Brokers With No Inactivity Fees
Brokers typically make their money from the commissions, spreads, transaction charges and other fees they apply to active traders. But if a customer goes a period without making any trades, some brokerages will charge inactivity fees to ensure their business continues to make a buck. With so many other charges involved when trading, it is only natural that a less hands-on investor will look for a broker that does not charge inactivity fees.
This guide will explain the meaning of inactivity fees with examples of typical charges a trader may face. We have also compiled a list of the top brokers with no inactivity fees in 2025.
Brokers With No Inactivity Fee
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- UnitedPips - Operating since 2016 and based in Saint Lucia, UnitedPips is a non-dealing desk broker serving clients in over 137 countries. It specializes in CFD trading across around 80+ assets with high leverage up to 1:1000.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
Cons
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
Cons
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
Plus500 US
"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills. Its powerful tools and reliable service helped it scoop second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500 US Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts |
| Regulator | CFTC, NFA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0 Lots |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
- The trading app provides a terrific user experience with a modern design, a clean layout and mobile-optimized charts
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
Cons
- Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
- Plus500 US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
Cons
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
UnitedPips
"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."
UnitedPips Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Platforms | UniTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
- UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.
- Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
Cons
- UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.
- UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
- Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
How Inactivity Fees Work
Trading brokers levy inactivity fees on customers who have an open account but are not active. This is to cover the costs of the service while the account is open but not in use, meaning the broker is unable to charge other usage fees, such as deposit fees, commission rates, or spread costs.
The nominal value of the fee differs for each brokerage. Make sure you read a broker’s policy on all costs, as well as inactivity fees, to ensure you are aware of what the charges entail and how you can avoid paying them.
It is common for a broker to take a monthly payment after a period of inactivity, usually one year, though some dormancy penalties kick in after just a few months.
Typical Charges
Here are some examples of inactivity fees at popular trading brokerages:
- XTB: This is a reputable broker offering forex trading, CFD trading, business stocks, and more. After 12 months of inactivity, there is a monthly charge of €10 (or equivalent in GBP, USD).
- IG: IG offers a range of tradable assets, such as options, forex, and cryptocurrency. You will be charged $/£12 or €14 after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.
- eToro: eToro allows users to match the trading moves of popular investors, also known as copy trading, which is a key reason for the broker’s popularity. The brand charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee on accounts that have been inactive for more than 1 year.
Trading & Inactivity Fees Explained
Beginners to retail trading and those who trade on the side often buy and hold assets that are yet to return a profit until they take a rewarding turn. If this is a strategy you follow, you may end up having to pay inactivity fees.
It is worth spending the time to research both trading strategies and the technical side of how brokers work. Some inactivity fee policies are more complicated than others. For example, before Interactive Brokers eliminated their policy, they would charge a higher inactivity fee on accounts holding less than $2,000. Other brokers base their inactivity policy on the lack of trades or deals made within a given period. Some online brokerages simply need you to log into your account to avoid paying the fee.
How To Avoid Inactivity Fees
If you do decide to sign up with a trading broker that charges an inactivity fee, make sure you have a good understanding of their terms. If the broker only charges accounts which have been inactive for 12 or 24 months, you can avoid fees by making even very sporadic transactions before the due date.
If the account requires more frequent transactions, you can keep track of when your payment is due in a journal and set up a direct debit with your broker, payable on a monthly basis or as often as necessary. Alternatively, you can log in as required and sell or swap some of your stocks. Brokers are usually satisfied that an account is active once they have been paid from a commission, spread or transaction fee.
With that said, traders are fortunate to have a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to brokers, and some of the best and most popular firms offer accounts with no inactivity fees. Pepperstone, BlackBull Markets and FP Markets are just a few well-known names on the long list of brokers which do not charge customers if they hold inactive accounts.
To check whether a broker charges an inactivity fee, you can visit their website and head to the fees section. All charges should be clearly listed here. If you still cannot find the information, contact the customer support team.
Comparing Brokers With No Inactivity Fees
Since traders have a wide range of brokers with no inactivity fees to choose from, it makes sense to consider other features too:
Range Of Markets
If your trading strategy requires access to many different assets and international markets, ensure the broker you make an account with caters to this. Some brokers specialize in specific assets, such as Coinbase and cryptos. Additionally, less popular brokerages may have limited market access, so for example may only offer stocks from within the country they operate.
Fees
Brokers can charge both trading and non-trading fees. Trading fees include deposit and withdrawal rates, transaction and commission fees, currency conversion fees, overnight fees and spread costs. Non-trading fees include inactivity fees, account maintenance fees, and subscriptions to specific tools and features.
All of these should be outlined in the broker’s terms and conditions, especially if they are regulated. Ensure you are aware of all fees and avoid brokers that are not transparent when it comes to pricing.
Customer Service
When trading, time can be very valuable, so having access to customer support can be important. The best brokers with no inactivity fees have 24/7 customer service, be it call, or live chat functions. Read reviews from customers to guarantee good quality customer service.
Minimum Deposit
Some brokers with no inactivity fees have a minimum deposit that must be met before trading can begin on the account. CMC Markets and Fusion Markets do not have a minimum deposit, while IC Markets has a $200 minimum deposit and Interactive Brokers requires a $10,000 initial payment.
Security
Safety and security are key to having a successful and enjoyable trading experience. The best brokers with no inactivity fees will ensure your funds are protected through negative balance protection and other schemes. They will also ensure your personal data is safe through encryption and two-factor authentication, among other methods. Pepperstone, for instance, provides negative balance protection for all customers.
Regulation
You should always look to trade with a broker that is regulated by a top-tier authority. Regulation ensures brokers are held to high standards and means they cannot take advantage of or scam traders. Some of the best authorities around are the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). The best brokers will hold licenses with one or more of these.
Trading Platforms
Different brokers will utilize a range of trading platforms. This can include third-party platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader. On the other hand, some brokers may develop and supply their own bespoke trading platform.
Ensure the platform of your chosen broker supports all your needs using tools such as technical indicators, price alerts and signals.
Education
The key to trading successfully is to be constantly learning. Many of the best brokers with no inactivity fees provide a host of educational resources that can teach you about trading and help enhance your skills. At some online brokers, these are available for free, while at others you may have to pay. In all cases, though, the material will usually help you to trade more effectively and are a sensible place to start for beginners.
Final Word On Brokers With No Inactivity Fees
Brokers often charge inactivity fees to accounts that are not used for an extended period. In some cases, these fees can start being charged from as early as 3 months, and you may face a new charge every 30 days after that. Policies differ between brokers, so to avoid paying extra fees, check the terms and conditions before opening an account. Also use our list of the best trading brokers with no inactivity fees.
FAQs
Are Brokers With Inactivity Fees Legal?
It is legal for brokers to charge inactivity fees in the UK, US, Australia, Africa and Europe. Specific regulations differ so do your research before opening an account. Additionally, do not get the regulations and rules on brokers mixed up with those that apply to banks on credit card accounts.
What’s An Example Of Brokers With No Inactivity Fees?
Pepperstone, IC Markets, and RoboForex are all examples of regulated brokers that do not implement an inactivity fee. More information on these is available in our detailed reviews.
What Do I Do When Charged With An Inactivity Trading Fee?
Usually, due to brokers outlining the details of inactivity fee charges on their websites, once a fee is charged, you will not be able to claim it back. The best way to not pay an inactivity fee is to be aware of policies beforehand.
How Will Trading Brokers Charge Me Inactivity Fees?
When you open an account with a broker, you will set up a payment method, be it PayPal, a credit card or a debit card. This will then be used if you are charged with any costs, including inactivity fees.
When Will I Be Charged An Inactivity Fee By My Trading Broker?
This differs amongst brokerages. Some can charge as early as 3 months, although it is more common for inactivity fees to be charged from 12 months. Some may also give you 24 months’ leeway. Ensure you do your research on a broker’s policy before opening up an account, and sign in regularly – even if it’s only once in three months – to make sure you don’t miss any changes to the broker’s terms and conditions.