If you are a scalper or you trade the approach here and there, knowing the right low spread brokers for scalping in the Forex market is the best thing you can ever do for yourself.

Scalping in the forex market has become a strategy that many traders has taken advantage of and it has paid off so much.

I tell you this, if you want to make quick profits by capitalizing on small price movements, scalping which involves you holding a trade for just few seconds or minutes.

However, achieving success in scalping depends on how you are able to select the right broker. For scalpers, having low spreads is important because it directly impacts profitability, especially when taking multiple trades in a single day.

With the right broker, scalping becomes more efficient and allows traders to focus on their strategy without being hindered by excessive costs or delayed execution. 

Top considerations when choosing a low-spread broker for scalping, reviewing some of the best options available, and answering common questions about low-spread brokers and scalping will be addressed in this article. Just keeping reading

Low Spread Brokers for Scalping in the Forex Market

1. IC Markets

• Spreads: Extremely low spreads, often close to 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD.
• Commission: Around $3.50 per side for a standard lot (Raw Spread account).
• Execution: ECN (Electronic Communication Network) with fast execution speeds, which is crucial for scalping.
• Best for: Scalpers looking for ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and high liquidity.

2. Pepperstone

• Spreads: Tight spreads starting at 0.0 pips on the Razor account, suitable for scalping.
• Commission: $3.50 per side per lot on Razor account.
• Execution: ECN-like execution with deep liquidity, offering fast fills.
• Best for: Traders focused on low-cost scalping with reliable execution.

3. FP Markets

• Spreads: Very competitive spreads, typically 0.0 to 0.2 pips on the Raw account for popular pairs.
• Commission: $3.00 per side per lot.
• Execution: ECN execution with minimal slippage and fast trade execution.
• Best for: Scalpers seeking an affordable broker with a strong reputation in the industry.

4. Exness

• Spreads: Spreads can be as low as 0.0 pips on the Zero and Raw Spread accounts.
• Commission: Varies based on account type, around $3.50 per side per lot on Raw Spread accounts.
• Execution: Offers low latency and fast trade execution, suitable for high-frequency scalping.
• Best for: Traders looking for flexibility with multiple account options and competitive costs.

5. Tickmill

• Spreads: Spreads start at 0.0 pips on the Pro account for major pairs.
• Commission: $2 per side per lot on Pro account.
• Execution: Low-latency execution and a no-requotes policy, beneficial for scalping.
• Best for: Scalpers focused on low commission fees and a solid execution environment.

6. FXTM (ForexTime)

• Spreads: Very low spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on the Advantage account.
• Commission: Approximately $4 per side per lot, depending on the account.
• Execution: Fast execution speeds, ideal for scalpers.
• Best for: Traders who prefer a broker with competitive spreads and a well-regarded reputation in emerging markets.

7. Admirals (Admiral Markets)

• Spreads: Starts from 0.1 pips on the Zero.MT5 account for major pairs.
• Commission: Around $3.00 per side per lot.
• Execution: Known for quick order processing, ideal for scalping strategies.
• Best for: Scalpers looking for a reliable MT5 option with strong support and resources.

Focus on Selecting a Low Spread Broker

When you are selecting a low-spread broker for scalping, it is wise to focus on specific aspects because this can help you find a reliable partner for your trading approach.

Scalping requires a broker who can gives you not only low spreads but also fast execution, stable platforms, and strong regulatory support. 

1. Check Account Types

A bit of a digression: beginners and even some professionals do not know this, but many brokers often put new accounts under B-Book. This is when they are not linking your account to liquidity proviers like ECN.

In this case they are the market makers, providing the liquidity and at the end of the day taking the spread and the money you lose (if you do lose it). If your account is a b-book type, the broker can manipulate your trade when they see how the market is going well.
So it always important that you check the type of account that you are using so that you will not have this problem.

 But these are the different category that accounts fall under – Raw Spread, ECN (Electronic Communication Network), or Pro Accounts.

i. Raw Spread Accounts: These accounts offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips on major pairs but charge a commission per trade. This can be more cost-effective for scalpers than accounts with wider spreads and no commission.

ii. ECN Accounts: These connect you directly to liquidity providers and offer real time, tighter spreads because they cut out the middleman. ECN accounts are better for scalpers due to their low spreads and minimal interference from brokers.

iii. Pro Accounts: Some brokers have professional accounts with favourable terms like reduced spread and commission fees, designed for active traders and scalpers with high trade volumes.

Before opening any account, it’s a good idea to review the broker’s fee structure, as the smallest cost difference can impact profitability over numerous trades.

2. Review Trading Platform

The trading platform you use is important in the efficiency and speed of your trades, especially in scalping, where every millisecond counts. MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader are platforms that many scalpers like due to their advanced features and high level of stability.

i. MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

It is known for its reliability and user-friendly interface, MT4 is equipped with essential tools and indicators that are beneficial for scalping. Many brokers also offer custom features on MT4, enhancing the platform’s adaptability for scalping strategies.

ii. MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

The upgraded version of MT4 is  MT5 and it gives additional order types and tools that can be useful for more advanced strategies. MT5 supports faster processing times and greater charting capabilities, making it a strong choice for scalpers who value speed and data.

iii. cTrader

This platform offers Level II pricing (also known as depth of market), which allows scalpers to view more granular information on price action. It’s often favoured for ECN trading because it delivers quick order processing with minimal slippage.

3. Evaluate Order Execution

In scalping, fast and accurate order execution is very important. The difference of a few milliseconds in trade execution can significantly affect profitability, especially in volatile market conditions.

i. Execution Speed

Choose brokers with high-speed servers and data centers close to major financial hubs (like New York or London), as this can reduce latency and improve the speed at which your trades are executed.

ii. Slippage

 Slippage occurs when the final executed price differs from the intended order price, which can erode profits in scalping. Look for brokers that implement technologies or offer account types that minimize slippage.

iii. No Dealing Desk (NDD) Execution

Brokers with NDD execution typically offer better conditions for scalping as they match your trades directly with liquidity providers, avoiding delays and allowing orders to be processed at competitive market prices.

4. Regulation and Security

Trading with a regulated broker is essential for protecting your investments and ensuring fair trading conditions. Regulations by trusted authorities require brokers to operate with transparency, protect client funds, and adhere to strict trading guidelines, which is especially important in scalping, where high-frequency trading is involved.

ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK, and CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) are examples of reputable regulators that enforce compliance in the forex market.

i. Funds Segregation

 Many regulated brokers keep client funds separate from their operational funds, which provides added security in case of the broker’s insolvency.

ii. Negative Balance Protection

 This feature, often required by regulators, protects traders from losing more than their initial investment, offering an extra layer of security in highly leveraged scalping trades.

iii. Customer Support

 Look for brokers with reliable customer support, as timely help can be crucial in resolving issues that could affect trading outcomes.

iv. Backtesting and Demo Accounts

 Many brokers offer demo accounts, allowing scalpers to test out the broker’s conditions and evaluate execution speeds, spreads, and slippage without risking real capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes low spreads important for scalping?

Low spreads are very important for scalping because they reduce the cost of each trade. Scalping strategies aim to take advantage of small price fluctuations, so even slight increases in spread can reduce profits.

A lower spread means that traders start closer to break-even on each trade, allowing them to turn a profit more quickly and efficiently with each move in the market.

2. Can I scalp with any forex broker?

Not every broker is ideal for scalping. Scalping requires specific conditions—low spreads, fast execution speeds, and often low commissions.

Some brokers discourage or restrict scalping, while others cater to it with special accounts designed for low-cost, high-frequency trading. Always check a broker’s policies on scalping and whether they offer account types suited to this trading style.

3. Why is order execution speed important for scalping?

Scalping relies on executing trades in rapid succession, often within seconds to minutes.

Delayed order execution, known as latency, can result in missed opportunities or increased slippage, where the price you intended to trade at differs from the actual executed price.

Fast execution ensures that trades are filled at intended prices, which is essential for profitability in scalping.

4. How can I test a broker’s conditions before opening a real account?

Most brokers offer demo accounts that allow you to test their platforms, spreads, and execution speeds without risking real money. Demo accounts provide an excellent way to evaluate whether a broker’s trading conditions meet your needs for scalping.

Additionally, look for brokers that offer transparent fee structures and real-time market data to ensure you’re getting accurate testing results before committing to a live account.