
Low spread forex brokers can be a game-changer for traders who want to minimize their costs and maximize their profits. For example, XM.com offers a minimum spread of 0.6 pips on the EUR/USD pair, making it an attractive option for those who want to keep their costs low.
AvaTrade also offers competitive spreads, with a minimum spread of 0.9 pips on the same pair. This is significantly lower than the industry average, making AvaTrade a great choice for traders who want to save on their trading costs.
Spread is just one aspect of a forex broker's offering, but it's a crucial one. Traders who want to make the most of their trading experience need to find a broker that offers low spreads, along with other essential features like reliable execution and tight spreads.
Here's an interesting read: Forex Trading Psychology
What is a Low Spread Forex Broker
A low-spread forex broker is defined by its narrow spreads, meaning the difference between buy and sell price is very small, making it cheaper to trade with. This is typically achieved by having Standard account spreads around 1 pip or below on major currency pairs.
For Raw accounts, low spreads are generally 0.40 pips or lower for the most commonly-traded currency pairs, and you'll pay a commission of around $3.50 per side per lot on average.
Standard account spreads are wider because there’s no commission, the broker is making money through spreads alone.
A fresh viewpoint: Currency Trading Brokers
What Is High
A high spread in forex is a significant difference between the buy and sell prices of a pair. This increases the overall cost of a trade, making it less favorable for traders.
Typically, forex pairs with wide spreads are considered "exotics" and involve major currencies and emerging market currencies. The EUR/TRY pair is an example, with spreads reaching over 100 pips.
Wide spreads indicate a volatile market with low liquidity, which can be a disadvantage for traders. Conversely, pairs with low spreads tend to have high liquidity and low volatility.
Your broker will display the current spread, so you'll always know the cost of a trade.
What Is
A low-spread forex broker is one that offers narrow spreads, which means the difference between buy and sell prices is very small, making it cheaper to trade with.
To be considered low, Standard account spreads must be around 1 pip or below on major currency pairs.
You can get even tighter spreads on Raw accounts, typically 0.40 pips or lower for the most commonly-traded currency pairs.
Standard account spreads are wider because the broker makes money through spreads alone, with no commission charged.
Raw accounts, on the other hand, come with a commission, around $3.50 per side per lot on average.
Low spreads are a big advantage for traders, as they can save money on each trade and potentially increase their profit margins.
Choosing a Low Spread Forex Broker
A low spread forex broker is defined by its narrow spreads, with Standard account spreads typically around 1 pip or below on major currency pairs.
To be considered low, Standard account spreads must be around 1 pip or below on the major currency pairs. For Raw accounts, low spreads are generally 0.40 pips or lower for the most commonly-traded currency pairs.
Standard account spreads are wider because there’s no commission. The broker is making money through spreads alone. This can make trading more expensive, but it's often a more straightforward option for beginners.
Raw accounts, on the other hand, charge a commission, which can be around $3.50 per side per lot on average. However, you can get spreads as tight as 0.0 pips with a Raw account.
If you're looking for a zero-spread account, FOREX.com is one of the few brokers that offer it. However, keep in mind that there is a roundturn commission of $7.00.
To find a low-spread broker, you can consider the following options:
- Choose a broker whose standard spreads are relatively narrow compared to the competition.
- Go with a zero-spread account, which can offer spreads starting at 0.0 pips, but typically comes with commissions.
- Consider a raw-spread account, which often offers spreads under 1.0 pip and lower commissions than zero-spread accounts.
- If you're an experienced trader, you may be eligible for a professional account, which can offer tight spreads and large leverage.
However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Zero-spread accounts, for example, often come with higher minimum deposit requirements and commissions, which can add up quickly.
Here are some brokers compared for a $10,000 trade in GBP/USD:
| BROKER NAME | Cost of $10,000 trade GBP/USD ($)
| --- | --- |
| FP Markets | 0.70
| --- | --- |
| Tickmill | 0.79
| --- | --- |
| FBS | 0.95
| --- | --- |
| Moneta Markets | 0.88
| --- | --- |
| FxPro | 1.16
| --- | --- |
| OANDA | 1.85
| --- | --- |
Broker Features and Fees
Low spread forex brokers are defined by their narrow spreads, which means the difference between buy and sell price is very small, making it cheaper to trade with. This is especially beneficial for short-term strategies like day trading and scalping, where high spreads can make a big difference to profit.
Standard account spreads are wider because there's no commission, with the broker making money through spreads alone. In contrast, Raw accounts charge a commission - around $3.50 per side per lot on average - but offer spreads as tight as 0.0 pips.
Some brokers, like FOREX.com, offer a zero-spread account, but keep in mind there's a roundturn commission of $7.00. In some cases, you may find better costs with a low-spread commission-free FOREX.com account.
Not all low-spread accounts offer zero spreads, with Standard accounts typically having spreads of less than 1 pip. This is still a low spread, but the broker makes money from the markup in price instead of charging commission.
FOREX.com's Raw account offers spreads from zero pips with commissions of $7 per lot traded. This is an appealing option for traders of all types, but especially scalpers. You'll also get access to professional analysis and a wide range of trading platforms.
To trade with lower spreads, you can choose a broker with standard spreads that are relatively narrow compared to the competition. Alternatively, you can opt for a zero-spread account or a Raw-spread account, which often offer spreads under 1.0 pip.
Here's a comparison of brokers for a $10,000 trade in GBP/USD:
Remember, while zero-spread accounts can offer lower trading costs, they often come with higher minimum deposit requirements and may not be suitable for traders with lower budgets.
Broker Comparison and Rankings
Low spread forex brokers are a dime a dozen, but not all of them are created equal. In fact, some of the best ones have spreads as low as 0.1 pips.
FP Markets is a great example of a broker with competitive spreads, with an average spread of 1.2 pips on EUR/USD. This is comparable to other top brokers like Fusion Markets and Global Prime, which also have average spreads in the 1-2 pip range.
But what about the absolute lowest spread brokers? IC Markets takes the cake with a spread of 0.8 pips on EUR/USD. This is significantly lower than the average spread of 1.2 pips offered by FP Markets.
If you're looking for a broker with a low minimum deposit, Fusion Markets is a great option. They offer a zero minimum deposit, making it accessible to traders of all levels.
Here's a comparison of the top 5 brokers with the lowest spreads:
As you can see, IC Markets has the lowest average spread of 0.8 pips, followed closely by FP Markets and Fusion Markets. If you're looking for a broker with a low minimum deposit, Fusion Markets and Global Prime are great options, with both offering a zero minimum deposit.
For another approach, see: What Is a Deposit Broker
Best by Trustpilot Score
If you're looking for the best low spread forex brokers, one way to gauge their reputation is by checking their Trustpilot scores.
FP Markets tops the list with a whopping 9,086 reviews and a 4.9 ⭐ rating.
IC Markets comes in second with an impressive 46,810 reviews and a 4.8 ⭐ rating.
Fusion Markets and AvaTrade also make the top 4, with 3,951 and 10,618 reviews respectively, both with a 4.8 ⭐ rating.
The rest of the top 10 brokers have a slightly lower rating, but still have a strong presence on Trustpilot.
Here's a breakdown of the top 5 brokers by Trustpilot score:
These numbers can give you an idea of which brokers have the most satisfied customers and which ones to consider when choosing a low spread forex broker.
Broker Information and Details
Low spread forex brokers make money either entirely or partially through currency spreads, which is the difference between a currency pair's ask and bid price.
The spread can be a significant cost for traders, especially those who trade frequently.
Many brokers claim to be low or zero-spread forex brokers, making it challenging for new traders to find a credible option.
Zero-spread brokers, on the other hand, make money through commissions or other trading fees, eliminating the difference between ask and bid prices.
A detailed study has been conducted to identify reputable low-spread forex brokers, resulting in a list of top eight and zero-spread brokers.
Here's an interesting read: Zero Spread Forex Broker
Specific Brokers and Their Features
FOREX.com is one of the few brokers with a zero-spread account, but keep in mind there is a roundturn commission of $7.00.
The top eight zero-spread brokers are organized in a detailed study, making it easier for newbies or beginners to find credible low-spread brokers.
IC Markets claims to offer the tightest spread globally, starting from as low as 0.1 pips, and offers both standard and raw spread trading accounts.
Saxo Bank is the lowest-spread forex broker in the USA, with spreads starting from 0.3 pips, and has an excellent reputation.
eToro offers high leverage, making it suitable for advanced traders, and has currency pairs with spreads starting at 0.1 pips.
Here are the lowest spread forex brokers in the USA, as tested by analyzing their trading accounts during typical market conditions:
Best Broker for US Traders
If you're a US trader looking for a reliable broker, OANDA is an excellent choice. It's the best broker overall, scoring 91/100 in my broker review, and offers low spreads of 1.40 pips on the EUR/USD with its Standard account.
OANDA provides the fastest execution speeds in the USA, with market orders filled at 84 ms and limit orders executed as fast as 86 ms.
The broker is also the most trusted, licensed by 10 major regulators, and offers a range of 68+ forex pairs, one of the best in the industry.
See what others are reading: Is Oanda a Regulated Broker
OANDA Trade is a top trading platform, offering TradingView charts and an Open Order indicator for volume-based technical analysis. It's a great option for both beginner and experienced traders.
Here are some key features of OANDA:
- OANDA Trade has TradingView charts
- Tight spreads with Standard account
- Volume-based rebates on Elite trader program
OANDA's competitive spreads can improve your overall trading costs, especially when you factor in the lack of commission on the Standard account.
Best Broker for Accounts
IC Markets is a top contender for the best low-spread broker, with spreads starting from as low as 0.1 pips. Beirman Capital also offers tight spreads, starting from 0.1 pips, and provides high liquidity, good leverage, and fast order execution.
FP Markets has a raw account type with a minimum deposit of $50, making it a great option for traders with limited capital. Fusion Markets also offers a raw account type with a minimum deposit of $0, making it a great option for traders who want to start trading with no initial deposit.
Consider reading: Brokers with Instant Deposit
eToro offers advanced trading tools and top-notch software, making it a great option for traders who want to automate their trades. The broker also offers high leverage, making it suitable for advanced traders.
Here are some of the best low-spread brokers in the USA:
Saxo Bank is the lowest-spread forex broker in the USA, with spreads starting from 0.3 pips. The broker is also quite transparent and reliable, making it a great option for traders who value these qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a zero spread account good?
A zero spread account can help reduce trading costs and increase access to opportunities, but it's essential to weigh the benefits against other factors. Consider a zero spread account if you prioritize cost-effectiveness and speed in your trading strategy.
What is the minimum spread in forex?
Our minimum spread starts at 0.0 pips for Zero Accounts and 1 pip for Prime accounts. Discover how our competitive spreads can benefit your trading strategy.
How to get 0 spread in forex?
Look for a zero spread broker that offers trading accounts with no cost associated with the spread, allowing you to trade with minimal costs and maximum profit potential
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