Live Forex Spreads

A broker spread comparison is only fair when every broker is measured on the same basis. The table uses the all-in cost: the typical EUR/USD spread on the listed account plus the commission, converted into pips for one round turn (opening and closing a trade). A “0.00 pips” spread on a commission account is not free trading; the cost has moved into the commission column.

How the all-in cost is calculated

For EUR/USD, one pip on a standard lot (100,000 units) is worth $10. The conversion is:

All-in cost (pips) = spread + (round-turn commission per lot ÷ $10)

For example, a commission of $3.50 per lot per side becomes $7.00 per round turn, or 0.70 pips. Read the commission wording carefully: “per side” must be doubled, while “round turn” already covers both legs. Some terms are quoted per $100,000 traded or in another currency, such as OANDA’s A$3.50, and need the same conversion before comparing.

Each row covers one account type. Cent, micro and standard accounts at the same broker can carry very different costs.

What moves spreads

The figures are typical values taken from broker pricing pages, not a guaranteed quote. Live spreads change with:

• Liquidity: major pairs usually quote tighter than crosses such as GBP/JPY or EUR/AUD.
• Session timing: spreads tend to widen in thin hours, such as the rollover around the New York close (see forex market hours).
• News: spreads can jump around high-impact releases on the economic calendar.
• Account type: raw-pricing accounts quote narrower spreads plus a commission.

Limits of the comparison

A low all-in cost does not tell you about execution quality, slippage, swap (overnight financing) charges or deposit and withdrawal fees. The Regulated and Unregulated filters use the licence records listed for each broker. Confirm them with the regulator, because a licence held by one group entity may not cover the one that would open your account.