Cheapest Brokers 2024 | Brokers With Low Fees
We compare and rank the cheapest brokers in July 2024. Our experts have tested the top low cost operators and compiled a list of the best discount brokers with low fees but great trading platforms.
Low Cost Brokers
Below are the 10 best discount brokers, ranked by lowest total trading costs and overall rating:
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1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
NinjaTrader
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire TransferUSD -
3
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMAStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
4
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5
DNA Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASICCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, CryptoMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, MastercardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
6
eToro USAInvest $100 and get $10https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
7
MoomooGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD -
8
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
9
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySECCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
10
Plus500 USWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200Trading with leverage involves risk.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.0 LotsCFTC, NFAFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest RatesWebTrader, AppACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, VisaUSD
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- 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.
- 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.
- OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
- DNA Markets - DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 800+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.
- 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.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- 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.
Comparison of Low Cost Brokers
| Broker | Fee on EUR/USD | Fee on Stocks | Fee on Oil | Fee for Inactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1.2 | 0.14 | 2.5 | $15 |
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1.3 | - | - | $25 |
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0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.003 | 0.25-0.85 | $0 |
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1.6 | - | - | $0 |
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1.0 | 1.0 cent + $0.02 per share, per side (Apple) | 1.5 | $0 |
|
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- | $0 | - | $10 |
|
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- | $0 per trade | - | $0 |
|
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0.8 | 0.02 | 2.8 | $12 |
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0.7 | Variable | 15 | €20 one-off, €10 thereafter |
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0.75 | - | - | $0 |
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- 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.
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.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
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
- 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
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
Cons
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- 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."
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 |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| 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
- 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.
- 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.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
Cons
- 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.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- 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.
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
- Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
- Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
Cons
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
DNA Markets
"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "
DNA Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
- You can access low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees
- DNA Markets offers top-rate platforms and charting tools for day traders with access to MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
- Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
- Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
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 | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- 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 broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
Cons
- 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
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Leverage | 1:2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There is no minimum deposit requirement making the broker accessible for beginners
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
- The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature
Cons
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
IG Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
Cons
- 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
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
| Regulator | CySEC |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
Cons
- While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
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."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500 US Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates |
| Regulator | CFTC, NFA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0 Lots |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust
- 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
- The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
Cons
- The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
- While Plus500 US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
Understading Broker Fees
Spreads & Commission
The two main ways that brokers generate income are through spreads and commissions. These essentially work as a per-trade cost. For example, a commission charge might be implemented as a flat fee, such as $0.50 per lot, or a percentage, like 0.1% of the trade value. Spreads, on the other hand, are charged by increasing the difference in the bid and ask prices of an asset, with the broker taking the difference once the position is closed.
Some discount firms may advertise themselves as the cheapest brokers with low fees because they offer ultra tight spreads, but they will often make up for them in other ways. For example, electronic communications network (ECN) brokers often offer minimal spreads but charge high commissions. Similarly, not all brokers charge commissions because they simply mark up the spreads.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Charges are also implemented by brokers for transactions, i.e. deposits and withdrawals. While this can sometimes just be to cover funds that the payment provider charge, brokers can also mark these up. Deposit and withdrawal fees will often vary slightly with different payment methods. These costs can sneak up on unwary traders, sometimes taking a large percentage of any money taken out of a trading account.
Overnight Charges
Swaps, or overnight fees, are often charged by brokers that are focused on day trading clients or short-term derivatives. Swaps go against Sharia law, so many brokers will offer Islamic swap-free accounts to facilitate halal trading. However, these charges are usually made up elsewhere in the fee model.
Inactivity
As well as charging clients for using their services, many online discount brokers will charge them for not. Accounts that are inactive for long periods of time (often at least a month) may incur additional charges. Inactivity fees can eat into any profits made by unwatchful investors who do not withdraw their capital or trade regularly. Be careful that the cheapest brokers with low fees don’t unexpectedly sting you for inactivity.
Currency Conversions
Forex and international brokers will often charge their clients for converting one currency to another. This fee is most often seen by clients opening accounts in a foreign country with a base currency they do not already own. Trading spot forex incurs these charges directly through commissions and spreads, although forex derivatives typically avoid this fee as no currency is actually converted.
Margin
Traders looking to take advantage of broker leverage through margin trading may see additional costs associated with the borrowing of the broker’s capital. This often comes by way of a small percentage fee on the amount borrowed for short-term trading. Taking out margin over longer periods of time, i.e. more than one day, can be charged an interest rate that is compounded daily.
Stock Trading
Investing in spot stocks has recently become significantly cheaper. Not long ago, commissions for buying shares were a minimum of $10 at the cheapest stockbrokers. However, some cheap online discount brokers have recently sprung up with minimal trading fees, such as Robinhood and Freetrade. Other spot trading fees, like holding and closing charges, are also removed at these new-wave cheapest brokers.
Pros Of Using Brokers With Low Fees
The best discount brokers allow traders to minimise the chunks of their gains that get taken away by brokers, markets and payment service providers. This means that there is a smaller margin for each trade to become successful, and any seriously successful trades become even more so.
With the constant development of online convenience and the number of blogs, forums, brokers and training centres constantly increasing, more and more free educational content is becoming available. This means that the premium educational content and courses that some more expensive brokers would charge for are no longer required, so traders can become effective at their enterprise even with the cheapest brokers and discounts.
Technical analysis is similarly becoming more easily accessible and advanced, with lots of free signals services and market breakdown blogs available online. Furthermore, the cheapest brokers with the lowest fees are now offering some high-end trading platform solutions, like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5), at no extra cost, which means that advanced market analysis and charting options are available
Cons Of Using Brokers With Low Fees
Some of the cheapest brokers can seem almost too good to be true, and they sometimes are. The ability to offer high-end trading services for very little cost is difficult, so some companies use workarounds to get there and some simply lie, scamming their clients. Always ensure you research a discount broker’s regulatory status, licensing and customer reviews.
Fees are not always clear and some brokers will try to hide some of theirs to seem more competitive. The removal or reduction of obvious fees can just mean that they are not the broker’s main source of income and they are often replaced by some other form of charge.
Some of the extra services and features that might make your trading experience more enjoyable, like responsive, knowledgeable customer support, may not be provided by the cheapest brokers, as hiring a good team will mean money must be taken from elsewhere in the business model.
How To Compare Low Cost Brokers
In terms of pure cost, a comprehensive review of the entire pricing structure is the best way to find the cheapest brokers with low fees. These should, at minimum, include spreads and commissions, deposit and withdrawal charges and margin rates.
However, it is no good opening an account with the cheapest discount broker if they offer trading in one company share from half the world away, the full service should be considered. Beyond the asset list, you should take a look at trading platforms, customer service, leverage rates, regulation and demo accounts.
Final Word
The cheapest brokers with low fees are not necessarily the best brokers, as with the discount versions of most goods and services. However, if you know what you are looking for and how to get around some of the shortcomings they may have, they can be used to minimise trading losses and maximise profits. Be on the lookout for hidden fees and unregulated discount brokers to ensure you are not being scammed. See our list of brokers with low fees above to get started.
FAQs
Who Are The Cheapest US Online Trading Brokers?
Aside from those mentioned above, in the US, brokers such as Robinhood, Ally Invest and Tastyworks are notably cheap and popular platforms that are well-regulated and have a good range of stock, futures and forex trading services.
Who Are The Cheapest Forex Brokers?
Some of the best and cheapest forex brokers with tight spreads include Pepperstone, IC Markets and XM. Explore our top 10 best forex brokers.
Who Are The Cheapest Brokers With Low Fees For Day Trading?
Some of the cheapest brokers with low fees for intraday trading in Canada, India, Singapore and the USA include Robinhood, Capital.com and Fidelity.
How Do I Find The Cheapest Discount Brokers Near Me?
Not all discount brokers are licensed to provide their services everywhere in the world, so the absolutely cheapest brokers in the world may not be available to you. For example, a crypto broker regulated in Australia may not be able to provide its services to traders in India, Europe or South Africa. See our list above for the cheapest brokers in your area to get started today.
What Are The Cheapest Discount Crypto Brokers?
Cryptocurrency exchanges have slightly different fee structures from stock and forex brokers. Rather than charging spreads for currency conversions, exchanges will commission transactions. Coinbase is a top-rated trading platform with relatively low fees.