Which account is cheaper, a standard account with a wider spread and no commission, or a raw-spread account with a tight spread and a commission? The answer depends on your volume and on the real numbers. This calculator compares two accounts side by side, includes any rebate, and shows the monthly difference and the break-even volume when one account carries an extra fixed cost.
Spread and Commission Calculator
Account A (for example Standard)
Account B (for example Raw Spread)
Estimates only. Use averages measured on a demo account at your own trading hours. Defaults are examples, not published prices.
How to Use It
- Enter your lots per month and the pip value (about $10 per standard lot for USD-quoted pairs).
- For Account A and Account B, enter the average spread in pips, the round-turn commission per lot and any rebate per lot.
- If one account has an extra fixed monthly cost (for example, a rebate you would lose by switching), enter it in the fixed field for Account B.
- Read the monthly totals and the message beneath them.
The Maths
- Cost per lot = spread × pip value + commission.
- Cost after rebate = cost per lot − rebate per lot.
- Monthly cost = cost after rebate × lots (plus any fixed cost).
- Break-even volume = fixed monthly cost ÷ saving per lot.
Worked Example
Account A: 0.8-pip spread, no commission, so $8 per lot. Account B: 0.2-pip spread and a $4 commission, so $2 + $4 = $6 per lot. At 30 lots a month, A costs $240 and B costs $180, a $60 difference in B’s favour. If B required you to give up a $20 monthly rebate that A offers, the saving falls to $40 a month. At only 5 lots a month, B saves $10 and the extra complexity may not be worth it. Run your own numbers to see where you sit.
Where to Get Real Inputs
- Spread: measure on a demo at the London open, the New York open and a quiet hour over several days. See what a spread is in forex.
- Commission: from the account specification; confirm whether it is per side or round turn. See zero spread accounts.
- Rebate: from your rebate dashboard; see the forex rebate calculator.
Limits of the Estimate
The calculator uses averages. Spreads widen around news and at rollover, slippage and swap are not included, and the pip value changes on non-USD pairs. It is a decision aid for choosing an account, not a forecast of profit. For the JustMarkets accounts, see JustMarkets spreads by account type and the Raw Spread account guide.
Three Volume Scenarios
| Lots a month | Account A ($8 per lot) | Account B ($6 per lot) | B saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $40 | $30 | $10 |
| 40 | $320 | $240 | $80 |
| 250 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $500 |
The saving per lot never changes; the monthly effect does. Enter the same numbers in the calculator and test what happens when you add a rebate to either side or a fixed cost to Account B.
When the Answer Is Close
If the two accounts differ by only a few dollars a month, choose on other factors: simplicity, minimum deposit, execution on your strategy and how the broker treats withdrawals. A tiny saving is not worth an account you do not understand. Read which JustMarkets account type fits you for a decision guide.
Key Takeaways
- Compare accounts on cost per lot after rebate and on monthly total, not on the headline spread.
- Raw accounts pay off when volume makes the spread saving larger than the commission.
- Use averages measured at your own hours; spreads widen around news.
- If the difference is small, choose on simplicity and reliability.
FAQ
Is a raw-spread account always cheaper?
No. It is cheaper only when the spread saving per lot exceeds the commission, and that depends on your volume and real spreads.
Should I enter commission per side or round turn?
Round turn. If your broker quotes per side, double it.
Does the calculator include swap?
No. Swap applies when you hold positions overnight and is separate.
Can I compare two brokers?
Yes. Enter each broker’s account as Account A and Account B.
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Risk Disclaimer: Trading forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You can lose all the money you deposit. JFRebate earns a referral commission from brokers it reviews; this never changes the spreads you pay. This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
Om Erick, CTA, is a Certified Technical Analyst and a forex trading veteran active since 2010, recognized as one of the Top 35 Best Traders in the World (MQL5, 2024). As the author of “Belajar Trading dari 0” and “Psikologi Trading,” as well as an active Psychological Trading Coach, Om Erick is dedicated to providing objective, data-backed trading guidance. Through JFRebate, he helps traders achieve peak performance by providing access to trusted brokers and a transparent, industry-leading rebate system.