When it comes to active trading, every dollar counts. Whether you're a seasoned day trader or just starting out, minimizing fees, commissions, and spreads is crucial for long-term profitability. Over time, even small costs can erode your returns—especially when executing frequent trades.
That’s why we’ve evaluated and ranked the cheapest brokers in 2025, based on real-world testing of pricing structures, platform performance, regulatory compliance, and overall trading experience. Our list highlights the top low-cost brokers that combine affordability with reliability, advanced tools, and strong security.
Top 6 Low-Cost Brokers Ranked
After analyzing over 300 data points—including trading fees, execution speed, platform usability, and customer support—we’ve identified the six most cost-effective brokers for active traders:
- Interactive Brokers – Best overall for low fees and global market access
- NinjaTrader – Top choice for futures traders seeking powerful charting tools
- FOREX.com – Leading platform for forex and CFD traders
- Plus500US – Ideal for beginners with intuitive interface and low margins
- OANDA US – Trusted name offering transparent pricing and solid execution
- Moomoo – Great for stock investors wanting zero-commission trades
👉 Discover how low-cost trading can boost your returns with a trusted global platform.
Why These Are the Best Affordable Brokers
Each of these brokers stands out not just for low pricing, but for delivering value across key areas such as regulation, platform functionality, and customer experience.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
A Nasdaq-listed firm with more than 40 years of industry experience, Interactive Brokers offers access to 150 markets across 33 countries. Regulated by top-tier authorities including the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, IBKR provides tight spreads, low per-trade fees, and advanced order types—making it ideal for high-volume and professional traders.
NinjaTrader
Specializing in futures and forex, NinjaTrader delivers ultra-competitive margin rates and award-winning technical analysis tools. Its customizable desktop platform supports algorithmic trading via NinjaScript and integrates seamlessly with third-party tools like TradingView and eSignal.
FOREX.com
Part of StoneX Group, FOREX.com serves over one million clients worldwide. It offers tight spreads (from 0.0 pips), more than 80 currency pairs, and robust research tools. The broker is regulated by the NFA and CFTC, ensuring a secure environment for U.S.-based traders.
Plus500US
Launched in 2021 for American traders, Plus500US offers futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. With a $100 minimum deposit and no inactivity or platform fees, it’s an excellent entry point for new traders.
OANDA US
Known for its transparency and fast execution, OANDA US provides reliable pricing on forex and crypto instruments. The broker supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), AutoChartist, and TradingView integration—all while maintaining a $0 minimum deposit.
Moomoo
An SEC-registered investment app, Moomoo enables commission-free trading on U.S., Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, and Australian stocks and ETFs. It also features extended pre-market hours and dynamic password security via its proprietary Moomoo Token.
Key Cost Comparison
Understanding how fees stack up across different asset classes is essential. Below is a breakdown of core trading costs:
| Broker | EUR/USD Spread | FTSE Fee | Stock Trade Fee | Oil Contract | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | 0.08–0.20 bps | £1 min | $0.003 | $0.25–$0.85 | $0 |
| NinjaTrader | 1.3 pips | — | — | — | $25/month |
| FOREX.com | 1.2 pips | $1.00 | $0.14 | $2.50 | $15/month |
| Plus500US | 0.75 pips | — | — | — | $0 |
| OANDA US | 1.6 pips | — | — | — | $0 |
| Moomoo | — | — | $0 | — | $0 |
Note: Fees vary by account type and volume.
Are Low-Cost Brokers Safe?
Safety should never be compromised—even when chasing low fees. All brokers on this list are regulated by reputable financial authorities:
- Interactive Brokers: SEC, FINRA, CFTC
- NinjaTrader & FOREX.com: NFA and CFTC
- Plus500US & OANDA US: Regulated under U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- Moomoo: Regulated by SEC, FINRA, ASIC, MAS
These firms adhere to strict capital requirements and client fund segregation rules, significantly reducing counterparty risk.
👉 See how top traders manage risk while keeping costs low—explore advanced tools today.
Mobile Trading Experience
For traders on the go, mobile performance matters. All six platforms offer robust mobile apps with real-time data, charting capabilities, and instant order execution.
- Moomoo and Plus500US lead in usability with clean interfaces tailored for beginners.
- Interactive Brokers’ GlobalTrader app suits intermediate users.
- FOREX.com and OANDA US provide full MT4/MT5 mobile support.
Beginner-Friendly Features
New traders benefit from features like demo accounts, educational content, and low minimum deposits:
| Broker | Demo Account | Min Deposit | Education Rating | Support Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | $0 | 4.3 | 3.0 |
| NinjaTrader | ✔ | $0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| FOREX.com | ✔ | $100 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Plus500US | ✔ | $100 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| OANDA US | ✔ | $0 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Moomoo | ✔ | $0 | 4.4 | 2.8 |
All offer unlimited demo accounts except FOREX.com (90-day limit).
Advanced Trader Tools
Experienced traders need automation, low latency, and pro-grade analytics:
| Broker | Automated Trading | VPS | AI Tools | Leverage | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | TWS API & Capitalise.ai | ✘ | ✔ | 1:50 | ✔ |
| NinjaTrader | NinjaScript | ✘ | ✘ | 1:50 | ✘ |
| FOREX.com | MetaTrader EAs | ✔ | ✔ | 1:50 | ✘ |
| Plus500US | — | ✘ | ✘ | — | ✘ |
| OANDA US | MetaTrader EAs | ✘ | ✘ | 1:50 | ✘ |
| Moomoo | — | ✘ | ✘ | 1:2 | ✔ |
Interactive Brokers and FOREX.com stand out with API access and virtual private server (VPS) options.
Why Cost Matters in Trading
Frequent traders feel the impact of fees more acutely. For example:
- A trader making 50 round-trip trades per month at $4 per trade** pays **$200/month in commissions alone.
- Scalpers relying on micro-movements lose profitability if spreads exceed 1 pip on EUR/USD.
Low fees directly increase net gains—especially when compounded over time.
Understanding Trading Fees
To make informed choices, understand the main cost components:
Spreads
The difference between bid and ask prices. Tight spreads (e.g., 0.0–0.5 pips on EUR/USD) benefit short-term traders.
Commissions
Fixed fees per trade. Often paired with raw spreads for greater transparency.
Overnight (Swap) Fees
Charged when holding leveraged positions overnight. Can add up quickly—avoid them by closing trades daily.
Hidden Costs
Watch out for:
- Inactivity fees (e.g., NinjaTrader charges $25/month after 90 days)
- Withdrawal fees
- Currency conversion charges (up to 1%)
💡 Pro Tip: Use a multi-currency account to reduce forex conversion costs.
Real Trade Example: SPX500 CFD
Let’s break down the total cost of a hypothetical trade:
- Instrument: SPX500 (S&P 500 Index)
- Lot Size: 1 standard lot ($1 per point)
- Entry: 6,000 → Exit: 6,050
- Held for: 3 days (2 nights overnight)
- Leverage: 1:20
Cost Breakdown:
- Spread (0.5 pts): $0.50
- Commission: $4.00
- Overnight fees (2 days): $0.94
- Currency conversion (if applicable): $0.25
✅ Total Fees: $5.69
✅ Gross Profit: $50
✅ Net Profit: $44.31
Even with modest gains, fees reduce profits by over 11%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do zero-commission brokers really save money?
A: Not always. Some offset lower commissions with wider spreads or higher swap rates. Always compare total trading costs.
Q: Can I trade stocks commission-free with these brokers?
A: Yes—Moomoo offers completely free stock trades. Others charge minimal fees (e.g., $0.003 per share at IBKR).
Q: Are low-cost brokers suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely—especially those like Plus500US and Moomoo that offer demo accounts, educational resources, and intuitive platforms.
Q: Is leverage risky with cheap brokers?
A: Leverage amplifies both gains and losses regardless of broker cost. Most offer up to 1:50 for U.S. traders.
Q: How do I avoid hidden fees?
A: Read the fee schedule carefully. Look for brokers that clearly disclose inactivity charges, withdrawal costs, and currency conversion rates.
Q: What’s the best broker for high-frequency trading?
A: Interactive Brokers leads with ultra-low latency, API access, and institutional-grade pricing.
👉 Start trading smarter—access powerful tools designed for cost-efficient strategies.
Final Thoughts: Cheap Isn’t Always Better
While low fees are important, they shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. Some budget brokers cut corners on customer support, research tools, or regulatory oversight.
The best approach? Balance affordability with features like:
- Transparent fee structures
- Strong regulation
- Reliable execution
- Educational resources
Choose a broker that aligns with your trading style—whether you're a beginner using a mobile app or a pro running automated strategies.
By combining competitive pricing with a robust trading environment, the brokers listed here deliver real value in 2025 and beyond.
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