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Raw spread accounts give traders direct access to interbank liquidity with no quote markups, offering the lowest trading costs in 2025. Over 65% of scalpers and algorithmic traders now use a raw spreads broker to minimize distortion and boost order accuracy. With average EUR/USD spreads at 0.1 pips (vs 1.2 on standard accounts), this model cuts execution costs by up to 90% on high-frequency strategies.
This article compares the top raw spread brokers in 2025, highlighting key features, trading terms, and platform strengths. Whether you prioritize low spreads, clear pricing, or high-speed execution, read on to find your best-fit
Raw spread accounts comparison
Raw spread accounts are ideal for Forex traders seeking maximum pricing efficiency and minimal slippage. These account types grant direct access to the interbank market, offering spreads from 0.0 pips under optimal market conditions. By eliminating markup, traders benefit from significantly lower trading costs, making them well-suited for high volume traders and those with algorithmic or advanced trading strategies.
Top-tier raw spreads broker platforms typically operate under ECN or STP models and ensure institutional-level liquidity from major currency pairs. Both zero spread broker and raw spread Forex brokers cater to clients who demand tight spreads, fast execution, and consistent conditions. For professionals, these accounts offer a better view of true market pricing, helping improve overall trading costs and execution efficiency.
Best Forex brokers with raw spread accounts
| ECN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $10,00 | $0,00 | 0 | $50,00 | $10,00 |
| Max leverage | 1:400 (FSCM), 1:400 (FSCA), 1:30 (ASIC), 1:3000 (MISA) | 1:30 (FCA), 1:500 (FSCA) | 1:30 (CySEC), 1:500 (FSCA), 1:1000 (BVI FSC), 1:2000 (CMA), 1:30 (FCA), 1:500 (FSA) | 1:500 (FSCA), 1:500 (CIMA), 1:30 (ASIC), 1:500 (VFSC), 1:30 (FCA) | 1:2000 (IFSC) |
| Swap-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What is a raw spread and raw spread Forex account?
A raw spread Forex account gives traders access to institutional-grade pricing, offering spreads from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. Unlike standard spread accounts, where brokers widen bid-ask differences to include fees, a raw spread account shows the actual market quote and charges a fixed commission per lot. This makes it a preferred option for those who prioritize transparency and want to manage their overall trading costs precisely.
These accounts are typically offered by raw spread Forex brokers and operate under ECN or STP execution models. By connecting directly to top-tier liquidity providers, the broker allows users to benefit from interbank market pricing, especially valuable for experienced traders, scalpers, and users of automated trading strategies.
While zero spread accounts and raw accounts may sound similar, there are key differences. Zero spread brokers might only offer 0 pips under ideal market conditions or for a few instruments, sometimes compensating with higher trading fees. In contrast, raw spreads broker accounts maintain consistently tight spreads across sessions and instruments, making them more reliable for high volume traders and professionals seeking stable execution.
For retail traders looking to improve their trading experience, these accounts offer greater control and cost efficiency. However, success depends on pairing them with advanced trading platforms that support fast execution and smart order routing.
Choosing a raw spread account means evaluating your trading style, platform quality, and the broker’s pricing model across live market conditions. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce trading costs and support more efficient decision-making across both short-term and long-term trading strategies.
How do Forex brokers make money on raw spread accounts?
Even though raw spread accounts advertise 0.0 pips, brokers still generate revenue through multiple sources tied to trading activity, volume, and services.
1. Trade commissions
- Most raw spread Forex brokers charge a fixed fee per lot, usually between $1 to $5.
- Example: If 10,000 traders each execute 20 lots/month, the broker earns $200,000–$1,000,000 monthly.
- These low trading costs appeal to high volume traders and automated trading strategies, while still benefiting the broker at scale.
2. Swap fees (Overnight charges)
- Brokers earn from swap differentials on held positions, such as long EUR/USD or short AUD/JPY.
- Depending on market conditions, rates can range from –1.2% to +0.8% annually.
- This mechanism is standard for retail CFD accounts and adds to broker income in volatile sessions.
3. Paid value-added services
- Common monetized features include:
- VPS hosting: $10–$40/month:
- Premium signals & analytics: via tools like Trading Central.
- Account management dashboards for raw spread account offers.
- These extras attract experienced traders looking for an edge on advanced trading platforms.
4. Liquidity provider rebates
- Zero spread brokers may earn cash rebates from liquidity providers (LPs) based on monthly volume.
- For instance, 50,000 lots/month at $0.50–$2 rebate = $25,000–$100,000 backend revenue.
- This structure supports tight spreads while maintaining broker profitability, even if client-facing spread accounts appear low-cost.
5. Educational upsells
- Some brokers sell trading courses, indicator bundles, or psychology sessions for $50–$250.
- These offers are often promoted to raw spread or zero spread account users looking to enhance their trading strategies.
6. Order flow monetization
- With interbank market access, brokers indirectly profit from order routing and smart execution infrastructure.
- This may be via:
- Tiered subscription access.
- Minimum volume targets.
- Advanced trading tools bundled into platform usage.
Even with spreads from 0.0 pips, brokers running raw spread accounts or zero spread trading accounts generate significant income through commissions, backend rebates, and added services. For Forex traders, this model ensures transparent pricing, while brokers maintain profitability through volume-driven infrastructure, creating a win-win under most market conditions.
Should you choose a raw spread account?
A raw spread account is often preferred by Forex traders who prioritize cost control, speed, and institutional-style execution. According to Infobrokers analytics, over 67% of professional traders now use raw spread Forex brokers to reduce slippage and improve long-term profitability.
Key benefits
- Tight spreads save money. A trader executing 100 standard lots/month with an average spread of 0.2 pips saves roughly $200 per month, or $2,400 annually, compared to a standard account with 1.2 pips on EUR/USD.
- Execution efficiency matters. Raw spread brokers with execution speeds under 50ms show 35% less slippage on average, which is crucial for algorithmic trading and high-volume strategies.
- Low entry barrier. Most raw spread accounts in 2025 require a minimum deposit of just $50 to $200, while micro and cent accounts may begin at $5. This makes zero spread trading accounts accessible to retail traders, not just institutions.
- More than just Forex. Platforms like IC Markets and Eightcap offer zero spread accounts across metals, indices, and cryptocurrencies — appealing to traders who diversify beyond major currency pairs.
To test real-world performance, traders can:
- Run a demo with 20 raw spread trades on EUR/USD.
- Compare against 20 trades on a standard spread account.
- Evaluate spread difference, commissions, and slippage to calculate cost impact.
If your strategy depends on precision entries, low latency, and transparent trading fees, a raw account is one of the most cost-efficient options. Ensure your platform supports advanced tools like trailing stops, multiple order types, and real-time spread tracking to unlock the full advantage of raw pricing.
Optimizing raw spread accounts with execution data
Methodology for compiling our ratings of Forex brokers
Infobrokers applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.
Key aspects of the assessment include:
- Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under.
- User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified.
- Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.
- Fees and commissions. All trading fees and commissions are analyzed comprehensively to determine overall costs for clients.
- Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality, and features of platforms offered to clients.
- Other factors like brand popularity, client support, and educational resources are also evaluated.
Find out more about the unique broker assessment methodology developed by Infobrokers specialists.
Conclusion
Raw spread accounts offer a transparent pricing model that appeals to cost-sensitive and professional traders. With spreads starting from 0.0 pips and fixed per-lot commissions, this setup supports scalping, algorithmic strategies, and precision-based execution.
The real advantage lies in combining tight spreads with low latency, access to deep liquidity, and support for high-performance platforms. In 2025, raw spread Forex brokers remain a top choice for traders aiming to lower costs and improve execution outcomes. Before switching, it’s essential to evaluate all pricing components and test account performance in live or demo conditions.
