I’ve been trading Forex for nearly a decade, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: high spreads will quietly eat away at your profits. If you’re a scalper like me—or even just trading intraday—you know how much a few tenths of a pip can matter.
Here’s the thing. Many brokers advertise “tight spreads” or “zero pips,” but when you dig into their accounts, it’s either inflated averages or commission-loaded traps. So, I decided to do the digging for you. I ran side-by-side comparisons on demo and live accounts across major platforms, monitored spread behavior during different sessions, and tracked how commissions factored into the overall cost.
If you’re tired of guessing which broker offers real low-cost execution, this guide is for you. I’ve broken down:
- How spreads and commissions actually impact your trades
- The difference between RAW, ECN, and Standard accounts
- Which brokers offer real zero pip spreads (and the catch)
- Where execution speed and regulation matter most
Bottom line: This isn’t a list based on hype. These are brokers I’ve tested, used, and trust when every pip counts.
What Makes a Broker “Low Spread”?
Understanding Forex Spreads
Spreads are the difference between the bid and ask price—the cost you pay to enter or exit a trade. When I first started, I ignored this. Huge mistake. A tight spread means you keep more of your gains. A wide one? You’re fighting just to break even.
Low Spread vs Commission-Based Accounts
Most brokers now offer RAW or ECN-style accounts with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch—they charge a commission per lot. So while your spread may be near zero, you’re still paying. In my experience, these accounts still come out cheaper for active traders. Standard accounts bake the cost into the spread, making it harder to track.
Why Tight Spreads Matter in Day Trading
When I’m scalping EUR/USD with a 10-pip target, I can’t afford to lose 1-2 pips to the spread alone. Brokers that consistently offer sub-1.0 pip spreads, even during volatility, are what I look for. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about trust.
Best Low Spread Brokers in 2025
1. IC Markets
I’ve used IC Markets since 2018. Their Raw Spread account is legendary—EUR/USD often shows 0.0 pips, and commissions are only $3 per lot per side. Execution through both MetaTrader and cTrader is lightning-fast, and spreads remain tight during news events.
2. FOREX.com RAW Account
FOREX.com impressed me with their transparency. On their RAW account, I regularly see 0.0–0.2 pips on majors, with commissions ranging from $3.5–$7 per $100k traded. What really stands out is their execution quality—they’re one of the few brokers where slippage rarely works against me.
3. Tickmill Broker Overview
I’ll be honest—I overlooked Tickmill at first. But after a month of testing, I was sold. Their Pro Account gave me spreads as low as 0.0 pips and a commission of just $2 per lot per side. Regulation under FCA and CySEC adds extra trust. Execution is clean and fast, especially on MT4.
4. OANDA Trading Features
OANDA has always been one of the most beginner-friendly brokers. I use them when I want simplicity without sacrificing spread quality. EUR/USD typically sits around 0.8 pips, and there’s no commission on their standard accounts. The user interface is smooth, and they offer stellar research tools too.
5. IG Forex Broker
IG is huge in the UK and US, and for good reason. Their spreads on majors start from 0.8 pips with no commissions, and they offer over 60 currency pairs. I like their custom web platform—it’s intuitive and packed with educational resources. If you’re new to trading, IG gives you both tight spreads and strong support.
Broker Spread Comparison Table
| Broker | Typical Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per lot, per side) | Platforms | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | 0.0 pips (Raw) | $3.0–$3.5 | MT4, cTrader | ASIC, CySEC |
| FOREX.com | 0.0 pips (RAW) | $3.5–$7 | MT4, MT5 | CFTC, FCA, ASIC |
| Tickmill | 0.0 pips (Pro) | $2.0–$4.0 | MT4 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA |
| OANDA | 0.8 pips | None | MT4, Web | CFTC, FCA, ASIC |
| IG | 0.8 pips | None/Low | Web, MT4 | FCA, CFTC, ASIC |
How to Choose the Right Low-Spread Broker for You
Key Questions to Ask
When I’m comparing brokers, I always ask myself: How do I trade? Am I scalping? Holding overnight? Using EAs? Your trading style should shape your broker choice. For instance, if you’re scalping during the London session, spreads need to stay low even during volatility. Test brokers during your actual trading hours—don’t rely on generic spread tables.
Regulation and Safety
This one’s non-negotiable. All the brokers I’ve listed are regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA, CFTC, or ASIC. That matters because your funds deserve protection. I personally won’t touch a broker that doesn’t fall under strong regulation. Always double-check a broker’s regulatory status directly through the FCA, CFTC, or ASIC.
Platform & Execution Speed
If there’s one thing worse than a wide spread, it’s slippage. That’s why I test execution on both demo and live accounts. Platforms like MetaTrader 4, MT5, and cTrader all offer good speed—but it’s the broker’s infrastructure that makes the difference. IC Markets and FOREX.com consistently give me under-50ms execution. That’s fast enough for scalping, even during major news.
FAQ
What is the lowest possible spread in forex?
Technically, it’s 0.0 pips. But remember, these are minimums, not averages. Brokers like IC Markets and Tickmill offer this on major pairs through RAW or ECN accounts. You’ll usually pay a commission alongside it.
Can spreads be zero? What’s the catch?
Yes, but there’s always a commission involved. If a broker offers zero spreads with no commission, they’re probably marking up in hidden ways or not regulated. I’ve found the most transparent setups are where the broker charges both visibly—low spread plus fixed commission.
Are low-spread brokers always better?
Not always. If you’re a long-term trader holding positions for days or weeks, a 1.2 pip spread won’t matter much. But if you’re scalping, every pip matters. Also consider execution speed, slippage, and support.
How do RAW spread accounts work?
RAW (or ECN) accounts give you direct market pricing. You see the actual bid-ask spread from liquidity providers. The broker then charges a commission per lot instead of padding the spread. It’s more transparent—and often cheaper for active traders like me.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about minimizing costs in forex trading, low spreads aren’t optional—they’re essential. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of brokers, and these five stand out for a reason. They consistently deliver tight spreads, transparent pricing, solid regulation, and smooth execution.
To recap:
- IC Markets: Best for RAW spreads and platform choice
- FOREX.com: Great for execution and regulated trust
- Tickmill: Hidden gem with ultra-low commission
- OANDA: User-friendly and great for beginners
- IG: Strong education plus tight no-commission spreads
Choosing a low-spread broker is about how you trade, not just what the spreads are. Make your choice based on your goals, your style, and your experience level. Personally, I’d recommend starting with a demo account on two of these and seeing who feels right.
In trading, every edge matters. Low spreads might seem small—but over hundreds of trades, they’re a game-changer. Trust me, I’ve learned that one the hard way.
