Master Your Trading Commission Structure with Exness in the Philippines
Get clear insights on how commissions work so you can trade smarter on our platform.
Why Understanding Commission Structure Matters
Look, when you’re trading forex or CFDs, the commission structure isn’t just a detail—it’s a key part of your overall costs. From our experience, many traders overlook this and then get surprised by fees. We want to be upfront: with Exness, your commissions are transparent, no hidden charges sneaking in unexpectedly. Different account types come with different ways commissions work, so knowing which one fits your style is a smart move.
Here’s a quick snapshot to get you started:
| Account Type | Commission Model |
|---|---|
| Standard | Spread only, no separate commission |
| Pro | Tight spreads + fixed commission per lot |
| Raw Spread | Lowest spreads + transparent commission per lot |
How Our Account Types Shape Your Commission Costs
Let’s break down what users tell us about each account type because honestly, the way commissions are charged can really change your trading outcomes.
Standard Accounts – Simple and Predictable
With Standard accounts, you don’t deal with separate commissions. Instead, the cost is built into the spread—the difference between the buy and sell price. It’s straightforward, and for traders in the Philippines who prefer predictability, this setup means no surprise charges beyond what you see on the charts.
Pro Accounts – Tight Spreads with a Commission Charge
Now, the Pro accounts come with a commission that’s charged on every trade—roughly $3.50 per lot per side. What that means practically is, if you open and close a 1-lot EUR/USD trade, your commission totals $7. But the trade-off is tighter spreads, which can reduce your overall cost if you trade actively.
Raw Spread Accounts – Transparency at Its Core
The Raw Spread accounts offer spreads starting from zero pips, which is pretty rare, but you pay a commission per trade. This commission varies depending on the instrument but typically is similar to Pro accounts for major forex pairs. This setup is great if you want to see exactly what you’re paying without spreads hiding the fees.
Commission Examples That Make Sense
Sometimes, numbers just help paint a clearer picture. Here are some examples based on typical trades:
Example 1: Trading 0.5 Lots on Standard Account
If you trade 0.5 lots of GBP/USD with a spread of 1.2 pips, your cost is just the spread, about $6 total, since there’s no separate commission.
Example 2: Trading 0.5 Lots on Pro Account
Same trade on a Pro account means you pay commission plus spread:
- Commission: 0.5 lots × $3.50 × 2 (open + close) = $3.50
- Spread cost: ~ $4
- Total: Around $7.50
Example 3: Trading 0.5 Lots on Raw Spread
With Raw Spread, your spread can be as low as 0.1 pips (~$0.50), plus commission:
- Commission: 0.5 lots × $3.50 × 2 = $3.50
- Total cost: $4.00
See? For larger trades, Raw Spread often ends up cheaper overall.
| Account Type | Spread (pips) | Commission (USD per lot per side) | Total Cost (0.5 lots) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.2 | 0 | ~$6.00 |
| Pro | 0.8 | $3.50 | ~$7.50 |
| Raw Spread | 0.1 | $3.50 | ~$4.00 |
What Traders in the Philippines Should Keep in Mind
Trading from the Philippines means you’ll want to be aware of currency conversions and how commissions display on your account. Even if your account is in PHP, commissions are calculated in USD and converted automatically at the current exchange rate.
| Account Currency | Commission Display | Conversion Method |
|---|---|---|
| USD | USD amounts directly shown | None |
| PHP | Converted USD amounts | Real-time exchange rate |
| EUR | Converted USD amounts | Real-time exchange rate |
This means the commission you pay can fluctuate a bit with exchange rates if you’re using PHP accounts, but we handle it seamlessly so you’re not stuck doing manual conversions.
Commission Rates by Instrument
It’s not just forex where commissions vary. Different instruments have their own rates and that’s because market variables differ.
Forex Pairs
Major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY usually have a fixed $3.50 commission per lot per side on Pro and Raw Spread accounts. Exotic pairs cost more, sometimes up to $15 per lot per side because they’re less liquid and riskier.
CFDs on Indices
Indices like the S&P 500 or NASDAQ generally carry a $3.50 commission per lot per side, but Asian and European indices might have slightly different rates depending on local conditions.
Commodities
Gold typically has around $3.50 per lot per side, but silver and oil can vary due to their volatility. For example, oil CFDs might have higher commissions reflecting the market movement risk.
When and How Commissions Are Charged
One question we get a lot is when the commission actually hits your account. The answer is simple: it happens immediately when you open and close a position. There’s no waiting around or end-of-day calculations that surprise you.
- Opening trade commission shows as a separate line item
- Closing trade commission also appears separately
- You can always check these in your transaction history
This level of transparency means you’re never in the dark about what you’re paying.
| Charge Type | Timing | Account Types Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Commission | Immediately when trade opens | Pro, Raw Spread |
| Closing Commission | Immediately when trade closes | Pro, Raw Spread |
| Spread Cost | Implicit in trade prices | All accounts |
Getting More Back: Rebates and Volume Discounts
If you’re trading regularly, here’s something useful—volume-based rebates. Once your monthly trading volume hits certain thresholds, you get a percentage back on commissions you’ve paid.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Trade between 50-99 lots: 5% rebate
- Trade between 100-249 lots: 10% rebate
- Trade 250+ lots: 15% rebate
These rebates go straight back into your account monthly, so while you pay full commission upfront, you get part of it refunded based on your activity.
It’s a great way to keep costs down if you’re an active trader here in the Philippines.
Tips to Keep Commission Costs Low
Honestly, managing commissions is a big part of smart trading. Based on what users tell us, here are some practical tips:
- Pick the right account: Raw Spread accounts work well if you trade larger sizes frequently.
- Stick to major pairs: Commission rates are usually lower on those.
- Plan trades carefully: Fewer, larger trades can reduce commission accumulation.
- Check if you qualify for rebates: Monthly volume can save you money.
Small changes in your approach can add up to real savings.
How Different Trading Styles Affect Your Commissions
Scalping
Scalpers place many trades quickly, so commission costs add up fast. That’s why Raw Spread accounts, with their tight spreads and transparent commissions, tend to fit scalpers best.
Swing Trading
Swing traders hold positions for days or weeks, so the slightly wider spreads on Standard accounts might not matter much. Avoiding per-trade commissions can keep costs reasonable.
Position Trading
For long-term traders, swap costs are often a bigger concern than commissions since trades are fewer. Still, knowing your commission structure helps avoid surprises.
Understanding Fees Beyond Commission
While commissions are a big part of trading costs, there are other fees to keep in mind:
| Fee Type | Description | Impact on Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Swap Rates | Interest charged or credited for holding positions overnight | Can add up for long-term holdings |
| Currency Conversion | Small cost when your account currency differs from instrument currency | Usually minimal but variable |
| Withdrawal Fees | Fees depending on withdrawal method | Varies, some methods free |
Knowing these alongside the commission structure helps you get the full picture of your trading costs.
❓ FAQ
How are commissions calculated on partial lots?
They scale proportionally. For example, 0.1 lots means 10% of the full commission rate per side.
Do I pay commission on losing trades?
Yes, commissions apply regardless of your trade outcome since they cover execution services.
Can new traders get commission rebates?
Rebates depend on monthly trading volume, so if you hit the volume thresholds early, you qualify.
Are commission rates different for different account currencies?
Rates are consistent but converted based on your account currency’s current exchange rate.
Do weekend or holiday trades have different commission rates?
No, commission rates stay the same, but spreads might widen due to lower liquidity.
How do I track total commission costs?
Your platform and monthly statements list commissions separately, so you can monitor them easily.
Are there commission-free instruments?
No, Pro and Raw Spread accounts charge commissions on all instruments. Standard accounts include costs in spreads instead.
What if I close a trade at a loss? Do I still pay commissions?
Yes, commissions are charged regardless of profit or loss — they cover trade execution, not trade results.