Why demo profits disappear on live accounts
Many traders focus on the spread — but the real cost of trading is a bundle of fees and execution effects that only show up in live conditions.
The hidden cost checklist
- Spread markups: “from 0.0” can still mean higher average spreads in practice.
- Commission structure: per-lot commissions can be cheaper than wider spreads — depending on style.
- Swap/overnight fees: can dominate if you hold trades for days.
- Slippage: small fill differences compound across many trades.
- Inactivity / withdrawal fees: not trading can still cost money.
Quick check
Your ‘true’ costs depend on your trading frequency and holding time. Use the broker-fit check to identify broker profiles that minimize the fees that hit your style the hardest.
Check my true broker costsTwo quick ways to spot cost drag
- Compare average spread, not minimum spread: minimums are marketing; averages are reality.
- Calculate cost per trade: spread + commission + typical slippage (use your real lot size).
Next step
Once you know what costs matter for your style, matching becomes straightforward. Let PipsPal Match recommend brokers aligned to your cost profile.
Find a lower-cost broker fit