I’ve been comparing spreads and commissions on both brokers, but I feel like I’m missing something. The advertised numbers don’t seem to match what I’m seeing in the fine print, and I want to actually understand what I’d be paying before I deposit.
AvaTrade advertises low spreads, but then there are variable spreads and commissions depending the account type. eToro has spreads but I’m not sure if there are hidden fees I’m not seeing.
And then there’s the rebate situation. I know GlobeGain offers rebates on both, but I have no idea how to actually calculate whether the rebates make AvaTrade meaningfully cheaper than eToro or if it’s basically the same cost.
I want a straightforward breakdown. For a typical trade—say EUR/USD or GBP/USD with a normal position size—what’s the actual cost I’d pay on each broker? And how much do rebates actually reduce that cost? I’m trying to avoid surprises later.
Here’s the real math for EUR/USD with a standard 1 lot:
AvaTrade standard account: 1 pip spread = $10. No commission most pairs. GlobeGain rebate averages 0.3 pips = $3 back. Net cost: $7 per lot.
eToro: 1 pip spread = $10. No commission on forex. GlobeGain rebate similar. Net cost: around $7 per lot.
They’re functionally the same on tight pairs when rebates are included.
Where they diverge: less liquid pairs. GBP/JPY might be 2 pips on AvaTrade versus 3 pips on eToro. Test the pairs you actually trade, not just EUR/USD.
AvaTrade’s ECN accounts have lower spreads but charge commission. The math has to work in your favor based on your volume and pairs.
Calculate your costs for your actual trading. Use their fee pages and subtract the GlobeGain rebate. Don’t compare based on marketing claims.
I used a spreadsheet to figure this out before I committed. I listed my five most-traded pairs and recorded the spreads on both brokers from their websites.
Then I calculated the cost per trade, subtracted the GlobeGain rebate percentage, and compared. AvaTrade came out ahead by a small amount for my trading, but it was close.
The real thing is, if you’re holding positions for more than a few minutes, the spread difference doesn’t matter as much as platform quality and execution speed. If you’re scalping, cost matters more.
Do the math for your specific pairs and trading style. It takes an hour and gives you actual information.
Calculate spread cost minus rebate for your pairs. Compare. Done.
Both brokers cost roughly the same once rebates are included. Spreads vary by pair. Check their fee pages.
I track my trading costs monthly. Here’s what I’ve found:
For major pairs at AvaTrade, my average cost after rebates is around 0.6 to 0.8 pips. On eToro, it’s similar but spreads are wider on exotics, so my cost goes up when I trade outside major pairs.
The hidden fees come from leverage usage in some cases and overnight holding charges, which both brokers apply.
I created a simple spreadsheet that tracks my actual fills versus the advertised spread and rebate values. Reality doesn’t always match the marketing. Some days I get better fills, other days worse.
The fee difference between these two brokers is honestly small if you focus on major pairs. Your trading discipline and execution strategy matter way more than saving 0.2 pips per trade.
Check each broker’s fee page for commission structures. AvaTrade has different commissions for standard and ECN accounts. eToro charges no commission but builds it into spreads.
GlobeGain rebates are calculated on volume, so higher volume traders get better effective rebates. This changes the equation if you trade 10 lots per week versus 100 lots per week.
Don’t optimize for the smallest cost difference. Optimize for platform reliability and your own trading results. A $1 difference on spreads doesn’t matter if it costs you $100 in missed trade opportunities due to platform lag.