Trading costs are the one broker feature that hits every single trade. This page compares typical EUR/USD pricing, minimum deposits and platform access across all five CIRO-regulated brokers we recommend.
| Broker | EUR/USD spread | Min deposit | Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OANDA Canada | From 0.6 pips | C$0 | fxTrade, MT4, TradingView | Open Account |
| FOREX.com Canada | From 0.8 pips | C$100 | MT4, MT5, Web & mobile | Open Account |
| Interactive Brokers Canada | From 0.1 pips + commission | C$0 | Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile | Open Account |
| CMC Markets Canada | From 0.5 pips | C$0 | Next Generation, MT4 | Open Account |
| Friedberg Direct (AvaTrade) | Fixed from 0.9 pips | C$100 | AvaTrade WebTrader, MT4, MT5 | Open Account |
Zero-spread and raw accounts: what "lowest spread" really means
A "zero spread" or raw account quotes near-interbank pricing (often 0.0–0.1 pips on EUR/USD) and charges a fixed commission instead — the ECN-style model. The lowest spread forex broker on paper is not always the cheapest all-in: compare spread plus commission per round turn, and check typical USD/CAD pricing too, since Canadian traders often trade the loonie.
Spread vs. commission accounts
Most brokers offer two pricing models. Spread-only accounts build the broker's fee into the bid/ask spread — simpler, and usually better for smaller position sizes. Raw or core accounts quote near-interbank spreads plus a fixed commission per lot — typically cheaper for high-volume traders once volume passes a few lots per day.
Don't ignore swap rates
If you hold positions overnight, financing (swap) charges can outweigh spreads entirely. Swap rates vary widely between brokers and change with interest-rate differentials, so compare the published swap schedule for the specific pairs you hold — especially on JPY crosses and exotics.
Fixed vs. variable spreads
Fixed-spread accounts (such as those at Friedberg Direct) cost slightly more in calm markets but protect you from spread blowouts around news events — a meaningful advantage for news traders and some automated strategies.