Guide to cTrader copy trading fees

4
min read

Guide to cTrader copy trading fees

4
min read
Digital panel displaying cTrader copy trading fees and stats, representing cost breakdowns for traders using the platform.
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minutes

Understanding fees is key to making the most of cTrader’s copy trading feature. Whether you're a strategy provider or a copy trader, knowing how fees work helps you plan better and avoid surprises. Let’s break down the different fee types and how they’re applied.


Types of cTrader fees

Some strategies are free to copy, while others charge fees based on performance, management, and trade volume. Here’s how each fee works:

  • Performance Fee (Max 30%) – A percentage of net profit, calculated using the High-Water Mark (HWM) model. You only pay this fee when your account reaches a new profit high. Example: If your account grows from EUR 10,000 to EUR 12,000, the fee applies to the EUR 2,000 profit. If the account drops later, no fee is charged until it surpasses EUR 12,000.
  • Management Fee (Max 10%) – A daily percentage of your account’s equity. This accrues daily and appears in your transaction log.
  • Volume Fee (Max $10 per million) – A fee per million of copied volume, applied on both opening and closing trades. You can track this in the transaction history.


Example: Fees in action

Let’s say you allocate $1,000 to copy a strategy with these fees:

Fee type Strategy fee Example calculation
Performance 10% If you earn $700 profit, the fee is $70
Management 5% annually $50 per year or $0.14 per day
Volume $5 per million For 1 lot of EUR/USD, fee is based on trade volume

Where to find fee details

  • Before copying a strategy, you can view all fees by clicking ‘Start Copying’.
  • After copying, check the ‘Transactions’ tab for performance and management fees.
  • The ‘History’ tab logs volume fees, and the ‘Positions’ tab shows any unrealized volume fees.
Copy trading dashboard showing a 146.75% performance gain with no open positions and a “Start Copying” option in green.
Tabs showing “Positions,” “History,” and “Transactions,” with “Positions” marked zero and “Transactions” currently selected.


For strategy providers

As a strategy provider, you control your fee structure within the allowed limits. Changes can only be made when no traders are actively copying your strategy. Fees collected from copy traders are deposited into your account and converted to your account’s currency.


Fee payouts:

  • Monthly charges – Traders are charged on the 1st of each month, and providers receive payouts immediately.
  • Triggers for fees: Fees may be deducted if a strategy is stopped, a trader stops copying, or a trader withdraws funds.

Get started today

Understanding cTrader Copy’s fee structure ensures smarter trading decisions. Whether you're copying strategies or providing them, transparency in fees helps maximize returns. Want to practice risk-free? 

Open a free demo account today and explore cTrader Copy!

Quiz

What is the maximum performance fee a strategy provider can charge?

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20%
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30%
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40%
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FAQs

How do I know how much I’ll be charged?

All fees are displayed before you start copying a strategy and can be tracked in your transaction logs.

When are performance fees deducted?

Only when your account reaches a new profit high, based on the High-Water Mark model.

Can I copy trade for free?

Yes! Some strategy providers offer free copy trading without any fees.