Marketing numbers rarely match the spread you pay in a volatile minute. Checklist before you trust a “from 0.0” headline.
Ask which account and which hour
Tightest spread claims usually refer to a specific account type, instrument, and sample window. Commission-based accounts can look cheaper on the spread line and more expensive all-in. Compare total cost — spread plus commission plus swap — on the pairs you actually trade.
Watch the max, not only the average
Averages hide the minutes that matter: news spikes, rollover, and thin liquidity. Check how wide quotes go when volatility jumps. A broker that stays tradable under stress may beat a “lowest average” page that blows out when you need fills.
Raw vs. marked-up feeds
Some accounts advertise raw spreads with a commission; others embed markup in the quote. Neither is automatically better. Translate both into expected cost per round-turn at your size.
Verify on a demo in your hours
Independent reviews can outline questions; only a live or demo book in your timezone answers them. Re-check before funding. Conditions change without notice.