Best Zero-Spread Forex Brokers

Benzinga readers love FOREX.com or IG Markets as the best zero spread forex brokers.

Suppose you're a novice or expert forex trader seeking a cost-effective, transparent and seamless trading experience. In that case, you should consider zero-spread forex brokers. These brokers offer trading opportunities where the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price, is set at zero or extremely tight. This means you can enter and exit positions at the exact market price without incurring additional costs, thereby maximizing profit. 

Zero-spread forex brokers streamline market access for undercapitalized traders by minimizing trading costs. However, while zero-spread forex brokers seem attractive, most platforms try to recoup the cost via hidden fees like commission and overnight charges, so read the terms to understand the pricing before opening accounts.

Quick Look: Best Zero-Spread Forex Brokers

• Best Overall: FOREX.com
• Best for CFD Trading: IG Markets
• Best for Expert Traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best for Mobile Users: Plus500
• Best for Scalping and High-Frequency Trading (HFT): Tickmill
• Best for Beginners: Pepperstone

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Disclosure: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Best Zero-Spread Forex Brokers

Benzinga's six best zero-spread brokers comprise well-regulated and reputed forex brokerages that blend fast trade execution with other exceptional features. These brokers offer diverse tradable instruments, cutting-edge trading tools, excellent educational resources and competitive pricing. They are:

1. Best Overall: FOREX.com

FOREX.com is Benzinga's pick for the best zero-spread broker thanks to its competitive spreads, flexible leverage options, multiple account types and user-friendly trading platforms. Over 80 currency pairs are available, providing traders with an excellent opportunity to explore various forex markets. You can set up your account and start trading with a minimum deposit of $100. However, the brokerage recommends a $2,500 deposit for flexibility and efficient risk management. FOREX.com provides three primary account options: Standard, Raw pricing and direct market access (STP Pro) accounts. 

The Standard account features variable spreads as low as 1.0 with no trade commission. In contrast, the Raw pricing account offers ultra-raw spreads as low as 0.0 for major pairs and a commission of $7 per USD traded. The STP Pro account is commission-free and has a similar spread to the Raw pricing account. The default leverage is 200:1. However, you can request it to be changed to a maximum of 400:1 for the Standard account or 100:1 — 50:1 for other account options. The brokers support multiple trading platforms, including MT4, TradingView and NinjaTrade, available on web, desktop and mobile devices for on-the-go access. FOREX.com offers robust educational and research resources.

2. Best for CFD Trading: IG Markets

IG Market is a London-based forex contract for difference (CFD) broker that provides a comprehensive trading package, including multiple-robust trading platforms, flexible strategies and exceptional educational and research tools. It is considered one of the best CFD brokers, with over 18,000 CFD instruments across multiple asset classes, including stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. IG Markets supports ProRealTime for the web, MT4 and L2 Dealer — its direct market access (DMA) platform and MT4. 

You can seamlessly trade 80+ forex pairs on these platforms using your favorite strategies, including algorithmic trading. You can set up an account and start trading with a $250 minimum. For major pairs, spreads start as low as 0.8 (with zero commission). Per CFTC regulations, you can access up to 50:1. If you meet a certain volume threshold, you qualify for a rebate. The mobile app is equipped with essential tools such as advanced charts, risk management features and customizable trading options and makes for excellent ease of usage. 

3. Best for Expert Traders: Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) prides itself as the gateway to the global financial market for expert traders and is rightfully so, given its expansive offering. You can explore over 150 global markets and trade your favorite assets, including stocks, options, bonds, funds and forex. IBKR offers over 100 currency pairs on 24 global currencies with a tight spread as narrow as 0.1 pips and a commission as low as  0.08, depending on your monthly trading volume. There's no account minimum, inactivity fees, hidden spread or markup. IBKR's transparent and low prices prevent conflicts of interest often associated with brokers who trade for their own accounts. 

Moreover, its deep liquidity and real-time quotes from 17 of the largest global FX dealers facilitate fast trade execution and informed decision-making based on up-to-date market information. IBKR is available in about 200 countries and accommodates traders of different levels with various account types, including Individual, Joint and Corporate accounts, allowing for diverse trading needs. Multiple trading platforms are available, including the web client portal, IBKR mobile for on-the-go access and the powerful Trader Workstation (TWS) for the desktop, the most robust platform for expert traders. IBKR's professional FX trading tool — FXTrader — provides an optimized trading interface tailored for the currency market and is easily accessible on the TWS.

4. Best for Mobile Users: Plus500

Plus500 is a global multi-asset fintech group that operates trading platforms globally, offering a range of trading products including CFDs.

Highlights of this platform include:

• Quick onboarding
• Simplified mobile trading
• Easy-to-use platform
• Offers 2800+ CFDs
• Free deposits and withdrawals
• $100 minimum
• 0.7% currency conversion fee per transaction, when the currency in your account is different from those traded

Because Plus500 doesn’t charge a commission and only profits on spreads, you save money and don’t have to worry about overpriced fees. If you’re a beginner, there are insights, the Trading Academy and webinars you can check out on YouTube. You can jump into Plus500, make the most of your expertise, build your portfolio and quickly turn a profit.

5. Best for Scalpers and High-Frequency Traders (HFT): Tickmill

From low trading costs to high leverages, Tickmill provides highly competitive trading conditions for high-frequency, high-volume traders and scalpers. You can access over 60 forex pairs across the global market. The spread varies according to account type, starting as low as 0.0 for the Pro and VIP account and 1.6 for the Classic account. The maximum leverage is 1:30, and the minimum deposit is $100. There is no commission on the Classic account; for the Pro and VIP account, there is a commission of two units of the base currency per side per lot and 1 unit of the base currency per side per lot, respectively. 

Tickmill allows all trading strategies, including algorithmic, automated and social trading. The forex trading platform includes the MT4/5 platform. The MT4 offers advanced charting and analytical tools and sophisticated order management and is available on desktop and mobile devices (mobile app). The MT5 is more advanced, highly customizable and ideal for expert traders. Available tools include autochartist, Tickmill VPS, earning calendar, forex calculator and signal center. Additionally, Tickmill offers impressive learning resources, including video tutorials, webinars, podcasts and a forex glossary. Tickmill also provides specialized futures and options trading platforms, such as CQG, AgenaTrader and TradingView.

6. Best for Beginners: Pepperstone

Pepperstone provides traders with an expanding selection of tradable instruments, quality educational resources and support for various social copy trading platforms. You can access over 1,200 instruments, including 60+ forex, indices, equities, energy and commodities. Pepperstone uses multiple liquidity providers from Tier 1 Banks and financial institutions to provide competitive quotes with low spreads and deep liquidity on diverse instruments, ensuring razor-sharp pricing and fast execution. 

The minimum spread ranges from 0.0 for the Razor account to 1.00 for the Standard account. Commissions are charged only for the Razor accounts. There's no minimum deposit requirement, and leverages range between 30:1 to 500:1 depending on regulatory jurisdiction — FCA (U.K.), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus) and others. Although the broker doesn't have its own trading platforms, it provides nearly all industry-leading third-party platforms, including TradingView, MT4, MT5 and cTrader. These platforms are available on PC, web and mobile devices, allowing for convenient market analysis, trade execution, strategy development, and risk management. 

You can seamlessly perform technical analysis on the PC and web versions using its robust Smart Trader Tools and trade on the go with the mobile versions. Pepperstone provides the cAlgo platform for algorithmic trading, allowing traders to automate their strategies. Additionally, for social copy trading, Pepperstone offers DupliTrade for cTrader and myFxbook for MetaTrader, enabling beginners to connect with and follow successful traders.

What is a Zero-Spread Forex Broker?

A zero-spread forex broker is a type of brokerage firm that offers forex trading with no spread or markup on the bid-ask prices. This means that traders can buy at the ask price and sell at the bid price without incurring additional costs. Instead of earning from the spread, these brokers typically charge a fixed commission per trade. Zero-spread brokers provide a transparent pricing structure that allows traders to see the true interbank market prices and enjoy tighter bid-ask spreads. 

This can particularly benefit day traders, scalpers and high-frequency traders who execute numerous trades in a short timeframe (aiming to profit from small price movements) and so need to keep transactions low. However, it's important to note that zero-spread brokers may have other fees or limitations. Hence, it's crucial that you carefully consider all aspects before choosing a broker.

Advantages of Zero-Spread Forex Brokers

Zero-spread forex trading offers various advantages, including:

• Cost savings: Zero-spread forex brokers offer tighter bid-ask spreads than standard brokers, enabling you to enter and exit trades at more favorable prices, thereby saving trading costs and enhancing profitability.
• Transparent pricing: Zero-spread brokers provide transparent pricing as they eliminate the spread markup. Traders can see the actual interbank market prices without hidden costs, ensuring fair and transparent execution.
• High liquidity and lightning-fast execution: Zero-spread forex brokers can enhance liquidity by passing on the cost savings from lower spreads to traders via improved pricing and faster trade execution. Scalpers and HFTs rely on fast and rapid trade execution to implement risk management strategies and deliver profitable trade. 
• Fixed commissions: Zero-spread brokers typically charge a fixed commission per trade instead of earning from the spread. This fee structure gives traders a clear understanding of their trading costs, making calculating and managing their overall expenses easier. There's no need for requotes, as you can seamlessly access large liquidity pools and efficiently execute trades.

Disadvantages of Zero-Spread Forex Brokers

Despite the potential advantages, zero-spread forex brokers have some disadvantages. A few of these include:

• Hidden fees: While zero-spread brokers eliminate the spread markup, they may charge various hidden fees, including swap, inactivity and platform fees, along with fixed commission per trade. These fees can significantly add up, affecting your overall trading cost, especially if you're a high-volume trader.
• Restrictive trading requirements: Some zero-spread brokers may require a higher minimum deposit or specific trading volume criteria to qualify for their services. This can be disadvantageous if you've limited capital or prefer smaller trading volumes.
• Limited availability: Most zero-spread brokers are only available in specific jurisdictions or regions. Traders residing in certain countries may have limited access to these brokers, restricting their options. For instance, most of the zero-spread brokers in Benzinga's list are unavailable for US clients.
• Limited product range: Some zero-spread brokers often focus on forex trading and may have a limited range of other financial instruments. Suppose you're interested in diversifying your portfolios with a broader range of assets. In that case, you may need to consider additional brokers or platforms. With limited options for adjusting spreads and leverage, these brokers may offer less customizable trading conditions.

How to Choose the Best Zero-Spread Forex Broker

When selecting the best zero-spread forex broker, consider the following factors to make an informed decision.

Spreads

The spread directly impacts your trading costs. Tighter spreads result in better pricing, enhancing profitability and reducing overall trading expenses. While zero-spread brokers eliminate the spread markup, it's essential to ensure that the broker consistently offers competitive bid-ask spreads not just for a few currency pairs but across multiple currency pairs and financial instruments.

Execution Speed

Fast and reliable execution ensures you can enter and exit positions promptly, taking advantage of market opportunities without delays. A zero-spread broker with efficient execution speed can help you achieve optimal trade entry and exit points, enhancing your trading experience and improving overall results. Therefore, you must consider the execution speed of your chosen zero-spread forex brokerage before opening an account. 

Trading Platform

The trading platform is the interface for executing trades and accessing market data. A reliable and user-friendly trading platform can enhance your trading experience, providing intuitive navigation, advanced charting tools and order execution capabilities. Choosing a zero-spread broker with a robust and efficient trading platform is essential to ensure seamless and convenient trading operations.

Trading Instruments

Considering the range of trading instruments is essential when choosing a zero-spread forex broker, as it determines the variety of markets you can trade. While forex is the primary focus, having access to additional instruments like stocks, indices, commodities or cryptocurrencies can offer diversification opportunities. A broker with a broader range of trading instruments allows you to explore different markets and potentially capitalize on various trading opportunities.

Tools and Resources

Besides trading platforms, you must also consider the available tools and resources when opening a zero-spread forex brokerage account, as they can enhance your trading analysis and decision-making process. Advanced charting tools, technical indicators, economic calendars and educational resources can provide valuable insights and help you stay informed about market developments. A broker that offers comprehensive tools and resources can support your trading strategies and contribute to your overall trading success.

Regulation

Well-regulated brokers operate within established guidelines, providing security and protection for traders. They are subject to regulatory oversight, which promotes transparency, fair trading practices and client fund protection. So consider brokers regulated by reputable financial authorities like FCA (U.K.), CTFC and NFA (U.S.), as they mitigate risks and instill confidence in the integrity of the trading environment.

Maximize Profitability and Save Cost By Choosing Zero-Spread Forex Brokerage 

Choosing a zero-spread forex brokerage can significantly impact your trading profitability by minimizing costs and maximizing potential gains. These brokers provide transparent and fair pricing by eliminating the spread markup, ensuring you get the best possible rates. This cost-saving advantage is particularly beneficial for scalpers, high-frequency traders and those who engage in frequent trading activities. Selecting a reputable zero-spread forex broker allows you to optimize your trading strategy while minimizing expenses, ultimately helping you achieve greater profitability in the forex market.

Frequently Asked Questions