Commission vs spread pricing for high-frequency entries

[FXS London Scalper]

Two pricing models exist: spread-only (wider spread, no commission) and commission-based (tight spread plus fixed commission). For high-frequency scalpers, the choice matters more than for most traders.

Spread-only:
- Simpler to calculate.
- Cost varies with spread, which widens at volatile times.
- No separate commission line in statements.

Commission-based:
- Fixed commission per lot, plus variable but tight spread.
- More predictable total cost in calm markets.
- Usually cheaper overall for frequent traders.

Break-even comparison:
If commission is $7 per lot round turn (0.7 pips on EURUSD) and raw spread averages 0.2, total is 0.9 pips. If the spread-only account averages 1.0 pip, the commission account is cheaper by 0.1 pip per trade.

But for traders using small sizes (e.g. 0.01 lots), some brokers have minimum commissions that make the commission model expensive.

Also check: is commission charged on opening, closing, or both? Some charge per side.

Which model do you use? Have you calculated the break-even for your volume?