Zero spread forex brokers offer traders the ability to enter and exit positions at the raw market price without any markup on the bid/ask difference. These brokers make their revenue primarily from commissions rather than spreads, making them ideal for scalpers, high-frequency traders, and those trading during volatile sessions. This article outlines the best forex brokers with zero spread, their trading conditions, and how to choose the right one for your strategy.
What Are Zero Spread Forex Brokers?
A zero spread broker provides access to interbank liquidity with no mark-up on spreads. Instead, traders are charged a fixed commission per trade.
Advantages:
- Predictable trading costs
- Better control over scalping strategies
- Transparent fee structure
- Tighter order execution and reduced slippage
Risks:
- Zero spreads may only apply to major pairs or during high liquidity hours
- Commissions can vary by broker and account type
- Some brokers advertise “zero” spreads but only on select accounts
Best Zero Spread Forex Brokers
1. IC Markets
- Regulation: ASIC, CySEC, FSA
- Zero Spread Account: Raw Spread
- Average EUR/USD Spread: 0.0 pips
- Commission: $3.5 per side per lot
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
- Key Strengths:
- True ECN execution
- Ideal for scalpers and algo traders
- Fastest execution speeds (<40ms)
2. Pepperstone
- Regulation: ASIC, FCA, DFSA
- Zero Spread Account: Razor Account
- Commission: $3.5 per side per lot
- Spread on Majors: 0.0–0.1 pips
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Highlights:
- Institutional-grade liquidity
- Access to Smart Trader Tools
3. Tickmill
- Regulation: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA
- Zero Spread Account: Pro Account
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- Commission: $2 per side per lot
- Why Traders Use It:
- Consistently low spreads
- High execution reliability
- Popular among professional traders
4. FXTM (ForexTime)
- Regulation: FCA, FSCA, CySEC
- Zero Spread Option: Advantage Account
- Commission: From $0.40 per 1k lot (volume-based)
- Zero Spread Pairs: Major pairs during peak hours
- Special Feature: Floating commission model for flexibility
5. RoboForex
- Regulation: IFSC Belize
- Zero Spread Account: ECN and Prime
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips on EUR/USD
- Commission: $2 per side per lot
- USP:
- Tight spreads even on minor pairs
- VPS and CopyFX support for scalping
Comparison Table: Zero Spread Forex Brokers
Broker | Regulation | Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (Per Lot) | Platform Options | Ideal For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC Markets | ASIC, CySEC | 0.0 pips | $7 round turn | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Scalpers, HFT users |
Pepperstone | ASIC, FCA | 0.0–0.1 pips | $7 round turn | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Institutional traders |
Tickmill | FCA, FSCA | 0.0–0.2 pips | $4 round turn | MT4, MT5 | Pro traders |
FXTM | FCA, CySEC | 0.0 pips (variable) | From $0.80 round turn | MT4, MT5 | Volume-based traders |
RoboForex | IFSC | 0.0 pips | $4 round turn | MT4, MT5, R Trader | Low-cost ECN access |
How to Choose a Zero Spread Broker
1. True ECN or STP Model
Look for brokers with direct market access rather than market makers.
2. Transparent Commissions
Check per-lot charges and whether commissions vary by account type or trading volume.
3. Trading Hours
Confirm when zero spreads apply—often only during liquid trading sessions like London/New York overlap.
4. Platform Support
Ensure compatibility with MT4/MT5, cTrader, or APIs for scalping and automation.
5. Execution Speed
Low latency is essential to maximise the benefit of zero spreads. Prefer brokers with global server infrastructure or VPS options.
Key Takeaways
- Zero spread brokers offer raw market pricing with fixed commissions instead of traditional spreads
- IC Markets and Pepperstone are the most trusted ECN brokers for raw pricing and execution speed
- Tickmill and RoboForex provide cost-effective alternatives for low deposit traders
- FXTM’s volume-based pricing offers flexibility for traders scaling their strategy
- Always verify if spreads are fixed at zero or conditional based on liquidity and time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zero spread forex broker?
A zero spread broker offers raw market prices without markups, meaning you can trade at bid/ask prices with no spread but pay a separate commission.
Is zero spread good for scalping?
Yes. Zero spread accounts are ideal for scalpers as they reduce cost per trade and allow tighter stop-losses and targets.
Are zero spread accounts available on MT4 and MT5?
Yes. Most top brokers offer zero spread accounts compatible with MetaTrader 4 and 5.
Do zero spread brokers have hidden fees?
Reputable zero spread brokers charge transparent commissions. Always check the commission table and withdrawal fees before trading.
Which forex broker offers true zero spreads?
IC Markets, Pepperstone, and Tickmill offer true ECN pricing with zero spreads on major pairs during peak liquidity hours.
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