- Jump to:
- Main Features
- What are Fixed Spread Brokers?
- Advantages of Fixed Spreads
- Disadvantages of Fixed Spreads
- Fixed Spreads vs. Variable Spreads
- Key Features to Look for
- Who Should Use Fixed Spreads?
- Tips for Choosing the Right Broker
- Final Thoughts
Forex trading is not just about trading currencies. Understanding different costs and brokerage models is also important. Due to their predictable structure, fixed spread brokers are popular among traders. Let’s explore this in more detail.
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Main features of the best forex brokers with fixed spreads
- Brand
- Trading platforms
- Minimum deposit
- Regulations
- Trading instruments
- Spreads
- Leverage for Forex CFDs
- Leverage for Crypto CFDs
- Leverage for Indices CFDs
- Deposit methods
- Withdrawal Methods
- Commission per Lot
- Contact details
What are fixed spread brokers?
Advantages of fixed spreads
Let’s look at the main benefits of fixed spread brokers.
- Since spreads are fixed, the trading cost is predictable. You can easily calculate the cost regardless of market conditions.
- This provides ease of budgeting for traders. They can practise better money management by calculating their costs upfront.
- Fixed spreads protect you from the wide spreads usually seen during news releases or market turbulence.
Disadvantages of fixed spreads
However, there are also some disadvantages.
- Fixed spreads can mean a higher cost of trading during stable markets, as variable spreads are lower under such conditions.
- With fixed spread brokers, there is always a risk of requotes. Your orders may not be executed instantly during extreme volatility.
- Fixed spreads may not suit traders who like to scalp. For example, high-frequency traders open several positions and every pip of cost matters to them.
Fixed spreads vs. variable spreads
Let’s compare both models to help you find what suits your trading style.
The trading cost can be higher with fixed spread brokers, as variable spreads are usually lower with little or no markup added by the broker.
However, the volatility response of variable spreads is usually negative for traders, as spreads can widen sharply during extreme volatility, which can drastically alter trading outcomes, whereas fixed spread brokers make no such changes in either market condition.
- Scalping involves multiple positions being opened and closed in a session. Variable spreads suit scalpers more than fixed spreads.
- For swing traders, fixed spreads provide cost stability over longer trades.
- For day traders, the choice primarily depends on the number of positions traded in a day and market conditions.
Variable spreads are often viewed as less transparent because brokers could manipulate pricing. Fixed spreads are ideal when you trade less frequently and aim for larger gains; for example, if you trade once a day during the low-volatility hours of the early Asian session or the late US session, targeting, say, 20 pips. Such a scenario is ideal for fixed spread brokers.
Key features to look for in forex brokers with fixed spreads
Once you have decided to opt for a fixed spread broker, consider the following features to find the best one.
Spread range across major and minor pairs
Check the spreads of major and minor pairs that you trade frequently. Make sure the broker offers competitive spreads for those pairs.
Transparency in pricing and commission structure
Usually, fixed spread brokers do not charge commissions. However, look for other costs such as withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, etc. A transparent broker does not hide fees.
Execution speed and trade reliability
Fixed spread brokers can experience requotes when prices fluctuate a lot. However, a good broker executes trades quickly and with high reliability.
Compatibility with popular trading platforms
Ensure the broker’s VPS or servers are compatible with popular platforms such as MetaTrader and cTrader. Some countries do not permit MetaTrader, so check before signing up.
Broker reputation and regulation
After considering the above features, look at the broker’s regulatory status. If a broker is highly regulated, you can confidently sign up with it.
Who should use fixed spreads?
Let’s find out who should use fixed spread brokers.
Beginners and small account traders
Beginner traders may not yet be fully acquainted with the markets, so handling variable spreads can be challenging for them. Moreover, small-account traders may not have access to variable spread accounts, as these often require larger deposits.
News traders and high-volatility scenarios
Thanks to a predictable cost structure and no change in spreads during highly volatile conditions, news traders can benefit from fixed spreads.
Traders with specific budget constraints
Traders with strict budget constraints may prefer fixed spread brokers because they help them adhere closely to their financial plans.
Tips for choosing the right broker with fixed spreads
Here are some important tips to help you pick the right fixed spread broker.
Assessing your trading needs and strategy
Evaluate your strategy and identify your trading requirements and objectives. Not every trader or strategy is suited to fixed spreads. Once you understand the pros and cons of fixed spreads and have clarity on your approach, you can proceed.
Checking spreads during volatile and normal markets
Although brokers claim to provide fixed spreads, some may widen them, for instance at the end or start of a session. Therefore, monitor spreads during both normal and volatile market conditions.
Evaluating trading platforms and tools provided
Always check which trading platforms the broker offers. The platform should be user-friendly for you. Also, review the additional tools the broker provides.
Final thoughts
Fixed spread brokers can be a great choice for traders looking for cost predictability and stable spreads during highly volatile conditions. However, they may not suit scalpers and high-frequency traders. Therefore, it is important to assess your trading needs and goals before choosing fixed spread brokers.









