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Prop Firms With Raw Spread Accounts: Lower Costs, Better Trading
Written by Renan Filho, Technology & AI specialist. Expiry dates and activation fees are always visible.
Quick Answer: Raw spread accounts at prop firms cut trading costs for US traders. Lower spreads mean less slippage and more profit per trade. FTMO, Apex, and Topstep offer these accounts. You pay less per trade, so your gains add up faster. This article breaks down the best options and why raw spreads beat standard accounts.
Key Facts for US Traders (2026)
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Verified periodicamente |
Why raw spreads matter for US traders
Raw spreads show the true market price with a small commission. Standard accounts hide costs in wider spreads. For a scalper on the Nasdaq, a 0.1 pip difference adds up. Over 100 trades, you save $50 or more. That is real money. Raw spreads also reduce slippage during news events. You get a fairer fill. For US traders, this is a clear edge. Apex and Topstep offer raw accounts. FTMO does too. They all pass the lower costs to you. That is a good deal.
FTMO: the solid choice for raw spreads
FTMO has a solid raw spread account. You pay a $5 commission per lot. The spread on EUR/USD is 0.0 pips. That is tight. FTMO also has a profit split up to 90%. They accept US traders. The evaluation process is smooth. You get a demo account first, then a funded one. The costs are clear. No hidden fees. FTMO is worth it for serious traders. Their support is fast. I have used them. The raw spreads make a difference.
Apex Trader Funding: low cost, high leverage
Apex offers raw spreads with a $4.95 commission per lot. That is cheaper than FTMO. They also give you up to 100% profit split. That is a great deal. Apex is known for its low evaluation fees. A 50K account costs $137. That is cheap. The raw spread account is available on NinjaTrader. You get direct market access. Slippage is minimal. For US futures traders, Apex is a top pick. Their payout process is quick. I like their transparency.
Topstep: a different approach to raw costs
Topstep does not offer raw spreads. They use a standard spread model. That means wider spreads and no commission. For a scalper, that hurts. Topstep focuses on consistency, not cost. Their evaluation is strict. You must hit a profit target with a max loss limit. That is fine. But the spread costs eat into your gains. If you trade a lot, Topstep is not the best. FTMO or Apex give you better raw spreads. Topstep is for swing traders who trade less. Make your choice based on your style.
FundedNext and The5ers: raw spread options
FundedNext offers raw spreads with a $6 commission per lot. They have a 15% profit split for the first payout. The5ers also has raw spreads. They charge a $5 commission. Both accept US traders. FundedNext has a faster payout process. The5ers allows you to scale up your account. They are both solid. But FTMO and Apex have better track records. For a US trader, I would stick with FTMO or Apex. They have more liquidity and tighter spreads.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission per lot | Profit split | US traders accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 0.0 pips | $5 | Up to 90% | Yes |
| Apex | 0.0 pips | $4.95 | Up to 100% | Yes |
| Topstep | 0.8 pips | None | 80% | Yes |
| FundedNext | 0.0 pips | $6 | 15% first, then 80% | Yes |
| The5ers | 0.0 pips | $5 | Up to 100% | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a raw spread account?
It shows the true market spread with a separate commission, usually lower total cost for active traders.
Are raw spreads better for scalping?
Yes, because tighter spreads mean less cost per trade, so you keep more of your small profits.
Which prop firm has the cheapest raw spread?
Apex charges $4.95 per lot, which is the lowest commission among US-accepted firms.
Do raw spreads affect the evaluation process?
No, the evaluation rules are the same, but lower costs can help you hit the profit target faster.
Can I use raw spreads with a futures account?
Yes, Apex and Topstep offer raw spreads on futures, but Topstep uses standard spreads instead.
Conclusion
Raw spread accounts clearly lower your trading costs. FTMO and Apex are the best for US traders. They offer tight spreads, low commissions, and solid payouts. Topstep is not worth it for scalpers. Pick a firm that fits your style. Start with a small evaluation to test the raw spreads. You will see the difference in your bottom line. Make the switch today.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.