Spreads are one of the most important trading costs when using XTB. They directly affect how much you pay every time you open or close a trade.
XTB spreads are competitive but not the lowest in the industry. They sit in the average-to-competitive range, making the broker suitable for most retail traders, especially those who prefer commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs rather than ultra-tight raw spreads.
Before you trade, it is important to understand one key fact: A spread is the cost you pay every time you enter a trade even if there is no separate commission.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
What are XTB spreads?
A spread is the difference between the buy price (ask) and the sell price (bid) of an asset.
- Ask = the price you buy at
- Bid = the price you sell at
- Spread = ask – bid
What does a 0.3 spread mean?
Suppose Gold (XAU/USD) is quoted as:
- Sell: $3,300.20/ Buy: $3,300.50
The difference between the two prices is $0.30, so the spread is 0.3. This $0.30 difference is the built-in cost of entering the trade.
How XTB spreads work in real trading
The XTB trading spread changes continuously as market liquidity and volatility fluctuate.
Key factors affecting spreads:
- Market volatility
- Liquidity levels
- Trading session (London, New York, Asia)
- Economic news events
Standard account spread model
- Most CFD and forex trades include cost inside the spread
- No separate commission on most instruments
XTB swap-free account (where available)
- No overnight interest charges
- Only available in selected regions
- Same spread structure as standard account
Typical XTB spreads by asset
The table below shows minimum published spreads for selected XTB instruments under optimal market conditions.
| Instrument | Typical spread | |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | From 0.8 pips | |
| GBP/USD | From 0.8 pips | |
| Minor forex pairs | Variable, typically higher than major forex pairs | |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | From $0.3 | |
| Silver (XAG/USD) | From $0.2 | |
| US500 | From 0.5 index points | |
| US100 / DE40 / UK100 | From 0.5 index points | |
| Bitcoin CFD | From 0.22% | |
| Stock CFDs | From 0.08% | |
XTB published instrument specifications and pricing pages. Minimum spreads may vary by jurisdiction, account type, and market conditions.
Real example: How much you pay in spread
Let’s calculate a real trading cost using EUR/USD.
EUR/USD · 1 STANDARD LOT
Assume:
Spread = 0.8 pip (minimum published spread)
1 standard lot = 100,000 currency units
1 pip on EUR/USD is approximately $10
Calculation:
0.8 pip × $10 = $8
This means opening a 1-lot EUR/USD trade would cost approximately $8 in spread when the spread is 0.8 pip.
However, spreads are variable. If the spread widens to 1 pip during a volatile market event, the same trade would cost approximately $10. This example shows why traders should monitor spreads carefully, especially during major economic announcements.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When are XTB spreads lowest?
Spreads are usually tightest during:
- The London + New York overlap is often considered the best time to trade with low spreads XTB offers.
- High liquidity market hours
- Major forex trading sessions
BEST TRADING WINDOW
12:00 – 16:00 UTC
(approx. overlap period). During this time: liquidity is high, price movement is stable, spreads are usually lowest.
Why do XTB spreads increase sometimes?
If you’re wondering why XTB spreads increase, the main reasons are:
- High volatility (news events, CPI, interest rate decisions)
- Low liquidity (night hours or weekends)
- Market opening/closing gaps
- Sudden price movements
Example: Gold or Bitcoin spreads may widen sharply during major news releases.
FIRST-HAND INDUSTRY INSIGHT
From experience working with regulated brokers, spread widening during major news events is usually driven by liquidity providers widening their own quotes rather than the broker increasing costs on its own. During periods of extreme volatility, banks and market makers reduce risk exposure, which can lead to temporarily wider spreads across the market.
Hidden costs & how to reduce your spread costs on XTB
Even though spreads are the main cost, there are additional factors:
#1 Swap fees (overnight charges)
- Applied to CFD positions held overnight
- Depends on interest rate differences
#2 Currency conversion fees
- 0.5% FX conversion fee may apply for non-base currency trades
#3 Stock & ETF structure
- 0% commission up to $108,000 (≈ €100,000) monthly turnover.
- 0.2% commission on turnover exceeding this amount (minimum $11 (≈ €10)).
How to reduce spread costs on XTB
- Trade during high liquidity hours
- Avoid trading during major news events
- Focus on major forex pairs
- Use lower-cost instruments like EUR/USD
- Avoid low-volume exotic pairs
Are XTB spreads competitive vs other brokers?
XTB offers a balanced pricing model:
- Not the cheapest for raw forex spreads
- Very competitive for general retail trading
- Strong advantage in commission-free stock investing
Comparison overview:
Compared with many competitors, XTB broker spreads remain competitive for most retail trades.
| Broker | Spreads | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| XTB | Average competitive | Strong for stocks & ETFs |
| eToro | Wider spreads | Simpler platform |
| Exness | Lower raw spreads | Good for scalpers |
| IBKR | Institutional-style pricing structure | Complex pricing model |
Many traders focus only on finding the lowest spread, but spreads are just one part of the overall trading cost. In some cases, a broker with slightly wider spreads and no separate commission can be more cost-effective than a raw-spread account that charges commission on every trade.
This is one reason why XTB appeals to many retail traders, especially those who trade occasionally or invest in stocks and ETFs.
Is XTB good for low spreads?
XTB is best suited for beginners, stock and ETF investors, swing traders, and medium-frequency forex traders who value a simple and transparent pricing structure.
However, traders who rely on high-frequency scalping or require ultra-tight spreads may find more suitable alternatives elsewhere. Based on its overall spread competitiveness, transparency, and pricing structure, XTB receives a TC rating of 8.02/10.
Conclusion
XTB spreads are transparent, variable, and market-driven. While they are not the lowest in the industry, they remain competitive for most traders due to the broker’s overall cost structure and commission-free stock offering.
If your strategy depends on ultra-low spreads, other ECN-style brokers may be better. But for balanced trading and investing, XTB remains a strong choice in 2026.
Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
Pro Tip
When evaluating XTB spreads, don’t focus only on the lowest advertised spread. Check how spreads behave during normal market conditions, as this better reflects your actual trading costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are XTB spreads fixed or variable?
XTB spreads are variable and change based on market liquidity and volatility. They are not fixed and can widen or tighten anytime.
2. How much do XTB spreads cost per trade?
Costs depend on the instrument you trade. For example, EUR/USD spreads may start from around 0.8 pips, although actual spreads vary depending on market conditions.
3. Do spreads change based on market volatility?
Yes, spreads increase during high volatility and decrease during stable market conditions. News events and low liquidity periods can widen spreads.
4. How can I reduce spread costs on XTB?
Trade during high-liquidity sessions like the London-New York overlap. Avoid trading during major news releases.
5. XTB spreads vs eToro: which is better?
XTB and eToro use different pricing models, and spread competitiveness may vary depending on the asset being traded.
6. Can I see spreads in real time on XTB platform?
Yes, you can view live spreads directly in the xStation platform or mobile app. It shows real-time bid and ask differences.
7. Does XTB have spread for stock?
Real stocks are generally traded at market prices, while stock CFDs typically include a spread as part of trading costs.
8. Is scalping allowed on XTB?
Yes, XTB allows scalping strategies, although variable spreads can affect short-term trading results.
9. Do you actually own stocks on XTB?
Yes, when you purchase real stocks through XTB
