Fixed Spreads vs. Floating Spreads

Forex brokers offer a choice of fixed and floating spreads. So, what's best? The answer to this question depends on your experience and trading strategies.

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Fixed spreads

If your broker quotes fixed spreads, the bid-ask spread will be constant at all times, regardless of market conditions. You'll find that spreads may vary across currency pairs: they can be as low as 2 to 3 pips for Major currency pairs and wider for exotic currency pairs.

Floating spreads

If your broker quotes floating spreads, the bid-ask spread will change with market conditions. For example, the typical EUR/USD spread may vary between 1 and 4 pips under normal market conditions. However, it can widen to 8 pips and beyond under volatile market conditions.

Fixed or floating spreads?

The answer to this question depends on your experience and trading style.

Because floating spreads tend to be lower than fixed spreads during normal market conditions, they can be more cost effective if you are a medium to long term investor, tend to keep your positions open overnight or trade during quiet market conditions. AvaTrade, and HF Markets quote particularly competitive spreads across most Majors.

However, fixed spreads will work for you if you are new to Forex trading, as they provide a more predictable trading environment: you know exactly how many pips you need to make to net a profit on your trade. You might also prefer a fixed spread trading environment if you're a day trader, engage in algorithmic trading or want to trade around news events.

If you're looking for low fixed spreads, read our guide to Forex brokers with fixed spreads.

Featured Brokers

FxPro

MT5 Floating - Market Execution

Trade 70+ currency pairs, indices, energies and metals on floating spreads with market execution. ... More

  • $500 deposit
  • 1:200 leverage
  • 1.51 pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Bahamas, Cyprus (EU), South Africa, UK
Risk warning: 84.69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs and Spread Betting work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Capital.com

Standard Account

Trade CFDs on thousands of markets across Forex, crypto-currencies, stocks, indices and commodities... More

  • $20 deposit
  • 1:100 leverage
  • pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Australia, Belarus, Cyprus (EU), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, UK
Risk warning: CFD trading is a risky activity and can bring not only profit but also losses. The size of the potential loss is limited to the size of the deposit. Past profits do not guarantee future profits.

4XC

Standard Account

Trade 74 currency pairs and CFDs on stocks, oil, metals and crypto with leverage up to 1:500. 4XC ... More

  • $10 (MT4), $ 100 (MT5) deposit
  • 1:500 leverage
  • 1.4 pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Cook Islands
Risk warning: Trading Forex/CFDs on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of your deposits. You should carefully consider your financial situation and experience level before trading.