Key takeaway: Eightcap's fee structure is transparent and competitive, with two main account types: Standard (commission-free, spread-based) and Raw (tight spreads + commission). Understanding spreads, swaps, and other fees is essential for effective cost management and risk control.
Understanding Eightcap Fees
Eightcap fees encompass all costs associated with trading on the platform, including spreads, commissions, swap rates, deposit/withdrawal charges, and inactivity fees. For forex and CFD traders, these costs directly impact profitability. Eightcap, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and CySEC, maintains a transparent fee schedule that is publicly available on its website.
According to the FCA's Conduct of Business rules (COBS), brokers must provide clear, fair, and not misleading information about costs and charges. Eightcap complies with these standards, offering detailed contract specifications and live pricing in its trading platforms (MT4, MT5, and TradingView).
In this guide, we'll dissect each fee type with practical examples, helping you calculate the true cost of your trades and make informed decisions.
Eightcap Account Types and Fee Structures
Eightcap offers two primary live accounts, each designed for different trading styles:
Standard Account
Commission: $0 (commission-free)
Spreads: From 1.0 pips on EUR/USD
Min. Deposit: $100
Best for: Traders who prefer simplicity and no commission.
Raw Account
Commission: $3.50 per lot per side (round turn = $7)
Spreads: From 0.0 pips on EUR/USD
Min. Deposit: $100
Best for: Scalpers and active traders who value tight spreads.
Both accounts offer the same range of instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The choice between them depends on your trading frequency and the average holding period of your positions.
Spread and Commission Breakdown
Spreads and commissions are the most direct trading costs. Here's how they work on Eightcap:
Spread
The spread is the difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price. On the Standard account, the spread is the only cost you pay. For example, if EUR/USD has a spread of 1.0 pips, and you trade 1 standard lot (100,000 units), the cost is approximately $10 (1 pip × $10 per pip).
Commission
On the Raw account, you pay a commission in addition to the spread. The commission is fixed at $3.50 per lot per side. A round turn (open and close) costs $7 per lot. Combined with spreads from 0.0 pips, this account is often cheaper for high-volume traders.
Scenario: Comparing costs on a 1-lot EUR/USD trade Standard Account: Spread = 1.0 pips → $10 cost. Raw Account: Spread = 0.2 pips ($2) + Commission ($7) = $9 total.
In this example, the Raw account is slightly cheaper. For trades with larger lot sizes or tighter spreads, the Raw account becomes even more cost-effective.
Swap (Overnight) Fees Explained
Swap fees, also known as rollover or overnight financing, are charged when you hold a position past 5:00 PM ET. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies in a pair, plus the broker's markup.
Swap rates can be positive (you earn interest) or negative (you pay interest). For long-term traders, swaps can significantly affect profitability. Eightcap publishes swap rates for each instrument in the platform's contract specifications. You can view these in MT4/MT5 by right-clicking the symbol and selecting "Specifications."
Pro Tip: Swap rates are tripled on Wednesdays to account for the weekend (when markets are closed). Holding a position over Wednesday night incurs three days of swap fees.
Other Eightcap Fees to Know
Beyond trading costs, Eightcap charges several non-trading fees that can impact your overall account balance:
Inactivity Fee: $10 per month after 12 consecutive months of no trading activity. The fee is deducted from your available balance.
Deposit Fees: Eightcap does not charge for deposits, but third-party providers (banks, e-wallets) may apply fees. For crypto deposits, network fees (gas) apply.
Withdrawal Fees: No internal fee, but bank wires may incur intermediary charges. E-wallet providers may also have withdrawal fees.
Currency Conversion Fee: If you deposit or withdraw in a currency different from your account base currency, Eightcap applies a conversion fee included in the exchange rate.
Always check the latest fee schedule on Eightcap's website, as fees are subject to change. The ASIC regulatory guide (RG 181) requires brokers to disclose all fees and charges, so you can find this information in the client agreement and the platform.
Comparison Table: Standard Account vs Raw Account
This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the two main Eightcap account types.
Feature
Standard Account
Raw Account
Commission per lot (per side)
$0
$3.50
Average Spread (EUR/USD)
1.0 pips
0.0–0.2 pips
Min. Deposit
$100
$100
Instruments
Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, shares
Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, shares
Execution
Market execution
Market execution
Best for
Beginners and swing traders
Scalpers and high-frequency traders
Practical Fee Management Checklist for Eightcap Traders
Check the spread before entering: Always monitor live spreads in the platform. Avoid trading during low-liquidity periods (e.g., 5 PM – 8 PM ET) when spreads widen.
Calculate commission per trade: For Raw account users, factor in the $7 round-turn commission. Use a trading calculator to estimate total costs.
Review swap rates for long positions: If you hold positions overnight, check the swap rate. Negative swaps can eat into profits over time.
Understand the inactivity policy: If you plan to pause trading, withdraw your funds to avoid the $10 monthly inactivity fee.
Choose the right account type: Assess your trading style. Scalpers benefit from Raw, while longer-term traders might prefer Standard.
Account for currency conversion: If you fund in a currency other than USD, be aware of the conversion fee applied by Eightcap.
Keep track of third-party fees: Bank wires and e-wallet providers may charge their own fees. Factor these into your deposit/withdrawal planning.
Common Mistakes When Managing Eightcap Fees
Costly errors to avoid
Ignoring swap fees: Many traders focus on spreads and commissions but overlook swap fees, which can accumulate significantly on long-term positions.
Choosing the wrong account: A swing trader using the Raw account pays commissions unnecessarily, while a scalper on Standard pays high spread costs.
Not checking live spreads: Spreads fluctuate. Trading during volatile news events can expose you to wide spreads and slippage.
Forgetting about inactivity fees: Leaving a dormant account can incur monthly charges. Withdraw or trade at least once every 12 months to avoid them.
Overlooking currency conversion costs: Depositing in EUR into a USD account triggers a conversion fee. Use accounts in your base currency whenever possible.
Not using limit orders: Market orders may fill at suboptimal prices. Use limit orders to control your entry/exit and reduce spread costs.
Failing to verify fees before trading: Always check the contract specifications for each instrument. Fees can vary by asset class.
Risk Warning: Trading Costs Amplify Losses
Costs matter more than you think
Trading costs—spreads, commissions, and swaps—are not just minor deductions. They directly affect your breakeven point and can amplify losses, especially when combined with leverage.
Consider this example: If you trade 1 standard lot of EUR/USD on the Standard account with a 1.0-pip spread, you start each trade at a $10 loss. If you make 10 trades a day, that's $100 in costs, or $2,000 per month. For a $1,000 account, this is unsustainable.
Additional risks to consider:
Leverage magnifies costs: While leverage increases exposure, it also magnifies the impact of spreads and swaps on your account.
Negative swaps on long positions: Carrying trades with negative interest can slowly erode your balance.
Hidden costs in price feeds: Ensure you understand how the broker derives its pricing. Eightcap aggregates prices from top-tier liquidity providers, but spreads can widen during volatile markets.
Regulatory disclosure: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and IOSCO emphasize the importance of understanding all costs. As a regulated broker, Eightcap provides full disclosure, but it's your responsibility to review and understand these costs before trading.
For independent investor protection, refer to the FCA's Warning List, ASIC's Moneysmart resources, or CFTC's RED List. Always verify Eightcap's current fee schedule directly through the official website or the platform.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalised guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eightcap Fees
What fee structure does Eightcap use?
Eightcap offers two main account types: Standard (commission-free with spreads from 1.0 pips) and Raw (spreads from 0.0 pips plus a commission of $3.50 per lot per side).
Does Eightcap charge a monthly inactivity fee?
Yes. Eightcap charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month after 12 consecutive months of no trading activity. The fee is deducted from the account balance.
Are there deposit or withdrawal fees on Eightcap?
Eightcap does not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, third-party fees (bank wires, e-wallet provider fees, or network fees for crypto) may apply.
What are swap fees on Eightcap and how are they calculated?
Swap (overnight) fees are charged when you hold a position past 5:00 PM ET. The fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies, plus the broker's markup. Swap rates are available in the platform's contract specifications.
Which Eightcap account is cheaper for scalping?
The Raw account is generally cheaper for scalpers because it offers tighter spreads (from 0.0 pips). Even with the commission, the total cost per trade is often lower than the Standard account for high-frequency traders.
Does Eightcap charge currency conversion fees?
Yes. If you deposit or withdraw in a currency different from your account base currency, Eightcap applies a conversion fee. The fee is included in the exchange rate provided.
How can I check current spreads and swap rates on Eightcap?
You can view live spreads directly on the Eightcap trading platform (MT4, MT5, or TradingView). Swap rates are listed in the platform's contract specifications or symbol properties.
Is Eightcap transparent about its fees?
Yes. Eightcap discloses all fees on its website and in the platform. As a broker regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC (Cyprus), it is required to provide clear and fair fee disclosures.