The spread is the difference between the amount a broker will pay for an asset and the price they will sell it at – the bid and ask price. In essence, the spread allows brokers to charge traders a mark-up to use their platform, and is one of the primary ways they make money from trades – particularly forex brokers.
Trading brokers may offer a floating, or variable spread, which fluctuates according to market circumstances, or a spread that remains fixed no matter what is happening in the wider market.
- With fixed spread accounts, the difference between the bid and ask price will remain the same regardless of market volatility.
- Fixed spread brokers are sometimes favored by day traders since they may lower overall costs and provide more price transparency.
- Beginner traders can benefit from fixed spread accounts as it is easier to calculate costs than variable spreads.
- Some brokers with fixed spreads offer very tight spreads on popular assets like major currency pairs, but traders looking to deal with exotic pairs and niche assets may want to opt for a floating spread.
Best Brokers With Fixed Spreads 2026
Following our in-depth tests, these are the 6 brokers with the tightest fixed spread accounts in New Zealand 2026:
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
- Platforms: Web, MT4, MT5, TradingView
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading with this provider. -
- Demo account
- Regulator: BVI FSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Regulator: BVI FSC
- Platforms: NetTradeX, MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Regulator: MISA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
What Makes These Brokers The Best For Fixed Spread Trading?
Here’s why these fixed spread brokers stood out in our latest tests:
- AvaTrade is the best fixed spread broker for in New Zealand in 2026 4.9/5 When we tested AvaTrade's fixed spreads they offered consistent predictability, especially on EUR/USD, at a fixed 0.9 pips with no additional commission. This setup proved cost-effective for swing and news traders needing stability during volatile periods. While execution speed was average at times, the fixed pricing gave clear safeguards against sudden market spikes.
- CMC Markets 4.7/5 Based on our tests, CMC Markets offers fixed spreads on major currency pairs, like 1.0 pip for EUR/USD, 1.2 pips for GBP/USD, and 1.1 pips for USD/JPY, featuring no commissions, providing predictability and transparency. This setup is ideal for active traders prioritizing tight spreads and predictable, transparent pricing.
- InstaForex 3.2/5 During our last tests, InstaForex's Insta Standard account offered fixed spreads on all trading instruments, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, futures, and crypto, with spreads starting from 2 pips. This setup provided predictability and transparency, beneficial for traders seeking consistent costs. Execution speeds were generally fast, and the platform provided a user-friendly interface.
- IFC Markets 2.9/5 During our tests, IFC Markets’ MT4 Fixed accounts delivered EUR/USD fixed spreads from 1.8 pips with no commission, ensuring pricing predictability during volatile conditions. Execution was reliably fast, and access to over 600 CFDs via MT4, MT5, and NetTradeX added flexibility.
- IG 4.5/5 IG Group's fixed spreads are primarily available on indices from our investigations, like a competitive 1 point on the UK 100 and 0.5 points on the US 500, with no commission. Execution was also fast, averaging under one second - an important consideration for active traders.
- OnFin 2.8/5 When we tested OnFin’s FIX account (MT4), EUR/USD fixed spreads were a wide 3.0 pips with no commission, far wider than market norms from our analysis. This delivered predictability during spikes, but the high spreads outweighed the benefits for most traders. Execution was fast (~1 ms), yet the regulatory and reliability concerns could outweigh the advantages.
Top Fixed Spread Brokers Comparison
Compare the fixed spread ratings and other costs at our top brokers:
| Broker | Fixed Spreads | Fixed Spread Rating | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | ✔Yes | $50 | |
| CMC Markets | ✘No | $15 | |
| InstaForex | ✘No | - | |
| IFC Markets | ✔Yes | $0 | |
| IG | ✘No | $12 | |
| OnFin | ✔Yes | $50 |
How Safe Are These Fixed Spread Trading Brokers?
See how the top fixed spread trading platforms protect client funds and ensure secure trading conditions:
| Broker | Trust Rating | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Negative Balance Protection | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| CMC Markets | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| InstaForex | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| IFC Markets | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| IG | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| OnFin | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✘No |
Detailed Ratings Of Top Fixed Spread Brokers
See how the best brokers with fixed spreads scored across all categories in our expert-led evaluations:
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Assets | Mobile | Fees | Accounts | Research | Education | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | |||||||||
| CMC Markets | |||||||||
| InstaForex | |||||||||
| IFC Markets | |||||||||
| IG | |||||||||
| OnFin |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 13715 | ||||
| CMC Markets | 3569 | ||||
| InstaForex | 553 | ||||
| IFC Markets | - | 574 | |||
| IG | 10317 | ||||
| OnFin | 29 |
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With AvaTrade?
Celebrating 20 Years in the industry, AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- AvaFutures traders can now use TradingView for 100+ indicators, screeners and a calendar, the sharing of trade ideas, commissions from $0.45, intraday margins from $60, and access to exchanges like CME and EUREX.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
Cons
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With CMC Markets?
With advanced charting tools and an extensive range of tradable CFDs, including an almost unrivalled selection of currencies and custom indices, CMC Markets provides a fantastic online platform for traders of all levels.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
CMC Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting, Certificates and Warrants (Germany and Austria)
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
- Platforms
- Web, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SEK, NOK, SGD, PLN
Pros
- The CMC web platform delivers a fantastic user experience with advanced charting tools for day trading and customizable features, catering to both beginners and experienced traders. MT4, MT5 and TradingView (added in 2025) are also supported.
- CMC Funded available from October 2026, providing up to a $100k prop trading-style simulated account to traders looking to prove their skills on CMC's trading infrastructure with wide market access, including prediction markets.
- CMC Markets has added an AI News feature, using AI to surface and summarise market stories rather than place trades for you, hinting at where broker research tools are heading.
Cons
- The CMC Markets app offers the complete trading package but the design and user experience trails category leaders like eToro.
- An inactivity fee of $15 per month is applied after 12 months of inactivity, which may deter casual investors.
- Despite improvements, the web platform still requires enhancements to make it as intuitive to trade on as software from rivals like IG.
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With InstaForex?
InstaForex is a good choice for currency traders familiar with the MT4 and MT5 platforms. The broker offers more forex pairs than most rivals with very tight spreads and a low minimum deposit.
William Berg, Reviewer
InstaForex quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Forex, shares, indices, metals, oil and gas, futures, cryptos, binary options
- Regulator
- BVI FSC
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $1
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Pros
- Wide market access with hundreds of assets
- Low minimum deposit to get started
- Reputable brand that over seven million investors have signed up to in the last 15+ years
Cons
- Mixed user reviews on third-party sites, including some complaints of withdrawal issues
- The broker’s website and Client Cabinet can feel tricky to navigate
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With IFC Markets?
IFC Markets is best suited to active traders who want flexibility, with a choice of micro and standard accounts, minimum deposits from just $1, plus the ability to blend multiple assets into a single synthetic instrument on the user-friendly NetTradeX platform – a feature we’ve not seen elsewhere.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IFC Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, ETFs, Synthetics
- Regulator
- BVI FSC
- Platforms
- NetTradeX, MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $1
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, JPY
Pros
- We’ve seen meaningful improvements over time, including the addition of a Standard ECN account on MT5 and expanded synthetic instruments on NetTradeX, showing IFC Markets is evolving to better serve active traders.
- MT4, MT5, and NetTradeX are all available on desktop, web and mobile, each with live and demo access, full functionality, and no platform restrictions even on micro accounts.
- The NetTradeX platform’s PCI feature lets you build your own synthetic instruments – a truly standout feature enabling you to trade complex macro views or hedged positions as a single chartable asset.
Cons
- There is a notable lack of third-party technical analysis tools and news feeds from providers like Trading Central, Autochartist, Reuters, or Dow Jones, relying solely on in-house research, which do not match the depth or automation of these external services.
- IFC Markets is licensed only by the BVI FSC, which lacks the investor protections of top-tier regulators like FCA or ASIC. This showed in limited disclosures and fewer client safeguards.
- We found the NetTradeX app clunky and visually dated, despite offering advanced features. It lacks the usability of the best day trading apps, such as AvaTrade.
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With IG?
IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and robust trade execution for experienced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only)
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB
- Platforms
- Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
- IG obtained a crypto asset license from the FCA, allowing it to re-enter the UK market to provide buying, selling and storing opportunities on 55+ digital tokens with fees from 1.49%, and all within an FCA-licensed environment.
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
Why Choose Fixed Spread Trading With OnFin?
OnFin is best suited to experienced day traders who prioritize high leverage over regulatory protections and want to use MT4 or MT5. The ECN account stands out as the top choice for active traders, offering raw spreads from 0 pips, catering to scalpers and intraday traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
OnFin quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator
- MISA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $1
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- With ultra-high leverage up to 1:3000 and raw spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts, OnFin delivers competitive trading conditions tailored for scalpers and intraday traders.
- With entry points as low as $1 on the Mini account and $50 for ECN access, OnFin is accessible to traders on a tight budget. Its fixed spreads, while not the cheapest we’ve seen, may also appeal to newer traders seeking price certainty.
- OnFin’s dedicated copy trading platform lets you follow multiple strategies at once, compare their profitability, and fine-tune how much capital is allocated to each. While not as advanced as eToro, it still offers a useful social trading layer for hands-off traders.
Cons
- At sign-up, we were only asked to choose MT4 or MT5, with no explanation of the four account types (ECN, Standard, Mini, Fix) or how they differ. We had to dig through support pages post-registration to understand our options - a frustrating experience, especially for beginners.
- OnFin’s educational content is mostly limited to a basic blog with a few generic articles and some guides. There are no webinars or interactive tools - making it less suitable for those who need structured learning, though it did start rolling out tutorials and strategy guides for beginners in 2026.
- Licensed by MISA in Mohéli, Comoros, OnFin lacks oversight from major regulators. There are no guarantees on client fund safety, no compensation schemes, and no formal recourse if something goes wrong.
How Did DayTrading.com Choose The Top Fixed Spread Brokers?
We shortlisted brokers we trust based on their industry standing and regulatory oversight, and specifically evaluated their fixed spread offerings.
Our experienced trading team opened accounts to document fixed spreads on popular assets like EUR/USD and major indices.
Each broker was individually rated and ranked based on spread consistency, cost-efficiency, and transparency, including during volatile market conditions.
The result, a definitive list of the brokers with the best fixed spreads.
How To Choose A Fixed Spread Broker
Choosing the right fixed spread broker involves more than just comparing pip values. Based on our testing, here are the most important factors to consider:
- Spread Competitiveness: Look for brokers offering tight, consistent fixed spreads, especially on major forex pairs like EUR/USD. Top picks from our tests: Trade Nation – 0.6 pips fixed on EUR/USD or AvaTrade – 0.9 pips fixed on EUR/USD.
- Commission-Free Trading: Some brokers offer tight fixed spreads with no additional commissions, which simplifies cost calculations. Top picks from our tests: FxPro (MT4 Fixed) – 1.6 pips on EUR/USD, no commission.
- Execution Speed & Reliability: Brokers with fast and reliable order execution matter – especially for day traders. Top picks from our tests: City Index and IG – sub-1 second execution speeds, even under stress.
- Platform Choice: Confirm whether the broker supports MT4, MT5, or a proprietary platform that suits your strategy. Top picks from our tests: IronFX and InstaForex are excellent for MT4 fixed spread trading.
- Asset Coverage: Ensure your preferred broker offers fixed spreads on the instruments you plan to trade, especially if you’re focused on forex. Many brokers (e.g. Pepperstone, IG, eToro) only offer fixed spreads on indices – not FX.
- Regulation & Safety: Prioritize regulated fixed spread brokers for better fund protection and legal recourse. Firms like AZAforex and World Forex are unregulated despite competitive pricing.
- Demo Accounts & Tools: A free demo trading account lets you test spread behavior in real market conditions. Some fixed brokers also offer tools like guaranteed stop-losses or deal cancellation to protect during high-impact events.
- Other Fees & Charges: Watch for hidden costs: inactivity fees, withdrawal charges, or deposit minimums. Examples: IronFX – fixed-zero account has 0 pip spreads but charges $18/lot. World Forex – offers fixed spreads but charges for withdrawals.
How Spreads Work
With a spread, brokers provider traders an asset at a higher price than they buy it for, profiting from the resulting mark-up.
Brokerages may advertise themselves as ‘commission free’, in which case the chances are they make their cut of each trade through a spread.
In some cases, brokers charge both a commission and a spread, while some brokers offer a zero- or near-zero spread and make their money through commissions, as well as any other fees charged by a platform.
In general, traders looking to minimize their expenses will look for trustworthy brokers with the lowest possible commission and the tightest spreads.
The spread is a particularly central feature in forex trading. It is calculated by “Percentage in Point”, or “pips”, the lowest value that an exchange rate moves in a forex market.
In most cases, the pip is the 4th decimal place – 0.0001 – though in the case of some currency pairs, such as those involving the Japanese Yen (JPY), it is calculated at the 2nd decimal place – 0.01.
So, if the GBP/USD pair has a bid price of 1.1935 and an ask price of 1.1934, then that currency pair has a spread of 1 pip.
Fixed Spread Vs Variable Spread
A fixed spread is exactly as it sounds – the difference between bid and ask prices will stay the same regardless of market conditions.
Variable or floating spreads, on the other hand, fluctuate with the market, widening during periods of higher volatility and tightening when volatility is low.
For example, you might find some accounts offering a 2-pip spread for the GBP/USD pair, and others offering a variable spread that ranges between 1 and 3 pips.
However, during times of heightened volatility – for example, during a rush to trade after a central bank raises interest rates – the variable spread could grow much wider.
Pros Of Fixed Spread Accounts
- Predictable Costs: In our experience, fixed spreads provide clear transparency – you always know what the cost will be before placing a trade.
- Stable During Volatility: In our tests, brokers like AvaTrade and TradeNation maintained consistent spreads even during news events, protecting against sudden spikes that would widen variable spreads.
- Beginner-Friendly: Fixed spreads simplify cost calculations. Our testing showed this can reduce confusion for novice traders and help them focus on trade execution and strategy.
- Useful for News or Swing Trading: We’ve found fixed spreads particularly beneficial for those trading around scheduled economic events, where predictability outweighs spread minimization.
Cons Of Fixed Spread Accounts
- Higher Than Variable Spreads in Calm Markets: In low-volatility periods, variable spread accounts we tested (e.g. Pepperstone Raw) often had tighter spreads than fixed accounts, potentially leading to lower trading costs overall.
- Less Flexibility with Exotic Forex Pairs: In our tests, most fixed spread brokers didn’t offer competitive pricing – or any access – on exotic forex pairs like GBP/TRY. These are better suited to variable accounts.
- Wider Baseline Spreads: Brokers like OnFin and FxPro offered relatively high fixed spreads (e.g. 3.0 and 1.6 pips on EUR/USD), which may erode profitability for day traders using strategies like scalping or high-frequency trading.
- Limited Availability: Some top brokers we evaluated, such as Pepperstone and IG, only offered fixed spreads on indices – not forex – reducing fixed spread options for FX-focused traders.
Bottom Line
Active traders who want to gain an edge in their frequent, fast-paced trades may turn to fixed spread brokers, which remove the added expense posed by variable spreads during times of volatility.
New traders may also want to consider brokers with a fixed spread while they polish their game, as it is easier to focus on making profitable trades.
Some brokers offer very tight fixed spreads on the most popular, least volatile assets and currency pairs, but traders should remember that there are many factors to take into account when choosing your broker, and not just the spread.
Use our list of the top brokers with fixed spreads to start trading today.