Key takeaway: Eightcap offers industry-leading spreads in 2026, with Raw account spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD and Standard account spreads averaging 1.0 pips. This comprehensive review examines real spread data, compares account types, and provides practical examples to help you manage your trading costs effectively.
What Are Eightcap Spreads?
Eightcap spreads refer to the difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price of a trading instrument. This is the primary cost of trading on the Eightcap platform. Spreads are measured in pips for forex pairs, points for indices, and cents for commodities like Gold and Silver.
Eightcap, regulated by ASIC (AFSL 391441), FCA (FRN 921296), and CySEC (License 246/14), offers variable spreads that reflect real market liquidity. The broker aggregates prices from tier-1 liquidity providers, including banks and non-bank institutions, ensuring competitive and transparent pricing.
In 2026, Eightcap maintains some of the tightest spreads in the retail forex industry. For example, EUR/USD spreads on the Raw account can be as low as 0.0 pips, while the Standard account offers commission-free trading with spreads from 1.0 pips. This flexibility allows traders to choose between a simple spread-only model or a tighter-spread-plus-commission model.
According to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), tight spreads are a hallmark of deep, liquid markets. Eightcap's access to multiple liquidity providers ensures that clients benefit from this liquidity, especially during the London-New York trading overlap.
Account Types Compared: Standard vs Raw Spreads
Eightcap offers two main live account types, each designed for different trading styles. The choice between them has a direct impact on your spread costs.
Standard Account
Spread Model: Commission-free
Typical EUR/USD Spread: 1.0 pips
Commission: $0 per lot
Best For: Beginners, swing traders, and traders who prefer simplicity
Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto
Raw Account
Spread Model: Raw spreads + commission
Typical EUR/USD Spread: 0.0 – 0.2 pips
Commission: $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round turn)
Best For: Scalpers, day traders, and high-frequency traders
Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto
The decision between Standard and Raw depends on your trading volume and holding period. For a trader who executes 1–2 trades per day, the Standard account may be simpler and cost-effective. However, for a scalper executing 20+ trades daily, the Raw account's lower spreads often result in significant savings despite the commission.
Pro Tip: Use Eightcap's free demo account to test both account types with virtual funds. This allows you to measure the real spread costs and see which model suits your strategy best before depositing real money.
Spread Data by Instrument (2026 Review)
Based on live market data and Eightcap's published contract specifications, here are the typical spreads for popular instruments in 2026:
Instrument
Standard Account (Spread)
Raw Account (Spread + Commission)
Typical Spread Cost (1 Lot)
EUR/USD
~1.0 pips
0.0 – 0.2 pips + $7
$10 (Std) / ~$9 (Raw)
GBP/USD
~1.2 pips
0.2 – 0.4 pips + $7
$12 (Std) / ~$11 (Raw)
USD/JPY
~1.0 pips
0.1 – 0.3 pips + $7
$9 (Std) / ~$8.50 (Raw)
Gold (XAU/USD)
~20 cents/oz
0.2 – 0.5 cents/oz + $7
$20 (Std) / ~$17 (Raw)
WTI Oil (USOIL)
~3.0 points
0.5 – 1.0 points + $7
$30 (Std) / ~$27 (Raw)
US500 (S&P 500)
~0.5 points
0.1 – 0.3 points + $7
$5 (Std) / ~$4.50 (Raw)
Note: Spreads are variable and subject to market conditions. The figures above represent typical averages during peak liquidity hours. Always check live spreads on the Eightcap platform before entering a trade.
Factors Affecting Eightcap Spreads
Several factors can cause spreads to widen or tighten on Eightcap. Understanding these will help you trade at the most cost-effective times.
Market Liquidity: During the London-New York overlap (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET), liquidity is at its peak, and spreads are typically tightest. During the Asian session or late Friday afternoons, liquidity drops, and spreads can widen.
High-Impact News Events: Major economic releases—such as Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), interest rate decisions, and CPI reports—often cause spreads to widen significantly due to increased volatility and uncertainty.
Market Holidays: On days when major financial centres are closed (e.g., Christmas, New Year's Day, US Independence Day), liquidity is thin, and spreads can be substantially wider.
Instrument Type: Major forex pairs like EUR/USD generally have the tightest spreads. Exotic pairs (e.g., USD/TRY, USD/ZAR) and less liquid commodities often have wider spreads.
Account Type: As discussed, the Raw account offers tighter spreads but charges a commission. The Standard account has no commission but wider spreads.
According to the CFTC's retail forex education materials, understanding spread behaviour is a fundamental part of risk management. Eightcap provides live spread data on all platforms, so you can monitor conditions before entering trades.
Real Cost Examples: Trading with Eightcap Spreads
Let's walk through three practical scenarios to illustrate the real cost of spreads on Eightcap.
Scenario 1: Day Trader – 5 Trades on EUR/USD (Raw Account)
A day trader executes 5 round-turn trades of 1 lot each on EUR/USD. The Raw account spread averages 0.2 pips ($2 per trade) plus $7 commission = $9 per trade. Total cost: $45.
On the Standard account, the spread would be 1.0 pips ($10 per trade) with no commission = $50 total. Raw account saves $5 on this day.
Scenario 2: Swing Trader – 2 Trades on Gold (Standard Account)
A swing trader holds 2 positions on Gold (XAU/USD) over several days. Using the Standard account with a 20-cent spread on 1 lot = $20 per trade. Total cost: $40.
On the Raw account, 0.5-cent spread ($5) + $7 commission = $12 per trade, total $24. However, swing traders may prefer the simplicity of the Standard account. Cost difference is $16 in favour of Raw.
Scenario 3: Scalper – 20 Trades on EUR/USD (Raw Account)
A scalper executes 20 round-turn trades of 1 lot each on EUR/USD. Raw account: 0.2 pip spread ($2) + $7 commission = $9 per trade. Total cost: $180.
Standard account: 1.0 pip spread ($10) × 20 = $200. Raw account saves $20, and the savings compound with higher frequency.
These examples demonstrate that the Raw account becomes increasingly cost-effective as trade frequency increases. For traders with lower frequency, the Standard account offers simplicity without commission tracking.
Comparison Table: Eightcap Spreads vs Industry Averages
How do Eightcap spreads compare to other leading brokers in 2026? This table provides a benchmark.
Broker
EUR/USD Spread (Standard)
EUR/USD Spread (Raw/ECN)
Commission (per lot)
Eightcap
~1.0 pips
0.0 – 0.2 pips
$7 (round turn)
IC Markets
~0.8 pips
0.0 – 0.1 pips
$7 (round turn)
Pepperstone
~1.0 pips
0.0 – 0.2 pips
$7 (round turn)
OANDA
~1.2 pips
N/A (spread-only)
$0
FXCM
~1.3 pips
0.2 pips (Active Trader)
$7 (round turn)
Eightcap's spreads are highly competitive, particularly on the Raw account where it matches or beats most peers. The Standard account also offers solid value for commission-free trading.
Practical Spread Management Checklist for 2026
Check live spreads before every trade: Use the Eightcap platform to view real-time spreads. They can change rapidly, especially during news events.
Trade during peak liquidity hours: The London-New York overlap (8 AM – 12 PM ET) typically offers the tightest spreads.
Avoid trading during major news releases: Spreads can widen dramatically during NFP, FOMC, and other high-impact events. Consider waiting for the dust to settle.
Choose the right account type: If you trade frequently (scalping/day trading), the Raw account is usually more cost-effective. For lower frequency, the Standard account offers simplicity.
Factor spread costs into your risk-reward calculation: Every trade starts with a small loss equal to the spread. Ensure your take-profit and stop-loss levels account for this.
Monitor swap fees alongside spreads: If you hold positions overnight, swap fees add to your total cost. Check swap rates in the platform's contract specifications.
Keep a trading journal: Track your spread costs over time. This will help you identify which instruments and sessions are most cost-effective for your strategy.
Verify spread data on the official website: Eightcap publishes live spread data on its website and platforms. Always cross-reference with the latest information.
Common Mistakes When Trading with Eightcap Spreads
Costly errors to avoid
"Spreads are always the same." – False. Eightcap spreads are variable and change based on market conditions. Always check live spreads before entering.
"The Standard account is always cheaper." – Not true. For high-frequency traders, the Raw account's lower spreads often outweigh the commission cost.
"Spreads don't matter for long-term trades." – Incorrect. Even a 1-pip spread on a 5-lot trade is $50. Over time, spreads add up and can erode profits.
"I can get the same spreads on any instrument." – No. Major forex pairs have the tightest spreads. Exotic pairs, indices, and commodities have wider spreads.
"I should always trade when the market is open." – Not necessarily. Trading during low-liquidity periods (e.g., Asian session or Fridays) can expose you to wider spreads and increased slippage.
"The spread shown on the demo account is the same as the live account." – While similar, demo accounts may not always reflect live market spreads, especially during periods of extreme volatility.
Risk Warning: Spread Costs and Leverage Amplify Losses
Every pip counts – and leverage multiplies the impact
Forex and CFD trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. While Eightcap offers tight spreads, the cost of trading—combined with leverage—can significantly impact your account balance.
Consider this: A 1.0-pip spread on a 1-lot EUR/USD trade costs $10. If you trade 10 lots, that's $100 per trade. If you trade 10 times a day, that's $1,000 in daily spread costs. For a $10,000 account, this represents 10% of your capital—an enormous drag on performance.
Key risk controls to implement:
Trade appropriate lot sizes: Use position sizing calculators to ensure your trade size matches your risk tolerance.
Avoid holding positions over news events: Not only do spreads widen, but price gaps can also occur.
Use limit orders: Limit orders can help you avoid slippage and capture better spread prices, especially during volatile periods.
Review your trading frequency: If you're a day trader, the Raw account is likely more cost-effective. If you're a swing trader, the Standard account may be simpler.
Monitor your total trading costs: Use Eightcap's reporting tools to see your spread costs as a percentage of your profit/loss.
For independent investor protection, refer to the FCA's Warning List, ASIC's Moneysmart resources, or CFTC's retail forex education. Always verify Eightcap's current spreads and trading conditions directly on the official Eightcap website or the relevant regulator's portal.
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 Spreads
What is the typical spread on Eightcap for EUR/USD?
On the Standard account, EUR/USD spreads average around 1.0 pips. On the Raw account, spreads can be as low as 0.0 pips, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side.
Which Eightcap account has lower spreads, Standard or Raw?
The Raw account offers significantly lower spreads—from 0.0 pips—but charges a commission per lot. The Standard account has no commission but wider spreads. For high-frequency traders, Raw is usually more cost-effective.
Does Eightcap offer fixed or variable spreads?
Eightcap offers variable spreads that fluctuate based on market liquidity and volatility. Spreads tend to be tighter during peak trading hours (London-New York overlap) and wider during low-liquidity sessions or major news events.
What are the spreads on Eightcap for Gold (XAU/USD)?
On the Raw account, Gold spreads typically start from 0.2 cents per ounce with commission. On the Standard account, spreads on Gold average around 20–30 cents per ounce, varying with market conditions.
How do Eightcap spreads compare to other brokers?
Eightcap's spreads are highly competitive. Raw account spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD are among the tightest in the industry, often beating brokers like IC Markets and Pepperstone. Standard account spreads are also very competitive.
Can I see live spreads before opening an account?
Yes. Eightcap displays live spreads on its website and trading platforms (MT4, MT5, TradingView). You can also open a free demo account to view real-time spreads without funding a live account.
What causes spreads to widen on Eightcap?
Spreads widen during periods of low liquidity (e.g., late Friday afternoons, Asian session), high-impact news events (like NFP or interest rate decisions), and market holidays. This is a normal market phenomenon that affects all brokers.
Is Eightcap transparent about its spreads?
Yes. Eightcap is regulated by ASIC (AFSL 391441), FCA (FRN 921296), and CySEC (License 246/14), which require transparent pricing. Spreads are clearly displayed on the platform and website, and there are no hidden markups on the Raw account.