader doesn’t trade an entire lot (e.g. $100,000), part of the position is being funded.

Fortunately, overnight financing won’t apply to day traders. This is because day trades close positions before the market closes.

Payment Fees

Some forex brokers charge payment fees. This might be on deposits and/or withdrawals. Fees can also depend on the payment method.

For example, Skilling charges up to 2.9% when depositing or withdrawing funds with an e-wallet. But debit/credit card payments are fee-free.

Inactivity Fees

Even the best low spread brokers charge inactivity fees. This is usually charged if the trader doesn’t place any orders for a certain number of months.

For instance:

  • AvaTrade charges $50/quarter after three months of inactivity.
  • Forex.com charges $10/month after 12 months of inactivity.

The best way to avoid inactivity fees is to withdraw the account balance in full. The broker won’t be able to charge anything if there isn’t an active balance.

Pros and Cons of Using a Zero Spread Forex Broker

If you are trying to find which forex broker has the lowest spread, you might be interested in zero spread forex brokers. However, these platforms have advantages and disadvantages. 

Pros

  • Cost: Depending on additional costs, using a zero spread forex broker could result in significant cost savings
  • Transparency: With zero spread, trades can often be executed in more transparent and easy-to-understand manner

Cons 

  • Additional costs: Zero-spread forex brokers may charge a commission or other fees on each trade, which can sometimes make trading more expensive. 
  • Limited offerings: Zero spread forex brokers may focus primarily on major forex pairs and may not have minor or exotic forex pairs.
  • Deposit Requirements: As part of their risk management, zero-spread brokers sometimes have a higher level of minimum deposit

Forex Account Types Spreads

Some forex brokers offer multiple accounts to choose from. This will determine the spread and commission.

In most cases, the trade can choose from the following:

  • A forex account that offers 0% commission trading, but higher spreads.
  • A forex account that offers low or even zero spreads, but a flat commission.

For example, Pepperstone offers both of the above account types. Its Standard account offers 0% commission trading, with a minimum spread of 0.7 pips. Its Razor account offers spreads from 0.0 pips, with a commission of $3.50 for each lot traded.

As we briefly mentioned earlier, the best account type will depend on the trader’s profile. For example, those trading with large amounts will be better suited to a low spread account with a small commission. After all, even a slight change in the spread can have a major impact when trading large amounts.

On the flip side, those trading smaller amounts will be better off with a 0% commission account, and slightly higher spreads. This is because even a small commission can make the trade unviable. In this instance, XTB is the best low spread broker. This low spread no commission forex broker has a spread of 1.3 pip on EUR/USD.

Difference Between Zero Spread and Standard Accounts?

A standard account is the most common type of trading account offered by forex brokers. It usually has variable spreads and no commission.

A zero spread account will often be commission-based and there may be a higher minimum deposit required.

Conclusion

In choosing the best broker with low spread, traders can reduce their trading fees when buying and selling forex pairs. Importantly, traders should strike the perfect balance between low spreads and competitive commissions.

eToro fits the bill perfectly – it offers 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, charges low overnight fees, and supports forex copy trading. You can apply up to 400x leverage on your trades and use a powerful charting platform to execute trades.

76% of retail CFD accounts lose money – your capital is at risk.

References 

https://www.fidelity.com/insights/investing-ideas/glossary-large-cap

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/

https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/EURUSD:CUR

https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/GBP=

https://markets.ft.com/data/currencies/tearsheet/summary?s=audjpy

https://www.ig.com/en/help-and-support/cfds/fees-and-charges/why-is-overnight-funding-charged-and-how-is-it-calculated-

FAQs

What is the spread in forex?

What is a good spread for a broker?

What is the lowest spread broker?

Is there a broker with 0 spreads?

Is a higher or lower spread better?

How much spread is good in forex?

Kane Pepi
Editor
Kane Pepi
Editor

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise in specialized subjects such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention, Kane has built a reputation for providing clear explanations of complex financial topics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree in Financial Crime, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree, which focuses on investigating the complexities of money laundering in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors. Kane's wealth of knowledge and experience in the field make…