Understanding the fee structure of MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading is essential for maximizing profitability and managing risk effectively. Whether you're trading forex, indices, commodities, or US stock CFDs, knowing how commissions, swap fees, and dividend adjustments work can significantly impact your trading performance. This guide breaks down all key MT5 trading fees—commission rates, overnight swap calculations, 3-day swaps, and dividend impacts—in clear, actionable detail.
Trading Commissions on MT5
In MT5 platforms like Bybit, trading fees are referred to as commissions. These are charged when opening and closing positions and vary depending on the contract type. Below is a breakdown of commission rates across different asset classes:
- Forex: $6 per lot
- Metals (e.g., Gold, Silver): $6 per lot
- Commodities: $3 per lot
- Oil Contracts: $3 per lot
Indices:
- Nikkei225: $0.1 per lot
- HK50: $1.5 per lot
- HKTECH: $0.5 per lot
- Other major indices (e.g., SP500, DJ30): $3 per lot
- US Stock CFDs: $0.04 per lot (minimum $5 per order)
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How Commission Is Calculated
The formula for calculating commission is straightforward:
Commission = Contract Quantity (lot size) × Commission Per Lot
Example 1: Index Trade (SP500)
A trader opens a 0.20 lot long position on the SP500 index.
- Commission = 0.20 × $3 = **$0.60**
This amount is deducted directly from the account balance upon position opening.
Example 2: US Stock CFD (AAPL)
A trader opens a 1-lot long position in Apple (AAPL) CFD at $210.
- Base commission = 1 × $0.04 = $0.04
- However, the minimum commission is $5 per order**, so the trader is charged **$5
If the same trader opened 200 lots, the calculation would be:
- 200 × $0.04 = **$8** (no minimum applies since it exceeds $5)
⚠️ Important Note: The MT5 system only checks margin requirements when opening a position—it does not verify if sufficient funds exist to cover commissions. Traders must ensure adequate balance to avoid unexpected liquidations due to high fees.
Where Are Commissions Displayed?
Unlike MT4, MT5 does not display commissions in the Trade tab. Instead, they appear in the History tab under completed orders.
- Right-click in the History tab → Select "Orders & Deals" → View full transaction details including commission charges.
Understanding Swap Fees (Overnight Financing)
When holding positions past 00:00 server time (UTC+3, or UTC+2 during daylight saving), traders incur swap fees, also known as rollover or overnight financing charges. These reflect the cost of borrowing funds or interest rate differentials between currencies or assets.
Swap fees are calculated differently based on asset class:
Swap by Money (Indices)
Formula: Swap Rate × Lot Size × Holding Days
Example: DJ30 Index (Long Position)
- Lot size: 2
- Holding days: 2
- Long swap rate: -10.3341
Calculation: -10.3341 × 2 × 2 = -41.3364 USD
The negative value indicates a cost to hold the position.
Swap by Points (Forex, Metals, Oil, Commodities)
Formula: Lot Size × Unit × Smallest Digit × Swap Rate × Holding Days
Example: GAS-C (Gasoline) Long Position
- Lot size: 1
- Unit: 42,000 (standard for gasoline contracts)
- Smallest digit: 0.0001
- Swap rate (short): -21.9
- Holding days: 1
Calculation: 1 × 42,000 × 0.0001 × (-21.9) × 1 = -91.98 USD
Even though this example uses a short swap rate, it illustrates how quickly swap costs can accumulate—especially with large lot sizes or volatile instruments.
Swap by Percentage (US Stock CFDs)
Formula: CFD Quantity × Share Price × Swap Rate % / 360
Example: AAPL CFD (Long Position)
- Quantity: 10 lots
- Share price: $198.36
- Long swap rate: -6.88%
Calculation: 10 × 198.36 × (-6.88%) / 360 = -0.379 USDT ≈ -0.38 USDT
This small daily charge adds up over time for long-term holders.
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What Is a 3-Day Swap?
Since financial markets are closed on weekends, brokers apply a triple swap fee on specific weekdays to account for Saturday and Sunday financing.
Why It Exists
Markets follow a T+2 settlement rule, meaning trades settle two business days after execution. Positions held past Wednesday incur weekend exposure—hence the triple charge.
When Is It Applied?
| Asset Class | Day of Triple Swap |
|---|---|
| Forex | Wednesday |
| Metals & Oil | Wednesday |
| Indices | Friday |
Example: EURUSD (Forex)
- Daily swap rate (long): -0.1 points
- On Wednesday: -0.1 × 3 = -0.3 points
Holding a gold (XAUUSD) position overnight on Wednesday with a daily swap of -0.2 points results in a -0.6 point deduction.
For indices like SP500, the triple swap occurs on Friday, aligning with equity market conventions.
💡 Tip: Day traders should close positions before triple-swap days unless directional conviction is strong.
Dividend Adjustments in Index Trading
When trading index CFDs on MT5, you don't own the underlying stocks—but you're still affected by corporate actions like dividends.
How Dividends Work
Indices consist of multiple companies. When those companies pay dividends, the index value adjusts downward accordingly. Brokers replicate this effect via dividend adjustments.
Impact on Your Account
| Position Type | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Long | You receive a credit (like earning dividends) |
| Short | You pay a debit (like paying dividends to shareholders) |
Example: Dividend Payout on SPX500
- Dividend impact: $5 per lot
- Position size: 0.2 lots
- Long holder: +$1 credited
- Short holder: -$1 debited
These adjustments occur automatically at the ex-dividend date and are visible in your trade history.
✅ Key Reminder:
- Only positions open at the time of adjustment are affected.
- Amounts vary monthly based on actual dividend declarations.
- No action required—adjustments are automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are commissions charged per trade or per side?
Commissions are charged both when opening and closing a position—so each round trip incurs two commission charges.
Q2: Can I avoid swap fees?
Yes. Close positions before 00:00 server time to avoid overnight financing. Alternatively, trade instruments with positive swap rates (rare but possible in certain currency pairs).
Q3: How do I find swap rates for a specific contract?
In MT5:
- Right-click in Market Watch
- Select "Specifications"
- Scroll to “Swap Long” and “Swap Short”
You’ll see exact values in points or money.
Q4: Do dividend adjustments affect my margin?
No. Dividend credits or debits go directly to your account balance, not equity or margin. They do not trigger liquidation but can slightly affect floating P&L calculations.
Q5: Is the 3-day swap always applied on Wednesday?
For most forex and commodity contracts—yes. For indices, it’s typically applied on Friday due to equity market settlement rules.
Q6: Why was I charged more than expected on a US stock CFD?
US Stock CFDs have a **minimum commission of $5 per order**, even if your trade would normally cost less (e.g., 1 lot at $0.04). Always factor this into small-volume trades.
Final Thoughts
Successfully navigating MT5 trading means understanding not just market movements—but also the hidden costs that eat into profits. From variable commissions and complex swap calculations to automatic dividend adjustments, every fee plays a role in your net outcome.
Smart traders monitor these elements closely, using tools like the MT5 specification window and history logs to stay ahead. By planning around triple-swap days and accounting for minimum fees, you can maintain tighter control over your trading costs.
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