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Forex broker spread tracker

Compare broker spreads across major pairs, detect hidden markups, and calculate the real pip cost of every trade — all in your browser.

✓ No download needed ✓ Printable template ✓ EU broker data pre-loaded ✓ Markup detector
Risk warning: CFDs and forex trading carry a high risk of loss. 74–89% of retail investor accounts lose money. This tool is for comparison purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Regulated by CySEC/FCA where stated.
Affiliate disclosure: Some broker links on this page earn CompareFX a commission when you open an account. This does not affect our ratings or the data shown in the tracker. We only recommend brokers we have independently reviewed.

Broker spread tracker

💡 How to use: Edit any cell to enter your own spreads. Click the pair header to sort. The Score column rates each broker automatically based on spreads vs. the competitive benchmark.
# Broker Regulation Type EUR/USD ▸ GBP/USD ▸ USD/JPY ▸ XAU/USD ▸ Commission Score Notes

* Spreads are typical values during normal market hours (London/NY overlap). Spreads widen during news events. Data sourced from broker websites — verify before trading.

Spread markup benchmarks

These are the typical interbank/ECN raw spreads. Any spread above the benchmark includes a markup — the broker's profit margin per trade.

Pair Raw (ECN) Competitive Average standard Expensive (avoid)
EUR/USD0.0–0.3 pips0.3–1.0 pips1.0–1.8 pips> 2.0 pips
GBP/USD0.2–0.5 pips0.5–1.5 pips1.5–2.5 pips> 3.0 pips
USD/JPY0.1–0.3 pips0.3–1.0 pips1.0–1.5 pips> 2.0 pips
XAU/USD (Gold)0.05–0.2 $0.2–0.5 $0.5–2.0 $> 3.0 $

Pip cost calculator

Enter your trade size and spread to see the exact cost in USD before you place a trade.

Cost per trade
$1.20
Monthly spread cost
$24.00
Annual spread cost
$288.00

7-step spread markup detection checklist

  1. 1
    Record the advertised spread

    Go to the broker's website → Trading conditions → Spreads. Note the "typical" or "average" EUR/USD spread. This is the baseline to compare against.

  2. 2
    Open a demo account and measure live

    During London–New York overlap (13:00–16:00 UTC), open a chart and record the live bid/ask spread 5 times over 30 minutes. Average these.

  3. 3
    Compare advertised vs. live spread

    If the live average is more than 0.3 pips above the advertised typical spread, the broker is misrepresenting its pricing. Log the difference in your tracker above.

  4. 4
    Check the RTS 28 disclosure

    EU brokers must publish an annual RTS 28 report showing execution quality data. Download it from their regulatory/legal page. It should show average slippage and spread data.

  5. 5
    Test spreads during a news event

    Measure spreads 2 minutes before and after a major release (US Non-Farm Payrolls, ECB rates). Variable-spread brokers can widen 10–20× during these periods. This hidden cost kills scalping strategies.

  6. 6
    Check for hidden commissions

    Some brokers show a narrow spread but charge a per-lot commission ($3–$7 per side). Add commission to spread to calculate the "all-in cost" and enter it in the tracker notes column.

  7. 7
    Score and compare across brokers

    Fill in your tracker table with data from at least 3 brokers. Sort by EUR/USD spread. The Score column will automatically colour-code each broker green (competitive), yellow (average), or red (expensive).

Ready to open with a low-spread EU broker?

CompareFX independently reviews every broker below. All are CySEC or FCA regulated.

Open Exness — from 0.1 pips ↗ Open AvaTrade — fixed spreads ↗

Frequently asked questions

What is a spread in forex? +
The spread is the difference between the buy price (ask) and the sell price (bid) quoted by a broker. It is the broker's primary fee on most trades. A EUR/USD spread of 1.2 pips means you start each trade 1.2 pips in the red, so the market must move at least 1.2 pips in your favour to break even.
What is a good spread for EUR/USD? +
For a raw or ECN account, under 0.5 pips is good. For a standard account, under 1.5 pips is competitive. Anything above 2 pips on EUR/USD during normal hours is expensive and likely includes a large markup.
How do I detect spread markups? +
Compare the broker's quoted spread to the raw interbank spread (typically 0.1–0.3 pips on majors). The difference is the markup. Check the broker's published spread on their website, then measure what you actually see in the platform during normal market hours.
Do EU brokers have to disclose their spreads? +
Yes. Under MiFID II, EU/EEA brokers must provide a full costs and charges disclosure including average spreads before you open an account. They must also publish RTS 27/28 reports.
What is a variable versus fixed spread? +
A fixed spread stays constant regardless of market conditions. A variable spread widens during news and low liquidity. Variable spreads are usually lower on average but can spike sharply, increasing your costs unpredictably.